Security

June 16, 2009 -- The United States Department of Homeland Security today announced this year's Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) awards and that the State of Colorado will be receiving approximately $19.2 million, which will be administered by the Governor's Office of Homeland Security.

More than 80 percent of the funds awarded will go to counties and local jurisdictions throughout Colorado to support local first responders and homeland security initiatives. The funded projects will improve the state's preparedness for a man-made or natural disaster.    » read more »

June 16, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today announced that the State of Maine will receive $6,524,500 in State Homeland Security Grant Program funds. The funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) support regional emergency planning, training and exercise programs, as well as maintenance costs for regional response teams and equipment. A portion of these funds is typically made available to communities under a competitive grant program.    » read more »

June 16, 2009 -- A wildfire rages across southern California wildlands towards residential communities, endangering residents and firefighters and sending property up in smoke. This is an increasingly common story, occurring several times a summer.

To better understand these Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) fires and how best to prevent or fight them, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have issued an in-depth study on fire behavior and defensive actions taken in a community during a such a fire.    » read more »

June 14, 2009 -- PARK CITY, UTAH -- The Western Governors’ Association and U.S. Department of Energy signed a Memorandum of Agreement today that will enhance the safety and security of transporting nuclear waste from sites within and outside the Western region to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in New Mexico.

The agreement was signed during the WGA’s Annual Meeting here by Gov. Brian Schweitzer, WGA’s new chairman; C.L. “Butch” Otter, incoming Vice Chairman; and Steven Chu, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy. It expands upon current efforts aimed at ensuring the safe and uneventful transportation of nuclear materials.    » read more »

Governor Crist Signs Legislation Strengthening Florida’s Seaport Security; House Bill 7141 increases access to Florida ports while maintaining strict security standards already in place

June 15, 2009 -- FORT LAUDERDALE – Florida Governor Charlie Crist today signed legislation strengthening Florida’s international trade by increasing worker access to Florida ports while maintaining strict security standards. Signed by the Governor at Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades, House Bill 7141 reduces the cost of doing business by eliminating unnecessary and redundant security reviews.    » read more »

June 9, 2009 -- The long-term efficiency and effectiveness of the U.S. freight transportation system is threatened by bottlenecks, inefficient use of some parts of the infrastructure components, vulnerability to disruptions, and crucial environmental and energy concerns, according to a study issued today by the RAND Corporation.

The U.S. freight transportation system moves about $40 billion worth of goods each day, with delays and uncertainty in the performance of the system translating into higher prices for consumers and reduced productivity, according to researchers.    » read more »

Bill Will Close Revolving Door Between Airlines and the FAA

June 5, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. – As part of their efforts to strengthen and improve aviation safety in America, U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) today announced the Aviation Inspection Safety Act, bipartisan legislation to toughen airline safety rules and bring an end to the cozy relationship that has developed between airlines and some federal regulators, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).    » read more »

June 4, 2009 -- Albuquerque, N.M.—U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced today the formation of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) Southwest Border Task Force, a diverse group of national security experts charged with examining the Department’s efforts along the U.S.-Mexico border and providing advice and recommendations directly to the Secretary.    » read more »

June 4, 2009 -- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced fiscal year 2009 Operation Stonegarden grants—totaling $60 million—for 13 border states and the Territory of Puerto Rico to enhance the capabilities of federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to jointly secure U.S. borders and territories.

“Operation Stonegarden grants direct critical funding tostate, local and tribal law enforcement operations across the country,” said Secretary Napolitano. “I am proud to announce that the 2009 funding provides additional flexibility to ensure that our first responders are equipped with the resources they need to confront the complex and dynamic challenges that exist along our borders.”    » read more »

June 3, 2009 -- "I welcome Senator McCain’s important statement on President Reagan’s legacy and the need to move toward a world free of nuclear weapons.

"In my speech in Prague, I outlined my agenda for keeping the American people safe from the dangers posed by nuclear weapons, and I am grateful to John McCain for his leadership on these critical issues.

"I have outlined an ambitious strategy for promoting arms control and preventing nuclear terrorism and proliferation, which is already bearing fruit.

"I look forward to working with Senator McCain and the entire Congress to ensure that we accomplish these goals together for the American people and the security of the entire planet.

Source: White House

June 2, 2009 -- Senator Mark Begich released the following statement in response to news that North Korea is preparing to test an advanced missile capable of traveling 4,000 miles, a distance that would put population centers in Alaska and U.S. bases on the Pacific island of Guam within striking distance:

"The latest action by North Korea reinforces the need for us to complete the fielding of the final 14 interceptors at Fort Greely for a total of 40. I made the case yesterday to Defense Secretary Gates on our tour at Greely, and I will continue to push for full funding of this program as we need a fully deployed system to adequately protect Alaska, Hawaii and the rest of the country against rogue nations like North Korea.    » read more »

June 2, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) joined six members of the House Committee on Homeland Security in releasing a report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) entitled "Nuclear Forensics: Comprehensive Interagency Plan Needed to Address Human Capital Issues (GAO-09-527R)."    » read more »

June 1, 2009 -- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced today appointments for two key cybersecurity posts at the Department—Greg Schaffer as Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity and Communications (CS&C); and Bruce McConnell as Counselor to the National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) Deputy Under Secretary. In addition, Deputy Under Secretary for NPPD Philip Reitinger will also serve as Director of the National Cybersecurity Center (NCSC)—a major step toward a cohesive DHS strategy on cyber efforts.    » read more »

29 May 2009 -- The proliferation of non-government laboratories handling dangerous microorganisms, combined with a troubling incident or two, has prompted the government to consider costly new security measures that scientists fear may be unnecessary and could do more harm than good, according to a new report.    » read more »

May 29, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. - With news that the FBI's computer and email system shut down due to a far-reaching virus, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued the following statement on the importance of protecting networks and online security, and praising President Obama's plans to name a cyber czar responsible for protecting America's network security:    » read more »