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• Terrorist Watchlist Checks and Air Passenger Prescreening [Updated September 6, 2006]

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  "Considerable controversy surrounds U.S. air passenger prescreening processes and terrorist watchlist checks. In the past, such controversy centered mainly around diverted international flights and misidentified passengers; however, the recently foiled conspiracy to bomb airliners bound for the United States from the United Kingdom (UK) has raised questions about the adequacy of existing processes to prescreen air passengers against terrorist watchlists. This report examines (1) measures taken in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks to improve terrorist watchlists, (2) U.S. agency efforts underway to better screen air passengers against those watchlists prior to departure (preflight), and (3) possible issues associated with maintaining such watchlists and prescreening air passengers, including the misidentification of persons as terrorists as the result of watchlist checks."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2006-09-06
• Transportation Security: Issues for the 110th Congress [Updated August 3, 2007]

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  "The nation's air, land, and marine transportation systems are designed for accessibility and efficiency, two characteristics that make them highly vulnerable to terrorist attack. While hardening the transportation sector from terrorist attack is difficult, measures can be taken to deter terrorists. The dilemma facing Congress is how best to construct and finance a system of deterrence, protection, and response that effectively reduces the possibility and consequences of another terrorist attack without unduly interfering with travel, commerce, and civil liberties. In the 110th Congress, aviation, rail, and transit security have been a major focus of congressional activity. On January 9, 2007, the House passed the Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act of 2007 (H.R. 1), which contains provisions, among others, on aviation and cargo security. On March 13, 2007, the Senate passed the Improving America's Security Act of 2007 (S. 4), which is similar but not identical to H.R. 1. At the end of July 2007, the House and Senate passed a conference agreement on H.R. 1 (H.Rept. 110-259) that was signed into law on August 3, 2007 (P.L. 110-53). Aviation security has been a major focus of transportation security policy following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In the aftermath of these attacks, the 107th Congress moved quickly to pass the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA; P.L. 107-71) creating the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and mandating a federalized workforce of security screeners to inspect airline passengers and their baggage."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Elias, Bartholomew; Peterman, David Randall; Frittelli, John

  2007-08-03
• Terrorism and Security Issues Facing the Water Infrastructure Sector [Updated January 5, 2005]

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  "Damage to or destruction of the nation's water supply and water quality infrastructure by terrorist attack could disrupt the delivery of vital human services in this country, threatening public health and the environment, or possibly causing loss of life. Interest in such problems has increased greatly since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City and at the Pentagon. Across the country, water infrastructure systems extend over vast areas, and ownership and operation responsibility are both public and private but are overwhelmingly non-federal. Since the attacks, federal dam operators and water and wastewater utilities have been under heightened security conditions and are evaluating security plans and measures. There are no federal standards or agreed-upon industry best practices within the water infrastructure sector to govern readiness, response to security incidents, and recovery. Efforts to develop protocols and tools are ongoing since the 2001 terrorist attacks. This report presents an overview of this large and diverse sector, describes security-related actions by the government and private sector since September 11, and discusses additional policy issues and responses, including congressional interest."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Copeland, Claudia; Cody, Betsy A.

  2005-01-05
• Terrorism and Security Issues Facing the Water Infrastructure Sector [December 15, 2010]

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  "Damage to or destruction of the nation's water supply and water quality infrastructure by terrorist attack or natural disaster could disrupt the delivery of vital human services in this country, threatening public health and the environment, or possibly causing loss of life. Interest in such problems has increased greatly since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States. Across the country, water infrastructure systems extend over vast areas, and ownership and operation responsibility are both public and private, but are overwhelmingly non-federal. Since the attacks, federal dam operators and local water and wastewater utilities have been under heightened security conditions and are evaluating security plans and measures. There are no federal standards or agreed-upon industry practices within the water infrastructure sector to govern readiness, response to security incidents, and recovery. Efforts to develop protocols and tools are ongoing since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This report presents an overview of this large and diverse sector, describes security-related actions by the government and private sector since 9/11, and discusses additional policy issues and responses, including congressional interest. [...] Recent congressional interest has focused on two legislative issues: (1) security of wastewater utilities, and (2) whether to include water utilities in chemical plant security regulations implemented by DHS [Department of Homeland Security]. In the 109th Congress, a Senate committee approved legislation to encourage wastewater treatment works to conduct vulnerability assessments and develop site security plans. Similar legislation was introduced in the 111th Congress (H.R. 2883). Congress also turned attention to legislation to extend DHS's Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards and, as part of that debate, whether to preserve an existing exemption for water utilities from chemical facility standards or to include them in the scope of DHS security rules. The House passed H.R. 2868 in November 2009, with a provision to require water utilities to use safer chemicals and technology, but the Senate did not act on that bill or a companion Senate measure, S. 3598."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Copeland, Claudia

  2010-12-15
• Terrorism and Security Issues Facing the Water Infrastructure Sector [March 16, 2010]

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  "Damage to or destruction of the nation's water supply and water quality infrastructure by terrorist attack or natural disaster could disrupt the delivery of vital human services in this country, threatening public health and the environment, or possibly causing loss of life. Interest in such problems has increased greatly since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States. [...] Recent congressional interest has focused on two legislative issues: (1) security of wastewater utilities, and (2) whether to include water utilities in chemical plant security regulations implemented by DHS. In the 109th Congress, a Senate committee approved legislation to encourage wastewater treatment works to conduct vulnerability assessments and develop site security plans. Similar legislation was introduced in the 110th Congress, and has been introduced in the 111th Congress (H.R. 2883). Congress also has turned attention to legislation to extend DHS's [Department of Homeland Security] Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards (H.R. 2868) and as part of that debate has been considering whether to preserve an existing exemption for water utilities from chemical facility standards or to include them in the scope of DHS security rules. Continuing attention to these issues in the 111th Congress is likely."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Copeland, Claudia

  2010-03-16
• Homeland Security Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture Issues [Updated December 16, 2002]

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  From the Summary: "The President originally proposed (in June 2002) that all of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) -- including the Plum Island Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostics Laboratory -- be transferred into the new Department's Office of Border and Transportation Security to support its counter-terrorism mission. APHIS is responsible for protecting U.S. agriculture from foreign pests and diseases and posts inspectors at about 125 ports of entry around the country. [...] The House Select Committee on Homeland Security incorporated these changes into an amended version of the President's proposal, which it reported out and the full House passed in July 2002 (H.R. 5005). The amended proposal specified that only the APHIS border inspection employees would be transferred to DHS, and that the USDA Secretary would retain considerable authority over their activities and funding. The bill also included the transfer of the Plum Island lab to DHS. Section 421 of P.L. 107-296 authorizes the transfer of no more than 3,200 APHIS border inspection personnel to DHS, along with the Plum Island lab."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Rawson, Jean M.

  2002-12-16
• Hurricane Katrina Debris Removal Activities in the City of Kenner, Louisiana

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  "Attached is our report, Hurricane Katrina Debris Removal Activities in the City of Kenner, Louisiana. We contracted with the independent public accounting firm Foxx & Company to perform this review. The report identifies five reportable conditions and questions $5,466,587 for ineligible costs claimed by the Parish. We discussed the results of the audit with FEMA, GOHSEP, and City of Kenner officials on November 12, 2008. FEMA officials concurred with the findings and recommendations. With respect to Finding C, FEMA officials acknowledged the need for a clarification of the agency's policy concerning trucks being more than 95% full when carrying vegetative or construction and demolition debris. GOHSEP and City officials said that they would reserve their official comments on the findings and recommendations until after the report is issued. We appreciate the cooperation you and your staff provided to our contractor, Foxx & Company, and us during the audit. Please advise this office by April 9, 2009, of the actions taken or planned to implement the recommendations, including target completion dates for any planned actions."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General

  Hadley, Tonda L.

  2009-01-09
• U.S.-China Counterterrorism Cooperation: Issues for U.S. Policy [July 15, 2010]

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  From the Summary: "After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the United States faced a challenge in enlisting the full support of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the counterterrorism fight against Al Qaeda. This effort raised short-term policy issues about how to elicit cooperation and how to address PRC concerns about the U.S.-led war (Operation Enduring Freedom). Longer-term issues have concerned whether counterterrorism has strategically transformed bilateral ties and whether China's support was valuable and not obtained at the expense of other U.S. interests. The extent of U.S.-China counterterrorism cooperation has been limited, but the tone and context of counterterrorism helped to stabilize--even if it did not transform--the closer bilateral relationship pursued by President George Bush in late 2001. China's military, the People's Liberation Army (PLA), has not fought in the U.S.-led counterterrorism coalition. The Bush Administration designated the PRC-targeted 'East Turkistan Islamic Movement' (ETIM) as a terrorist organization in August 2002, reportedly allowed PRC interrogators access to Uighur detainees at Guantanamo in September 2002, and held a summit in Texas in October 2002."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kan, Shirley

  2010-07-15
• U.S.-Mexican Security Cooperation: The Mérida Initiative and Beyond [August 16, 2010]

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  From the Summary: "In recent years, U.S.-Mexican security cooperation has increased significantly, largely as a result of the development and implementation of the Mérida Initiative, a counterdrug and anticrime assistance package for Mexico and Central America that was first proposed in October 2007. With the recent enactment of the FY2010 Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 4899/P.L. 111- 212), Congress has provided almost $1.8 billion for the Mérida Initiative. Congress provided $248 million of that funding to Central America and included an additional $42 million for Caribbean countries. However, Congress has dedicated the vast majority of the funds--roughly $1.5 billion--to support programs in Mexico, with an emphasis on training and equipping Mexican military and police forces engaged in counterdrug efforts. Escalating drug trafficking-related violence in Mexico and the increasing control that Mexican drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) have over the illicit drug market in the United States have focused congressional attention on the efficacy of U.S-Mexican efforts and related domestic initiatives in both countries. With funding for the original Mérida Initiative technically ending in FY2010 and new initiatives underway for Central America and the Caribbean, the Obama Administration proposed a new four-pillar strategy for U.S.-Mexican security cooperation in its FY2011 budget request. That strategy focuses on (1) disrupting organized criminal groups; (2) institutionalizing the rule of law; (3) building a 21st century border; and (4) building strong and resilient communities. The first two pillars largely build upon existing efforts, whereas pillars three and four broaden the scope of Mérida Initiative programs to include new efforts to facilitate 'secure flows' of people and goods through the U.S.-Mexico border and to improve conditions in violence-prone border cities. The Administration's FY2011 budget request includes $310 million for Mérida programs in Mexico."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando; Finklea, Kristin M.

  2010-08-16
• Border Security: U.S.-Canada Immigration Border Issues [Updated December 28, 2004]

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  "The United States and Canada are striving to balance adequate border security with other issues such as the facilitation of legitimate cross-border travel and commerce, and protecting civil liberties. Congress has taken action to improve border facility infrastructure, increase the number of border patrol agents and immigration inspectors at the northern border, and provide these officials with additional technologically upgraded equipment. Congress has also taken action to track the entry and exit of foreign visitors by mandating an automated entry/exit system, however, its anticipated implementation at the northern border may not have an adverse impact on travel as most Canadian nationals will be exempt from the requirements of the system. Moreover, there have been several bi-national initiatives aimed at making the border more secure while facilitating travel. These initiatives are outlined in a 30-point plan, which was signed by officials from both countries in December 2001."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seghetti, Lisa M.

  2004-12-28
• Project BioShield: Legislative History and Side-by-Side Comparison of H.R. 2122, S. 15, and S. 1504 [August 27, 2004]

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  From the Summary: "Few effective countermeasures currently exist to deal with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear terror agents. In early 2003, the Bush administration proposed Project BioShield to stimulate the development of such countermeasures and to procure them for the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). Congress considered three bills that incorporated much of the administration's proposal: S. 15 (Gregg), H.R. 2122 (Tauzin), and S. 1504 (Gregg). H.R. 2122 passed the House on July 16, 2003. S. 15 passed the Senate on May 25, 2004 in an amended form similar to H.R. 2122. This version of S. 15 passed the House on July 14, 2004. President Bush signed S. 15 into law as the Project BioShield Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-276) on July 21, 2004. Although many of the details of Project BioShield changed during Congressional consideration, all the proposals shared similar key provisions. Each bill would have provided expedited hiring, procurement, and grant awarding procedures for bioterrorism-related products and services. Each bill would have provided a market guarantee for countermeasure producers by allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to contract to procure countermeasures still in development. Thus, several years before a company plans to be able to deliver a countermeasure, the company would have been assured that if they successfully develop the countermeasure the government is obligated to purchase a set amount of it at a set price. Each bill would have authorized the HHS Secretary to allow the emergency use of countermeasures that lack Food and Drug Administration approval. Congress changed many important aspects of the Administration's proposal."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Gottron, Frank

  2004-08-27
• Water Infrastructure Needs and Investment: Review and Analysis of Key Issues [December 21, 2010]

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  "Policymakers are giving increased attention to issues associated with financing and investing in the nation's drinking water and wastewater treatment systems, which take in water, treat it, and distribute it to households and other customers, and later collect, treat, and discharge water after use. The renewed attention is due to a combination of factors. These include financial impacts on communities of meeting existing and anticipated regulatory requirements, the need to repair and replace existing infrastructure, concerns about paying for security-related projects, and proposals to stimulate U.S. economic activity by building and rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. [...] This report identifies a number of issues that continue to receive attention in connection with water infrastructure investment. It begins with a review of federal involvement; describes the debate about needs; and then examines key issues, including what is the nature of the problems to be solved, who will pay, and what is the federal role, and questions about mechanisms for delivering federal support. Congressional and Administration activity on these issues since the 107th Congress also is reviewed. (For detailed information on legislative activity in the 111th Congress, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report R40098, 'Water Quality Issues in the 111th Congress: Oversight and Implementation,' and CRS Report RS22037, 'Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF): Program Overview and Issues.)'"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Tiemann, Mary; Copeland, Claudia

  2010-12-21
• U.S. Secret Service: An Examination and Analysis of Its Evolving Missions [January 8, 2013]

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  "The U.S. Secret Service (USSS), a distinct entity within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has two missions--criminal investigations and protection. Criminal investigation activities encompass financial crimes, identity theft, counterfeiting, computer fraud, and computer-based attacks on the nation's financial, banking, and telecommunications infrastructure. The protection mission is the most prominent of the two, covering the President, Vice President, their families, former Presidents, and major candidates for those offices, along with the White House and the Vice President's residence (through the Service's Uniformed Division). Protective duties of the Service also extend to foreign missions in the District of Columbia and to designated individuals, such as the Homeland Security Secretary and visiting foreign dignitaries. Separate from these specific mandated assignments, USSS is responsible for certain security activities such as National Special Security Events (NSSEs), which included the inaugural ceremony of President Obama, the major party quadrennial national conventions, as well as international conferences and events held in the United States. […] This report frames potential policy questions concerning the Service's mission and organization through an examination of the USSS history and its statutory authorities, mission, and present activities within DHS. Additionally, Appendix B provides information on direct assaults on and threats to Presidents, Presidents-Elect, and candidates."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Reese, Shawn; Corcoran, David

  2013-01-08
• Use of Federal Troops for Disaster Assistance: Legal Issues [August 14, 2006]

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  "Hurricane Katrina raised questions concerning the President's legal authority to send active duty military forces into a disaster area and the permissible functions the military can perform to protect life and property and maintain order. The Stafford Act authorizes the use of the military for disaster relief operations at the request of the state governor, but does not authorize the use of the military to perform law enforcement functions, which is ordinarily prohibited by the Posse Comitatus Act. However, the President may invoke other authorities, such as the Insurrection Act, to use federal troops to aid in the execution of the law. This report summarizes the possible constitutional and statutory authorities and constraints relevant to the use of armed forces, including National Guard units in federal service, to provide assistance to states when a natural disaster impedes the operation of state and local police. The report also addresses proposed legislation, including H.R. 5122 (S. 2766)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Elsea, Jennifer

  2006-08-14
• Water Infrastructure Projects Designated in EPA Appropriations: Trends and Policy Implications [October 28, 2010]

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  "Congressional action to designate funds within appropriations legislation for specified projects or locations has been increasing in recent years as a way to help communities meet needs to build and upgrade water infrastructure systems, whose estimated future funding needs exceed $630 billion. Such legislative action has often been popularly referred to as earmarking. This report discusses appropriations for water infrastructure programs of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), focusing on such designations in the account that funds these programs. Information on the programmatic history of EPA involvement in assisting wastewater treatment and drinking water projects is provided in two appendixes. Congressional appropriators began the practice of supplementing appropriations for the primary Clean Water Act (CWA) and Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) assistance programs with grants for individually designated projects in FY1989. These designated project grants are often referred to as earmarks or as STAG grants. Since 1989, of the $56.8 billion appropriated to EPA for water infrastructure assistance, more than 13% ($7.4 billion) has gone to designated project grants. Notably since FY2000, appropriators have awarded such grants to a larger total number of projects, resulting in more communities receiving such assistance, but at the same time receiving smaller amounts of funds, on average."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Copeland, Claudia

  2010-10-28
• Vulnerability of Concentrated Critical Infrastructure: Background and Policy Options [Updated September 12, 2008]

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  This is an updated report from the Congressional Research Service on how concentrated critical infrastructure is especially vulnerable to natural disasters and attacks. "'Critical infrastructure' consists of systems and assets so vital to the United States that their incapacity would harm the nation's physical security, economic security, or public health. Critical infrastructure is often geographically concentrated, so it may be distinctly vulnerable to events like natural disasters, epidemics, and certain kinds of terrorist attacks. […] Congress has been examining federal policies related to the geographic concentration and vulnerability of critical infrastructure. […] The 110th Congress is considering additional policies which may affect critical infrastructure concentration. […] Congress and federal agencies also have adopted policies affecting the capacity and location of critical infrastructure, including prescriptive siting, economic incentives, environmental regulation, and economic regulation. Some federal policies have been developed specifically to address perceived threats to critical infrastructure. […] Some analysts may argue that little government intervention is necessary to alleviate geographic vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure because the private sector will adjust its practices out of its own financial interest. However, if Congress concludes that federal intervention is needed, it may employ a number of policy options to encourage geographic dispersion (including eliminating policies that encourage concentration ), ensure survivability, or ensure that effective infrastructure recovery capabilities are in place to mitigate impacts of concentrated infrastructure disruption. Addressing geographic vulnerabilities may call for a combination of options. Congress may also consider whether other legislative proposals with the potential to affect critical infrastructure development -- directly or indirectly -- are likely to relieve or exacerbate geographic vulnerability."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Parfomak, Paul W.

  2008-09-12
• United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy [March 10, 2011]

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  "The UAE's [United Arab Emirates] relatively open borders, economy, and society have won praise from advocates of expanded freedoms in the Middle East while producing financial excesses, social ills such as prostitution and human trafficking, and relatively lax controls on sensitive technologies acquired from the West. The UAE government is authoritarian, although it allows substantial informal citizen participation and consensus-building. The openness of its society and its economic wealth have allowed the UAE to largely avoid the popular unrest in the Middle East thus far. [...] Partly because of substantial UAE federal government financial intervention and ample financial reserves, the political and social climate remained calm through the 2008-2009 global financial crisis and recession. The downturn hit Dubai emirate particularly hard and called into question its strategy of rapid, investment-fueled development, especially of luxury projects. Many expatriate workers left UAE after widespread layoffs, particularly in the financial and real estate sectors, and the decline affected property investors and the economies of several neighboring countries, including Afghanistan. The downturn also touched Afghanistan in the form of major losses among large shareholders of Kabul Bank, Afghanistan's largest private banking institution. At the outset of 2011, however, some economists were becoming more optimistic that Dubai emirate was poised for a rebound. For the Obama Administration and many in Congress, there are concerns about the UAE oversight and management of a complex and technically advanced initiative such as a nuclear power program. This was underscored by dissatisfaction among some members of Congress with a U.S.-UAE civilian nuclear cooperation agreement. The agreement was signed on May 21, 2009, and submitted to Congress that day. It entered into force on December 17, 2009. However, U.S. concerns about potential leakage of U.S. and other advanced technologies through the UAE to Iran, in particular, are far from alleviated."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Katzman, Kenneth; Motivans, Mark

  2011-03-10
• U.S.-Mexican Security Cooperation: The Mérida Initiative and Beyond [January 31, 2011]

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  "In recent years, U.S.-Mexican security cooperation has increased significantly, largely as a result of the development and implementation of the Mérida Initiative, a counterdrug and anticrime assistance package for Mexico and Central America that was first proposed in October 2007. With the enactment of the FY2010 Supplemental Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-212) in July 2010, Congress has provided almost $1.8 billion for the Mérida Initiative. Congress provided $248 million of that funding to Central America and included an additional $42 million for Caribbean countries. However, Congress dedicated the vast majority of the funds--roughly $1.5 billion--to support programs in Mexico, with an early emphasis on training and equipping Mexican military and police forces engaged in counterdrug efforts. Escalating drug trafficking-related violence in Mexico has focused congressional attention on the efficacy of U.S-Mexican efforts. Reducing violence associated with organized crime (including drug trafficking), which, by Mexican government estimates, has resulted in more than 34,600 deaths since President Felipe Calderón took office in December 2006, has remained a focus of the Mérida Initiative. [...] The 112th Congress is likely to continue funding and overseeing the Mérida Initiative, as well as examining the degree to which the U.S. and Mexican governments are fulfilling their pledges to tackle domestic problems contributing to drug trafficking in the region. Congress may also examine the degree to which the Administration's new strategy for the Mérida Initiative complements other counterdrug and border security efforts. Given current budget constraints, Congress may also debate how best to measure the impact of current and future Mérida Initiative programs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando; Finklea, Kristin M.

  2011-01-31
• War in Afghanistan: Strategy, Operations, and Issues for Congress [March 9, 2011]

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  "In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the United States launched and led military operations in Afghanistan in order to end the ability of the Taliban regime to provide safe haven to al Qaeda and to put a stop to al Qaeda's use of the territory of Afghanistan as a base of operations for terrorist activities. [...] In late 2010, NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organization] and the Afghan government agreed to pursue a key medium-term goal: the transition of lead responsibility for security to Afghans throughout the country by the end of 2014. The U.S. government has stated its intention to begin drawing down some U.S. forces from Afghanistan in July 2011, and also to maintain a long-term strategic partnership with Afghanistan beyond 2014. Strategic vision for Afghanistan is still, many would argue, a work in progress. President Karzai has consistently stressed the theme of 'Afghan leadership, Afghan ownership.' President Obama has consistently stressed the core goals of the United States: to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al- Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and to prevent their return. Yet for the U.S. government, fundamental issues remain unresolved. These include (1) determining the minimum essential conditions required for Afghanistan itself to be able to sustain stability with relatively limited international support; (2) defining the appropriate combination of U.S. efforts, together with other international resources, over time, required to achieve those minimum conditions; and (3) balancing U.S. national security interests in Afghanistan and the region against other imperatives, in a constrained fiscal environment. This report, which will be updated as events warrant, describes and analyzes (1) the key players in the war in Afghanistan; (2) the strategic outlooks of the Afghan government, the U.S. government, and NATO; (3) the threats to the security and stability of the Afghan state and its people; (4) the major facets of the current effort: security, governance and anti-corruption, development, reconciliation and reintegration, and transition; (5) mechanisms in place to measure progress; and (6) critical issues that Congress may wish to consider further."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Dale, Catherine

  2011-03-09
• State and Local Homeland Security: Unresolved Issues for the 109th Congress [June 9, 2005]

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  "Arguably, the three most important homeland security public laws enacted following the terrorist attacks on September 2001 are: P.L. 107-56, 'Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act' (USA PATRIOT Act); P.L. 107-296, 'Homeland Security Act of 2002'; and P.L. 108-458, 'Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.' The PATRIOT Act focused on enhancing domestic security through antiterrorism measures, specifically, law enforcement and legal responses to terrorism. The Homeland Security Act established the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act restructured the U.S. intelligence community to better assist in terrorism preparedness and response."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Reese, Shawn

  2005-06-09
• Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response: The SAFER Grant Program [Updated September 10, 2008]

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  This is an updated report from the Congressional Research Service on the SAFER Grant Program. "In response to concerns over the adequacy of firefighter staffing, the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Act -- popularly called the 'SAFER Act' -- was enacted by the 108th Congress as Section 1057 of the FY2004 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 108-136). The SAFER Act authorizes grants to career, volunteer, and combination local fire departments for the purpose of increasing the number of firefighters to help communities meet industry minimum standards and attain 24-hour staffing to provide adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards. Also authorized are grants to volunteer fire departments for activities related to the recruitment and retention of volunteers. […] To date, the Bush Administration has requested zero funding for SAFER in all years of the program's existence. […] The FY2009 budget justification stated that the federal government already spends 'billions of dollars in annual support to train, exercise, and equip state and local public safety personnel, including firefighters, so that they are adequately prepared to respond to a terrorist attack or other major incident.' […]Facing the 110th Congress is the issue of whether or not -- and if so, to what extent -- the SAFER program should be funded. The Administration has consistently requested no funding for SAFER, arguing that localities should be solely responsible for funding firefighting personnel. Fire service advocates counter that the inability of many local fire departments to meet minimum standards for personnel levels could lead to inadequate response to different types of emergency incidents, substandard response times, and an increased risk of firefighter fatalities."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kruger, Lennard G.

  2008-09-10
• Department of Homeland Security: Budget in Brief Fiscal Year 2005

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  "The Fiscal Year 2005 budget for the Department of Homeland Security builds upon the significant investments to date that improve our safeguards against terrorism, while also sustaining the many important departmental activities not directly related to our fight against terrorism. The President's budget clearly demonstrates the continuing priority placed on Homeland Security in requesting total new resources for FY 2005 of $40.2 billion. This is an increase of 10% above the comparable FY 2004 resource level. This includes all sources of funding, such as discretionary and mandatory appropriations, offsetting collections from user fees, and trust funds."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security

  2005
• Trends in Terrorism: 2006 [July 21, 2006]

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  "On April 28, 2006, the Department of State sent to Congress its annual report on global terrorism: Country Reports on Global Terrorism 2005. The 262-page report provides an annual strategic assessment of trends in terrorism and the evolving nature of the terrorist threat, coupled with detailed information on anti-terror cooperation by nations worldwide. The report and underlying data portray a threat from radical Jihadists that is becoming more widespread, diffuse, and increasingly homegrown, often with a lack of formal operational connection with al Qaeda ideological leaders such as Osama Bin Laden or Ayman al Zawahiri. Three trends in terrorism are identified in the Department of State report which are independently reflected in the work of analysts elsewhere. First is the emergence of so called 'micro actors,' in part spurred by U.S. successes in isolating or killing much of al Qaeda's leadership. The result is an al Qaeda with a more subdued, although arguably still significant, operational role, but assuming more of an ideological, motivational, and propaganda role. Second is the trend toward 'sophistication'; i.e. terrorists exploiting the global flow of information, finance, and ideas to their benefit, often through the internet. Third is an increasing overlap of terrorist activity with international crime, which may expose the terrorists to a broad range of law enforcement countermeasures."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Perl, Raphael

  2006-07-21
• Transportation Security: Issues for the 109th Congress [Updated June 23, 2006]

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  "The nation's air, land, and marine transportation systems are designed for accessibility and efficiency, two characteristics that make them highly vulnerable to terrorist attack. While hardening the transportation sector from terrorist attack is difficult, reasonable measures can be taken to deter terrorists. The focus of this issue brief is how best to construct and finance a system of deterrence, protection, and response that effectively reduces the possibility and consequences of another terrorist attack without unduly interfering with travel, commerce, and civil liberties. Aviation security has been a major focus of transportation security policy following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In the aftermath of these attacks, the 107th Congress moved quickly to pass the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA; P.L. 107-71) creating the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and mandating a federalized workforce of security screeners to inspect airline passengers and their baggage. The act gave the TSA broad authority to assess vulnerabilities in aviation security and take steps to mitigate these risks. The TSA's progress on aviation security has been the subject of considerable congressional oversight over the past four years. Aviation security policy and programs continue to be of considerable interest in the 109th Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Peterman, David Randall

  2006-06-23
• Terrorism Preparedness: A Catalog of Federal Assistance Programs [December 27, 2001]

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  Congress has authorized a limited number of programs specifically designed to assist state and local governments with preparing for terrorist attacks, particularly those involving weapons of mass destruction. Congress also authorizes several general assistance programs that states and localities may use for terrorism preparedness. At present, several agencies administer preparedness programs, including the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services, and Justice, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and others. Congress authorizes the agencies to provide technical assistance and monetary grants for emergency planning, training, and equipment acquisition. Federal preparedness programs can be arranged into the following categories:Emergency management and planning; Training and equipment for first responders; Weapons of mass destruction and hazardous materials; Law enforcement, and Public health and medical community.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Canada, Ben

  2001-12-27
• United States Fire Administration: An Overview [January 3, 2011]

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  "The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)--which includes the National Fire Academy (NFA)--is currently housed within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The objective of the USFA is to significantly reduce the nation's loss of life from fire, while also achieving a reduction in property loss and non-fatal injury due to fire. The United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008 (H.R. 4847/S. 2606) was signed into law on October 8, 2008 (P.L. 110-376). P.L. 111-83, the FY2010 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill, provided $45.588 million for USFA, the same level as the Administration's proposal. The Administration's FY2011 budget proposal requested $45.930 million for USFA, an increase of 0.7% from the FY2010 level. The House Appropriations Subcommittee and the Senate Appropriations Committee both matched the Administration request for the USFA. The Continuing Appropriations and Surface Transportation Extension Act, 2011 (P.L. 111-322) funds USFA at FY2010 levels through March 4, 2011. As is the case with many federal programs, concerns in the 112th Congress over the federal budget deficit could impact budget levels for the USFA. Debate over the USFA budget has focused on whether the USFA is receiving an appropriate level of funding to accomplish its mission, given that appropriations for USFA have consistently been well below the agency's authorized level. An ongoing issue is the viability and status of the USFA and National Fire Academy within the Department of Homeland Security."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kruger, Lennard G.

  2011-01-03
• United States Fire Administration: An Overview [August 6, 2010]

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  "The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)-which includes the National Fire Academy (NFA)-is currently housed within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The objective of the USFA is to significantly reduce the nation's loss of life from fire, while also achieving a reduction in property loss and non-fatal injury due to fire. The United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008 (H.R. 4847/S. 2606) was signed into law on October 8, 2008 (P.L. 110-376). P.L. 111-83, the FY2010 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill, provided $45.588 million for USFA, the same level as the Administration's proposal. The Administration's FY2011 budget proposal requested $45.930 million for USFA, an increase of 0.7% from the FY2010 level. The House Appropriations Subcommittee and the Senate Appropriations Committee both matched the Administration request for the USFA. In the 111th Congress, debate over the USFA budget focuses on whether the USFA is receiving sufficient funding to accomplish its mission, given that appropriations for USFA have consistently been well below the agency's authorized level. An ongoing issue is the viability and status of the USFA and National Fire Academy within the Department of Homeland Security."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kruger, Lennard G.

  2010-08-06
• Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces: Facts and Issues [April 24, 2006]

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  "Since the early 1990s, Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Task Forces have been certified, trained, and funded by the federal government. Twenty-eight task forces are located in 19 states. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials may call out the task force (or forces) in closest proximity to the disaster to help locate and extricate victims from collapsed buildings and structures. The task forces represent a partnership involving federal, local government, and private sector experts. Most recently, USAR teams received considerable publicity, and reportedly achieved life-saving results, in their mission to Haiti after the earthquakes of early 2010. Legislation pending before Congress would affect the USAR system in two ways. First, H.R. 119 would designate a New Jersey task force to be part of the system. Other legislation (H.R. 706 and H.R. 3377) would establish statutory authority and federal funding for a USAR response system. Members of Congress will consider FY2011 funding for the task forces during the second session of the 111th Congress, and may elect to debate issues associated with the deployment of USAR task forces to foreign countries."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bea, Keith

  2006-04-24
• Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces: Facts and Issues [March 16, 2010]

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  "Since the early 1990s, Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Task Forces have been certified, trained, and funded by the federal government. Twenty-eight task forces are located in 19 states. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials may call out the task force (or forces) in closest proximity to the disaster to help locate and extricate victims from collapsed buildings and structures. The task forces represent a partnership involving federal, local government, and private sector experts. Most recently, USAR teams received considerable publicity, and reportedly achieved life-saving results, in their mission to Haiti after the earthquakes of early 2010. Legislation pending before Congress would affect the USAR system in two ways. First, H.R. 119 would designate a New Jersey task force to be part of the system. Other legislation (H.R. 706 and H.R. 3377) would establish statutory authority and federal funding for a USAR response system. Members of Congress will consider FY2011 funding for the task forces during the second session of the 111th Congress, and may elect to debate issues associated with the deployment of USAR task forces to foreign countries."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bea, Keith

  2010-03-16
• Chemical Facility Security: Reauthorization, Policy Issues, and Options for Congress [December 10, 2010]

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  "The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has statutory authority to regulate chemical facilities for security purposes. This authority expires in December 2010. The 111th Congress is taking action to reauthorize this program, but the scope and details of its reauthorization remain an issue of congressional debate. Some members of Congress support an extension, either short or long term, of the existing authority. Other members call for revision and more extensive codification of chemical facility security regulatory provisions. The tension between continuing and changing the statutory authority is exacerbated by questions regarding the current law's effectiveness in reducing chemical facility risk and the sufficiency of federal funding for chemical facility security. [...] The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-83) extended the existing statutory authority through October 4, 2010, and provided DHS with additional chemical facility security funding relative to FY2009. The Continuing Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111- 242) extended the statutory authority through December 3, 2010. P.L. 111-290 extended the statutory authority through December 18, 2010. The House of Representatives passed H.R. 2868, an authorization bill which addresses chemical facility, water treatment facility, and wastewater treatment facility security. This legislation includes provisions of H.R. 3258 and H.R. 2883. H.R. 2868 has been ordered reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The Senate bill ordered reported differs significantly from the House-passed version. Members have introduced other bills in the 111th Congress to address security at chemical facilities and other facilities that possess chemicals. S. 2996/H.R. 5186 would extended the existing authority until October 4, 2015, and establish chemical security training and exercise programs. H.R. 2477 would extend the existing statutory authority until October 1, 2012. H.R. 261 and S. 3599 would alter the existing authority. S. 3598 would authorize EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] to establish certain risk-based security requirements for wastewater facilities. In addition, draft legislation is reportedly under development by the Department of Homeland Security."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Shea, Dana A.

  2010-12-10