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National Security: Additional Actions Needed to Ensure Effectiveness of 5G Strategy
From the Document: "The federal government and private industry are preparing for the next generation of wireless technology, which has the potential to represent the most significant change in wireless networks since cellular service was introduced. This fifth generation of mobile communication networks, or 5G, may have transformative effects that will increase productivity, contribute to the growth of new businesses, and spur innovation in sectors beyond telecommunications, including transportation, manufacturing, medicine, and others. Specifically, 5G will offer increased bandwidth, constant connectivity, and faster network response times, which can enhance and expand mobile technologies for consumers and businesses and introduce tens of billions of new devices to harness the Internet. However, while the advent of 5G could create significant economic opportunities, it also introduces national security risks as malicious actors seek to exploit these new 5G technologies."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-10-07
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Homeland Threat Assessment, October 2020
From the Document: "The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the first and last line of defense against the many threats facing our country. Our ability to mitigate these threats is predicated on our ability to understand them and to inform the American people. The DHS Homeland Threat Assessment (HTA) identifies the primary threats facing the United States of America at and inside our borders. This Assessment draws upon all sources of information and expertise available to the Department, including from intelligence, law enforcement, and our operational components. [...] The purpose of the HTA is to provide the American people with an overview of the information collected and analyzed by DHS employees around the world and provided to the Secretary of Homeland Security. [...] This inaugural HTA presents a holistic look from across the Department and provides the American people with the most complete, transparent, and candid look at the threats facing our Homeland. It breaks down the major threats to the Homeland in the following sections: 1. The Cyber Threat to the Homeland; 2. Foreign Influence Activity in the Homeland; 3. Threats to U.S. Economic Security; 4. The Terrorist Threat to the Homeland; 5. Transnational Criminal Organization Threats to National Security; 6. Illegal Immigration to the United States; 7. Natural Disasters."
United States. Department of Homeland Security
2020-10
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Aviation Cybersecurity: FAA Should Fully Implement Key Practices to Strengthen Its Oversight of Avionics Risks, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "Modern airplanes are equipped with networks and systems that share data with the pilots, passengers, maintenance crews, other aircraft, and air-traffic controllers in ways that were not previously feasible (see fig. 1). As a result, if avionics systems are not properly protected, they could be at risk of a variety of potential cyberattacks. Vulnerabilities could occur due to (1) not applying modifications (patches) to commercial software, (2) insecure supply chains, (3) malicious software uploads, (4) outdated systems on legacy airplanes, and (5) flight data spoofing. To date, extensive cybersecurity controls have been implemented and there have not been any reports of successful cyberattacks on an airplane's avionics systems. However, the increasing connections between airplanes and other systems, combined with the evolving cyber threat landscape, could lead to increasing risks for future flight safety."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-10
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Evaluation of DHS' Information Security Program for Fiscal Year 2019 (Redacted)
From the Document: "DHS' information security program was not effective for FY 2019 because the Department earned a maturity rating of 'Ad Hoc' (Level 1) in three of five functions, compared to last year's higher overall rating of 'Managed and Measurable' (Level 4). We rated DHS' information security program according to five functions outlined in the 2019 reporting instructions: Identify - DHS received a Level 1 rating because it did not have an effective strategy or department-wide approach to manage risks for all of its systems. Protect - DHS achieved Level 4 as it was rated Level 4 in three of the four domains essential to this function. Detect - DHS received a Level 1 rating due to the lack of a comprehensive strategy and organization-wide continuous monitoring approach to address all requirements and activities at each organizational tier. Respond - DHS received a Level 1 rating because the Coast Guard had not reported its cybersecurity incidents to DHS since 2012. Recover - DHS received Level 3 because it had not made progress since prior years[.]"
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2020-09-30
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FEMA Mismanaged the Commodity Distribution Process in Response to Hurricanes Irma and Maria
From the Highlights: "We conducted this audit to determine the extent to which FEMA managed and distributed commodities in response to Hurricanes Irma and Maria."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2020-09-25
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 8337, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act
This is the Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate as passed by the House of Representatives on September 22, 2020. From the Document: "Division A of H.R. 8337 would provide for the continuation, through December 11, 2020, of the appropriations and authorities contained in the 12 annual appropriation acts for 2020. [...] In 2021, most discretionary budget authority is subject to limits (or caps) established by the Budget Control Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-25), as modified. Separate caps exist for defense funding (in the law, 'revised security' --budget function 050) and for nondefense funding ('revised nonsecurity' --all other budget functions). The Budget Control Act also provides for certain adjustments to those caps."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2020-09-23
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Cyber Diplomacy: State Has Not Involved Relevant Federal Agencies in the Development of Its Plan to Establish the Cyberspace Security and Emerging Technologies Bureau
From the Document: "The Department of State (State) leads U.S. government international efforts to advance the full range of U.S. interests in cyberspace, including by coordinating with other federal agencies, such as the Departments of Commerce (Commerce), Defense (DOD), Energy (DOE), Homeland Security (DHS), Justice (DOJ), and the Treasury (Treasury), to improve the cybersecurity of the nation. [...] In June 2019, State notified Congress of its intent to establish a new Bureau of Cyberspace Security and Emerging Technologies (CSET) that would focus more narrowly on cyberspace security and the security aspects of emerging technologies. [...] This report examines the extent to which State involved other federal agencies in the development of its plan for establishing CSET. As part of our ongoing work on this topic, we are also continuing to monitor and review State's overall planning process for establishing this new bureau."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-09-22
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Death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Initial Considerations for Congress [September 21, 2020]
From the Document: "On September 18, 2020, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States, passed away at the age of eighty-seven, vacating a seat on the High Court that she had held for twenty-seven years. [...] This Legal Sidebar highlights several areas of law where Justice Ginsburg--either by authoring or joining a majority opinion or a notable dissent--proved consequential to the trajectory of Supreme Court jurisprudence. In so doing, this post provides a broad overview of key legal issues Congress (and, more specifically the Senate through its advice-and-consent role) may consider as it reflects on Justice Ginsburg's jurisprudence and how her eventual successor might shape the future of the Court."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brannon, Valerie C.; Lewis, Caitlain Devereaux; Garcia, Michael John
2020-09-21
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Executive Order 13949: Blocking Property of Certain Persons with Respect to the Conventional Arms Activities of Iran
From the Document: "It remains the policy of the United States to counter Iran's malign influence in the Middle East, including transfers from Iran of destabilizing conventional weapons and acquisition of arms and related materiel by Iran. Transfers to and from Iran of arms or related materiel or military equipment represent a continuing threat to regional and international security--as evidenced by Iran's continued military support that fuels ongoing conflict in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen. Iran benefits from engaging in the conventional arms trade by strengthening its relationships with other outlier regimes, lessening its international isolation, and deriving revenue that it uses to support terror groups and fund malign activities."
United States. Office of the Federal Register
Trump, Donald, 1946-
2020-09-21
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FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Issues [Updated September 18, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Each year, the House and Senate armed services committees take up national defense authorization bills. The House of Representatives passed its version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (NDAA; H.R. 2500) on July 12, 2019. The Senate passed its version of the NDAA (S. 1790) on June 27, 2019. These bills contain numerous provisions that affect military personnel, retirees, and their family members. Provisions in one version may not be included in the other, may be treated differently, or may be identical to those in the other versions. Following passage of each chamber's bill, a conference committee typically convenes to resolve the differences between the respective chambers' versions of the bill. The House passed the FY2020 NDAA conference report on December 11, 2019, and the Senate passed the report on December 17, 2019. On December 20, 2019, President Donald J. Trump signed the bill into law (P.L. 116-92). This report highlights selected personnel-related issues that may generate high levels of congressional and constituent interest. Related CRS [Congressional Research Service] products are identified in each section to provide more detailed background information and analysis of the issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mendez, Bryce H. P.; Ott, Alan; Kamarck, Kristy N. . . .
2020-09-18
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Nigeria: Current Issues and U.S. Policy [Updated September 18, 2020]
From the Overview: "Nigeria is Africa's most populous country, largest economy, and leading oil producer. Successive U.S. Administrations have described the U.S.-Nigeria relationship as among the most important in sub-Saharan Africa: the country is the United States' second-largest trading partner and third-largest destination for U.S. foreign direct investment in the region, and it routinely ranks among the top annual recipients of U.S. foreign aid globally. Nigeria plays a major political and economic role in Africa and wields influence regionally. Nigerians make up the largest African-born population in the United States, generating billions of dollars in annual remittance outflows."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Husted, Tomas F.; Blanchard, Lauren Ploch
2020-09-18
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Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress [September 17, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report presents background information and issues for Congress concerning the Navy's force structure and shipbuilding plans. The current and planned size and composition of the Navy, the annual rate of Navy ship procurement, the capacity of the naval shipbuilding industry, and the prospective affordability of the Navy's shipbuilding plans have been oversight matters for the congressional defense committees for many years. [...] The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's proposed FY2021 shipbuilding program and the Navy's longer-term shipbuilding plans. Decisions that Congress makes on this issue can substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-09-17
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Veterans Affairs: VA Needs to Address Persistent IT Modernization and Cybersecurity Challenges, Statement of Carol C. Harris, Director, Information Technology Management Issues, Testimony Before the Subcommittees on Economic Opportunity and Technology Modernization, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, House of Representatives
From the Document: "The use of IT [information technology] is crucial to helping VA [Department of Veterans Affairs] effectively serve the nation's veterans. The department annually spends billions of dollars on its information systems and assets--VA's budget for IT now exceeds $4 billion annually. However, over many years, VA has experienced challenges in managing its IT projects and programs, which could jeopardize its ability to effectively support key programs such as the Forever GI Bill. GAO [Government Accountability Office] has previously reported on these IT management challenges at VA. GAO was asked to testify on its prior IT work at VA. Specifically, this testimony summarizes results and recommendations from GAO's issued reports that examined VA's efforts in (1) modernizing VistA [Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture], a system for the Family Caregiver Program, and VBMS [Veterans Benefits Management System]; (2) implementing FITARA [Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act]; and (3) addressing cybersecurity issues. In developing this testimony, GAO reviewed its recently issued reports that addressed IT management issues at VA and GAO's biannual high-risk series. GAO also incorporated information on the department's actions in response to recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Harris, Carol C.
2020-09-16
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Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress [September 15, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report presents background information and issues for Congress concerning the Navy's force structure and shipbuilding plans. The current and planned size and composition of the Navy, the annual rate of Navy ship procurement, the capacity of the naval shipbuilding industry, and the prospective affordability of the Navy's shipbuilding plans have been oversight matters for the congressional defense committees for many years. The Navy states that its proposed FY2021 budget requests the procurement of eight new ships, but this figure includes LPD-31, an LPD-17 Flight II amphibious ship that Congress procured (i.e., authorized and appropriated procurement funding for) in FY2020. Excluding this ship, the Navy's proposed FY2021 budget requests the procurement of seven new ships rather than eight, including one Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), one Virginia-class attack submarine (SSN), two DDG-51 destroyers, one FFG(X) frigate, and two TATS towing, salvage, and rescue ships. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's proposed FY2021 shipbuilding program and the Navy's longer-term shipbuilding plans. Decisions that Congress makes on this issue can substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-09-15
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Internships, Fellowships, and Other Work Experience Opportunities in the Federal Government [Updated September 14, 2020]
From the Summary: "Although there are many opportunities in the federal government for internships, fellowships, and other work experience, there is no comprehensive source to assist in locating these opportunities. This report describes internet resources for prominent and popular opportunities for internship, fellowship, and work experience programs within the federal government. The report is intended as a selective guide for students of all levels: high school, undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate. It provides information on legislative, executive, and judicial branch opportunities and links to several aggregators of jobs data. The introduction provides a number of insights to assist applicants on understanding terminology, timing applications, and expectations for types of work involved."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Finch, Christina Miracle; Manning, Jennifer E.; Marchsteiner, Kathleen E.
2020-09-14
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Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated September 10, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. Issues such as geopolitical competition in the region between the United States, Russia, and China; increased military operations in the region by the United States, Russia, and other Arctic countries; growth in commercial shipping through the Arctic; and oil, gas, and mineral exploration in the Arctic could cause the region in coming years to become an arena of international cooperation, tension, and/or competition. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial political, economic, energy, environmental, and other interests in the region. Decisions that Congress makes on Arctic-related issues could significantly affect these interests. This report provides an overview of Arctic-related issues for Congress, and refers readers to more in-depth CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports on specific Arctic-related issues. Congressional readers with questions about an issue discussed in this report should contact the author or authors of the section discussing that issue. The authors are identified by footnote at the start of each section. This report does not track legislation on specific Arctic-related issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; Comay, Laura B.; Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin) . . .
2020-09-10
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FEMA is Not Effectively Administering a Program to Reduce or Eliminate Damage to Severe Repetitive Loss Properties
From the Document: "Severe repetitive loss (SRL) properties are those that flood repeatedly, causing significant difficulties for property owners. The objective of this audit was to determine to what extent the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is managing SRL properties covered by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2020-09-08
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In the Matter of Murphy, Brian Principal Deputy Under Secretary Department of Homeland Security Office of Intelligence & Analysis: Whistleblower Reprisal Complaint
From the Introduction: "This complaint concerns retaliatory actions taken or threatened to be taken against a longtime public servant, Brian Murphy ('Mr. Murphy'). The retaliatory actions were taken and/or threatened to be taken in light of at least five sets of protected disclosures made by Mr. Murphy between March 2018 and August 2020. The protected disclosures that prompted the retaliatory personnel actions at issue primarily focused on the compilation of intelligence reports and threat assessments that conflicted with policy objectives set forth by the White House and senior Department of Homeland Security ('DHS') personnel. As set forth below, the identified protected communications were made through Mr. Murphy's chain of command, as well as to the DHS Office of Inspector General ('OIG'). Notably, Mr. Murphy made protected communications to his immediate supervisor and some of the very Responsible Management Officials ('RMOs') who ultimately took (or threatened to take) retaliatory action against Mr. Murphy. A thorough investigation will establish that the actions taken or threatened to be taken against Mr. Murphy were done in reprisal for his protected disclosures. Therefore, we respectfully request that DHS OIG promptly institute the required investigation."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2020-09-08
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Space Policy Directive-5: Cybersecurity Principles for Space Systems
From the Background: "The United States considers unfettered freedom to operate in space vital to advancing the security, economic prosperity, and scientific knowledge of the Nation. Space systems enable key functions such as global communications; positioning, navigation, and timing; scientific observation; exploration; weather monitoring; and multiple vital national security applications. Therefore, it is essential to protect space systems from cyber incidents in order to prevent disruptions to their ability to provide reliable and efficient contributions to the operations of the Nation's critical infrastructure. Space systems are reliant on information systems and networks from design conceptualization through launch and flight operations. Further, the transmission of command and control and mission information between space vehicles and ground networks relies on the use of radio-frequency-dependent wireless communication channels. These systems, networks, and channels can be vulnerable to malicious activities that can deny, degrade, or disrupt space operations, or even destroy satellites. [...] The National Cyber Strategy of September 2018 states that my Administration will enhance efforts to protect our space assets and supporting infrastructure from evolving cyber threats, and will work with industry and international partners to strengthen the cyber resilience of existing and future space systems."
United States. Office of the Federal Register
Trump, Donald, 1946-
2020-09-04
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Supreme Court October Term 2019: A Review of Selected Major Rulings [September 4, 2020]
From the Summary: "The Supreme Court term that began on October 7, 2019 was one of the most eventful in recent history. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic colored much of the Court's work, leading the Court to close its building to the public indefinitely, postpone oral arguments originally scheduled for March and April of 2020, and, for the first time in history, telephonically conduct oral arguments in roughly a dozen cases over two weeks in May 2020. The Court, which typically recesses for the summer in late June, continued to issue opinions through the second week of July 2020 because of delays caused by the pandemic. And substantively, the October 2019 Term included the Court issuing several orders concerning litigation over various state-government responses to the pandemic. Beyond the effects of the pandemic, the October 2019 Term was notable because the Court issued a host of significant decisions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brannon, Valerie C.; Cole, Jared P.; Garvey, Todd . . .
2020-09-04
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Lessons Learned from the 2020 Primary During COVID-19
From the Document: "This document includes common themes and feedback from election officials, in their own words, outlining their observations, lessons learned, and best practices based on their experience of adjusting to conducting a large turnout election after the outbreak of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] required stay at home orders across the United States. This document does not include feedback from states that saw no shift in their processes due to already conducting their elections by mail and is not exhaustive of all experiences in the 2020 primary election calendar. It includes information shared with the EAC [Election Assistance Commission] through webinars, interviews, and a public hearing on lessons learned from the 2020 primaries. While officials saw a surge of ballots cast by mail or absentee, it is notable that election officials spent considerable time highlighting to the EAC the unique challenges they faced in conducting in-person voting and the extensive planning that they are undertaking to ensure safe and accessible in-person voting for November."
United States. Election Assistance Commission
2020-09-04?
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Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy and Issues in the 116th Congress [Updated September 3, 2020]
From the Summary: "The United States maintains strong linkages with neighboring Latin America and the Caribbean based on geographic proximity and diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. The United States is a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for many countries in the region, with free-trade agreements enhancing economic linkages with 11 countries. The region is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration. Curbing the flow of illicit drugs has been a key component of U.S. relations with the region for more than four decades and currently involves close security cooperation with Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. U.S. support for democracy and human rights in the region has been long-standing, with current focus on Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Overall, although the region has made significant advances over the past four decades in terms of both political and economic development, notable challenges remain and some countries have experienced major setbacks, most prominently Venezuela. [...] Under the Trump Administration, U.S. relations with Latin America and the Caribbean have generally moved toward a more confrontational approach from one of engagement and partnership during past Administrations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2020-09-03
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Federal Research and Development (R&D) Funding: FY2021 [Updated September 2, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The 116th Congress continues its interest in U.S. research and development (R&D) and in evaluating support for federal R&D activities. The federal government has played an important role in supporting R&D efforts that have led to scientific breakthroughs and new technologies, from jet aircraft and the internet to communications satellites, shale gas extraction, and defenses against disease. [...] This report begins with a discussion of the overall level of R&D in President Trump's FY2021 budget request, followed by analyses of R&D funding in the request from a variety of perspectives and for selected multiagency R&D initiatives. The remainder of the report discusses and analyzes the R&D budget requests of selected federal departments and agencies that, collectively, account for approximately 98% of total federal R&D funding."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sargent, John F.; Croft, Genevieve K.; Esworthy, Robert . . .
2020-09-02
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Information Technology: Key Attributes of Essential Federal Mission-Critical Acquisitions, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "The acquisition of IT [information technology] systems has presented challenges to federal agencies. Accordingly, in 2015 GAO [Government Accountability Office] identified the management of IT acquisitions and operations as a high-risk area, a designation it retains today. GAO was asked to report on federal IT acquisitions. GAO's specific objective was to identify essential mission-critical IT acquisitions across the federal government and determine their key attributes."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-09
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Federal Tactical Teams: Characteristics, Training, Deployments, and Inventory, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "Many federal agencies employ law enforcement officers to carry out the agency's law enforcement mission and maintain the security of federal property, employees, and the public. Some of these agencies have specialized law enforcement teams-- referred to as federal tactical teams in this report--whose members are selected, trained, equipped, and assigned to prevent and resolve critical incidents involving a public safety threat that their agency's traditional law enforcement may not otherwise have the capability to resolve. This report provides information on the (1) federal tactical teams and their characteristics; (2) training team members receive; (3) deployments of such teams from fiscal years 2015 through 2019; and (4) firearms, tactical equipment, and tactical vehicles in team inventories, as of January 2020."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-09
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Federal Advisory Committees: Actions Needed to Enhance Decision-Making Transparency and Cost Data Accuracy, Report to the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, U.S. Senate
From the Highlights: "FACA [Federal Advisory Committee Act] requires federal agencies to ensure that federal advisory committees make decisions that are independent and transparent. In fiscal year 2019, nearly 960 committees under FACA played a key role in informing public policy and government regulations. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review the transparency and independence of FACA committees and data collected in GSA's [General Services Administration] FACA database. This report examines (1) selected agencies' and committees' adherence to transparency requirements; (2) their practices to help ensure that agency officials do not exert inappropriate influence on committee decision-making; and (3) the extent to which GSA's FACA database contained accurate, complete, and useful cost information for these committees."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-09
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Disaster Assistance: Additional Actions Needed to Strengthen FEMA's Individuals and Households Program, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "During the 2017 and 2018 disaster seasons, several sequential, largescale disasters created an unprecedented demand for federal disaster assistance. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review issues related to the federal response and recovery to the 2017 disaster season and, specifically, the effectiveness of the IHP [Individuals and Households Program]. This report addresses (1) IHP outcomes and challenges faced by survivors from 2016 through 2018; (2) challenges FEMA faced implementing the IHP during the same period; and (3) FEMA efforts to assess and improve the IHP, among other things."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-09
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Coast Guard: Improved Analysis of Vessel Response Plan Use Could Help Mitigate Marine Pollution Risk, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "Pursuant to the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the Coast Guard issued regulations requiring tankers and other large vessels to develop VRPs [vessel response plans] that identify the resources that would respond to an oil spill, including a spill resulting from a fire or explosion. The Coast Guard reviews VRPs against certain regulatory requirements, such as time frames for response. In remote locations with limited response resources, those seeking VRP approvals may request to use APC [alternative planning criteria] for responses instead. The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review the VRP program. This report examines the Coast Guard's processes for assessing (1) VRPs against regulations and (2) requests for use of APC."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-09
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Chemical Security: DHS Could Use Available Data to Better Plan Outreach to Facilities Excluded from Anti-Terrorism Standards, Report to the Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives
From the Highlights: "Facilities that produce, use, or store hazardous chemicals could be targeted or used by terrorists to inflict mass casualties and damage. DHS established the CFATS [Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards] program to assess the risk posed by facilities with threshold quantities of hazardous chemicals of interest and inspect them to ensure compliance with DHS standards. However, certain types of facilities subject to other regulatory programs are excluded from the CFATS program by statute. Excluded facilities include facilities regulated under the MTSA [Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002] program, public water systems, and wastewater treatment works. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review issues related to excluded facilities. This report addresses, among other things, the extent to which (1) selected federal programs that regulate excluded facilities contain requirements or guidance that align with CFATS standards, and (2) DHS conducts outreach to excluded facilities."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-09
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Disaster Assistance: FEMA Should Take Additional Actions to Strengthen Fraud Risk Management for Public Assistance Emergency Work Grants, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "FEMA has obligated over $10 billion in PA [Public Assistance] grants for emergency work to applicants in the three states and two territories recovering from hurricanes and wildfires in 2017. FEMA faces challenges balancing the need to quickly deliver disaster funds while minimizing the risk of fraud-- challenges increased by the size and scope of the 2017 disasters and the complexity of the PA grant program. Fraud schemes have included false documentation for debris removal. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review a range of disaster response and recovery issues following the 2017 disaster season. This report addresses the extent to which (1) FEMA's efforts to assess fraud risks to PA emergency work grants align with leading practices, and (2) FEMA helps ensure PA applicants are able to meet their responsibilities for managing fraud risks. GAO assessed FEMA's procedures against leading practices in the Fraud Risk Framework."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-09
