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• Roundtable: 'Answering the Call: The Response of Community-Based Organizations to the 2005 Gulf Coast Hurricane, Hearing of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, United States Senate, One Hundred and Ninth Congress, Second Session, March 7, 2006

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  From the opening statement of Michael B. Enzi: "Today the committee holds another in a series of hearings and roundtable discussions on the hurricanes that caused that devastation in the Gulf Coast region and our efforts to respond to the needs of those whose lives where forever changed by that catastrophe. Today's roundtable will be taking a closer look at the role of community-based organizations in responding to the great needs of the region in the aftermath of these powerful storms. […] To ensure that we are better-prepared for the next challenge, we will be discussing the role of community-based organizations that came to the aid of the people of Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, and Mississippi. These organizations located in cities and towns all over the country took in many of the people who evacuated the region. […] We will also look at what worked and did not work with regard to the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. This is an organization with important responsibilities in the national response plan for facilitating communication among community-based organizations and with the Government." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Michael B. Enzi, Kay Wilkins, Almetra Franklin, Lorna Bourg, Tom Hazelwood, Welton Gaddy, Craig Nemitz, Jayne Wright, Heather Feltman, Thomas E. Green, William Daroff, Tanya Harris, Todd Hawks, Mostafa Mahboob, Ande Miller, Cynthia Fagnoni, and Edward M. Kennedy.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2006
• Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans: A Flooded City, A Chaotic Response, Hearing Before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundred Ninth Congress, First Session, October 20, 2005

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  From the opening statement of Susan M. Collins: "Today we will hear from the first FEMA employee who was on the ground in New Orleans immediately before, during, and after Hurricane Katrina. Marty Bahamonde is a career employee at FEMA who has responded to numerous natural disasters, including hurricanes in Florida and the massive earthquake in Iran in 2003. […] Contrary to former FEMA Director Michael Brown's testimony before the House Select Committee, Mr. Bahamonde told us that he was the only FEMA official in the area before and during the hurricane. […] Within FEMA itself, there was a failure to coordinate effectively. Mr. Bahamonde tried desperately to fill the void created by poor planning and a sluggish response. His accounts from the scene, some of which are preserved in E-mail messages, describe heroic efforts of FEMA employees deployed to the Superdome after the hurricane. But his E-mails also describe a complete disconnect between senior officials and the reality of the situation on the ground. Mr. Bahamonde wrote a poignant message on Saturday, September 3, in which he saluted the work of many FEMA employees, but also stated, 'The leadership from top down in our agency is unprepared and out of touch.' […] The information that he is providing this Committee will help us probe and better understand many troubling questions, such as how exactly did local, State, and Federal Governments react during the 16 hours between the report of the break in the levee and the time that the flood waters reached the Superdome. As the Committees investigation proceeds, we will examine further why critical information provided by Mr. Bahamonde was either discounted, misunderstood, or simply not acted upon." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Susan M. Collins, Joseph I. Lieberman, John W. Warner, Carl Levin, Mark Dayton, Daniel K. Akaka, Mark Pryor, Frank Lautenberg, Thomas R. Carper, and Marty Bahamonde.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2006
• Hurricane Katrina: The Houston Perspective [presentation]

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  This presentation was given by John Blackburn at a training conference hosted by the Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-free Schools. Chief John Blackburn, Chief of Police for the Houston Independent School District shared his experiences and lessons learned during Hurricane Katrina.

  Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Technical Assistance Center (U.S.)

  Blackburn, John
• Foreign Countries' Response to the Avian Influenza (H5N1) Virus: Current Status [February 5, 2007]

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  "This report highlights recent efforts by affected countries to control the spread of the avian influenza (H5N1) virus. Included is statistical information on confirmed human cases and deaths through January 2007. For more background information on earlier efforts by these countries and international organizations through September 2006, see CRS Report RL33349, International Efforts to Control the Spread of the Avian Influenza (H5N1) Virus: Affected Countries' Responses. This report will be updated as events warrant. For additional information on the H5N1 virus, U.S. international assistance to countries struggling with the spread of the virus, U.S. domestic preparedness efforts, and potential impact on trade and agricultural issues, please see the following reports: CRS Report RL33219, U.S. and International Responses to the Global Spread of Avian Flu: Issues for Congress, by Tiaji Salaam-Blyther; CRS Report RL33145, Pandemic Influenza: Domestic Preparedness Efforts, by Sarah A. Lister; CRS Report RL33795, Avian Influenza in Poultry and Wild Birds, by Jim Monke and M. Lynne Corn; and CRS Report RS22453, Avian Flu Pandemic: Potential Impact of Trade Disruptions, by Danielle Langton."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fischer, Hannah; Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Chesser, Susan G.

  2007-02-05
• Homeland Security: Establishment and Implementation of the United States Northern Command [February 10, 2005]

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  "The Department of Defense (DOD) established U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) to fight terrorism at home. Significant organizational and procedural progress has been made in setting up this organization. However, questions remain concerning interagency relationships and information sharing. This report will be updated as events dictate."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bowman, Steve; Shepherd, Scott

  2005-02-10
• FY2010 Department of Homeland Security Assistance to States and Localities [November 5, 2009]

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  From the Summary: "Since FY2002, Congress has appropriated more than $33 billion for homeland security assistance to states, specified urban areas and critical infrastructures (such as ports and rail systems), the District of Columbia, and U.S. insular areas. The Grant Programs Directorate and the National Preparedness Directorate, within the Federal Emergency Management Agency, administer these programs for the Department of Homeland Security. Each assistance program has either an all hazards purpose or a terrorism preparedness purpose. These programs are primarily used by first responders, which include firefighters, emergency medical personnel, emergency managers, and law enforcement officers. Specifically, the appropriations for these programs provide for grants, training, exercises, and other support to states, territories, and tribal and joint jurisdictions to prepare for terrorism and major disasters. This report provides information on enacted FY2009 and FY2010 funding for these grant programs. It also identifies potential issues Congress may wish to address. The report will be updated when congressional or executive branch actions warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Reese, Shawn

  2009-11-05
• Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC): An Overview [July 21, 2008]

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  This CRS report provides an overview of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). More specifically, "EMAC is an agreement among member states to provide assistance after disasters overwhelm a state's capacity to manage consequences. The compact, initiated by the states and coordinated by the National Emergency Management Association, provides a structure for requesting emergency assistance from party states. In 1996 Congress approved EMAC as an interstate compact (P.L. 104-321). EMAC also resolves some, but not all, potential legal and administrative obstacles that may hinder such assistance at the state level. EMAC also enhances state preparedness for terrorist attacks by ensuring the availability of resources for fast response and facilitating multi-state cooperation in training activities and preparedness exercises. In June of 2008, a bill to reform mutual aid agreements for the National Capital Region (P.L. 110-250) was enacted to expand the types of organizations and agencies in the region that are authorized to enter into agreements and ease the requirements for agents and volunteers to respond to an incident. Legislation in the 110th Congress (S. 1452) would require EMAC to ensure that licensed mental health professionals with expertise in treating vulnerable populations are included in the leadership of the National Disaster Medical System and are available for deployment with Disaster Medical Assistance Teams."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lindsay, Bruce R.

  2008-07-21
• Emergency Alert System (EAS) and All-Hazard Warnings [Updated August 25, 2008]

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  This CRS report discusses the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and All-Hazard Warnings. "The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is built on a structure conceived in the 1950's when over-the-air broadcasting was the best-available technology for widely disseminating emergency alerts. It is one of several federally managed warning systems. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) jointly administers EAS with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in cooperation with the National Weather Service (NWS), an organization within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The NOAA/NWS weather radio system has been upgraded to an all-hazard warning capability. Measures to improve the NOAA network and the new Digital Emergency Alert System (DEAS) are ongoing. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), working with the Association of Public Television Stations, is implementing a program that will disseminate national alert messages over digital broadcast airwaves, using satellite and public TV broadcast towers. This program, referred to as the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), is part of the Department's response to an Executive Order requiring the Secretary of Homeland Security to meet specific requirements for an alert system as part of U.S. policy."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Moore, L. K. S. (Linda K. S.)

  2008-08-25
• Geospatial Information and Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Current Issues and Future Challenges [June 8, 2009]

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  "The federal government has recognized the need to organize and coordinate the collection and management of geospatial data since at least 1990, when the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) revised Circular A-16 to establish the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) and to promote the coordinated use, sharing, and dissemination of geospatial data nationwide. OMB Circular A-16 also called for development of a national digital spatial information resource to enable the sharing and transfer of spatial data between users and producers, linked by criteria and standards. Executive Order 12906, issued in 1994, strengthened and enhanced Circular A-16, and specified that FGDC shall coordinate development of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin)

  2009-06-08
• Emergency Communications: The Future of 911 [June 16, 2009]

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  This updated CRS Report provides information about modernizing the current 911 emergency system. More specifically, "the balance of this report describes the development of Congressional policy in support of 911, technology and infrastructure, federal programs, the transition to IP-enabled emergency communications, costs, and other elements of change before returning to a discussion of goals for the future. [...] Consumer expectations for accurate and timely response to 911 calls are based on the advanced features available on most communications devices, not on the reality of a faltering legacy system. The analog system cannot carry text messages, for example. Calls are delayed or dropped when analog and digital systems do not mesh. Information on the location of the call is lost because the digital details cannot be transmitted by the underlying telecommunications infrastructure or understood by the computers at Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). PSAPs are the call centers that receive and relay 911 calls. As summarized in a National Emergency Number Association (NENA) report, 'Simply put, the 9-1-1 system has not kept up with technology and is badly in need of modernization.' Modernizing the system to provide the quality of service that approaches the expectations of its users will require investments in new technologies. The general consensus is that present and future digital communications would be best supported by Next Generation 911 technology (NG9-1-1). The term NG9-1-1 is widely used to refer to the modernization of all parts of the 911 system, including hardware, software, data, and operational policies and procedures, all supported by multi-purpose emergency service networks."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Moore, L. K. S. (Linda K. S.)

  2009-06-16
• Homeland Security Intelligence: Perceptions, Statutory Definitions, and Approaches [Updated January 14, 2009]

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  This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report "provides a potential conceptual model of how to frame HSINT (homeland security intelligence), including geographic, structural/statutory, and holistic approaches. Given that state, local, tribal, and private sector officials play such an important role in HSINT, the holistic model, one not constrained by geography or levels of government, strikes many as the most compelling. The report argues that there is, in effect, a Homeland Security Intelligence Community (HSIC). Although the HSIC's members are diffused across the nation, they share a common counterterrorism interest. The proliferation of intelligence and information fusion centers across the country indicate that state and local leaders believe there is value to centralizing intelligence gathering and analysis in a manner that assists them in preventing and responding to local manifestations of terrorist threats to their people, infrastructure, and other assets. At the policy and operational levels, the communication and integration of federal HSINT efforts with these state and local fusion centers will likely remain an important priority and future challenge. This report will not be updated. [...] Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Congress has focused considerable attention on how intelligence is collected, analyzed, and disseminated in order to protect the homeland against terrorist threats. Prior to 9/11, it was possible to make a distinction between 'domestic intelligence'--primarily law enforcement information collected within the United States--and 'foreign intelligence'-- primarily military, political, and economic intelligence collected outside the country. Today, threats to the homeland posed by terrorist groups are now national security threats. Intelligence collected outside the United States is often very relevant to the threat environment inside the United States and vice versa."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Randol, Mark A.

  2009-01-14
• Homeland Security: Standards for State and Local Preparedness [January 2, 2003]

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  Is the United States prepared for a terrorist attack involving a weapon of mass destruction? How will we know when we are prepared? These are some of the many questions policy makers have been asking about the nation's homeland security efforts. State and local first responders, including law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical service, and hazardous materials personnel, are widely acknowledged as being an invaluable homeland security resource. Their proximity insures that they almost always will be among the first to arrive at the scene of a terrorist attack. Some observers believe the implementation of standards for state and local governments can improve preparedness not only for terrorist attacks, but for all types of disasters, be they man-made or natural. This report identifies types of preparedness standards, describes current activities to develop these standards, and discusses policy approaches that Congress might take in addressing this issue. Arguably, standards can assist in evaluating the effectiveness of the new Department of Homeland Security, evaluating selected preparedness grant programs, and identifying weaknesses in state and local preparedness. It can also aid policymakers in evaluating an agency's compliance with the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), which requires federal agencies to measure their own performance.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Canada, Ben

  2003-01-02
• Terrorist Attack on USS Cole: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated January 30, 2001]

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  "On October 12, 2000, the U.S. Navy destroyer Cole was attacked by a small, explosives-laden boat during a brief refueling stop in the harbor of Aden, Yemen. The suicide terrorist attack killed 17 members of the ship's crew, wounded 39 others, and seriously damaged the ship. Evidence developed to date suggests that it may have been carried out by Islamic militants with possible connections to the terrorist network led by Usama bin Ladin. The FBI, Defense Department, and Navy launched investigations to determine culpability for the attack and to review procedures. A broad DoD review of accountability was conducted by a special panel. On January 9, 2001, the panel issued its report which avoided assigning blame but found significant shortcomings in security against terrorist attacks, including inadequate training and intelligence. On January 23, 2001, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman, John Warner, announced intentions for the Committee to hold its own investigation. Issues for Congress include the adequacy of (1) procedures by U.S. forces to protect against terrorist attacks; (2) intelligence related to potential terrorist attacks; and (3) U.S. anti-terrorism policy and response. This report will be updated if major new developments warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Perl, Raphael; O'Rourke, Ronald

  2001-01-30
• Department of Homeland Security: State and Local Preparedness Issues [Updated May 5, 2003]

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  The Homeland Security Act transferred several federal entities administering preparedness programs to the new department of Homeland Security. In addition, the Justice Department's Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) will be transferred to the Border and Transportation Security directorate. ODP provides training, equipment grants, and technical assistance to states and localities. At least two bills have been introduced in the 108th Congress that would restructure DHS entities administering preparedness programs. The department's Office of State and Local Government Coordination, however, may have the necessary authority to develop a department-wide approach.The Homeland Security Act instructs FEMA to maintain its all-hazards focus, but some observers contend that, with the threat of terrorism, this approach may no longer apply.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Canada, Ben

  2003-05-05
• Transportation Security Administration's Airline Passenger and Baggage Screening, Hearing Before the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, United States Senate, One Hundred Ninth Congress, Second Session, April 4, 2006

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  From the opening statement of Ted Stevens: "The purpose of today's hearing will be to evaluate TSA's [Transportation Security Administration] physical screening of airline passengers and their baggage. The hearing will focus generally on TSA's security checkpoint screening processes, the agency's deployment of new screening technologies, screener workforce issues, and TSA's procurement processes. [...] Our committee wants to seek some information today from you as witnesses regarding ways to make passenger screening checkpoints more efficient, effective, without compromising privacy. We want to seek TSA's vision for the checkpoint of the future and review whether existing technologies can be integrated to a single more effective portal that can be applied in the short term." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Ted Stevens, Senator (AK); John Ensign, Senator (NV); Daniel K. Inouye, Senator (HI); Frank R. Lautenberg, Senator (NJ); Mark Pryor, Senator (AR); Cathleen A. Berrick, Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, U.S. Government Accountability Office; Edmond Hawley, Assistant Secretary, Transportation Security Administration, Gregory O. Principato, President, Airports Council International- North America (ACI-NA); Hasbrouck B. Miller, Vice President of Government Affairs, Smiths Detection; Thomas Ripp, President, Security and Detection Systems Division, L-3 Communications, Inc.; Timothy D. Sparapani, Legislative Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union; and the report "Luggage Security-More Safety, Less Hassle for American Travelers: a Private Sector Solution," by Richard A. Altomare, Coalition for Luggage Security.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2011
• After Action Report/Improvement Plan: Limerick Generating Station [November 17, 2009]

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  From the Executive Summary: "During the week of November 16, 2009, a full-scale evaluated plume exercise was conducted in the 10-mile plume exposure pathway, Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) around the Limerick Generating Station (LGS) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Region III. Out-of-sequence Mass Care demonstrations were conducted the 6th, 7th, and 8th of October 2009. A Medical Services (MS-1) drill was also evaluated June 10, 2009. The purpose of the exercise and the out-of-sequence demonstrations were to assess the State and local offsite response organization preparedness in responding to a radiological emergency. The exercise and out-of-sequence demonstrations were held in accordance with FEMA's policies and guidance concerning the exercise of State and local radiological emergency response plans (RERP) and procedures."

  United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency; Pennsylvania

  2010-02-09
• Management Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Security: Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Management, Integration, and Oversight of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Ninth Congress, April 20, 2005

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  From the opening statement of Mike Rogers: "We are holding this hearing to review the major management challenges facing the Department of Homeland Security. We also will consider what steps need to be taken to improve the overall management of the Department and its programs. The Department is just over 2 years old, and it is the third largest department in the Federal government. When it was stood up in March 2003, the Department inherited 180,000 employees and 22 separate agencies. Many of these agencies had their own separate systems for personnel, procurement, budgeting and communications. Today, we will hear from the Department's Office of Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office on audits and reviews they recently conducted of the Department's major management challenges. We will also hear from the Department's former Undersecretary for Border and Transportation Security and the former Inspector General, as well as the Chairman of the Gilmore Commission regarding their views and recommendations on the Department's management functions. One issue of special interest is how we ensure that the Department is fully coordinating its training efforts to support our first responders and firefighters." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Mike Rogers, Kendrick B. Meek, Christopher Cox, Bennie G. Thompson, Charlie Dent, Sheila Jackson-Lee, Michael McCaul, Dave G. Riechert, Clark Kent Ervin, James S. Gilmore, III, Asa Hutchison, Norman Rabkin, and Richard L. Skinner.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2005
• Interstate Travel: Constitutional Challenges to the Identification Requirement and Other Transportation Security Regulations [Updated December 21, 2004]

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  "Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, security measures in and around our nation's transportation facilities have dramatically increased. Nowhere has the increase been more noticeable than with respect to air transportation. New federal statutes and agency regulations have been implemented, each with the purpose of ensuring the safety and security of passengers, facilities, and workers of our national transportation systems. Not all of these security measures, however, have been publicly disclosed. In fact, pursuant to its statutory authority, the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) has issued a series of regulations relating to transportation security in which a majority of the information, including rules, orders, and directives has been classified as 'sensitive security information' (SSI), and thus, withheld from public scrutiny. For example, the regulation requiring that all passengers produce photo identification before being allowed to enter the airport gate area or board an aircraft, bus, or train has been classified as SSI, and consequently, cannot be disclosed to the general public. In addition, the standards utilized for creating, maintaining and requiring airlines to screen passengers against government-provided 'watch lists' and 'no-fly lists' do not appear to have been made publicly available."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Tatelman, Todd

  2004-12-21
• First Responder Initiative: Policy Issues and Options [Updated September 29, 2003]

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  "In its FY2004 budget request, the Bush Administration proposed a new grant program called the 'First Responder Initiative' to help first responders prepare for possible terrorist attacks. Under the proposal, the Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP), within the Department of Homeland Security, would administer program components of the initiative. The program's primary purpose would be to improve the ability of first responders (including police, firefighters, emergency medical, and hazardous materials personnel) to respond to terrorist attacks involving weapons of mass destruction. The program would fund a range of activities in the areas of planning, training, exercises, and equipment. The Administration proposal is one of several proposals to restructure first responder preparedness grants before the 108th Congress. Recently, the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approved S. 1245, the Homeland Security Grant Enhancement Act of 2003, which seeks to simplify and streamline existing grant programs for first responder preparedness. This report will be updated as the 108th Congress takes action on proposals to create or modify first responder preparedness programs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Canada, Ben

  2003-09-29
• State and Local Preparedness for Terrorism: Selected Policy Issues [Updated December 19, 2002]

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  "While the federal government has resources at hand for responding to terrorist attacks, the proximity of state and local first responders insures they will almost always be the first to arrive at the site of an attack. For this reason, the preparedness of state and local governments has become a salient national issue. The President's 'National Strategy for Homeland Security', issued in June 2002, proposes a number of measures to enhance state and local preparedness for terrorist attacks, particularly those involving weapons of mass destruction. Most of these measures, presently undertaken by FEMA and several other agencies, but will be transferred to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which Congress authorized in the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296). Readers interested in analysis of state and local preparedness functions of the new Department of Homeland Security should see CRS Report RL31490, 'Department of Homeland Security: State and Local Preparedness Issues.' This report will be updated as circumstances warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Canada, Ben

  2002-12-19
• Terrorist Nuclear Attacks on Seaports: Threat and Response [Updated January 24, 2005]

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  "A terrorist nuclear attack on a U.S. seaport could cause local devastation and affect the global economy. Terrorists might obtain a bomb in several ways, though each poses difficulties. Ability to detect a bomb appears limited. The United States is using technology, intelligence, international cooperation, etc., to try to thwart an attack. Issues for Congress include safeguarding foreign nuclear material, mitigating economic effects of an attack, and allocating funds between ports and other potential targets. This report will be updated as needed."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Medalia, Jonathan E.

  2005-01-24
• Information Sharing for Homeland Security: A Brief Overview [Updated January 10, 2005]

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  "In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, various recommendations and efforts have been made with the intention of improving information sharing among government entities at all levels within the United States, the private sector, and certain foreign governments, with a view to countering terrorists and strengthening homeland security. The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission) was among those to have most recently offered recommendations in this regard in its July 22, 2004, report. The types of information potentially within the scope of such sharing include raw data, which has undergone little or no assessment regarding its accuracy or implications; knowledge, which has been determined to have a high degree of reliability or validity; and intelligence, which has been carefully evaluated concerning its accuracy and significance, and may sometimes be credited in terms of its source. This report reviews some of the principal existing homeland security information sharing arrangements, as well as some projected arrangements in this regard, and discusses related policy, evaluations, and proposed legislation. It will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Relyea, Harold; Seifert, Jeffrey W.

  2005-01-10
• Emergency Management Preparedness Standards: Overview and Options for Congress [Updated February 4, 2005]

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  From the Summary: "The report includes three recommendations that focus on emergency response standards: (1) the adoption and use of emergency response standards for incident command; (2) mutual aid provisions concerning liability and indemnification of responders; and (3) private sector preparedness. Through enactment of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-458) Congress addressed these recommendations. In addition, the Department of Homeland Security has taken action to establish standards to improve emergency response capabilities."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bea, Keith

  2005-02-04
• Critical Infrastructure and Key Assets: Definition and Identification [October 1, 2004]

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  "The National Strategy for the Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructures and Key Assets (NSPP) details a major part of the Bush administration's overall homeland security strategy. Implementing this Strategy requires clear definition of 'critical infrastructures' and 'key assets.' Although the Strategy provides such definitions, the meaning of 'critical infrastructure' in the public policy context has been evolving for decades and is still open to debate. Twenty years ago, 'infrastructure' was defined primarily with respect to the adequacy of the nation's public works. In the mid-1990's, however, the growing threat of international terrorism led policy makers to reconsider the definition of 'infrastructure' in the context of homeland security. Successive federal government reports, laws and executive orders have refined, and generally expanded, the number of infrastructure sectors and the types of assets considered to be 'critical' for purposes of homeland security. The USA PATRIOT Act of 2001(P.L. 107-56) contains the federal government's most recent definition of 'critical infrastructure.' The NSPP contains the most recent detailed list of critical infrastructures and assets of national importance. The list may continue to evolve, however, as economic changes or geopolitical developments influence homeland security policy."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Moteff, John D.; Parfomak, Paul W.

  2004-10-01
• Guarding America: Security Guards and U.S. Critical Infrastructure Protection [November 12, 2004]

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  "The Bush Administration's 2003 'National Strategy for the Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructures and Key Assets' indicates that security guards are 'an important source of protection for critical facilities.' In 2003, approximately one million security guards (including airport screeners) were employed in the United States. Of these guards, analysis indicates that up to 5% protected what have been defined as 'critical' infrastructure and assets. The effectiveness of critical infrastructure guards in countering a terrorist attack depends on the number of guards on duty, their qualifications, pay and training. Security guard employment may have increased in certain critical infrastructure sectors since September 11, 2001, although overall employment of U.S. security guards has declined in the last five years. Contract guard salaries averaged $19,400 per year in 2003, less than half of the average salary for police and well below the average U.S. salary for all occupations. There are no U.S. federal requirements for training of critical infrastructure guards other than airport screeners and nuclear guards. Twenty-two states do require basic training for licensed security guards, but few specifically require counter-terrorism training. State regulations regarding criminal background checks for security guards vary. Sixteen states have no background check regulations."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Parfomak, Paul W.

  2004-11-12
• Advanced Automatic Collision Notification and Field Triage Guidelines for Injured Patients

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  This presentation provides pilot test key findings from a study to determine what Advanced Automatic Collision Notification (AACN) information would be most useful for Emergency Responders to receive in an emergency. The presentation also provides additional resources and articles on the subject matter.

  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.); National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (U.S.)

  Hunt, Richard C.

  2009-09-24?
• National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) Coding Manual

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  The NVDRS [National Violent Death Reporting System] Coding Manual is a reference document to be used by state health departments for defining cases, entering data, and checking data once it is entered pertaining to violent deaths. NVDRS is a recent initiative to provide nation-wide surveillance of violent deaths. LLIS Core Capability: Public Health

  National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (U.S.)

  2003
• Information Sharing for Homeland Security: A Brief Overview [Updated September 30, 2004]

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  "In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, various recommendations and efforts have been made with the intention of improving information sharing among government entities at all levels within the United States, the private sector, and certain foreign governments, with a view to countering terrorists and strengthening homeland security. The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission) is among those to have most recently offered recommendations in this regard in its July 22, 2004, report. The types of information potentially within the scope of such sharing include raw data, which has undergone little or no assessment regarding its accuracy or implications; knowledge, which has been determined to have a high degree of reliability or validity; and intelligence, which has been carefully evaluated concerning its accuracy and significance, and may sometimes be credited in terms of its source. This report reviews some of the principal existing homeland security information sharing arrangements, as well as some projected arrangements in this regard, and discusses related policy, evaluations, and proposed legislation (H.R. 10, H.R. 5024, S. 2774/H.R. 5040, S. 2845/H.R. 5140). It will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Relyea, Harold

  2004-09-30
• Border Security: Immigration Issues in the 108th Congress [Updated May 18, 2004]

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  This report provides background information on the main immigration-related border security issues that have been raised as a result of the terrorist attacks and resulting concern for homeland security. It describes enacted legislation in the 107th Congress as well as in previous Congresses that focus on immigration-related border security issues. The report also poses possible immigration-related border security issues the 108th Congress may consider. This report will be updated to reflect any additional related legislation in the 108th Congress, as well as implementation issues.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seghetti, Lisa M.

  2004-05-18
• Border Security: Inspections Practices, Policies, and Issues [May 26, 2004]

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  "The United States now has a unified inspections operation at the borders; a single inspector is charged with examining people, animals, plants, goods, and cargo upon entry to the country. The transfer of these functions to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) marks a significant policy shift for all of these functions, clarifying that- although there are important commercial, economic, health, humanitarian, and immigration responsibilities- ensuring the security of our borders is the top priority. The decision by DHS officials to further integrate the inspection duties so that there is 'one face at the border' now means that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspectors are essentially interchangeable and responsible for all primary inspections…Some argue that this reorganization of border inspections has been long needed and is resulting in a more streamlined and efficient set of procedures at the border with a clear, single, chain of command. Others warn that the different types of inspections are quite complex in their own right and that the reorganization is exacerbating the conflicting priorities at the border, ultimately resulting in many more people and goods being sent to secondary inspections. This report, which will not be updated, discusses a range of legal, administrative, and policy issues that are emerging with the implementation of the unified border inspections."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Wasem, Ruth Ellen; Lake, Jennifer E.; Seghetti, Lisa M.

  2004-05-26