Threats
Cybersecurity legislation heads to President’s desk for signature
U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and Rob Portman (R-OH) recently introduced legislation to promote enhanced cybersecurity coordination between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and state and local governments. The State and Local Government Cybersecurity Act previously passed the... Read More »
BARDA taps Bavarian Nordic to freeze-dry smallpox vaccine supplies
Beginning in 2023 and 2024, Bavarian Nordic A/S will, for the first time, manufacture and invoice a freeze-dried version of its JYNNEOS smallpox vaccine to the U.S. government. The announcement followed a decision by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to exercise... Read More »
NIAID utilizes $577M to establish nine pathogen antiviral drug development centers
Through awards amounting to approximately $577 million, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is working to create nine Antiviral Drug Discovery (AViDD) Centers for Pathogens of Pandemic Concern, working to develop innovative drugs. “The COVID-19 pandemic has... Read More »
AstraZeneca licenses early-stage monoclonal antibodies from RQ Biotechnology for use against COVID-19
In an expansion of its efforts against COVID-19, AstraZeneca announced a new agreement this week with RQ Biotechnology Ltd. that will see it acquire the worldwide license to develop, manufacture, and commercialize monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Developed by the U.K.-based RQ... Read More »
DOJ details violent crime summit
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently hosted a virtual summit to address increased gun violence impacting communities nationwide. The two-day session established an assembly of more than 500 prosecutors, federal and local law enforcement officials, and community partners under the... Read More »
Rep. Eric Swalwell introduces bill to improve U.S. cybersecurity protections to counter Russian threats
As fears of Russian cyber threats in reprisal for U.S. support of Ukraine continue to grow across Congress, U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) introduced the Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity Training Act this week to bolster U.S. cybersecurity. The new legislation would mandate the... Read More »
Shootings in New York, California prompt call for immediate vote on House Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act
Over the weekend, 11 people were killed and more injured across two separate shootings in Buffalo, N.Y., and Laguna Woods, Calif., and with them as a backdrop, U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) says it is past time for a House vote on the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act (H.R. 350). “The rise... Read More »
Republican legislators introduce resolution to combat crime, increase security at southern border
Over 30 Republican legislators recently introduced a resolution that seeks to spur the Biden administration and Congress to act in developing a security plan to combat a rise in crime and increase security at the southern border. U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) served as the resolution's sponsor... Read More »
DHS, DOL outline supplemental H-2B visa allocation
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Labor (DOL) officials said 35,000 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas are available during the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2022. “These additional H-2B visas will help employers meet the demand for seasonal workers at this... Read More »
FDA authorizes first non-prescription test for COVID-19, flu and RSV
Broadening testing capabilities and achieving a long-term goal, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week authorized the first COVID-19 test also capable of detecting flu and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) without requiring a prescription. The multifunctional test, the... Read More »
FirstNet, NIST initiate public safety virtual experience center
First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) officials are espousing the launch of the Public Safety Immersive Test Center in Boulder, Colo. Authorities indicated the effort would nurture the development and deployment of... Read More »
DHS invests $1.6B for preparedness grant programs for state, local aid
Across a series of grant programs, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced last week that it will disperse $1.6 billion this fiscal year in support of state and local officials seeking to plan for, prevent, halt and respond to terrorism and other issues. Supplementing $405.1... Read More »
Ugandan preparedness, response to 2018-2020 Ebola outbreaks highlights path for other nations
According to a peer-reviewed analysis from scientists at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and Ugandan colleagues, Uganda’s preparedness efforts during the 2018-2020 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreaks in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo showed the potential value of... Read More »
Resolution seeks designation of Russia as state sponsor of terrorism
U.S. Reps. Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Ted Lieu (D-CA) recently introduced a resolution advocating the Secretary of State to designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism. The resolution outlines how the Russian Federation has and continues to promote acts of international terrorism... Read More »
Global COVID-19 Summit brings new policy, financial commitments to whole-of-society pandemic preparations
At the second Global COVID-19 Summit last week, governments, including the United States, pledged to provide $3.2 billion in additional funds for COVID-19 and other pandemic preparedness needs and committed to expanding and accelerating testing and vaccine access. This year’s summit was led by... Read More »
Phase 1 trial results of virus-like particle vaccine show promise against encephalitis viruses
A vaccine candidate for eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV), and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) proved safe, well-tolerated, and robust in antibody response during a Phase 1 clinical trial reported in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. The... Read More »
House advances measure seeking to improve TSA working conditions
The House of Representatives has advanced the Rights for the TSA Workforce Act of 2022 (H.R. 903), indicating the measure would improve Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel working conditions. House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) sponsored the... Read More »
NNSA, agencies detail radiological incident exercise
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is slated to join over 30 local, state, and federal agencies to conduct a major radiological incident exercise during the week of May 16-20. The Austin, Texas-centered Cobalt Magnet 22 exercise, spearheaded by the Department of Energy (DOE),... Read More »
DoD awards $79.9M contract to Premix to create production capacity of resin for pipette tips
In a push to bolster COVID-19 diagnostic testing, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awarded a $79.9 million contract to Premix, Inc. this week, funding new onshore production capacity for plastic resin used in tests’ pipette tips. This will boost future supply chain demands and other... Read More »
Peters, Johnson supply chain legislation passes House and Senate, heads to President’s desk
Legislation authored by U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) to protect the cybersecurity of the U.S. supply chain has passed the House and Senate. The Supply Chain Security Training Act (S.2201) would help protect against threats via cybersecurity and other technological... Read More »
House advances fire investigation enhancing measure
U.S. Reps. Ritchie Torres (D-NY), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Peter Meijer (R-MI), and Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) recently applauded the House of Representatives' advancement legislation that seeks to bolster federal efforts to assist with major fire investigations. The Empowering the U.S. Fire... Read More »
New Mexico wildfires yield public health emergency declaration
New Mexico wildfires have resulted in Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra declaring a public health emergency in the state. “We are working closely with health authorities in New Mexico and monitoring the needs of healthcare facilities to support their efforts to save... Read More »
Reps. Kustoff, Williams introduce bill to return Secret Service to Treasury Department oversight
U.S. Reps. David Kustoff (R-TN) and Roger Williams (R-TX) recently introduced the U.S. Secret Service Mission Improvement and Realignment Act of 2022 (H.R. 7689) that would place the U.S. Secret Service back under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The Secret Service is... Read More »
TSA outlines increased passenger volume preparedness
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that it is prepared for a busy summer travel season and anticipating increased passenger volume. Summer travel numbers could potentially exceed those of 2019 for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The TSA noted that the... Read More »
CEPI to provide up to $19.3M for variant-proof COVID-19 vaccine development by Bharat Biotech, University of Sydney and ExcellGene
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) backed efforts at developing a "variant-proof" COVID-19 vaccine this week, announcing that it will provide up to $19.3 million to an international consortium consisting of Bharat Biotech International Ltd., the University of Sydney and... Read More »
Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act will ease means of providing U.S. military equipment to Ukraine
Following the passage of the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022, the Biden administration will find it easier to lend and lease military equipment to Ukraine and other Eastern European countries impacted by the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Signed into law this week, the... Read More »
Biobot Analytics selected to expand CDC’s National Wastewater Surveillance System
As part of a pandemic preparedness push, the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced this week that it chose Biobot Analytics to handle an expansion of the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS). While not a household name, the NWSS works with public... Read More »
CBP details rare pest interception at Pharr International Bridge
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials detailed the recent interception of a rare pest discovered in a shipment of fresh fruit at the Pharr International Bridge in Pharr, Texas. “Our agriculture specialists help protect American agriculture and contribute to the nation’s economic... Read More »
BAE secures DARPA software development contract
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded BAE Systems a $24 million contract to develop software that autonomously configures tactical networks for communications. The endeavor is under the Mission-Integrated Network Control (MINC) program. Data reliability and... Read More »
House committee leaders applaud Customs and Border Protection decision to disband “rogue” internal investigation teams
In response to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announcing it would disband Critical Incident Teams tasked with investigating and collecting evidence of excessive and deadly use of force from its agents, House leaders applauded the elimination of what they viewed as obstructive... Read More »
Better Cybercrime Metrics Act signed into law, pledges improvements to federal action on cybercrime
With the signing of the Better Cybercrime Metrics Act last week, President Joe Biden welcomed a new cybersecurity bill into law, promising improvements to how the federal government prosecutes, measures, and tracks cybercrime. Backed by the National Fraternal Order of Police and other national... Read More »
Bill seeks to protect domestic technology research from being used to bolster People’s Liberation Army
A group of legislators recently introduced legislation that would protect domestic technology research from being used by Chinese entities to benefit the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) led colleagues U.S. Sens. Rick Scott (R-FL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike... Read More »
Bill targets inequities in federal disaster response
A group of lawmakers recently introduced legislation seeking to address systemic inequities concerning the federal government’s disaster and assistance distribution response. The Federal Emergency Management Advancement of Equity Act (FEMA Equity Act) was introduced by U.S. Sen. Elizabeth... Read More »