The White House released somewhat of a primer for George Washington’s Birthday Feb. 19, pointing out a few nuances and particulars of Washington’s Birthday vs. the contemporary “Presidents’ Day.” It’s still “Washington’s Birthday” says the administration—an event celebrated during the first president’s life and thereafter. Washington’s actual birthday falls on Feb. 22, which became a […]
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Iranian Threat Unacceptable to Israel
Since the beginning of the Syrian civil war, regional powers such as Israel and Turkey have done what they can to avoid being pulled into an impossible situation. However, much has changed recently after Turkey invaded northern Syria to prevent Kurdish forces there from gaining strength. Israel, meanwhile, has done very little beyond targeting the […]
Ex-ICE Lawyer Pleads Guilty to Fraud, ID Theft
A former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) chief counsel pleaded guilty Feb. 15 for identity theft and wire fraud, which included stealing identities of aliens involved in removal proceedings. Raphael Sanchez, a member of ICE’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, concocted the scheme to obtain loans, lines of credit, and make purchases using the […]
Homeland Security Subcommittee Reviews CFATS
A House Homeland Security subcommittee convened Feb. 15 to get industry input on the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program. Originally Authorized by Congress in 2007, CFATS “identifies and regulates high-risk chemical facilities to ensure they have security measures in place to reduce the risks associated with these chemicals.” Committee Chairman John Ratcliffe (R-Texas) noted […]
HSDBC Report Emphasizes Government/Industry Cooperation
The Homeland Security & Defense Business Council (HSDBC) and Grant Thornton released their report The Business of Homeland Security: Aligning Capabilities, Responsibilities, Engagement & Innovation on Feb. 14 presenting insight from industry professionals and government officials on the homeland security enterprise (HSE). The report is part of HSDBC’s 20/20 Project on the Homeland Security Enterprise. […]
DHS Vendor Outreach Registration Opens Feb. 15
Registration for the next Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Vendor Outreach Session opens at noon Eastern Standard Time on Thursday, Feb. 15. The sessions are an opportunity for small businesses to connect with DHS officials and prime contractors. “The primary purpose is to give the small businesses an opportunity to discuss their capabilities, learn about […]
Homeland Committee and Industry to Discuss CFATS
The House Homeland Security Committee will hold a hearing Feb. 15 to get industry input on the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program. Originally Authorized by Congress in 2007, CFATS “identifies and regulates high-risk chemical facilities to ensure they have security measures in place to reduce the risks associated with these chemicals.” President Barack Obama […]
Immigration, MS-13 Top Trump’s Weekly Address
President Donald Trump targeted the MS-13 gang in his weekly address, admonishing weak laws that allow illegal aliens into the country. “Glaring loopholes in our laws have allowed criminals and gang members to break into our country,” Trump said. “In addition to MS-13, many other gangs are breaking into our country routinely because our laws […]
Congressional Underachievers Should Lose their Jobs
If you do not meet company goals in your annual job evaluation, you will not get that expected pay raise. Similarly, if you are a service member, you also have to meet certain standards in either a Non-Commissioned Officer Evaluation Report (NCOER) or an Officer Evaluation Report (OER). In both cases, exceeding standard performance is […]
Mattis: DACA Service Members Won’t be Deported
Defense Secretary James Mattis said Feb. 8 that U.S. military personnel who are in the country as part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) would not be deported. “Anyone who’s in the delayed enlistment program or is already signed up and waiting to go into boot camp, anyone on active duty, anyone in […]