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Secretary Napolitano Meets With Private Sector Critical Infrastructure Leaders, Launches New Web Site [November 17, 2009]
"Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today hosted the first in a series of roundtable meetings with private sector leaders to discuss critical infrastructure security and unveiled a new Web site designed to inform the public about the Department's critical infrastructure protection, readiness and resiliency efforts--part of her increased effort to heighten awareness about the importance of protecting America's vital assets, systems and networks over the coming weeks. 'Securing our nation's critical infrastructure is vital to maintaining the safety of communities across the country,' said Secretary Napolitano. 'DHS is committed to working with federal, state, local, territorial and tribal partners, the private sector and the public to protect against threats to these assets--from cyber networks to drinking water.'"
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Press Office
2009-11-17
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Homegrown Terrorism: The Threat Within
"This paper attempts to illustrate how difficult, if not impossible, it is to find root causes of domestic terrorism that are of general applicability. There may be similarities from one nation to another, but focusing on such similarities may well lead the analyst astray. The fact that each terrorist sought to cause fear in their fellow countrymen may well be the only common denominator. It is likely to be more important to focus on the unique cultural stamp of the individual nation to assess the reason for violence-prone disquietude among its citizens and residents. Unfortunately, many countries are now beginning to see similar threads of resentment that have begun to be expressed with violence at home. Here we briefly examine the experience of six countries with homegrown terrorism. Certainly, there are others that should be included in this survey; however, due to constraints of length we chose only six. In this paper, we eschew focus groups, such as animal and environmental rights groups, which are rightly described as terrorists when they use violence. We also leave aside the terrorist who acts to bring pressure on another nation--for example, the anti-Castro Cuban or the Sikh separatist who bombs a facility to express outrage at the conduct of another nation. Rather, we focus on the citizen and/or resident who seeks to cause harm to fellow citizens and residents, whether targeted for a single purpose, as with Theo Van Gogh, or murdered indiscriminately as in Spain and the United Kingdom."
National Defense University. Center for Technology and National Security Policy
Thachuk, Kimberley L., 1962-; Richardson, Courtney; Bowman,Marion E. "Spike"
2008-05
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Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General: FEMA's Progress in All-Hazards Mitigation
The Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) states the following about the contents of this report: "This report addresses the Federal Emergency Management Agency's progress in leading the Nation's efforts to mitigate the risks of natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other manmade disasters, as mandated by the Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006. It is based on interviews with employees and officials of relevant agencies and institutions, direct observations, and a review of applicable documents. The recommendations herein have been developed to the best knowledge available to our office, and have been discussed in draft with those responsible for implementation. We trust that this report will result in more effective, efficient, and economical operations. We express our appreciation to all of those who contributed to the preparation of this report."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2009-10
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Weekly Address: President Obama Extends Condolences to the Fort Hood Community [November 7, 2009]
"In this week's address [November 7, 2009], President Barack Obama expressed his sadness for the tragedy at Fort Hood and praised the selfless valor of those who came to the aid of the wounded. While we mourn the heartbreaking violence, we should honor the heroism of the soldiers and civilians who rushed to help their comrades. That is the heroism which makes the U.S. military the finest in the world."
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
2009-11-07
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President Obama Makes Additional Disaster Assistance Available to North Dakota [November 6, 2009]
"The President today [November 6, 2009] made additional disaster assistance available to the State of North Dakota by authorizing an increase in the level of Federal funding for Public Assistance projects undertaken as a result of severe storms and flooding during the period of March 13 to August 10, 2009."
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
2009-11-06
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Secretary Napolitano and Minister Van Loan Announce Initiatives to Combat Common Threats and Expedite Travel and Trade [November 24, 2009]
"U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Public Safety Canada Minister Peter Van Loan today announced initiatives between the United States and Canada. Those initiatives build on their shared commitment to tackle common threats like terrorism and organized crime while ensuring the lawful flow of travel and trade across the border. […]. 'Close cooperation and coordination between the United States and Canada is critical to the national and economic security of both nations,' said Secretary Napolitano. 'Minister Van Loan and I are committed to working together to combat transnational threats and facilitate lawful travel and trade on both sides of the border.'"
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Press Office
2009-11-24
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Combating Nuclear Smuggling: Recent Testing Raises Issues about the Potential Effectiveness of Advanced Radiation Detection Portal Monitors, Statement of Gene Aloise, Director Natural Resources and Environment, Testimony before the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, Committee on Science and Technology, House of Representatives
"The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) is responsible for addressing the threat of nuclear smuggling. Radiation detection portal monitors are key elements in the nation's defenses against such threats. DHS has sponsored testing to develop new monitors, known as advanced spectroscopic portal (ASP) monitors, to replace radiation detection equipment being used at ports of entry. DNDO expects that ASPs may offer improvements over current-generation portal monitors, particularly the potential to identify as well as detect radioactive material and thereby to reduce both the risk of missed threats and the rate of innocent alarms, which DNDO considers to be key limitations of radiation detection equipment currently used by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at U.S. ports of entry. However, ASPs cost significantly more than current generation portal monitors. Due to concerns about ASPs' cost and performance, Congress has required that the Secretary of Homeland Security certify that ASPs provide a significant increase in operational effectiveness before obligating funds for full-scale ASP procurement. In May 2009, GAO issued a report (GAO-09-655) on the status of the ongoing ASP testing round. This testimony (1) discusses the principal findings and recommendations from GAO's May report on ASP testing and (2) updates those findings based on information from DNDO and CBP officials on the results of testing conducted since the report's issuance. DHS, DNDO, and CBP's oral comments on GAO's new findings were included as appropriate."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2009-11-17
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Foreign Terrorist Organizations [July 7, 2009]
This document is a current listing of designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). "Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) are foreign organizations that are designated by the Secretary of State in accordance with section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended. FTO designations play a critical role in our fight against terrorism and are an effective means of curtailing support for terrorist activities and pressuring groups to get out of the terrorism business."
United States. Department of State
2009-07-07
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U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate's CounterMeasures Test Beds: Self-Indicating Instant Radiaton Alert Dosimeter (SIRAD) Test Results Final Report
This Final Report published by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate discusses the test results of the Self-Indicating Instant Radiation Alert Dosimeter (SIRAD), which is a campaign that "investigated the suitability of a credit-card format, human-readable radiation dosimeter as a dose control tool for preparedness and response to a terrorist event involving radioactive material. The device could fill a technology gap for first responders since they do not routinely carry radiation dosimetry. The SIRAD is a passive, disposable dosimeter that changes color upon exposure to a medically significant radiation dose. Its convenient format and low cost ($10-20) would allow for pre-distribution and provide immediate indication of any significant radiation exposure. This would provide reduced responder anxiety and response delays when exposure is low, and support for tactical response decisions when exposure is high."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Science and Technology Directorate
Bailey, Paul; Klemic, Gladys; Monetti, Matthew
2007-02-22
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Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General: United States Secret Service After-Action Review of Inaugural Security (Redacted)
The Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) states the following about the contents of this DHS Inspector General Report: "This report addresses the strengths and weaknesses of the United States Secret Service after-action review of concerns raised in the Washington Post on January 30, 2009, on inaugural security. It is based on interviews with employees and officials of relevant agencies and institutions, interviews with members of the public, direct observations, and a review of applicable documents." More specifically, "our review focused on two issues: (1) the adequacy of security at the events described in the Washington Post article and (2) how well the Secret Service managed its after-action review of the concerns cited in the article. The article described ticket-sharing practices that the political hosts of inaugural events have discretion to allow, rather than deficiencies in physical screening measures that the Secret Service uses to provide security. The article also described other permitted activities, such as bringing a camera without live batteries through screening or posing for photographs near presidential vehicles. We evaluated the article's concerns that screened guests mingled with the public, but determined that Secret Service security measures were not readily identifiable to inaugural participants. We determined that the Secret Service after-action review was prompt and thorough, and designed to identify security planning and implementation weaknesses. We also concluded that the Secret Service risk assessments and security plans for the events described in the article were reasonable. Because the Secret Service after-action report identified and addressed areas for improvement, we recommend that Secret Service inform us of the implementation of these changes."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2009-10
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Statement by Secretary Napolitano on Today's Guilty Plea in the Case of Murdered Border Patrol Agent Robert Rosas [November 20, 2009]
This Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Press Release presents Secretary Janet Napolitano's statement about the court ruling in the case of a murdered Border Patrol Agent.
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Press Office
2009-11-20
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President Obama Launches 'Educate to Innovate' Campaign for Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (Stem) Education [November 23, 2009]
"President Obama today [November 23, 2009] launched the 'Educate to Innovate' campaign, a nationwide effort to help reach the administration's goal of moving American students from the middle to the top of the pack in science and math achievement over the next decade. Speaking to key leaders of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) community and local students, President Obama announced a series of high-powered partnerships involving leading companies, foundations, non-profits, and science and engineering societies dedicated to motivating and inspiring young people across America to excel in science and math." This press release also includes a brief discussion on the following public-private partnerships: Time Warner Cable's "Connect a Million Minds" Campaign; Discovery Communications' "Be the Future" Campaign; Sesame Street's Early STEM Literacy Initiative; "National Lab Day," Bringing Hands-on Learning to Every Student; National STEM Game Design Competitions.
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
2009-11-23
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Weekly Address: President Obama's Overseas Trip Focused on Better Relations with Asia and Creating Jobs at Home [November 21, 2009]
"In this week's address [on November 21, 2009], President Barack Obama described the progress made during his trip to Asia, and detailed steps the administration is taking to spur job creation. The President explained how increasing exports to Asia Pacific nations can create hundreds of thousands of jobs in America and described the upcoming jobs forum which will host CEOs, labor unions, economists, and nonprofits."
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
2009-11-21
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U.S. Government Accountability Office [GAO]: Performance & Accountability Report, Fiscal Year 2009
"This report describes the U.S. Government Accountability Office's (GAO) performance measures, results, and accountability processes for fiscal year 2009. In assessing our performance, we compared actual results against targets and goals that were set in our annual performance plan and performance budget and were developed to help carry out our strategic plan. Our complete set of strategic planning and performance and accountability reports is available on our Web site at http://www.gao.gov/sp.html. This report has an introduction, four major parts, and supplementary appendixes as follows. […].GAO performs a range of oversight-, insight-, and foresight-related engagements, a vast majority of which are conducted in response to congressional mandates or requests. GAO's engagements include evaluations of federal programs and performance, financial and management audits, policy analyses, legal opinions, bid protest adjudications, and investigations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2009-11-13
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Remarks by the President on the 'Education To Innovate' Campaign [November 23, 2009]
In this speech on November 23, 2009, President Obama announced the "Education to Innovate" Campaign. From his speech: "Now the hard truth is that for decades we've been losing ground. One assessment shows American 15-year-olds now rank 21st in science and 25th in math when compared to their peers around the world. And this isn't news. We've seen worrying statistics like this for years. Yet, time and again, we've let partisan and petty bickering stand in the way of progress. And time and again, as a nation, we've let our children down. So I'm here and you are here because we all believe that we can't allow division and indifference to imperil our position in the world. It's time for all of us -- in Washington and across America -- to take responsibility for our future."
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
2009-11-23
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Executive Order - Establishment of the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force [November 17, 2009]
In this Executive Order issued November 17, 2009, President Obama establishes a Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. From the Executive Order: "By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to strengthen the efforts of the Department of Justice, in conjunction with Federal, State, tribal, territorial, and local agencies, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes and other violations relating to the current financial crisis and economic recovery efforts, recover the proceeds of such crimes and violations, and ensure just and effective punishment of those who perpetrate financial crimes and violations."
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
2009-11-17
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Global Survey of Research and Capabilities in Genetically Engineered Organisms That Could Be Used in Biological Warfare or Bioterrorism
"This report summarizes the scientific principles underlying genetic modification of microorganisms. It assesses the global availability and cost of technology (know-how, keystone equipment, and synthesized biological materials) needed to acquire and produce potentially lethal biological agents in quantity. The analysis includes technology to engineer novel organisms previously unknown in nature, to synthesize organisms de novo, or to modify naturally pre-existing organisms. The document considers the growing proliferation of legitimate activities, and how such activities may enable nations or non-traditional actors to produce genetically engineered infectious agents for uses that could impact national United States or international security."
Edgewood Chemical Biological Center
Sagripanti, Jose-Luis; Griffiths, Christine; Ramsbotham, Alan J., Jr.
2008-12
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Planning and Preparing for Mass Evacuations, 2009 National Conference on Community Preparedness: The Power of Citizen Corps
This document is a compilation from the 2009 National Conference on Community Preparedness. This document contains statistics relating to the principle causes of large scale evacuations in the United States from 1990-2003. Additionally, it lists publications that are available from the Federal Highway Administration.
United States. Federal Highway Administration
2009-08-10
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Statement by the President on the Release of the Annual Household Food Security Report [November 16, 2009]
On November 16, 2009, President Obama gave a statement on a new report issued on food security. From the statement: "As American families prepare to gather for Thanksgiving, we received an unsettling report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that found that hunger rose significantly last year. This trend was already painfully clear in many communities across our nation, where food stamp applications are surging and food pantry shelves are emptying. [...] Hunger is a problem that we can solve together, and I look forward to working with Congress to pass a strong child nutrition bill that will help children get the healthy meals they need to grow and succeed -- and help keep America competitive in the decades to come."
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
2009-11-16
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Information Security: Actions Needed to Better Manage, Protect, and Sustain Improvements to Los Alamos National Laboratory's Classified Computer Network, Report to Congressional Committees
"The Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), which is overseen by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), has experienced a number of security lapses in controlling classified information stored on its classified computer network. GAO was requested to (1) assess the effectiveness of security controls LANL used to protect information on its classified network, (2) assess whether LANL had fully implemented an information security program to ensure that security controls were effectively established and maintained for its classified network, and (3) identify the expenditures used to operate and support its classified network from fiscal years 2001 through 2008. To carry out this work, GAO examined security policies and procedures and reviewed LANL's access controls for protecting information on its classified network. GAO recommends, among other things, that NNSA direct LANL to (1) fully implement its information security program, (2) centralize management of the classified network, and (3) develop a sustainability plan that details how it plans to strengthen recent cyber security improvements over the long term. NNSA generally agreed with a draft of this report."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2009-10-14
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Statements by DHS Secretary Napolitano and HUD Secretary Donovan on Today's Disaster Recovery Stakeholder Forum in Los Angeles [November 17, 2009]
"The Long Term Disaster Recovery Working Group today held its third of five planned stakeholder forums in Los Angeles--designed to encourage stakeholders to provide direct input and ideas for disaster recovery. The Working Group--co-chaired by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan--is a high-level, strategic initiative that will recommend future improvements and help inform and develop a National Disaster Recovery Framework to provide operational guidance for recovery organizations. 'We are committed to ensuring a more resilient nation in which individuals, communities and the economy can adapt to changing conditions and rapidly recover from disasters of all kinds,' said Secretary Napolitano. 'These forums are providing valuable input and feedback to strengthen our disaster recovery capabilities nationwide.'"
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Press Office
2009-11-17
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Secretary Napolitano Promotes Holiday Travel Tips for Safety, Security and Health [November 19, 2009]
"Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today was joined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Dr. Anne Schuchat and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Acting Administrator Gale Rossides to promote holiday travel tips and highlight the simple steps travelers can take to prevent the spread of the flu. 'Following these simple travel tips will help expedite the screening process at airports and keep travelers healthy and safe throughout the holiday travel season,' said Secretary Napolitano."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Press Office
2009-11-19
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Interagency Review of Prior Inspector General Recommendations Related to U.S. Export Controls, Volume II
This report of the Offices Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Energy, Homeland Security, State, and the Treasury; and the Central Intelligence Agency; and the United States Postal Service; addresses the issue of U.S. Export Controls. In this volume II are two Appendixes. Appendix H is the Department of Homeland Securities report. Appendix I is a follow up on prior interagency reviews.
United States. Department of State. Office of the Inspector General; United States. Department of Commerce. Office of the Inspector General; United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General . . .
2008-09-30
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Statement by APEC [Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation] Leaders: A New Growth Paradigm for a Connected Asia-Pacific in the 21st Century [November 15, 2009]
From the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Statement on November 15, 2009: "We, the Leaders of APEC, gathered in Singapore to chart a new growth paradigm for the Asia-Pacific region that meets the needs of the 21st century global economy. The global economy has begun to recover, with the Asia-Pacific region taking the lead. But we cannot go back to 'growth as usual' or 'trade as usual'. The post-crisis landscape will be different. We need a new growth paradigm. We need a fresh model of economic integration. We will pursue growth which is balanced, inclusive, and sustainable, supported by innovation and a knowledge-based economy, to ensure a durable recovery that will create jobs and benefit our people. We will take a more comprehensive approach to regional economic integration, to meet the needs of our businesses and to keep up with new trends in cross-border trade and investment. We will seek to conclude the Doha Round in 2010 and reject all forms of protectionism."
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
2009-11-15
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Fact Sheet: APEC Leaders Meeting--Key Accomplishments [November 15, 2009]
"On November 15, President Obama participated in the 17th Annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' meeting in Singapore. APEC members account for 53% of global GDP, purchase 58% of U.S. goods exports, and represent a market of 2.7 billion consumers. In 2008, U.S. goods exports to the Asia-Pacific totaled $747 billion, an increase of 8.3% over 2007. During that same period, U.S. services exports to the region totaled $186.5 billion, up 7.7 percent." The following are some of the key accomplishments discussed in the press release: "U.S. Hosting of APEC in 2011; Balanced, Sustainable, and Inclusive Growth; Regional Economic Integration; Facilitating Trade; Supporting the Multilateral Trading System; Climate Change; Low Carbon and Green Growth; Food Security, Food Safety, and Secure Trade."
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
2009-11-15
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Weekly Address: President Obama Calls for Comprehensive Review of Events Leading to Tragedy at Fort Hood [November 14, 2009]
"With the investigation into the tragedy at Fort Hood ongoing, President Barack Obama used his weekly address [on November 14, 2009] to call for a careful and complete review of what happened before the tragedy." President Obama stated: "There is an ongoing investigation into this terrible tragedy. That investigation will look at the motives of the alleged gunman, including his views and contacts. As I said in Fort Hood, I am confident that justice will be done, and I will insist that the full story be told. That is paramount, and I won't compromise that investigation today by discussing the details of this case. But given the potential warning signs that may have been known prior these shootings, we must uncover what steps - if any - could have been taken to avert this tragedy."
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
2009-11-14
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Recovery Act Reaches 10,000 Transportation Projects Nationwide [November 12, 2009]
"Vice President Joe Biden and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today [November 12, 2009] announced that the Department of Transportation has jumpstarted more than 10,000 transportation projects across America thanks to its swift allocation of Recovery Act dollars. As of this week, state agencies reported a total of 10,041 approved." The press release also includes figures from the progress of Recovery Act funds.
United States. Office of the Vice President
2009-11-12
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Fact Sheet: U.S.-Japan Cooperation on Clean Energy Technologies [November 11, 2009]
"President Obama and Prime Minister Hatoyama met on November 13, 2009 in Tokyo. The two leaders affirmed the intent of the United States and Japan, as the two leading global investors in energy research and development, to expand already strong cooperative activities in technology research and development to provide solutions to the challenges of global energy security and climate change." This press release includes the "initial areas for joint activities to strengthen their cooperation."
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
2009-11-11
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Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General: Process Used by the Department of Homeland Security to Monitor Reporting by Recipients of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Funds
The Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) states the following about the contents of this DHS-OIG Report: "The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) provided $787 billion to the federal government to stimulate the U.S. economy. Of that amount, the Department of Homeland Security received $2.75 billion for various projects run by the Office of the Under Secretary for Management, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Transportation Security Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. At the request of the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board, we conducted a review to determine whether the department has established a process to perform limited data quality reviews of reports submitted by recipients of Recovery Act funds administered by the department to identify material omissions and/or significant reporting errors, and to notify the recipients of the need to make appropriate and timely changes. The department process for verifying the completeness and accuracy of data reported by recipients is evolving. The department issued general guidance on reviewing contractor reports on September 15, 2009. Also, four of five components developed approaches for substantiating the accuracy of recipient reporting. Later, the department headquarters developed a method to identify non-registrants and began providing that information to its components. However, the department has not yet issued detailed procedures for performing limited data quality reviews of recipient reporting to identify material omissions and significant reporting errors."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2009-10
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Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General: Review of the U.S. Coast Guard's Expenditure Plans for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Redacted)
The Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) states the following about the content of this DHS-OIG report: "The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) allocated $240 million to the Coast Guard, including $142 million for the alteration or removal of obstructive bridges under the Truman-Hobbs Act of 1946, and $98 million for acquisition, construction, and improvements to the Coast Guard's shore facilities and vessels. As required by the Recovery Act, the Coast Guard issued two plans for expending the stimulus funds in both of these areas. We reviewed the expenditure plans to determine whether they were practical, thorough, comprehensive, and designed to meet the goals of the Recovery Act. Further, we evaluated the plans according to prudent management principles, such as risk mitigation and management control strategies. The Coast Guard generally developed practical, thorough, and comprehensive plans to spend Recovery Act funds to alter obstructive bridges and to acquire, construct, or improve its shore facilities and vessels. Although the plans were generally designed to meet the Recovery Act's goals, the Coast Guard's plans for shore facility and vessel projects and alteration or removal of obstructive bridges did not meet the Recovery Act's 'quick-start' goal of using 50% of the stimulus funds for activities that could be initiated by June 17, 2009. We are not making any recommendations in this report."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2009-10
