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Guide for the Selection of Chemical and Biological Decontamination Equipment for Emergency First Responders: Volume I
The guides will focus on chemical and biological equipment in areas of
detection, personal protection, decontamination, and communication. This document focuses specifically on chemical and biological decontamination equipment and was developed to assist the emergency first responder community in the evaluation and purchase of decontamination equipment. It should also be noted that the purpose
of this guide is not to provide recommendations but rather to serve as a means to provide information to the reader to compare and contrast commercially available decontamination
equipment.
National Institute of Justice (U.S.)
Fatah, Alim Ahmed; Barrett, John A.; Arcilesi, Richard D., Jr. . . .
2001-10
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Industrial College of the Armed Forces: Industry Studies 2001: Electronics
Electronics is one of the largest industries in the US and plays a critical role in almost every aspect of national security. It is directly responsible for the economic boom over the past ten years that propelled the US into an unparalleled superpower status. The US has capitalized on advancements in semiconductors, computing, storage, intelligent devices and sensors to achieve a competitive advantage. For example, the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) reported semiconductors as the number one industry in the US based upon its contribution to the nation's gross domestic product. Semiconductors are fundamental electronic components that transfer electricity as it passes through electronic circuits. Continued growth of this industry is a critical prerequisite to maintaining our technical superiority and leadership in this "Silicon Century."
Industrial College of the Armed Forces (U.S.)
2001
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Industrial College of the Armed Forces: Industry Studies 2001: Education
The performance of the education industry is vital to the national security and economic prosperity of the United States. The advent of the Information Age has significantly increased both the opportunities and the challenges presented to policymakers and educators. An examination of the education industry leads to five principal conclusions. First, high academic standards and effective assessments are essential to promote achievement and measure progress. Second, efforts to recruit, train, and retain high-quality teachers and administrators require special priority. Third, the United States should continue to implement policies, and increase targeted resources that promote equal access and opportunity for all U.S. citizens. Fourth, teachers cannot be successful alone. Social support with adult involvement and a safe learning environment are key to successful student development. And fifth, innovative ideas such as school choice, home-schooling, charter schools, and e-learning can spur competition, raise industry performance, and promote equity. The overall assessment of the U.S. education industry at present produces mixed results. Primary and post-secondary schools are above average compared with those of international competitors; middle schools are average; and secondary schools are below average. The performance of the transitional sector (non-collegiate adult education) is marginal (but improving) debatable relative to other countriesmarginal, and that of the workplace sector is expanding and satisfactory. Although most U.S. citizens agree that education in the U.S. needs improvement, the degree and method of change remain debatable issues.
Industrial College of the Armed Forces (U.S.)
2001
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Industrial College of the Armed Forces: Industry Studies 2001: Bio Technology
Biotechnology is an evolving and dynamic industry. In this era of rapid scientific advances in genomics, proteomics and biology, the biotech industry is playing an increasingly vital role in our economy, health and environment. It is essential to understand how to effectively apply the innovation of this industry to advance our economic competitiveness and national security needs. The United States is in a strong position with the world's most vibrant biotechnology sector. The applications of biotechnology, such as medicine, agribusiness, forensics, informatics and the defense sector, offer many benefits, but also bring some risk, requiring public policy decisions in such controversial areas as cloning and information privacy. A comprehensive national strategy that derives maximum advantage from biotechnology is required to ensure the greatest benefit to American prosperity.
Industrial College of the Armed Forces (U.S.)
2001
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Industrial College of the Armed Forces: Industry Studies 2001: Energy
Energy is the grease that lubricates the U.S. economic wheel. It truly affects all our endeavors and is inextricably linked to our national security. The U.S. energy industry is robust, competitive and rapidly evolving. Recent events in California and rising prices for gasoline and natural gas have rocketed this industry into the public's spotlight and discussion. Secretary Abraham in a recent speech to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce stated, "The country is in the midst of an energy crisis with no short term solutions." Unlike previous energy crises, this most recent one has been largely self-generated by our inattention to trends, lack of leadership and mismanagement. Our assessment is that there are no shortages of energy supplies, just a lack of ability to deliver them efficiently to the consumer. Our challenge as a nation will be to develop and manage those energy resources in a way that achieves an acceptable balance between the often-competing demands of environmental protection and economic growth. This report addresses the current status and future prospects of the energy industry in meeting the country's future energy demands.
Industrial College of the Armed Forces (U.S.)
2001
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Industrial College of the Armed Forces: Industry Studies 2001: Construction
Constructed "mega-projects" are readily recognizable for their form and function, and in many cases, are awe-inspiring. Major buildings and bridges give identities to cities and nations and evoke a sense of pride in the people. The construction industry is a vast system of engineers, architects, laborers, craftsmen, material, equipment and tool suppliers, and project owners responsible for building these structures. The scope of the industry is all encompassing, including every type of facility imaginable. Roads, bridges, mass transit, airports, schools, retail and commercial buildings, industrial and manufacturing facilities, drinking water systems, wastewater treatment facilities, dams and power generation, solid waste facilities, and hazardous waste treatment and disposal projects all benefit society and bolster our national security. The construction industry seminar focused on projects and issues that have a potential mobilization involvement.
At $3.4 trillion annually, construction represents a large contribution to the world's economy. Construction is a fiercely competitive industry; both domestically and internationally, reputation means everything. It is a conservative and risk-averse industry; change is gradual. Although the cConstruction iIndustry does not have a significant surge capability in healthy economic times, it is adaptable to national priorities and history verifies that that it can shift work to meet national security objectives.
Industrial College of the Armed Forces (U.S.)
2001
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Industrial College of the Armed Forces: Industry Studies 2001: Aircraft
The United States aircraft industry continues to be a critical element of economic, political, and military power. It is second to none in export dollars and fills a place that cannot be substituted by any other industry. The U.S. aircraft industry was once dominant in the global aircraft market, but Europe has now reached a level of parity in commercial transport sales and is closing the gap in military and rotorcraft sales. The mergers and reorganizations of the industry's four main sectors--commercial transport and cargo, military fixed-wing, rotorcraft, and jet engines--have slowed and companies are adjusting to these new partnerships. Aircraft manufacturers currently focus more on near term profits and stock value, as the concerns of investors and Wall Street positioning overrides research and development and long term investment. The search for greater profitability continues to drive production process streamlining. This streamlining has promoted healthy competition that has stirred innovation in airframes and engines, management practices, design and manufacturing processes, and production tooling. However, there is still uncertainty in both the commercial and military markets. Future market share and profitability for the U.S. industry hangs on the thin threads of government regulations, politics and partnerships. The correct combination of these factors will determine the future of the U.S. aircraft industry.
Industrial College of the Armed Forces (U.S.)
2001
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Evaluation of a Test Protocol for Explosives Trace Detectors Using a Representative Commercial Analyzer
This report describes a study of a test protocol for evaluating trace explosives detectors. The purpose of the study was to determine whether law enforcement personnel who lack special training in explosives detection could use the test protocol and obtain meaningful results. The report includes a discussion of experimental methods used by the researchers, test results, and conclusions.
National Institute of Justice (U.S.)
Eiceman, Gary Alan; Boyett, Cecily M.; Parmeter, John E.
1999-09
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Chemical and Biological Defense: Improved Risk Assessment and Inventory Management Are Needed, Report to the Chairman, Subcommittee on Military Readiness, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives
"In response to a request from the former Chairman of your Subcommittee, we reviewed U.S. forces' readiness in terms of the protective equipment needed for operations in a chemically or biologically contaminated environment. We determined (1) whether DOD's process for assessing the risk to military operations on the basis of wartime equipment requirements is reliable and (2) how DOD's inventory management of chemical and biological protective gear has affected the risk level. Also, as requested by the former Chairman, we will soon issue two additional reports on the readiness of military medical support in Korea and of the Military Sealift Command to operate in a contaminated environment. The practices that we identified in the current report regarding inventories of chemical and biological equipment contribute to the development of erroneous inventory data that in turn affect the accuracy of the risk assessment. First, DOD cannot monitor the status of the entire inventory of protective equipment because the services and the Defense Logistics Agency use at least nine different systems of inventory management with differing data fields to manage suit inventories, and the systems' records contain data that cannot be easily linked. Second, DOD cannot determine whether all of its older suits would adequately protect servicemembers because some of the systems' records omit essential data on suit expiration. Third, DOD cannot easily identify, track, and locate defective suits because inventory records do not always include contract and lot numbers. Finally, DOD has miscalculated the requirements for suits and the number available; for example, the Department counted new suits as on hand before they had been delivered and consequently overstated the actual inventory. We are making recommendations to assist DOD in better assessing risk and improving oversight of the inventory of chemical protective equipment."
United States. General Accounting Office
2001-09
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Master Mobilization Plan
This DoD Master Mobilization Plan (MMP) is promulgated under the authority of DoD Directive S-3020.36, "Assignment of Emergency Preparedness Responsibilities to Department of Defense Components (U)," August 28, 1973, as the basic plan to direct and coordinate planning by all Agencies of the Department of Defense (DoD) for the contingency of mobilization, as defined herein. Mobilization is the process whereby a nation makes the transition from a normal state of peacetime preparedness to a war-fighting posture. It involves the assembly, organization, and application of the nation's resources for national defense. The mobilization process encompasses all activities necessary to prepare systematically and selectively for war. The ability to mobilize effectively contributes to the deterrence of war.
United States. Department of Defense
1988-06
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Personnel Security Program
This "Personnel Security Programs Regulation" in reissued under the authority of DOD Directive 5200.2, "DoD Personnel Security Program," December 20, 1979. It contains expanded direction and procedures for implementing those references cited in chapter 1 and in Appendix A of this Regulation that pertain to acceptance and retention of DoD military, civilian, consultant and contractor personnel and of granting such persons access to classified information or assignment to a sensitive position. It also implements such recommendations from the Defense Security Review Commission Report as pertains to personnel security and approved by the Secretary of Defense.
United States. Department of Defense
1987-01
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DoD Directive 3025.1-M: Manual for Civil Emergencies
This Manual is issued under the authority of DoD Directive 3025.1, "Military Support to Civil Authorities (MSCA)," January 15, 1993. It provides guidance for the preparation, coordination and execution of military support to civil authorities during civil emergencies within the United States, its territories, and possessions. Further, this Manual serves as a reference for other Federal, State, and local agencies on how the Department of Defense supports civil authorities and how DoD assets can be used to support civilian leadership priorities in returning their communities to a state of "normalcy."
United States. Department of Defense
1994-06
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Best Practices, Programs, and Accomplishments in Weapons of Mass Destruction Domestic Preparedness
This report seeks to provide key information on the Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP). The ODP has seen its program budget grow to over $604 million, an increase of $419 million, or nearly 226% since the Fiscal Year 2001 level. Congress has tasked the Office with numerous new responsibilities and additional missions in the fight to prepare the nation's first responders for terrorist attacks involving weapons of mass destruction. The ODP has carried this momentum forward, achieving tremendous success in a wide range of areas including implementation of the Nunn-Lugar-Domenici Domestic Preparedness Program, development of a State and Local Exercise Support Program, expansion of its training programs and development of new courses, and cooperative efforts with other Federal agencies engaged in domestic preparedness activities.
United States. Office of Justice Programs. Office for Domestic Preparedness
2002-08
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DoD Directive 5240.1-R: Procedures Governing the Activities of DoD Intelligence Components that Affect United States Persons
This DoD regulation sets forth procedures governing the activities of DoD intelligence components that affect United States persons. It implements DoD Directives 5260.1, and replaces the November 30, 1979 version of DoD Regulation 5240.1-R. It is applicable to all DoD intelligence components. Executive Order 12333, "United States Intelligence Activities," stipulates that certain activities of intelligence components that affect U.S. persons be governed by procedures issued by the agency head and approved by the Attorney General.
United States. Department of Defense
1982-12
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What Does Disarmament Look Like?
On September 12, 2002, President Bush called on the United Nations to live up to its founding purpose and enforce the determination of the international community--expressed in 16 UN Security Council resolutions--that the outlaw Iraqi regime be disarmed of its weapons of mass destruction. On November 8, the Security Council unanimously passed UNSCR 1441, which gave the Iraqi regime "a final opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations." Thus, recognizing that genuine disarmament can only be accomplished through the willing cooperation of the Iraqi regime, the resolution called for the reintroduction of weapons inspectors into Iraq, to test whether or not the regime had made a strategic decision to give up its mass destruction weapons. Examples of cooperative disarmament include South Africa, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan.
United States. White House Office
2003-01
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Technology Assessment: Using Biometrics for Border Security
"Our report starts with a description of the current border control procedures for admitting people into the United States--issuing visas to citizens of other nations and passports to U.S. citizens and inspecting travelers at the ports of entry. Next, the report describes how biometric technologies work, including the different types of biometric technologies, their levels of maturity, and their operating and performance characteristics. We present four possible scenarios in which biometrics might be applied to current U.S. border control procedures. For each scenario, we analyze some of the costs, benefits, and risks associated with implementation. Finally, the report sums up certain policy implications and challenges to be faced if a biometric system is to be designed and deployed for border security. A number of appendixes provide details on the major biometric technologies."
United States. General Accounting Office
2002-11-14
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National Preparedness: Technologies to Secure Federal Buildings, Statement of Keith A. Rhodes, Chief Technologist, Testimony before the Subcommittee on Technology and Procurement Policy, Committee on Government Reform, House of Representatives
The terrorist attacks of September 11 have heightened concerns about the physical security of federal buildings and the need to protect those who work in and visit these facilities. These concerns have been underscored by reports of long-standing vulnerabilities, including weak controls over building access. There are several commercially available security technologies that can be deployed, ranging from turnstiles, to smart cards, to biometric systems. Although many of these technologies can provide highly effective technical controls, the overall security of a federal building will depend on robust risk management processes and implementing the three integral concepts of a holistic security process: protection, detection, and reaction.
United States. General Accounting Office
2002-04-25
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National Preparedness: Integration of Federal, State, Local, and Private Sector Efforts is Critical to an Effective National Strategy for Homeland Security, Statement of Randall A. Yim, Managing Director, National Preparedness, Testimony before the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of Representatives
Federal, state, and local governments share responsibility for terrorist attacks. However, local government, including police and fire departments, emergency medical personnel, and public health agencies, is typically the first responder to an incident. The federal government historically has provided leadership, training, and funding assistance. In the aftermath of September 11, for instance, one-quarter of the $40 billion Emergency Response Fund was earmarked for homeland security, including enhancing state and local government preparedness. Because the national security threat is diffuse and the challenge is highly intergovernmental, national policymakers must formulate strategies with a firm understanding of the interests, capacity, and challenges facing those governments. The development of a national strategy will improve national preparedness and enhance partnerships between federal, state, and local governments. The creation of the Office of Homeland Security is an important and potentially significant first step. The Office of Homeland Security's strategic plan should (1) define and clarify the appropriate roles and responsibilities of federal, state, and local entities; (2) establish goals and performance measures to guide the nation's preparedness efforts; and (3) carefully choose the most appropriate tools of government to implement the national strategy and achieve national goals.
United States. General Accounting Office
2002-04-11
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Combating Terrorism: Intergovernmental Cooperation in the Development of a National Strategy to Enhance State and Local Preparedness, Statement of Patricia A. Dalton Director, Strategic Issues, Testimony before the Subcommittee on Government Efficiency, Financial Management, and Intergovernmental Relations, Committee on Government Reform, House of Representatives
Federal, state, and local governments share responsibility for terrorist attacks. However, local government, including police and fire departments, emergency medical personnel, and public health agencies, is typically the first responder to an incident. The federal government historically has provided leadership, training, and funding assistance. In the aftermath of September 11, for instance, one-quarter of the $40 billion Emergency Response Fund was earmarked for homeland security, including enhancing state and local government preparedness. Because the national security threat is diffuse and the challenge is highly intergovernmental, national policymakers must formulate strategies with a firm understanding of the interests, capacity, and challenges facing those governments. The development of a national strategy will improve national preparedness and enhance partnerships between federal, state, and local governments. The creation of the Office of Homeland Security is an important and potentially significant first step. The Office of Homeland Security's strategic plan should (1) define and clarify the appropriate roles and responsibilities of federal, state, and local entities; (2) establish goals and performance measures to guide the nation's preparedness efforts; and (3) carefully choose the most appropriate tools of government to implement the national strategy and achieve national goals.
United States. General Accounting Office
2002-04-02
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Combating Terrorism: Enhancing Partnerships Through a National Preparedness Strategy Statement of Patricia A. Dalton Director, Strategic Issues, Testimony before the Subcommittee on Government Efficiency, Financial Management, and Intergovernmental Relations, Committee on Government Reform, House of Representatives
Federal, state, and local governments share responsibility in preparing for catastrophic terrorist attacks. Because the national security threat is diffuse and the challenge is intergovernmental, national policymakers need a firm understanding of the interests, capacity, and challenges when formulating antiterrorism strategies. Key aspects of this strategy should include a definition and clarification of the appropriate roles and responsibilities of federal, state, and local entities. GAO has found fragmentation and overlap among federal assistance programs. More than 40 federal entities have roles in combating terrorism, and past federal efforts have resulted in a lack of accountability, a lack of cohesive effort, and program duplication. This situation has led to confusion, making it difficult to identify available federal preparedness resources and effectively partner with the federal government. Goals and performance measures should be established to guide the nation's preparedness efforts. For the nation's preparedness programs, however, outcomes have yet to be defined in terms of domestic preparedness. Given the recent and proposed increases in preparedness funding, real and meaningful improvements in preparedness and establishing clear goals and performance measures are critical to ensuring a successful and a fiscally responsible effort. The strategy should include a careful choice of the most appropriate tools of government to best achieve national goals
United States. General Accounting Office
2002-03-28
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Combating Terrorism: Critical Components of a National Strategy to Enhance State and Local Preparedness Statement of Randall A. Yim, Managing Director, National Preparedness, Testimony before the Subcommittee on Government Efficiency, Financial Management, and Intergovernmental Relations, Committee on Government Reform, House of Representatives
Federal, state, and local governments share responsibility in preparing for catastrophic terrorist attacks. Because the national security threat is diffuse and the challenge is highly intergovernmental, national policymakers must formulate strategies with a firm understanding of the interests, capacity, and challenges in addressing these issues. Key aspects of this strategy should include a definition and clarification of the appropriate roles and responsibilities of federal, state, and local entities. GAO has found fragmentation and overlap among federal assistance programs. More than 40 federal entities have roles in combating terrorism, and past federal efforts have resulted in a lack of accountability, a lack of cohesive effort, and program duplication. As state and local officials have noted, this situation has led to confusion, making it difficult to identify available federal preparedness resources and effectively partner with the federal government. Goals and performance measures should be established to guide the nation's preparedness efforts. For the nation's preparedness programs, however, outcomes have yet to be defined in terms of domestic preparedness. Given the recent and proposed increases in preparedness funding, real and meaningful improvements in preparedness and establishing clear goals and performance measures are critical to ensuring a successful and a fiscally responsible effort. The strategy should include a careful choice of the most appropriate tools of government to best achieve national goals. The choice and design of policy tools, such as grants, regulations, and partnerships, can enhance the government's capacity to (1) target areas of highest risk to better ensure that scarce federal resources address the most pressing needs, (2) promote shared responsibility by all parties, and (3) track and assess progress toward achieving national goals.
United States. General Accounting Office
2002-03-22
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Homeland Security: Responsibility and Accountability for Achieving National Goals Statement of David M. Walker, Comptroller General of the United States, Testimony before the Committee on Governmental Affairs, U.S. Senate
In the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the Administration took several steps to strengthen homeland security, including the creation of an Office of Homeland Security (OHS). The success of a homeland security strategy requires all levels of government and the private sector to communicate and cooperate with one another. The federal government must formulate realistic budget and resource plans to support the implementation of an efficient and effective homeland security program. A fundamental review of existing programs and operations can create the necessary fiscal flexibility by weeding out out-dated, poorly targeted, or inefficient programs. Although Congress called upon GAO to evaluate the effectiveness of OHS programs, GAO has experienced difficulty in gaining access to this information.
United States. General Accounting Office
2002-04-11
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Diffuse Security Threats: Technologies for Mail Sanitization Exist, but Challenges Remain, Report to Congressional Requesters
The attacks of September 11, 2001, and recent anthrax exposures have heightened long-standing concerns about the proliferation of biological weapons and the United States' ability to quickly respond to such incidents. The United States must identify technologies to protect against biological weapons, such as anthrax, without harming humans. Ionizing radiation has emerged as the leading current technology for mail sanitization. However, ionizing radiation may have adverse effects on mailed material, and it may not be applicable to some types of parcels, boxes, and large packages. In addition, applying ionizing radiation in a mail-processing environment requires radiation and biohazard precautions, such as shielding the radiation source and wearing protective gear.
United States. General Accounting Office
2002-04-23
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International Crime Control: Sustained Executive-Level Coordination of Federal Response Needed, Report to the Honorable Ben Nighthorse Campbell, U.S. Senate
International crimes, such as drugs and arms trafficking, terrorism, money laundering, and public corruption, transcend national borders and threaten global security and stability. The National Security Council (NSC) told GAO that international crime and the framework for the U.S. response are under review by the new administration. The extent of International crime is growing, but measuring its true extent is difficult. Several efforts have been made to gauge the threat posed to the United States and other countries by international crime. The 1999 threat assessment was classified, but a published version of the 2000 assessment divided the threat into the following five broad categories: (1) terrorism and drug trafficking; (2) illegal immigration, trafficking of women and children, and environmental crimes; (3) illicit transfer or trafficking of products across international borders; (4) economic trade crimes; and (5) financial crimes. NSC identified 34 federal entities with significant roles in fighting international crime. These included the Department of Justice, Treasury, and State, and the U.S. Agency for International Development. The efforts to combat public corruption internationally involves two strategies: the elimination of bribes in transnational business activities, such as government contracting, and the implementation of law assistance, which focuses on U.S. support for legal, judicial, and law enforcement reform efforts by foreign governments. Much of the technical assistance that the U.S. provides to other nations for fighting international crime involves training, particularly training at law enforcement academies established abroad. There are no standard measures of effectiveness to assess the federal government's overall efforts to address international crime. Justice's, Treasury's, and State's plans describe their efforts to combat specific types of crime, along with the performance measures to be tracked. In some cases, however, these measures do not adequately address effectiveness.
United States. General Accounting Office
2001-08-13
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European Security: U.S. and European Contributions to Foster Stability and Security in Europe, Report to the Congressional Committees
Since the end of the Cold War, the United States and its European allies are using smaller militaries, disbursing more development assistance, and increasing their reliance on multilateral organizations to provide for European security. Despite reductions in force levels and budgets, U.S. and European military forces have been actively engaged in peacekeeping and other security-enhancing activities in the region. The United States and its European allies have contributed to stability in the Balkans through various military and financial means. The Balkans operations have highlighted numerous shortfalls in the military capabilities of European allies, but competing budgetary priorities may limit their ability to remedy them before the end of the decade. Defense expenditures are expected to remain relatively flat in constant 2000 dollars over the next four to five years for most European allies, placing major defense initiatives sponsored by NATO and the European Union in jeopardy.
United States. General Accounting Office
2001-11-28
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Nuclear Nonproliferation: Security of Russia's Nuclear Material Improving; Further Enhancements Needed, Report to Congressional Requesters
The Department of Energy (DOE) is improving security of 192 metric tons of weapons-usable nuclear material in Russia by installing modern security systems that detect, delay, and respond to attempts to steal nuclear material. These systems, while not as stringent as those installed in the United States, are designed to reduce the risk of nuclear material theft at Russian sites. While Russia and the United States have worked cooperatively to reduce the risk of theft in Russia, Russian officials' concerns about divulging national security information continue to impede DOE's efforts to install systems for several hundred metric tons of nuclear material at sensitive Russian sites. Continued progress in reducing the risk of nuclear material theft in Russia hinges on DOE's ability to gain access to Russia's sensitive sites and reach agreement with the Ministry of Atomic Energy to reduce the number of sites and buildings where nuclear material is located. DOE currently does not have a means to periodically monitor the systems to ensure that they are operating properly on a continued basis. Such as mechanism would provide DOE officials with increased confidence that the security systems are reducing the risk of nuclear material theft. The strategic plan developed by DOE should provide an estimate of how much sustainability assistance is required on the basis of an analysis of the costs to operate and maintain the systems and the sites' ability to cover these costs. In addition, the plan should provide options for completing the program on the basis of the progress made on gaining access to sensitive sites and the closure of buildings and sites.
United States. General Accounting Office
2001-02-28
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Embassy Construction: Better Long-term Planning Will Enhance Program Decision-making, Report to the Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, U.S. Senate
The State Department has determined that about 80 percent of overseas U.S. diplomatic facilities lack adequate security and may be vulnerable to terrorist attack. In September 1998, State expanded its capital construction program to accelerate replacing its most vulnerable embassies and consulates by acquiring sites and preparing plans at 10 priority locations. This report summarizes (1) the status of the 10 priority embassy and consulate construction projects and (2) State's plans for the overall construction program. As of November 2000, seven projects are in the construction phase. The remaining three projects are on hold pending agreement between State and Congress about the Department's construction proposals. Although State envisions a long-term, multi-billion dollar program and has ranked more than 180 facilities it may need to replace, it has not prepared a long-term capital construction plan that identifies (1) proposed construction project's cost estimates and schedules and (2) estimated annual funding requirements for the overall program.
United States. General Accounting Office
2001-01-22
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Terrorism Insurance: Alternative Programs for Protecting Insurance Consumers, Statement of Richard J. Hillman, Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment, Testimony before the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises, Committee on Financial Services, House of Representatives
Before September 11, insurance coverage for losses from terrorism was a normal feature of insurance contracts. The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon have changed insurers' perceptions of their risk exposure. Both insurers and reinsurers say that they do not know how much to charge for this coverage, and because they cannot predict future losses, they may exclude terrorism insurance from future contracts unless the federal government provides some guidance to the industry. Several insurance programs in the United States and other countries ensure that insurance will be available to cover risks that the private sector has been unable or unwilling to cover, including losses from catastrophic events and terrorism. For government insurance programs, the question of long-term cost and program funding needs to be addressed before any program is established. Some federal insurance programs have a statutory intent to provide subsidized coverage, while others are intended to be self-funding. Regardless of statutory intent, if federal insurance is underpriced relative to its long-run costs and the federal government pays the difference, a government subsidy results.
United States. General Accounting Office
2001-10-24
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Terrorism Insurance: Alternative Programs for Protecting Insurance Consumers, Statement of Thomas J. McCool, Managing Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment, Testimony before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs
Before September 11, insurance coverage for losses from terrorism was a normal feature of insurance contracts. The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon have changed insurers' perceptions of their risk exposure. Both insurers and reinsurers say that they do not know how much to charge for this coverage and because they cannot predict future losses, they may exclude terrorism insurance from future contracts unless the federal government provides some guidance to the industry. Several insurance programs in the United States and other countries ensure that insurance will be available to cover risks that the private sector has been unable or unwilling to cover, including losses from catastrophic events and terrorism. For government insurance programs, the question of long-term cost and program funding needs to be addressed before any program is established. Some federal insurance programs have a statutory intent to provide subsidized coverage, while others are intended to be self-funding. Regardless of statutory intent, if federal insurance is underpriced relative to its long-run costs and the federal government pays the difference, a government subsidy results.
United States. General Accounting Office
2001-10-24
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Commercial Aviation: A Framework for Considering Federal Financial Assistance, Statement of David M. Walker, Comptroller General of the United States, Testimony before the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, U.S. Senate
The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on Sept. 11 killed thousands of Americans and foreign nationals. The economic toll will also be enormous. Countless jobs and retirement funds are now at risk. Estimates of the losses to the airline industry alone have ranged from $4 billion, according to many analysts, to more than $20 billion, according to some airline officials. Congress has already appropriated $40 billion for emergency responses, including increased transportation security, and Congress is considering financial assistance to the airline industry. GAO believes that the government needs to clearly define the nature of the problem--separating short-term needs from long-term challenges, industry wants from real needs. Although all airlines now face major financial challenges, government assistance cannot overcome the financial difficulty that confronted several carriers before the events of September 11. The government has a range of options to assist the airline industry, from loans and loan guarantees to tax subsidies. The choice and design of the assistance is critical to targeting federal aid to the immediate problems, spreading responsibility among all industry stakeholders, and ensuring accountability to Congress and the American people. Because an unknown level of risk will accompany such assistance, mechanisms must be put in place to protect the federal government and the taxpayers from excessive and unnecessary losses.
United States. General Accounting Office
2001-09-20
