Threats
Battelle pursues predictive monitoring technology to identify epidemic security threats
A new, Battelle-developed system known as TechAware Search Continuous Automated Scanning for Technology Transformation (CASTT) proposes to help identify epidemic threats through a mix of text data analysis, behavioral change prediction, and creation of a graph neural network. The project is... Read More »
BARDA partnering with Cepheid to develop two new COVID-19 diagnostics
With the COVID-19 pandemic entering a new phase, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) continues to emphasize testing in addition to the growing number of vaccines, and as such, has entered a new agreement with Cepheid, Inc. to develop two additional... Read More »
Measure targets FFL gun thefts
U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) recently reintroduced the Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Protection Act of 2021, which seeks to address the rising number of smash-and-grab thefts targeted at federally licensed gun dealers venues. The lawmakers cited a Bureau of Alcohol,... Read More »
Resolution urges EU designation of Hezbollah as terrorist organization
U.S. Reps. Ted Deutch (D-FL), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Kathy Manning (D-NC), and Peter Meijer (R-MI) introduced Monday a resolution designed to encourage the European Union's (EU) full designation of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. The EU solely includes Hezbollah's military wing - separate... Read More »
DHS S&T launches third virtual segment in whole-of-government R&D showcase
For the launch of the third series of the Virtual Whole-of-Government Research and Development (R&D) Showcase this week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is looking to address upcoming scientific fields changing the world and how it handles... Read More »
University of Washington scientists develop statistical model shows severe undercounting of COVID-19 cases
Recognizing that many data sets are needed to tell the full story of the COVID-19 pandemic and understand if herd immunity can be achieved, two scientists from the University of Washington have created a statistical model of key COVID-19 data to model the disease’s true prevalence in the United... Read More »
DHS to cancel two Laredo border barrier contracts
Aligning with its Plan for Use of Border Barrier Funds, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is terminating two Laredo Sector border barrier contracts. CBP officials said the contracts are unnecessary to address any life, safety,... Read More »
Sen. Ernst secures supply chain, troop priorities in defense bill
U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) recently secured a series of major priorities in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the Senate’s annual defense bill. Secured provisions include continued development and fielding of protective body armor designed specifically for female troops, improved... Read More »
Congress sees growing bicameral call for $34B to improve global vaccine distribution
In a letter written to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), more than 70 U.S. representatives and senators have called for providing up to $34 billion to speed up COVID-19 vaccine production for global use. “No investment in the fight... Read More »
Vaxzevria demonstrates high efficacy against hospitalization, death from COVID-19 Alpha, Beta and Delta variants
A single dose of Vaxzevria was shown to be 82 percent effective against cases of severe disease, hospitalization, or death caused by Beta/Gamma variant of SARS-CoV-2, according to pre-print data from the Canadian Immunization Research Network (CIRN). Vaxzevria is another two-dose vaccine.... Read More »
Bipartisan senators introduce legislation to secure critical infrastructure networks against cyberattacks
U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI), Rob Portman (R-OH), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced legislation Thursday designed to safeguard America’s critical infrastructure networks against cybersecurity threats. The bill would require the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security... Read More »
Final report released on Defense Critical Supply Chain
The Defense Critical Supply Chain Task Force recently released final report findings and recommendations regarding threats and vulnerabilities. “Throughout the pandemic, U.S. adversaries like China weaponized supply chain vulnerabilities in a way that threatened Americans’ health and... Read More »
Democratic legislators seeks reduced nuclear weapons national security strategy
A group of lawmakers recently urged the Biden administration to consider fulfilling a pledge to reduce the role of nuclear weapons in the nation's national security strategy. U.S. Reps. John Garamendi (D-CA), Don Beyer (D-VA) and U.S. Sens. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Jeffrey A. Merkley (D-OR)... Read More »
Small businesses earn $2M in funding from DHS for handheld passenger screening technology
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently awarded $2 million to two small businesses to develop advanced, affordable, and handheld detection imaging technology to screen passengers. Those chosen included Spectral Labs Inc., of San Diego, Calif., and TeraMetrix LLC, of Ann Arbor,... Read More »
Biden administration pledges more than $1.6B for COVID-19 testing, mitigation in high-risk communities
Drawing on funds from the American Rescue Plan, the Biden administration announced last week that its Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will invest more than $1.6 billion into testing and mitigation efforts focused on the communities most vulnerable to COVID-19. “As we continue... Read More »
House advances bill seeking to protect local transportation systems
Legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA) to improve security at U.S. railways and mass transit systems advanced the U.S. House, the congresswoman announced Tuesday. The Strengthening Local Transportation Security Capabilities Act (H. R. 1870) would put more federal... Read More »
House committee advances eight cybersecurity bills
The U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee has advanced eight bills, which would promote more secure networks and supply chains while securing a wireless future. The Secure Equipment Act of 2021 would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to adopt rules... Read More »
Rep. Meng secures $30M to expand provisions of COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act
Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) announced Tuesday that she has secured $30 million for the Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill as a means of expanding COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act provisions. The key spending bill is slated for the House of Representatives in anticipation of passage later this... Read More »
Senate cyber bill would require immediate reporting of cyber intrusions
U.S. Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced Wednesday the Cyber Incident Notification Act of 2021, which seeks to make it mandatory for federal agencies, government contractors, and critical infrastructure to report cyber intrusions to the Cybersecurity... Read More »
CEPI collaborates with Shanghai Zerun Biotech to advance tests, scale-up of new COVID-19 vaccine
Continuing to flesh out medical countermeasure options for the ongoing threat of COVID-19, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) announced this week that it will provide $13.1 million to Shanghai Zerun Biotechnology Co., Ltd. for clinical trials and scale-up support of vaccine... Read More »
Bill to combat human trafficking advances House
U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer (R-MI) announced Tuesday his bill to combat human trafficking passed the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support. The DHS Blue Campaign Enhancement Act would bolster the existing efforts of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to combat human... Read More »
Bill seeks to protect law enforcement, first responders from lethal substances
U.S. Reps. Dave Joyce (R-OH) and David Trone (D-MD) recently introduced a bill that seeks to protect law enforcement personnel and other first responders from lethal substances such as fentanyl. The Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act would improve state and local government... Read More »
Bipartisan measure offers support for Office of the National Cyber Director
A newly introduced bill seeks to authorize utilizing individuals with expertise from other agencies to assist the Office of the National Cyber Director (NCD). U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-SD), Rob Portman (R-OH), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), and Gary Peters (D-MI) recently presented... Read More »
DHS, TSA directive requires specific cybersecurity efforts for critical pipelines
Pushing back against the string of cybersecurity threats instigated this year, the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued a new Security Directive this week that requires owners and operators of critical pipelines to roll out urgent cyber protections. “Secure... Read More »
House advances SAFE Act, supporting participation in CEPI
The House of Representatives voted this week to advance the Securing America from Epidemics (SAFE) Act, which would authorize U.S. participation in the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation (CEPI). CEPI is a public-private partnership focused on developing vaccines for highly infectious... Read More »
IDSA applauds infectious diseases inclusion in U.S. House funding, but says more is still needed
On Monday, the Infectious Diseases Society of America commended the U.S. House for appropriations that would bolster the fight against COVID-19 and HIV, antibiotic research and development, and global health security while combating the effects of the opioid crisis. However, the organization... Read More »
DHS S&T exploring Blast Resistant Trash Receptacles options
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) recently issued a request for information (RFI) regarding commercial Blast Resistant Trash Receptacles (BRTRs). “Trash receptacles appear in most public spaces as essential but ordinary objects,” National... Read More »
Bill addresses small business cyberattack preparedness
U.S. Reps. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Steve Chabot (R-OH), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), and Dwight Evans (D-PA) introduced Monday the Small Business Cyber Security Training Act, which seeks to aid small businesses in cyberattack preparedness. The legislators indicated the legislation would assist the... Read More »
Phase 2 trial of Valneva, Pfizer Lyme disease vaccine candidate concludes enrollment
All 625 slots of a randomized Phase 2 trial of the joint-Valneva SE and Pfizer Inc. Lyme disease vaccine candidate VLA15-221 have been filled with participants, finishing the recruitment phase of the trial. The trial is focused on participants between 5 to 65 years old. They will receive doses... Read More »
Results pending as RedHill Biopharma concludes phase 2/3 COVID-19 study of oral opaganib
A phase 2/3 study that put oral opaganib to 475 patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 affiliated pneumonia concluded this week, and its creator, RedHill Biopharma Ltd., said that top-line results are expected to follow in a matter of weeks. "Emerging data is showing that variants are... Read More »
Report details southern border activity
A fact sheet recently released by Homeland Security Republicans showed that southern border activity demonstrates the situation has become a humanitarian crisis involving thousands of migrants. According to the report, border crossings this year included more than 1.1 million illegal crossings... Read More »
Bipartisan group of legislators advocate maximum wildfire preparedness
A group of Oregon lawmakers led by U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) is encouraging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make efforts to maximize wildfire preparedness initiatives. Merkley and DeFazio, chair of the House Transportation and... Read More »
CDC confirms case of human monkeypox in U.S. resident following trip to Nigeria
Last week, a U.S. resident was hospitalized in Dallas, following confirmation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Texas Department of State Health Services that they had contracted monkeypox after a trip to Nigeria. While the CDC stressed that all flights the... Read More »
Two House bills seek to guarantee U.S. treats pandemics as national security threats
Given the destructive nature of the past year and a half under the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) last week introduced two bills to strengthen pandemic response and treat them as national security threats rather than political minefields. First was the National Security... Read More »