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• Federal Government Intelligence Sharing with State, Local, and Tribal Law Enforcement: An Assessment Ten Years After 9/11, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, Second Session, February 28, 2012

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  This is the February 28, 2012 hearing on "Federal Government Intelligence Sharing with State, Local, and Tribal Law Enforcement: An Assessment Ten Years After 9/11," held before the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence. From the opening statement of Patrick Meehan: "Over the last year, the subcommittee has held hearings on a number of issues related to intelligence sharing and DHS's role when coordinating with its State, local, and Tribal partners to collect, analyze, share, and disseminate critical intelligence to the public and to private stakeholders Nation-wide. It is an important time right now, because we are 10 years after 9/11. It is important we assess the role of fusion centers as members of the National, State, and local intelligence and law enforcement communities and ask the important questions about their performance to date and discuss the outlook for the future. I had the opportunity to be the United States attorney in Philadelphia after 9/11, took office just 6 days, and we as an entire Nation were responding to the new challenge of information sharing. I remember the initiation of fusion center programs, and supported them. However, today what was envisioned 10 years ago appears to be different in some measures to what is currently in place today." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Patrick Meehan, Brian Higgins, Scott McAllister, Louis Quijas, Eric Velez-Villar, and Maurita J. Bryant.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2013
• State and Local Perspectives on Federal Information Sharing, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, Second Session, September 8, 2016

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  This is the September 8, 2016 hearing on "State and Local Perspectives on Federal Information Sharing," held before the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence of the Committee on Homeland Security. From the opening statement Peter T. King: "The subcommittee is meeting today to hear testimony from 3 National law enforcement associations regarding the importance of information sharing and on-going challenges. I would like to personally welcome the Members of the subcommittee, express my appreciation to the witnesses who traveled here today. I really appreciate you taking the time to be here. Now I recognize myself for an opening statement. Nearly 19 months ago, this subcommittee held a hearing entitled 'Addressing the Remaining Gaps in Federal, State, and Local Information Sharing.' We heard from the same impressive panel that is before us again today, and a lot has happened since then. During the initial hearing, the witnesses raised a number of important issues, including the need for cyber expertise within State and local law enforcement, providing fusion centers with greater access to FBI terrorism-related data, and concerns about the impact of encrypted communications platforms for law enforcement and counterterrorism investigations. A number of specific recommendations for the Department of Homeland Security were also raised, such as providing greater access to security clearances, empowering I&A (intelligence and analysis) field personnel, and expanding the homeland security information network, just to name a few." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Richard Beary, Mike Sena, and Cedric Alexander.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2017
• Performance Measures Definitions Guide: Measuring the Performance of the National Network of Fusion Centers

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  From the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Website: "The Performance Measures Definitions Guide (PMDG) is the product of a collaborative effort led by the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) State and Local Program Office (SLPO) in cooperation with federal, state, and local fusion center stakeholders. These partners collectively developed an initial set of five performance measures that were implemented as part of the 2012 Fusion Center Assessment (2012 Assessment) and have since collaborated to develop a comprehensive suite of 45 performance measures designed to capture data on National Network impacts across a range of mission areas, including enhancing threat awareness and decision making, supporting law enforcement operations, and supporting incident response efforts. The attached PMDG, version 1.0, defines these measures and explains the data collection methodology for each. This version of the PMDG covers the entire suite of 45 National Network performance measures, 34 of which were implemented as part of the 2013 Assessment. These 34 measures will remain in place, without change, for the 2014 Assessment cycle. The PMDG is intended to be a living document. SLPO will lead a periodic review process involving the entire fusion center stakeholder community to ensure that measure definitions and data collection approaches remain up-to-date, accurate, and meaningful. This review process will allow all partners to provide input and feedback on current measure language and to propose new measures or revised language as needed. The review process will align with the annual assessment process to ensure that updates to the measures are accounted for in data collection approaches, including the annual assessment process."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Intelligence and Analysis

  2014-04
• Building Safer Communities: The Importance of Effective Federal-Local Collaboration in Law Enforcement, Hearing Before the Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, First Session, Wilmington, Deleware, June 20, 2011

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  This is the June 20, 2011 hearing on "Building Safer Communities: The Importance of Effective Federal-Local Collaboration in Law Enforcement," held before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary. From the opening statement of Christopher A. Coons: "The goal of this hearing is to examine how well federal and local collaboration, including both information-sharing and funding support, is working using Delaware as a model. We will examine Delaware's fusion center, which serves as the information and analysis nerve center, for information at every level that affects Delaware's public safety. We will also examine the use of joint task forces which our local police and federal partners have established to bring a merged operational focus to counterterrorism, as well as to keeping our streets safe from gangs, drugs and guns. We will also look at formal information-sharing arrangements. While Delaware's small size and the much-vaunted Delaware way of doing business have helped allow Delaware to innovate in these informal partnering arrangements, they can also serve, I believe, as models for States of any sizes." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Mark Brunswick, James Burch, Robert Coupe, Drewry Fennell, James Hosfelt, Richard McFeely, and James Nolan.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2012
• Gun Control Legislation [November 22, 2011]

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  "Congress has debated the efficacy and constitutionality of federal regulation of firearms and ammunition, with strong advocates arguing for and against greater gun control. Since March 2011, much of the gun control debate in the 112th Congress has swirled around allegations that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) mishandled a Phoenix, AZ-based gun trafficking investigation known as 'Operation Fast and Furious.' Senator Charles Grassley, ranking minority Member on the Committee on the Judiciary, and Representative Darrell Issa, chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, have issued two joint staff reports on Operation Fast and Furious, and the House committee has held three related hearings. On November 1, 2011, a high-ranking DOJ official testified before the Senate Judiciary's Crime and Terrorism Subcommittee that he had identified 'gun walking' as a potentially risk laden investigative technique in April 2010 in connection with another ATF investigation, Operation Wide Receiver, but failed to inform the Attorney General about the potential risks […] This report concludes with discussion of other salient and recurring gun control issues that have generated past congressional interest. Those issues include (1) screening firearms background check applicants against terrorist watch lists, (2) reforming the regulation of federally licensed gun dealers, (3) requiring background checks for private firearms transfers at gun shows, (4) more-strictly regulating certain firearms previously defined in statute as 'semiautomatic assault weapons,' and (5) banning or requiring the registration of certain long-range .50 caliber rifles, which are commonly referred to as 'sniper' rifles. To set these and other emerging issues in context, this report provides basic firearms-related statistics, an overview of federal firearms law, and a summary of legislative action in the 111th Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2011-11-22
• Gun Control Legislation in the 113th Congress [August 1, 2014]

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  "Congress has debated the efficacy and constitutionality of federal regulation of firearms and ammunition, with strong advocates arguing for and against greater gun control. The mass shooting in Newtown, CT, along with other mass shootings in Aurora, CO, and Tucson, AZ, restarted the national gun control debate. The Senate had considered a range of legislative proposals, including several that President Barack Obama supports as part of his national gun violence reduction plan. The most salient of these proposals would (1) require background checks for intrastate firearms transfers between unlicensed persons at gun shows and nearly any other venue, otherwise known as the 'universal background checks' proposal; (2) increase penalties for gun trafficking; and (3) reinstate and strengthen an expired federal ban on detachable ammunition magazines of over 10-round capacity and certain 'military style' firearms commonly described as 'semiautomatic assault weapons,' which are designed to accept such magazines. On March 21, 2013, Senator Harry Reid introduced the Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act of 2013 (S. 649). As introduced, this bill included the language of several bills previously reported by the Senate Committee on the Judiciary: (1) the Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act of 2013 (S. 54), (2) the Fix Gun Checks Act of 2013 (S. 374), and (3) the School Safety Enhancements Act of 2013 (S. 146). However, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2013 (S. 150) was not included in S. 649. From April 17-18, 2013, the Senate considered S. 649 and nine amendments that addressed a wide array of gun control issues, ranging from restricting assault weapons to mandating interstate recognition (reciprocity) of state handgun concealed carry laws. By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed that adoption of these amendments would require a 60-vote threshold. However, all but two of these amendments were rejected. But, a final vote was not taken on S. 649."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2014-08-01
• Gun Control Proposals in the 113th Congress: Universal Background Checks, Gun Trafficking, and Military Style Firearms [June 7, 2013]

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  "Congress has debated the efficacy and constitutionality of federal regulation of firearms and ammunition, with strong advocates arguing for and against greater gun control. The mass shooting in Newtown, CT, along with other mass shootings in Aurora, CO, and Tucson, AZ, has restarted the national gun control debate. Members of the 113th Congress could consider a range of legislative proposals, including several that President Barack Obama has announced his support for as part of his national gun violence reduction plan. The most salient of the President's legislative proposals would (1) require background checks for intrastate firearms transfers between unlicensed persons at gun shows and nearly any other venue, otherwise known as the 'universal background checks' proposal; (2) increase penalties for gun trafficking; and (3) reinstate and strengthen an expired federal ban on detachable ammunition magazines of over 10- round capacity and certain 'military style' firearms commonly described as 'semiautomatic assault weapons,' which are designed to accept such magazines."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2013-06-07
• Gun Legislation in the 109th Congress [March 31, 2005]

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  "The 109th Congress is likely to continue the national debate over the efficacy and constitutionality of further federal regulation of firearms and ammunition. Several dozen gun control-related proposals are likely to be introduced that will represent a variety of positions on gun control. If past congressional action is indicative, however, only a handful of bills will likely receive significant legislative action. Congress may reconsider a 'gun industry liability' bill, which passed the House in the last Congress (H.R. 1036), but not the Senate (S. [Senate bill] 1805). This bill has been reintroduced in both chambers (H.R. 800/S. 397). Three other firearm-related issues that may receive consideration include (1) further regulating certain firearms previously defined in statute as 'assault weapons,' (2) requiring background checks for private firearm transfers at gun shows, and (3) retaining Brady background check records for approved firearm transactions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2005-03-31
• Federal Support for Involvement in State and Local Fusion Centers, Majority and Minority Staff Report, Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, United States Senate

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  This Majority and Minority Staff Report was issued by Senators Carl Levin and Tom Coburn of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. From the Executive Summary: "Sharing terrorism-related information between state, local and federal officials is crucial to protecting the United States from another terrorist attack. Achieving this objective was the motivation for Congress and the White House to invest hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars over the last nine years in support of dozens of state and local fusion centers across the United States. The Subcommittee investigation found that DHS-assigned detailees to the fusion centers forwarded 'intelligence' of uneven quality -- oftentimes shoddy, rarely timely, sometimes endangering citizens' civil liberties and Privacy Act protections, occasionally taken from already-published public sources, and more often than not unrelated to terrorism. Congress directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to lead this initiative. A bipartisan investigation by the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations has found, however, that DHS' work with those state and local fusion centers has not produced useful intelligence to support federal counterterrorism efforts. The Subcommittee investigation also found that DHS officials' public claims about fusion centers were not always accurate. For instance, DHS officials asserted that some fusion centers existed when they did not. At times, DHS officials overstated fusion centers' 'success stories.' At other times, DHS officials failed to disclose or acknowledge non-public evaluations highlighting a host of problems at fusion centers and in DHS' own operations. Since 2003, over 70 state and local fusion centers, supported in part with federal funds, have been created or expanded in part to strengthen U.S. intelligence capabilities, particularly to detect, disrupt, and respond to domestic terrorist activities. DHS' support for and involvement with these state and local fusion centers has, from the beginning, centered on their professed ability to strengthen federal counterterrorism efforts."

  United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

  2012-10-03
• Fusion 2.0: The Next Generation of Fusion in California: Aligning State and Regional Fusion Centers

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  From the Abstract: "A growing number of states have created multiple fusion centers, including California. In addition to having a state fusion center, California has four regional centers statewide. Each center is separately governed, but intended to work together as a unified, statewide system. Given their recognized autonomy, the relationship between California's fusion centers is voluntary and 'horizontal' versus 'hierarchical,' with no single entity in charge. Consequently, the attainment and sustainment of a robust and synchronized partnership between California's fusion centers is dependent upon each center's commitment to collaborate. Current research has focused largely on building collaboration within fusion centers, as opposed to between fusion centers. This research seeks to identify the appropriate role and mission of California's state fusion center as it relates to strengthening stakeholder relationships, collaboration, and sustainability, through the analysis of data captured from California's regional centers, sheriffs and police chiefs, and examining the roles and methods of other state fusion centers in states with multiple centers. From this research, this thesis recommends a series of collaborative initiatives intended to help strengthen intra-state fusion center collaboration, more properly align state and regional fusion center efforts, and enhance sustainability through maintained relevancy and added value to stakeholders and customers."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)

  MacGregor, David S.

  2010-03
• Cybersecurity: Utilizing Fusion Centers to Protect State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Entities Against Cyber Threats

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  From the Abstract: "Many areas of the cyber domain of American citizens are under attack: critical infrastructure, electrical grids, banks, businesses, government, and personally identifiable information (identity theft, medical records, child exploitation, etc.). Although the focus of recent cybersecurity legislation has provided additional authorities to federal agencies, a key concern for state, local, tribal and territorial (SLTT) government entities is this: What is the best way to protect computer networks at the state and local level? State and local governments have the responsibility to protect dams, freeway systems, power and water plants, emergency communications, personal identifiable information, health care records, educational institutions, and banking systems. The array of responsibilities and the cybersecurity threat landscape make state- and local-level computer networks fertile ground for the cyber adversary. This research focuses on the threat to SLTT computer networks and how to leverage information-sharing initiatives, cybersecurity policies and state and local fusion centers to prevent, mitigate, and deter cyber threats targeted at SLTT computer networks."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security

  Flynn, Payton A., Sr.

  2016-09
• Eyes of the Storm: Can Fusion Centers Play a Crucial Role During the Response Phase of Natural Disasters Through Collaborative Relationships with Emergency Operations Centers?

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  From the Abstract: "Through the maturation of the national network of fusion centers, processes and capabilities originally designed to detect and thwart terrorist attacks are now applied to disaster responses. The fusion process, which involves the synthesis and analysis of streams of data, can create incident specific intelligence. The sharing of this information can enhance the operating picture that is critical to key decision makers and the discipline of emergency management. This thesis examined three case studies of fusion center disaster responses through a collaborative-based analytical framework. The resulting analysis of the case studies identified the crucial role played by fusion centers in responding to disaster events in a collaborative effort with emergency operations centers. This thesis concludes that fusion centers offer the greatest impact through enabling information sharing throughout the response phase. The specific benefits of the sharing of information directly influence executive briefings and the deployment of resources. This thesis also modeled a collaborative response. The research determined that the depth and breadth of these relationships involving cooperative responses must be proportionate to the incident and include a level of redundancy. Through a system design model, overconnectivity through efficiency was shown to increase the likelihood of fracturing cooperative relationships."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security

  Coyle, Timothy P.

  2014-09
• Asserting Collective State Sovereignty to Strengthen the National Network of Fusion Center

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  From the Abstract: "The lack of legal uniformity in the National Network of Fusion Centers, or National Network, is not a simple problem, and there is no simple solution; however, operating in a 'network' with 79 fusion centers and 54 different legal frameworks while trying to detect and prevent criminal―and terrorism-related activity―is not a simple task, either. And despite the expenditure of significant federal, state, and local dollars to establish a capable and robust network of fusion centers, insufficient time and energy has been dedicated to the creation of an effective and uniform legal framework for the National Network. Through interviews with leadership from 11 fusion centers, this thesis addresses the complications of non-uniformity and evaluates three legal mechanisms with the potential to create uniformity. This research reveals that a congressionally approved interstate compact would be the most effective legal mechanism to create uniformity within the National Network because it results in state statutory authority in every participating jurisdiction, has the potential to create national legal uniformity, and respects the sovereignty of the states visà- vis the federal government."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security

  Ladich, Samantha

  2018-03
• Strengthening the Value of the National Network of Fusion Centers by Leveraging Specialization: Defining 'Centers of Analytical Excellence'

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  From the Abstract: "This article reports on the main findings of a project sponsored by the National Fusion Center Association to more precisely define the term 'Centers of Analytic Excellence.' Secretary Janet Napolitano, Department of Homeland Security previously used this term to focus public attention on the analytical component of the fusion process. Drawing upon the input of a select group of federal, state, and local intelligence expert professionals through the application of the Delphi Method, the article proposes the (re)definition of the term 'Centers of Analytical Excellence' to mean a validation of a fusion center's demonstrated excellence in a particular subject area of analytical methodology. This is a significant departure from the sense in which this term has been used previously and provides a next state for individual fusion centers that aspire to share their analytic competencies across a national network. This article also discusses a number of additional perspectives regarding the state of analysis in fusion centers as raised by the experts consulted in the project."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security

  Abold, Justin Lewis; Guidetti, Raymond A.; Keyer, Doug

  2012-06
• National Fusion Center Association [website]

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  From the Webpage: "The National Fusion Center Association represents the interests of state and major urban area fusion centers, as well as associated interests of states, tribal nations, and units of local government, in order to promote the development and sustainment of fusion centers; encourage effective, ethical, and lawful intelligence and information sharing; and prevent and reduce the harmful effects of crime and terrorism on victims, individuals, and communities."

  National Fusion Center Association
• Fusion Centers [website]

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  From the Webpage: "Fusion centers operate as state and major urban area focal points for the receipt, analysis, gathering, and sharing of threat-related information between federal; state, local, tribal, territorial (SLTT); and private sector partners."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security
• U.S. Gun Policy: Framework and Major Issues [Updated May 27, 2022]

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  From the Document: "Federal firearms regulation has been a subject of continuous interest for legislators. In recent Congresses, a range of proposals has been introduced, with some seeking to ease various federal firearms restrictions or facilitate reciprocity in state treatment of persons authorized to carry firearms by other states. Other proposals have sought greater restrictions on the federal rules concerning the possession, transfer, or sale of firearms or the expansion of background checks for firearm purchases. These various approaches, in turn, prompt debate about not only their pros and cons but also their legalities, as Congress's ability to legislate on such matters must comport with the Second Amendment and other constitutional constraints."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Foster, Michael A. (Legislative attorney); Krouse, William J.

  2022-05-27
• Advancing the Homeland Security Information Sharing Environment: A Review of the National Network of Fusion Centers

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  From the Introduction: "At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Chairman Michael McCaul directed the Majority staff to conduct a review of federal coordination with, and support to, the National Network of Fusion Centers. [...] Committee staff conducted a review of the progress made across all levels of government to enhance the flow of counterterrorism information to and from fusion centers. The Committee visited ten fusion centers, and had additional meetings with five others, to hear directly from analysts and operators. [...] Though a comprehensive review of the Committee's analysis and findings is detailed below, Committee staff have noted that since the release of the Committee's 2013 report, significant progress has been made in the overall maturity of the National Network of Fusion Centers. Many fusion centers have expanded capabilities to address all crimes and threats, recognizing that early indicators of terrorism often include criminal activity. The Committee witnessed greater intra-network collaboration, including the exchange of best practices, collaboration on strategic products, and provision of support to other centers during major incidents. Additionally, fusion centers are embracing a multidisciplinary approach to outreach programs to better integrate fire, emergency medical services, and the private sector. [...] The Committee also noted several areas that warrant further attention and enhancement. [...] The Committee also identified several new challenges that, if not addressed, could impact the ability of fusion centers to assess threats and share information."

  United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security

  2017-11
• 2017 National Network of Fusion Centers: Final Report

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  From the Purpose: "The National Network of Fusion Centers Final Report (Final Report) documents the findings of the Fusion Center Assessment (Assessment) and poses a list of recommendations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducts the Assessment to provide a comprehensive picture of the performance of the National Network of Fusion Centers (National Network), measure the effectiveness of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant funding, and guide partners to invest in mission areas with the greatest potential benefit to the homeland. The Assessment primarily evaluates fusion centers' adherence to selected performance measures. It also strives to ensure functional consistency across the National Network, regardless of fusion center size, scope, geography, or mission."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security

  2018-10
• Cyber Integration for Fusion Centers: An Appendix to the Baseline Capabilities for State and Major Urban Area Fusion Centers

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  From the Purpose: "This document identifies recommended actions and guidance for state and major urban area fusion centers (fusion centers) to integrate information technology, cybersecurity, and cybercrime prevention (cyber) intelligence and analytic capabilities. Development of these capabilities will inform local, state, and national detection, mitigation, response, recovery, investigation, and criminal prosecution activities that support and maintain the United States' cybersecurity."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security; United States. Bureau of Justice Assistance

  2015-05
• Network Fusion: Information and Intelligence Sharing for a Networked World

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  From the Abstract: "An innovative design for sharing information and intelligence is found in the form of network fusion, which encourages collaboration across multiple disciplines by leveraging technology to connect the unconnected at classified and unclassified levels. As terrorists move to new methods of attack, law enforcement and first responders must use comprehensive and timely information and intelligence to both anticipate potential threats and to ensure a high measure of adaptability in responses. This article defines network fusion along with other architectures for homeland security connectivity; explores the current information and intelligence sharing challenges; examines how network fusion can enhance fusion centers as well as assist emergency responders; and makes several recommendations for implementing network fusion. Network fusion provides an opportunity to bring many unique perspectives together for smarter, faster and cheaper intelligence sharing."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security

  Pfeifer, Joseph W.

  2012-10
• 2013 Annual Report: Actions Needed to Reduce Fragmentation, Overlap, and Duplication and Achieve Other Financial Benefits, Report to Congressional Addressees

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  From the Document: "As the fiscal pressures facing the nation continue, so too does the need for executive branch agencies and Congress to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government programs and activities. Opportunities to take such action exist in areas where federal programs or activities are fragmented, overlapping, or duplicative. To highlight these challenges and to inform government decision makers on actions that could be taken to address them, GAO [Government Accountability Office] is statutorily required to identify and report annually to Congress on federal programs, agencies, offices, and initiatives, either within departments or government-wide, that have duplicative goals or activities. In light of today's challenging fiscal environment, we have also identified additional opportunities to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness by means of cost savings or enhanced revenue collection. In March 2011, we issued our first annual report in this series, which presented 80 areas where opportunities existed for executive branch agencies or Congress to reduce fragmentation, overlap, or duplication; achieve cost savings; or enhance revenue. Figure 1 outlines the definitions we use for fragmentation, overlap, and duplication for this work. In February 2012, we issued our second annual report, which identified an additional 51 areas. In these two reports, we have identified a total of approximately 300 actions that executive branch agencies and Congress could take to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government programs and activities."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2013-04
• Grants Management: Improved Planning, Coordination, and Communication Needed to Strengthen Reform Efforts, Report to Congressional Requesters

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  From the Highlights: "GAO [Government Accountability Office] has previously identified several management challenges that have hindered grants management reform efforts. GAO was asked to review recent federal grants management reform efforts. GAO reviewed (1) what OMB [Office of Management and Budget] and other federal grants governance bodies have done since the passage of P.L. [Public Law] 106-107 to reform grants management processes, and (2) what actions, if any, have been taken to address what GAO has found to be persistent management challenges. GAO reviewed relevant legislation, OMB circulars and guidance, action plans of interagency councils responsible for overseeing grants management reforms, and previous GAO work and other literature on grants management reforms. GAO also reviewed its previous work on collaborative mechanisms and management consolidation efforts. GAO also interviewed officials from OMB, grant-making agencies, and associations representing a variety of grantee types. […] GAO recommends that the Director of OMB: (1) develop and make publicly available an implementation schedule that includes performance targets, goal leaders who can be held accountable for each goal, and mechanisms to monitor, evaluate, and report on results; (2) clarify the roles and responsibilities for various streamlining initiatives; and (3) develop an effective two-way communication strategy with relevant stakeholders. OMB generally concurred with our recommendations and provided additional and updated information, which was incorporated into the report as appropriate."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2013-05
• Capital Purchase Program: Status of the Program and Financial Health of Remaining Participants, Report to Congressional Committees

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  From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "CPP [Capital Purchase Program] was established as the primary means of restoring stability to the financial system under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Under CPP, Treasury invested almost $205 billion in 707 eligible financial institutions between October 2008 and December 2009. CPP recipients have made dividend and interest payments to Treasury on the investments. TARP's authorizing legislation requires GAO [Government Accountability Office] to report every 60 days on TARP activities. This report examines (1) the status of CPP; and (2) the financial condition of institutions remaining in the program. To assess the program's status, GAO reviewed Treasury reports on the status of CPP. GAO also used financial and regulatory data to compare the financial condition of institutions remaining in CPP with those that had exited the program and those that did not participate. GAO provided a draft of this report to Treasury for its review and comment. Treasury generally concurred with GAO's findings."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2013-05
• Virtual Economies and Currencies: Additional IRS Guidance Could Reduce Tax Compliance Risks, Report to the Committee on Finance, U.S. Senate

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  From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "Recent years have seen the development of virtual economies, such as those within online role-playing games, through which individual participants can own and exchange virtual goods and services. Within some virtual economies, virtual currencies have been created as a medium of exchange for goods and services. Virtual property and currency can be exchanged for real goods, services, and currency, and virtual currencies have been developed outside of virtual economies as alternatives to government-issued currencies, such as dollars. These innovations raise questions about related tax requirements and potential challenges for IRS [Internal Revenue Service] compliance efforts. This report (1) describes the tax reporting requirements for virtual economies and currencies, (2) identifies the potential tax compliance risks of virtual economies and currencies, and (3) assesses how IRS has addressed the tax compliance risks of virtual economies and currencies. To accomplish these objectives, GAO [Government Accountability Office] reviewed tax laws, IRS guidance and program documents, federal program internal control guidance, and interviewed IRS officials and knowledgeable experts on the topics. […] GAO recommends that IRS find relatively low-cost ways to provide information to taxpayers, such as on its website, on the basic tax reporting requirements for virtual currencies. In commenting on a draft of this report, IRS agreed with our recommendation."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2013-05
• Information Technology: Consistently Applying Best Practices Could Help IRS Improve the Reliability of Reported Cost and Schedule Information, Report to Congressional Committees

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  From the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Highlights: "IRS [Internal Revenue Service] relies extensively on IT [information technology] systems to annually collect more than $2 trillion in taxes, distribute more than $300 billion in refunds, and carry out its mission of providing service to America's taxpayers in meeting their tax obligations. In fiscal year 2012, the agency spent about $2.5 billion for IT. Given the size and significance of IRS's IT investments, and the challenges inherent in successfully delivering these complex IT systems, it is important that Congress be provided ongoing, accurate, and objective information on the progress toward completion and the risks facing these projects. Accordingly, GAO's [Government Accountability Office] objectives, among other things, were to (1) summarize the reported cost and schedule performance for IRS's major IT investments, and (2) for selected investments, determine the reliability of reported cost and schedule variances. […] GAO recommends that IRS improve the reliability of reported cost and schedule information by addressing weaknesses in future updates of cost and schedule estimates. GAO also recommends that IRS ensure projects consistently follow guidance for updating performance information 60 days after completion of an activity and develop and implement guidance that specifies best practices to consider when determining projected amounts. IRS agreed with three of GAO's four recommendations and partially disagreed with the fourth recommendation related to guidance on projecting cost and schedule amounts. GAO continues to believe this recommendation is warranted."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2013-04
• Negotiations with Iran: Blocking or Paving Tehran's Path to Nuclear Weapons? Hearing Before the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, First Session, March 19, 2015

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  This is a testimony compilation from the March 19, 2015 hearing "Negotiations with Iran: Blocking or Paving Tehran's Path to Nuclear Weapons?" held before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. From the opening statement of committee Chairman Edward R. Royce: "Case in point: Iran's uranium enrichment program, the key technology needed to developing a nuclear bomb. Reportedly, the Administration would be agreeable to leaving much of Iran's enrichment capacity in place for a decade. If Congress will be asked to 'roll-back' its sanctions on Iran -- which will certainly fund its terrorist activities - there must be a substantial 'roll-back' of Iran's nuclear program. And consider that international inspectors report that Iran has still not revealed its past bomb work - despite its commitment to do so. The IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency] is still concerned about signs of Iran's military-related activities; including designing a nuclear payload for a missile. Iran hasn't even begun to address these concerns. Last fall, over 350 Members wrote to the Secretary of State expressing deep concerns about this lack of cooperation. How can we expect Iran to uphold an agreement when they are not meeting their current commitments? Indeed, we were not surprised to see Iran continue to illicitly procure nuclear technology during these negotiations. Or that Tehran was caught testing a more advanced centrifuge that would help produce bomb material quicker. This was certainly a violation of the spirit, if not the letter, of the interim agreement. Iran's deception is all the more reason that the Administration should obtain zero-notice, anywhere, anytime inspections on Iran's declared and undeclared facilities." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Anthony J. Blinken and Adam J. Szubin.

  United States. Congress. House. Committee on Foreign Affairs

  2015-03-19
• Reviewing Current Developments in Ethiopia, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, Second Session, September 12, 2018

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  This is the September 12, 2018 hearing on "Reviewing Current Developments in Ethiopia," held before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. From the opening statement of Mike Coffman: "What we have seen in Ethiopia over the past few months has been entirely remarkable. New reforms and changes under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy have started Ethiopia on what I believe to be a stronger path of inclusion, democracy, and new freedoms. It is of the utmost importance that the United States can show to Ethiopia and the Ethiopian people that we stand side by side with them as these reforms occur and that we are able to provide assistance whenever and wherever possible. House Resolution 128, which was passed by the House of Representatives on April 10, has played an important role in illustrating the commitment that the United States has concerning the people of Ethiopia. This legislation called on the Government of Ethiopia to make clear, decisive steps toward becoming more inclusive, more democratic, and more respectful of the basic human rights of its own citizens." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Tibor P. Nagy, Jr., Girum Alemayehu, Jamal Said, Emily Estelle, and Yoseph M. Badwaza.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2018
• Critical Information Infrastructure Protection: The Threat is Real: Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Technology, Terrorism, and Government Information of the Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate, One Hundred Sixth Congress, First Session on Examining the Protection Efforts being Made against Foreign-Based Threats to United States Critical Computer Infrastructure, October 6, 1999

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  From the opening statement of Jon Kyl: "Today's hearing is on the subject of the critical information infrastructure and protection of the infrastructure and the threat thereto. At our hearing today, we are going to examine a growing public policy concern, the threat of hostile attack on our Nation's critical information infrastructure and the adequacy of the Federal Government's response to this threat." Statements, letters, and material submitted for the record include those of the following: Jon Kyl, Dianne Feinstein, Jack L. Brock, Jr., Jean L. Boltz, Richard C. Schaeffer, Jr., Robert F. Bennett, John Tritak, and Michael A. Vatis.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2001
• Enhancing Border Security: Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Immigration of the Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate, One Hundred Sixth Congress, Second Session, February 10, 2000

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  From the opening statement of Spencer Abraham: "Today, we will address the issue of enhancing border security. On December 14, 1999, Ahmed Ressam was arrested after attempting to enter Port Angeles, WA. He was found with nitroglycerin and other potential bomb-making material. He was successfully apprehended, but he will not be the last one to try. I hope today's hearing will shed light on four areas, in particular: First, what happened in Washington State in the days prior to the New Year and how Federal agencies responded to those events; second, what steps INS and Customs took and how did the two agencies coordinate their activities. Third, what other factors enhanced our ability to respond? In particular, how did cooperation between Canada and the United States, the world's strongest bilateral relationship, work during these incidents, and how does it work more broadly to protect Americans from potential dangers? And, finally, fourth, what additional resources are necessary to help deter and defend against terrorists, drug smugglers, and others seeking to do harm across our borders?" Statements, letters, and material submitted for the record include those of the following: Spencer Abraham, Dianne Feinstein, Patrick J. Leahy, Rayn H. Callister, Slade Gorton, Colleen M. Kelley, Robert E. Lindemann, Michael A. Pearson, Ora A. Smith, and Charles W. Winwood.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2001