Threats
Capitol Hill lawmakers vow to end U.S. drug shortages, dependency on Chinese pharma
The rising dependence that the United States has on many Chinese pharmaceuticals is worsening the nation’s drug shortage and creating a national security risk that several members of Congress want to disrupt. Lawmakers, in fact, have introduced legislation in Congress from both sides of the... Read More »
U.S. Rep. Garcia introduces bills to shuffle COVID-19 relief funds into school safety
As the United States continues to reckon with gun violence nationwide, including in its schools, U.S. Rep. Mike Garcia (R-CA) introduced the latest legislative proposals for change, with the Safe Schools Act and the Strengthening School Security for Students Act. Touted as ways to protect... Read More »
CBP, Air and Marine Operations nab vessel transporting cocaine
The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) along with the Air and Marine Operations (AMO) intercepted a vessel transporting cocaine in waters along northern Puerto Rico. The agencies seized 1,455 pounds of cocaine valued at approximately $15.1 million and arrested four non-citizens from the... Read More »
Justice Department disrupts global cyber crime marketplace
The U.S. Justice Department personnel has dismantled a major criminal marketplace that allegedly enabled cybercriminals to victimize individuals, businesses and governments globally. “Our seizure of Genesis Market should serve as a warning to cybercriminals who operate or use these criminal... Read More »
CISA and partners highlight risk management for National Supply Chain Integrity month
As a way to encourage stakeholders and partners to pursue rigorous supply chain risk management (SCRM) solutions, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and a mix of federal and industry partners are highlighting SCRM as the recipe for resilience in this National Supply Chain... Read More »
Report: Nearly 150 illegal or illicit trafficking incidents of radioactive material occurred last year
According to a new report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), pulled from its own database, 146 incidents of illegal or unauthorized activities occurred in 2022 involving nuclear and other radioactive material. While the IAEA’s global database utilizes information from 143... Read More »
House Homeland Security Republicans request information regarding cybersecurity threat by Chinese-built cranes at U.S. ports
In a letter dispatched to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas this week, Republican chairs linked to the House Committee on Homeland Security pressed for answers on potential cybersecurity threats posed by Chinese-manufactured cranes used at U.S. ports. “We are... Read More »
Smiths Detection passenger screening system receives DHS designation
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has designated Smiths Detection's HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX CT passenger screening system as terrorism deterring technology. The designation was established through the Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies (SAFETY) Act. "This is a... Read More »
DoD details website to aid systems, assets security
The Department of Defense (DoD) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) Directorate for Digital Services (DDS) has launched a website targeting DoD systems and assets protection. The site was developed in conjunction with the Hack the Pentagon (HtP) program, which invites vetted,... Read More »
U.S. disrupts supposed Iranian ammunition transport overseas, files forfeiture action
After seizing a flagless vessel in the Arabian Sea on Dec. 1, 2022, U.S. Central Command forces took more than 1 million rounds of ammunition, among other weapon supplies, and as of last week, the Justice Department filed a forfeiture complaint over it, accusing the Iranian Islamic Revolution Guard... Read More »
Legislators, law enforcement officials express support for SAFE School Act
Lawmakers and law enforcement personnel are expressing support for the SAFE School Act, which focuses on keeping children safe. U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Bill Hagerty (R-TN) would introduce the bill to establish a $900 million grant program enabling public and private schools to... Read More »
Senate panel advances open source software protection bill
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has advanced the Securing Open Source Software Act - noting it protects federal and critical infrastructure systems. The measure introduced by Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) now moves to the full Senate for... Read More »
Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro calls for more than $86M for 9-1-1 dispatch, firefighters and EMS in budget proposal
In his first budget proposal, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro called for more than $50 million for 9-1-1 dispatch systems and $36 million to staff, equip and train firefighters and EMS providers. “I know firsthand how our local municipal and county governments are on the frontlines of keeping... Read More »
Legislation targets emergency room care gap
U.S. Reps. Michael C. Burgess (R-TX) and Kathy Castor (D-FL) recently reintroduced the MISSION Zero Act, which would aid in addressing the emergency room care gap. The bill would enable the Department of Defense (DoD) to continue assigning trauma surgeons to civilian trauma centers. “The... Read More »
Bipartisan legislation seeks to classify illicit xylazine use under Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act
A bipartisan group of lawmakers recently introduced the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, which seeks to classify the drug under Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. U.S. Reps. August Pfluger (R-TX), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Ken Buck (R-CO), and Chris Pappas (D-NH)... Read More »
House Artificial Intelligence for National Security Act seeks A.I. cybersecurity programs to bolster DoD security
In a nod to evolving needs, fears, and digital capabilities, United States Reps. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced the Artificial Intelligence for National Security Act (H.R. 1718) this week, pushing for A.I. enabled cybersecurity programs to increase security on Department... Read More »
Senate panel advances bill targeting human trafficking
A group of lawmakers recently commended the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee's advancement of the IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act, which supports individuals impacted by human trafficking. The bill introduced by Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI), James Lankford (R-OK), and John... Read More »
Coast Guard cutter offloads more than $166M worth of narcotics following five interdictions
After five interdictions by various vessels in international waters, the Coast Guard Cutter Waesche reportedly unloaded more than 6,325 pounds of cocaine and more than 13,220 pounds of marijuana in San Diego this week, bringing to bear a haul worth more than $166 million. “The Coast Guard is... Read More »
TSA to use $10.4B budget to increase pay, checkpoint technologies and more
During a hearing with the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) this week, the latter’s administrator, David Pekoske, lent insight into the agency’s plans for its $10.4 billion allotment under a 2024 budget... Read More »
CBP details illegal border crossing apprehensions
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) authorities detailed the recent apprehension efforts of San Diego Sector Imperial Beach Station agents, resulting in encountering 290 illegal border crossing individuals. The individuals were from more than 30 countries and encountered in less than 13... Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »