News
DHS S&T awards nearly $750,000 to startup iProov Limited for remote traveler verification
Building on U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) efforts to improve Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processing of international travelers at ports of entry, a $749,900 Phase 5 award was issued to iProov Limited this week. iProov Limited is a... Read More »
House approves Undersea Cable Control Act
U.S. Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) recently commended House of Representatives colleagues for passing the Undersea Cable Control Act. The legislation, which Mast introduced, protects American superiority in undersea cable capabilities from China’s economic and military reach and requires the Biden... Read More »
ADL audit finds increase in U.S. antisemitic incidents
An Anti-Defamation League (ADL) audit maintains antisemitic incidents reached historic levels last year, with the 3,697 incidents reported nationwide representing a rise of 36 percent compared to 2021. “We’re deeply disturbed by this dramatic and completely unacceptable surge in antisemitic... Read More »
U.S. Army chooses joint Raytheon Technologies, Northrop Grumman team to design next-generation precision strike missile
Always looking to the future of warfare, the United States Army selected a collaborative effort by Raytheon Technologies and Northrop Grumman Corporation to guide the development of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 4. This next-generation missile will be the product of the Long... Read More »
Bicameral FIRE STATION Act introduced to upgrade fire, EMS facilities nationwide
With a proposed $750 million grant program, the newly introduced FIRE STATION Act, put forth by U.S. Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), as well as U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), pushes for modifications, upgrades and build-up of fire and EMS facilities across the... Read More »
Bipartisan United States-Israel Future of Warfare Act proposes $50M annual fund for defense collaboration
With the introduction of the United States-Israel Future of Warfare Act of 2023 last week, a collection of U.S. representatives are seeking to set aside $50 million annually for defense collaboration on emerging technologies between the two countries. “The United States and Israel face a... Read More »
House panel advances legislation addressing permanent scheduling of fentanyl
U.S. Reps. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Bob Latta (R-OH) are commending the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee's advancement of legislation addressing fentanyl analogues permanent scheduling. Bill proponents indicated the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act... Read More »
Justice Department details arrest of alleged hacker forum founder
The U.S. Department of Justice has detailed the arrest of the alleged founder and operator of BreachForums, an alleged marketplace for cybercriminals to buy, sell and trade hacked or stolen data. Conor Brian Fitzpatrick, 20, of Peekskill, New York, made an initial appearance in the Eastern... Read More »
House Next Generation 9-1-1 Act introduced to overhaul emergency communications systems
Concerned that 9-1-1 systems begun more than 50 years ago might be in danger of growing outdated, U.S. Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Richard Hudson (R-NC) introduced the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act of 2023 last week to rally for modernization. Communications have changed dramatically in the past... Read More »
DHS, German leadership detail mutual security cooperation
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas and Minister of the Interior and Community of Germany Nancy Faeser recently outlined a collaboration addressing security threats facing the countries. The delegations met in Washington, D.C., to discuss countering the... Read More »
DHS launches new website for terrorism, targeted violence prevention resources
Pulling from available grants, research, training opportunities, and other resources from 17 federal agencies, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) attempted to make an easier public web access point for resources to prevent targeted violence and terrorism. With... Read More »
Non-profit report makes recommendations to improve U.S. public health system, grounded in current readiness
By measuring states’ current emergency readiness levels and data on weather-related disasters, vaccinations, and more, a new report from the nonprofit health policy organization Trust for America’s Health made a case for strengthening public health preparedness. Of the greatest concerns to... Read More »
Curtiss-Wright secures Marine Corps baseband system contract
The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) has awarded defense services firm Curtiss-Wright Corporation a contract to provide a Wideband Satellite-Expeditionary (MCWS-X) program Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) baseband system. “As a leading supplier of tactical battlefield communications solutions, we... Read More »
Coast Guard details USCGC Venturous patrol assignment
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) officials have detailed the successful completion of the USCGC Venturous (WMEC 625) assignment in the Florida Straits and Windward Passage. The crew recently returned to their homeport in St. Petersburg, Florida, following a 47-day patrol in support of Homeland Security... Read More »
CBP outlines foiled San Diego narcotics smuggling attempts
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials recently announced the thwarting of three recent major narcotics smuggling attempts worth more than $5.7 million via the San Diego Field Office. The first seizure involved a driver identified as a 25-year-old female in possession of a valid... Read More »
Federal indictments filed for arms control violations, pursuit of military technology by Iranian operatives
A quick series of legal moves built on one another this week, kicked off by a federal court in the District of Columbia unsealing two indictments against multiple defendants for violations of arms export controls and economic schemes to procure and export military technology to Iran. The cases... Read More »
Bicameral American Space Commerce Act seeks extended incentives for U.S.-based space launches
In what its members called a move to cement America's place as the world leader in space operations, bicameral supporters in the House and Senate introduced the American Space Commerce Act this week to extend existing space launch tax incentives. “Our domestic space launch industry is in our... Read More »
Canadian, U.S. border services deploy new NEXUS enrollment centers at Canadian airports
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will reopen enrollment centers at eight Canadian airports to expand enrollment and manage backlogs for the NEXUS pre-screen expedited processing travel program. NEXUS allows subscribed members to use dedicated... Read More »
DHS nets more than 900 pounds of fentanyl at border during first week of Operation Blue Lotus
In its first week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Operation Blue Lotus nabbed more than 900 pounds of fentanyl at the border in a major cooperative effort by federal, state, Tribal, and local partners. “This Administration has a multi-pronged strategy to combat the scourge... Read More »
TSA touts partnership with Philippines for aviation security improvement
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced a partnership with officials from the Philippines to bolster Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) security. TSA is joining the Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) to host Philippines personnel for a training... Read More »
DHS Science and Technology Directorate details homeland security MOU with Republic of Korea
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is espousing the benefits of a recently signed Republic of Korea (ROK) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). ROK's Ministry of National Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) joined DHS S&T in signing... Read More »
Commerce Department proposes new rules to guarantee proper use of CHIPS incentives program
Amid worries of misuse by foreign adversaries, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking this week, laying out new guardrails for funds provided by the CHIPS for America Incentives Program. To safeguard national security, these extra protections push to keep... Read More »
Association of American Railroads pilots emergency dispatch system for agencies in Sumner County, Tennessee
Working to increase information access for first responders, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) this week partnered with emergency management agencies in Sumner County, Tenn., to pilot a new emergency dispatching system complete with AskRail data. AskRail was a frontline tool for first... Read More »
House subcommittee to evaluate “State of American Cybersecurity” through CISA, DHS
The House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection will host a hearing this week to chart its CISA 2025 roadmap of oversight, engagement, and legislative goals for the affiliated agency going forward and CISA’s achievements to date. This hearing will be... Read More »
Justice Department alleges cryptocurrency mixing service processed more than $3B in unlawful transactions
The U.S. Department of Justice recently detailed a complaint alleging cryptocurrency mixing service ChipMixer processed more than $3 billion in unlawful transactions. ChipMixer operator Minh Quốc Nguyễn, 49, of Hanoi, Vietnam, has been charged with alleged money laundering, operating an... Read More »
Boeing secures nearly $2B contract with Army for 184 AH-64E Apaches
Boeing has secured a $1.9 billion award to produce 184 AH-64E Apaches for Army and international customers, including Australia. “We are enhancing the U.S. Army’s attack fleet while supporting additional partner nations and welcoming our newest Apache customer, the Australian Army,”... Read More »
Homeland Security Advisory Council addresses options to modernize DHS, improve supply chain security
Secretary of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas convened a meeting of the Homeland Security Advisory Council last week to address opportunities to modernize the department and improve supply chain security, intelligence, transparency, and more. The Department of Homeland Security... Read More »
DHS, DOJ undertake first extraditions related to charges of human smuggling resulting in death
In a first for the relations between the United States and Guatemala, the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and Justice (DOJ) successfully completed the first extraditions from the South American nation related to charges of human smuggling resulting in death. “This case demonstrates... Read More »
Senate Homeland Security Committee convenes hearing over cybersecurity threats in healthcare sector
Responding to the severity of cyber threats to the healthcare sector, United States Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, convened a hearing this week to address those threats and what the government and providers can do to stop... Read More »
CISA releases Marine Transportation System Resilience Assessment Guide
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center have released the Marine Transportation System Resilience Assessment Guide (MTS Guide). The MTS Guide is deployed by federal agencies, local governments, and... Read More »
FEMA details Hazard Mitigation Grant Program projects in Puerto Rico
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently announced that $122 million has been earmarked for 35 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program projects in Puerto Rico. "Some of these projects also address equity and climate change since they aim to ensure that all people have the same protections... Read More »
House considers Natural Disaster Recovery Program Act to improve disaster recovery assistance
As the scope and frequency of natural disasters have increased in recent years, U.S. Reps. Garret Graves (R-LA) and David Rouzer (R-NC) this week proposed a way to adapt and help communities recover faster with the Natural Disaster Recovery Program Act. “Everyone in Louisiana knows that... Read More »
Senators rush to extend federal support for local fire departments as program expiration nears
The Senate took the first step to extend federal programs supporting local fire departments nationwide this week, voting to advance the Fire Grants and Safety Act out of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Now the bill heads to the full Senate. There, the remainder... Read More »
Virginia Attorney General Miyares announces acquistion of ballistics triage tool
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares is espousing the benefits of his office securing new ballistics technology, Ballistics IQ (BIQ), for ten Project Ceasefire and nearby cities. Ballistics IQ is a ballistics triage tool that can allow law enforcement to quickly establish leads based on... Read More »