Security

May 28, 2009 -- Shchuchye, Russia -- U.S. Senator Dick Lugar said today that the Nunn-Lugar Chemical Weapons Destruction Facility here is a testament to U.S.-Russian “cooperation and our shared dedication to addressing the threats posed by weapons of mass destruction.”

More than a decade in the making, the facility will destroy nearly 2 million chemical weapons shells and nerve agent that has been stored here since Soviet days. It is arguably the largest facility in the world destroying chemical munitions, and is currently the only operating facility that can accommodate the destruction of 2 million munitions.    » read more »

Legislation Would Ensure Gun Dealer Employees Have Passed Background Checks and Prevent Ineligible Gun Owners from Possessing a Gun License

May 28, 2009 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson today announced that he has proposed legislation that would help ensure that only law-abiding individuals are able to obtain and retain firearms licenses.

This legislation, which was delivered to the Legislature today, will close gaps in New York law that may allow persons to obtain or retain firearms licenses even though they are barred by federal law from possessing those weapons. This includes requiring a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check every three or five years for gun licensees and dealers.    » read more »

GARLAND and AUSTIN, Texas, May 27, 2009 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has partnered with The University of Texas at Austin's Center for Information Assurance and Security (CIAS) on research for new and innovative cybersecurity solutions.

Cybersecurity is one of the major national security problems facing the United States, and President Obama has made protecting the country's digital infrastructure a top priority for his administration.    » read more »

21 localities receive 28 grants to fund school resource officers

May 26, 2009 -- RICHMOND - Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that grants worth more than $1.3 million have been awarded to support programs to improve school safety throughout the Commonwealth. Twenty one localities were chosen to receive a total of 28 grants to fund school resource officers.

"These grants demonstrate Virginia's commitment to providing safe schools where students can learn and teachers can teach," Governor Kaine said. "When students succeed, the entire community succeeds."    » read more »

May 21, 2009 -- In the midst of heated debate over the future of the Canadian oil sands, a new report from the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) says that prudent greenhouse gas regulations can safely limit emissions while allowing for robust development of the oil sands.

The report argues that oil sands production delivers both energy security benefits and climate change damages, but warns that both are often overstated. “For the near future, the economic and security value of oil sands expansion will likely outweigh the climate damages that the oil sands create,” it says, “but climate concerns cannot and must not be ignored, and will become more important over time.” Policymakers, it emphasizes, must carefully balance the two concerns.    » read more »

Provision will take effect in nine months

May 22, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Department of the Interior spokeswoman Kendra Barkoff issued the following statement regarding the enactment of a new firearms law for national parks and wildlife refuges that will take effect in nine months:

“The Department of the Interior will follow Congress’s directive and implement the new firearms law, which states that its provisions will take effect nine months from today. For the time being, the current Reagan Administration regulations governing possession of firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges remain in place.    » read more »

May 22, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today released the following statement after President Obama’s national security address.

“Today the President spoke honestly to the American people about the state of our national security and demonstrated true leadership – a refreshing change from the previous eight years of policies that repeatedly hurt our standing in the world, provided ammunition to our enemies and weakened our national security. President’s Obama’s speech today shows that we have an administration that will institute a more effective strategy to combat terrorism, all the while committed to maintaining our highest principles.    » read more »

May 21, 2009 -- Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of Judiciary Terrorism and Homeland Security Subcommittee and Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, released the following statement in response to President Obama’s remarks on national security delivered today at the National Archives:    » read more »

May 21, 2009 -- To increase public safety and aid law enforcement, Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson today signed the Omnibus Crime Bill.

“Safe communities are one of the reasons that businesses and families move to our state,” Parkinson said. “I appreciate the work the Legislature and the Attorney General did this session to keep Kansans safe and secure.”

“To better protect our families, we must give law enforcement the tools they need to fight crime and bring predators to justice,” Attorney General Steve Six said. “This legislation contains a number of provisions that will help law enforcement keep our communities safe. I was pleased to be the main proponent of the provision which closed the loophole for criminals that would flee & elude law enforcement officers.”    » read more »

May 20, 2009, Juneau, Alaska - Alaska Governor Sarah Palin today welcomed the news that Congress has passed legislation that would permit visitors to carry loaded firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges, subject to the requirements of state law. The provision was included in legislation placing new restrictions on the way in which credit card companies deal with consumers.

“This is certainly good news for Alaska,” Governor Palin said. “The ability to carry a firearm can define a life or death situation, especially for protection against surprise encounters with wildlife, mainly bears. I appreciate the strong bipartisan support this received in the House and Senate. I am pleased the administration says the president will sign the bill.”    » read more »

Middle East leaders call on new US administration to push progress on Palestinian-Israeli conflict

Dead Sea, Jordan, 17 May 2009 – Middle East leaders have called on the new US administration to push progress on resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which they said lies at the heart of instability in the region.    » read more »

May 13, 2009 -- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced today her plans to visit Florida on May 22 to see hurricane preparedness efforts underway and law enforcement activities at the Miami port of entry.

She will be accompanied by new Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator W. Craig Fugate and new Assistant Secretary for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) John Morton—both confirmed yesterday by the United States Senate.    » read more »

May 14, 2009 -- Washington D.C. -- Timothy J. Healy has been named director of the FBI’s Terrorist Screening Center (TSC). FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III appointed him to this position to replace Director Leonard Boyle, who recently left the FBI for a position in the private sector. Most recently, Mr. Healy served acting director of the TSC.

“The TSC strives to ensure the proper balance between protecting our national security and the need for accurate, efficient, and streamlined watchlisting processes. Tim’s experience in the TSC from its earliest days will be an invaluable asset to his service as its director,” said Director Mueller.    » read more »

May 12, 2009 -- "Mr. Chairman, Senator Collins, and Members of the Committee:

Let me begin by saying thank you for the strong support you have consistently shown the Department, and I look forward to working with you to make certain that we have the right resources to protect the homeland and the American people and that we make the most effective and efficient use of those resources.

I am pleased to appear before the Committee today to present President Obama’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Budget Request for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). I will also summarize the progress we have made since the start of the new administration along with some of our key accomplishments from last year.
FY 2010 BUDGET REQUEST    » read more »

Washington, DC -- May 8, 2009 -- The President’s FY 2010 International Affairs Budget for the Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and other foreign affairs agencies provides the resources to renew America’s global leadership through diplomacy and foreign assistance that enhances our security, advances our interests, and reflects our values. This budget totals approximately $53.9 billion, including food aid:

* Foreign Operations and Related Agencies (including food aid): $36.7 billion
* Department of State: $16.3 billion
* Other International Affairs: $0.9 billion

The President’s budget proposal:    » read more »