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Final Report of the 9/11 Commission: How Congress Should Act to Fulfill the 9/11 Commission's Recommendations to Secure our Nation
This report offers "an analysis outlining the recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission, the 9/11 Public Discourse Projects grade and comments on how Congress and the Administration are fulfilling each recommendation, and a brief description of what we believe Congress should do to fulfill each recommendation. Specifically, there are numerous pieces of legislation that Members of this Committee have introduced or supported that would fulfill many of the issues raised by the 9/11 Commission report. The following analysis, however, only discusses recommendations within the jurisdiction of the House Homeland Security Committee." According to the analysis, 9/11 Commission efforts have "sought to provide first-responders with the equipment, training, and resources they need to respond to a terrorist attack or other emergency; pushed for stronger transportation and critical infrastructure security planning and support; proposed countless measures to secure the border " some of which were finally accepted by the Republicans after years of debate; worked to strengthen the intelligence community and its ability to share information with state and local law enforcement officials and others likely to encounter terrorists; fought to ensure that the War on Terror does not cost us our privacy and civil liberty rights; argued in support of clear and robust congressional oversight of homeland security efforts; supported efforts to secure nuclear materials in the former Soviet Union; and called for aggressive investigations and hearings on terrorist financing."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
2005-12-07
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Trouble Exposed: Katrina, Rita, and the Red Cross: A Familiar History
"While its history and continuing public confidence have earned the Red Cross a reputation for being a reliable and trusted organization, a closer look at its performance in disaster areas reveals significant problems. Most recently, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have highlighted the Red Cross difficulties in providing rapid and reliable relief to disaster victims " difficulties perhaps most pronounced in economically disadvantaged and minority communities."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
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[Letter from Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security to President Donald J. Trump on the Departure of Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, April 8, 2019]
In this letter, the Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security expresses concerns over President Trump's attempt to install the now-Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol as Secretary of DHS, post-departure of Kirstjen Nielsen. Chairman Thompson argues that, according to U.S. law, only the Under Secretary for Management can fill the position.
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
Thompson, Bennie, 1948-
2019-04-08
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[Letter from Bennie G. Thompson and Sheila Jackson Lee to Gene Dodaro Requesting a GAO Assessment of Cargo Security, November 2, 2010]
This is a letter from Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) and Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection Chairwoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) to GAO [Government Accountability Office] Comptroller General Designee Gene Dodaro requesting that the GAO "conduct an assessment of the progresses and challenges associated with screening and securing U.S.-bound cargo."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
2010-11-02
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Investigation into use of FEMA Trailers
The following document contains a letter, and supporting documents, sent from the office of Representative Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, to Attorney General Eric H. Holder, the General Services Administration Administrator Martha N. Johnson, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator W. Craig Fugate. The letter calls for an investigation into press reports that trailers once used as temporary housing units during the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, and have since become contaminated with, among other toxins, formaldehyde are currently being used by workers involved with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill cleanup. This is in spite of Representative Thompson's prior efforts to ensure these units would not be used as housing if resold, and assurances from the aforementioned agencies that such a situation would not occur.
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
Thompson, Bennie, 1948-; King, Peter T., 1944-
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[Letter to Janet Napolitano from Representative Bennie G. Thompson on March 1, 2013 Sequestration]
From the introductory paragraph of the letter: "I write to request information about the potential impact of the pending sequestration on the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) ability to operate and execute all of its homeland security and non-homeland security missions. Specifically, I am seeking information on how significant funding reductions for fiscal year 2013 will affect the activities carried out at each of DHS' components. My understanding is that sequestration, which is due to take affect one month from today, would result in across-the-board cuts at the Department that range from 7.6 percent to 9.4 percent, with most budgets reduced by about 8.2 percent. As March 1, 2013 approaches, it is imperative that Congress has a clear understanding of how the failure to implement an alternative to the sequester will affect the capabilities and capacity of the Department and its components to protect our nation and meet the unique security challenges of a post-9/ 11 world."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
Thompson, Bennie, 1948-
2013-02-01
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[Letter from Representatives Bennie G. Thompson and Yvette D. Clarke to Representatives Michael T. McCaul and Patrick Meehan Regarding H.R. 624, the 'Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act']
From the letter: "We write regarding H.R. 624, the 'Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act.' As you are aware, H.R. 624 contains numerous provisions within the Rule X, clause 1(j) jurisdiction of the Committee on Homeland Security. Specifically, H.R. 624 contains provisions directing the Department of Homeland Security's National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center to integrate and disseminate homeland security information and addressing the government-wide use of cyber threat information for cybersecurity or the protection of national security. Despite these provisions clearly falling within the Committee's legislative jurisdiction, the Speaker chose not to refer the measure to the Committee upon introduction."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
Thompson, Bennie, 1948-; Clarke, Yvette D.
2013-03-05
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133 Members of Congress Write to Stop TSA Knife Policy
"Today, Reps. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Eric Swalwell (DCA), and Michael Grimm (R-NY) led a bipartisan group of 133 members of Congress in sending a letter to John S. Pistole, Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), expressing serious concern and urging the withdrawal of the recent decision that TSA will start to allow passengers to bring certain knives and sports equipment onboard airplanes. This decision was made without formal engagement with stakeholders impacted by this policy, including those most likely to come into contact with someone possessing a knife on a plane -- flight crewmembers and air marshals. The Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC), which has played a role in the development of security policy in the past, was also not consulted. The letter will ask the Administrator to refrain from implementing this policy and urge him to utilize existing mechanisms to engage with all relevant stakeholders before making significant changes that impact the frontline workforce and the flying public."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
2013-03-21
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DOJ Report: Known Terrorists Not Put on Watch Lists
This press release is in response to a Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General audit report entitled, "Interim Report on the Department of Justice's Handling of Known or Suspected Terrorists Admitted into the Federal Witness Security Program." In the words of Representative Bennie G. Thompson: "The Inspector General's audit of the federal Witness Security Program is an alarming example of the information sharing vulnerabilities that still
remain over a decade after September 11th. The audit revealed that the FBI and Terrorist Screening Center did not know about, and were not involved in monitoring, individuals in the program - essentially leaving them to freely move around the country with new identities the government provided. I am pleased that the Deputy Attorney General has implemented corrective action and am glad the Department of Justice is seriously addressing these information-sharing gaps."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
Thompson, Bennie, 1948-
2013-05-16
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Boko Haram: Growing Threat to the U.S. Homeland
"Two years on from the bloody and destructive suicide attack on a United Nations (U.N.) facility in Abuja, Nigeria, the Nigerian terrorist organization Boko Haram continues to pose a threat to both the United States and our allies. Since that attack, Boko Haram has received increased international attention, has carried out near-daily attacks throughout much of Nigeria, and has taken part in operations in other parts of West Africa. They remain a lethal and growing threat to the people of Nigeria, the international community, Americans in the region, and potentially the United States Homeland. As on August 26, 2011, there is much we still do not know about Boko Haram or their splinter group Ansaru, which emerged in 2012. The exact details of their operations, size, and structure remain a mystery, and a solution to the defeating them remains elusive. Yet, despite these persistent gaps, this Committee has come to learn a great deal about Boko Haram, their goals, resources, and allies, and has identified steps the United States can take to address this threat."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
2013-09-13
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Department of Homeland Security: Falling Short in Securing Cyberspace on the State and Local Level
"Protecting the nation's cyberspace is a job tasked primarily to the Department of Homeland Security (Department), created in 2002 to consolidate federal agencies for the common purpose of improving national security. In addition to protecting federal cyber infrastructure, one of the Department's primary obligations in securing cyberspace is to provide assistance to state and local governments in identifying vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and offer training and technical assistance in securing those vulnerabilities. Protecting state and local cyberspace is critical to achieving success in the field: state and local systems contain sensitive information, including personal data (like medical records, financial information, and proprietary business information), security-related data, and a wide range of other information that must be kept secure. Unfortunately, a joint survey conducted by the National Association of State Chief Informational Officers (NASCIO) and the Metropolitan Information Exchange (MIX) released this week suggests the Department is falling short in fulfilling its basic obligations to state and local governments. Though the Department created several initiatives geared towards assisting and improving state and local protection, additional steps to improve training, communications, an d coordination must be taken to achieve truly national cyber security. This analysis will describe the current federal and state responsibilities in securing cyberspace, summarize the findings of the NASCIO/MIX national survey, and suggest specific areas that the Department can improve to better assist state and local governments."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
2006-01
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Road to Boston: Counterterrorism Challenges and Lessons from the Marathon Bombings
"This report examines much of Tamerlan Tsarnaev's personal history and his interaction with Federal agencies, including his radicalization, the 2011 threat assessment carried out by the FBI, and his travel to Russia in early 2012. Additionally, the Committee explores missed opportunities that potentially could have prevented this attack. The Committee has developed seven preliminary recommendations to strengthen our Federal counterterrorism efforts. These recommendations are intended to combat systemic weaknesses the Committee has identified during the course of its investigation, including: [1] insufficient cooperation and information sharing between Federal agencies and local law enforcement; [2] Limited communication between Federal agencies; [3] Inadequate resources for necessary screening of outbound travelers of interest; and [3] Failure to amend inaccurate or incomplete records held by various agencies. Many of the Committee's recommendations, along with a recommendation to strengthen Congressional oversight of homeland security, echo recommendations included in the 9/11 Commission Report released on July 26, 2004, and are also found in other examinations of terrorist attacks, such as the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee's review of the Fort Hood shooting. This once again demonstrates that nearly ten years after the release of the findings of the 9/11 Commission, we have yet to fully address these challenges."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
2014-03
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U.S. House of Representatives, Homeland Security Committee, Full Committee Markup: 'Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2008', March 6, 2008
This is the full committee markup on the 'Chemical Faculty Anti-Terrorism Act of 2008' from March 6, 2008. "The Committee on Homeland Security met, pursuant to notice, in open markup session, a quorum being present, on Thursday, March 6, 2008, in 311 Cannon House Office Building to consider a Committee Print, entitled 'To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to extend, modify, and recodify the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security to enhance security and protect against acts of terrorism against chemical facilities, and for other purposes.'"
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
2008-03-06
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Understanding H.R. 1955: The Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007
"The bipartisan Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007 passed the House by a vote of 404-6. The bill received overwhelming support because it is a common sense approach to studying the unique threats of violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism in the United States. At every stage of development of the bill, feedback and guidance were sought, received, and incorporated from prominent privacy and civil liberties groups to ensure that the bill is consistent with the constitutional protections that we all hold dear. The purpose of H.R. 1955 is to study violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism using a method that has worked in the past: the establishment of a National Commission. This approach worked prior to September 11, 2001 with the National Commission on Terrorism, which set the stage for America's counterterrorism strategy prior the September 11 attacks. It worked again with the National Commission on the Terrorists Attacks upon the United States, which in the wake of the attacks made recommendations that strengthened and solidified our current approach to fighting terrorism both domestically and abroad. This new Commission will follow their example and serve our country by providing answers to the indigenous threat of violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism. The Commissioners will not be appointed solely by the President. Rather, the leadership of both parties, in addition to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the relevant House and Senate Committees will select individuals from a broad array of disciplines, including constitutional law."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
2007-12
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Committee on Homeland Security Majority Staff Report Examining: Public Health, Safety, and Security for Mass Gatherings
Chairman Bennie G. Thompson of the House Committee on Homeland Security, charged the Democratic Majority staff to examine and observe a number of different mass gathering events to identify areas where additional homeland security resources might help to ensure public health and safety at these events. "Ensuring the public health, safety, and security of the public at mass gatherings can be especially challenging. These areas are interrelated and do not fall within the exclusive domain of the private sector. On the contrary, mass gatherings require that the public and private sectors interact with and support one another in complex ways. […] Mass gatherings pose special challenges in terms of management and control, especially considering their value as targets for terrorism and other crimes. The terrorist goal of attacking cities in order to kill and injure the most people-and otherwise have the greatest impact for the least amount of effort-applies to mass gatherings as well. All large-scale mass gatherings need to be protected in the post-9/11 world. Mass gatherings can be categorized in a number of different ways. Mass gatherings occur over different periods of time. Some are one-day events, such as the Super Bowl. Others extend for longer, such as the Lollapolooza music festival. Still others are composed of a series of one-day events, such as National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) 'March Madness.' In this paper, one-day events are referred to as 'shortterm mass gatherings.' This paper primarily focuses on mass gatherings lasting for longer than one-day and the attendees, participants, and support personnel who physically remain in the same constrained location-long-term mass gatherings."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
2008-05
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[Letter from Congressmen Bennie G. Thompson, Jane Harman, and Christopher P. Carney to Michael Chertoff, Secretary, Department of Homeland Security, Regarding Concerns over Progress of the National Applications Office]
From the press release: "The letter details the Members' dissatisfaction with the lack of not only a legal framework and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the NAO but also adequate assurances from the Department that the privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties issues involved with turning spy satellites on the homeland have been comprehensively resolved. In September 2007, Chairman Thompson, Chair Harman, and Chairman Carney requested that the NAO be put on hold until their concerns had been addressed. Now, over seven months later -- and despite a commitment from the Department that the overdue documents would be provided in due course -- many of the same concerns have yet to be satisfactorily addressed. DHS nevertheless plans to operationalize the NAO in the very near future."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
Thompson, Bennie, 1948-; Harman, Jane; Carney, Christopher P.
2008-04-07
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Tobacco and Terror: How Cigarette Smuggling is Funding our Enemies Abroad
"It has been well --reported that terrorist and criminal organizations are conducting illicit business operations within the United States, sending the profits overseas to finance domestic and international terrorist and criminal organizations. Recent law enforcement investigations have revealed that these profits, estimated to bin the millions of dollars annually in the United States alone, are generated in part by illicit cigarette trafficking. Historically, the low-risk, high profitability of the illicit cigarette trade served as a gateway for traditional criminal traffickers to move into lucrative and dangerous criminal enterprises such as money laundering, arms dealing, and drug trafficking. Recent law enforcement investigations, however, have directly linked those involved in illicit tobacco trade to infamous terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and al Qaeda. These startling discoveries led U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member Peter T. King (R-NY) to launch an investigation of the issue. The following staff report-which will focus on the estimated millions of dollars in illicit tobacco profits being funneled to terrorist groups overseas as well as New York State's refusal to enforce tobacco laws-is the result of numerous interviews with law enforcement officials at the local, state and Federal level, as well as open-source research."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
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Reality Check Needed: Rising Costs and Delays in Construction of New DHS Headquarters at St. Elizabeths
"This report provides an overview of the expected cost growth and planning process of the St. Elizabeths Consolidation Project. The goal of this report is to inform the American people of how their taxpayer dollars are being spent and provide some potential areas for future examination. The Committee recognizes the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) need to consolidate activities to increase the Department's efficiency and improve its operations and coordination. However, DHS currently lacks vision to adapt the construction of St. Elizabeths to the fiscal challenges facing our Nation. The Committee questions the planning and overall management of the St. Elizabeths Project. The Department has not made information for many issue areas available to the public so the Committee will also identify questions for future investigation."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
2014-01
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Hearing Serial No. 112-116: Resilient Communications: Current Challenges and Future Advancements: Hearing Before the United States House of Representatives, Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, Second Session, September 12, 2012
This is the September 12, 2012 hearing on, "Resilient Communications: Current Challenges and Future Advancements," before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications. From the opening statement of Gus Bilirakis: "Yesterday marked the 11th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Among the many important recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission was the need for operable and interoperable communications. Much progress has been made in the realm of communications since September 11th and Hurricane Katrina. Federal, state, and local entities have worked to enhance their communications capabilities. The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Emergency Communications has been working with States and localities to accomplish the goals in the National Emergency Communications Plan. At long last, the D-Block has been allocated to public safety. Members were recently appointed to the First Responder Network Authority, or FirstNet. FirstNet, working with Federal, state, local, and tribal partners, will work to develop, build, and operate the nationwide interoperable wireless broadband network. I am interested in hearing from all our witnesses about their thoughts on the development and operation of the network." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Gus Bilirakis, Bobbie Stempfley, David Turetsky, Kyle Malady, Terry Hall, Trey Forgety, and Chris McIntosh.
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
2013
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Blueprint for Southern Border Security
From the Introduction: "The United States Border Patrol has more agents in the field today than at any time in history. There are also more miles of fencing and a wider array of technological solutions to help detect illicit crossings and the movement of narcotics than ever before. Yet, nearly everyone agrees that the border is not as secure as it needs to be. The consequences of an insecure border are serious because of the destabilizing impact smuggling activity and subsequent violence have along the border. Transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), such as drug cartels, make billions of dollars by moving contraband across the border into the United States. Drugs, people, weapons, and money moving across the border pose significant risks to the security of the nation. TCO operations are predicated on evading U.S. border enforcement. As the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) border security efforts become successful in one area, our adversaries adapt by shifting to other, less-secure areas of the border. Aware of existing weaknesses in border security, TCOs are quick to take advantage of these gaps. DHS must improve its ability to predict shifts in smuggling routes and be mobile enough to respond quickly."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
McCaul, Michael T.
2014?
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[Letter from Representatives Peter King and Bennie Thompson to Speaker John Bohner Regarding the Congressional Oversight of the Department of Homeland Security]
"We write today to bring to your attention to a recent statement by President Obama emphasizing that Congressional jurisdiction over the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) should be consolidated. On January 14, 2012, President Obama pointed to the failure to consolidate jurisdiction over DHS as an example of government inefficiency [...] Since September 11, 2001, Congress has enacted major reforms to re-organize the Executive Branch to confront one of the major challenges of our time, protecting the Nation's citizens and infrastructure from terrorist attack. Members of the 9/11 Commission have repeatedly acknowledged, including in the 911 Commission Report, that of all of their recommendations, strengthening congressional oversight may be among the most difficult. While having an appreciation for the truth of that statement, we would urge you to revisit Rule X cl. 1 to, for the first time, consolidate jurisdiction over DHS so that the House's ability to streamline Federal programs, enact cost saving reforms and effectively and efficiently authorize programs critical to the security of our Nation is no longer obstructed."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
King, Peter T., 1944-; Thompson, Bennie, 1948-
2012-01-24
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Majority Investigation Report - Al Shabaab: Recruitment and Radicalization Within the Muslim American Community and the Threat to the Homeland, U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Homeland Security, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, July 27, 2011
"The Majority staff of the Committee on Homeland Security has conducted an investigation into the threat by al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen in Somalia, Al Qaeda's major ally in East Africa, and its efforts to radicalize and recruit Muslim-Americans inside the U.S. The key finding is that there is a looming danger of American Shabaab fighters returning to the U.S. to strike or helping Al Qaeda and its affiliates attack the homeland. U.S. intelligence underestimated the Pakistani Taliban and Al Qaeda in Yemen's capability of launching attacks here; we cannot afford to make the same mistake with Shabaab."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
Thompson, Bennie, 1948-; King, Peter T., 1944-
2011-07-27
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Critical Leadership Vacancies Impede United States Department of Homeland Security
"The Department of Homeland Security became operational in the spring of 2003. This ambitious undertaking pulled together 22 existing Federal organizations into a single new Departmental entity. Since that time, contracting abuses, poor leadership, and low employee moral have been endemic. As pointed out by the National Journal in its June 2 issue, one of the continuing problems appears to be the over politicization of the top ranks of Department management. This is evident in the fact that some 24 percent of all Department top positions are now vacant. This could lead to heightened vulnerability to terrorist attack when the new administration is installed in January of 2009 and the political appointees who now run the Department exit without ensuring continuity of operations. The gaping hole in Department executive resources is a homeland security issue that must be addressed and rectified immediately."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
2007-07
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Cybersecurity for the Homeland: Report of the Activities and Findings by the Chairman and Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Science, and Research & Development of the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on Homeland Security, December 2004
"On a fateful day in September 2001, our lives changed forever as a handful of terrorists dramatically proved they had the means to destroy on a level equal to their hatred. Each and every American felt a loss of sanctuary and a loss of security. The government responded and took initial steps to reorganize the federal bureaucracy to better protect the homeland and its citizens. Congress and the Executive Branch worked together to create the Department of Homeland Security. Congress established homeland security appropriations subcommittees in the House and Senate. In January 2003, the U.S. House of Representatives also created a Select Committee on Homeland Security to improve coordination efforts among federal agencies tasked with protecting our homeland from terrorist attacks and to oversee the newly created Department of Homeland Security. The Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Science, and Research & Development was given responsibility for the authorization and oversight of the Department's activities related to security of computers, telecommunications, information technology, industrial control, electric infrastructure, and data systems, including science and research and development; protection of government and private networks and computer systems from domestic and foreign attack; and prevention of injury to civilian populations and physical infrastructure caused by cyber attack. During the 108th Congress, the Subcommittee conducted numerous hearings and briefings for Members of Congress and staff on cybersecurity issues."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
2004-12
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Text of the Letter from Committee on Homeland Security to Kip Hawley, Assistant Secretary, Transportation Security Administration, July 31, 2008.
This document is a letter..."in response to the Transportation Security Administration telling the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection on July 15 that air cargo originating abroad would not be screened, Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection Chairwoman Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX) and Democratic Members of the Subcommittee sent a letter to Kip Hawley, Assistant Secretary and Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, to reiterate that, notwithstanding TSA's interpretation of the law, the screening of 100 percent of air cargo was mandated by Section 1602 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-53)."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
2008-07-31
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Letter to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff from House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie G. Thompson Regarding Transition Plan and Political Appointment 2009. February 7, 2008
This document is the letter to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff from House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie G. Thompson regarding transition plans and political appointments in 2009.
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
Thompson, Bennie, 1948-
2008-02-07
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Boko Haram: Emerging Threat to the U.S. Homeland
From the text: "On August 26, 2011, a suicide bomber drove a vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) into the United Nations (U.N.) headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, killing 23 people and injuring more than 80 others. Responsibility for the bombing, one of the deadliest in the United Nations' history, was claimed by Boko Haram, an Islamist religious sect turned insurgent group based in the predominantly Muslim northern Nigeria. While this attack occurred inside Nigerian borders, it was the first time Boko Haram had targeted an international, non-Nigerian entity. The attack marked a significant shift in the targeting and goals of the group, largely unknown to the U.S. Intelligence Community, and capped off an evolution in the capabilities of Boko Haram, beginning in the mid-2000s, from attacks with poisoned arrows and machetes to sophisticated car bombings. In a video that surfaced in Nigeria in the weeks following the U.N. bombing, the perpetrator of the attack described the U.N. as a forum for 'all global evil' and stated the attacks were designed to 'send a message to the U.S. President and 'other infidels.' According to Ambassador Anthony Holmes, Deputy to the Commander for Civil- Military Activities (DCMA) of United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), members of Boko Haram are being trained by Al Qaeda in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). They are also believed to have ties to the Somalian militant group al Shabaab. This cooperation, combined with the increased sophistication of attacks executed by Boko Haram, have led to concerns from the U.S. Intelligence Community over the sect's intent and capability to strike Western targets in Nigeria, throughout Africa, and most importantly, the U.S. Homeland.'"
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
2011-11-30
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Terror Threat Snapshot [April 2018]
"House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) today released April's Terror Threat Snapshot, a monthly assessment of the Committee's continuing effort to highlight the growing threat America, the West, and the world face from ISIS [Islamic State of Iraq and Syria] and other Islamist terrorists."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
2018-04-10
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Terror Gone Viral: Overview of the 100+ ISIS-Linked Plots Against the West, 2014 - 2016
From Background: "The House Homeland Security Committee has been tracking terrorist activity linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) since the group's formation in 2013; it's first publicly-known external plot against the West was in 2014. This report was produced by the Committee's Majority Staff and is intended to capture the scope of ISIS external operations against Western countries, including the United States, as well as terrorist incidents inspired by the group. It provides high-level analysis of ISIS-linked plots and attacks that have targeted such countries, along with a summary of each incident. At the time of publication, ISIS has been tied to a total of 100+ terrorist plots or attacks against the West. The Committee plans to update this report periodically."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
2016-07
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Agents of Opportunity: Responding to the Threat of Chemical Terrorism, Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, U.S. House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, First Session, March 19, 2015
This is a testimony compilation from the March 19, 2015 hearing "Agents of Opportunity: Responding to the Threat of Chemical Terrorism," held before the House Committee on Homeland Security. From the opening statement of Subcommittee Chairman Martha McSally: "Terrorists have long had an interest in using chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) agents in their attacks. […] We find ourselves at a pivotal time in our fight against terrorists around the world. ISIS [Islamic State of Iraq and Syria] is better resourced, more brutal, and more organized than any terrorist group to date. We know that, given the opportunity, terrorists will acquire and use military grade chemical weapons or other chemical agents in their attacks. In fact, earlier this year, CENTCOM [DOD's Central Command] reported that a coalition air strike killed ISIS' chemical weapons expert. Reports have also indicated that ISIS used chlorine gas in their attacks last year. […] A terrorist attack using chemical agents is a low probability, high consequence scenario. A chemical attack could cause mass casualties and significant economic losses. In light of this, we must be vigilant and ensure our first responders and medical personnel are ready to respond." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Mark Kirk, Christina Catlett, G. Keith Bryant, and Armando B. Fontoura.
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
2015-03-19
