Rep. Tom Garrett (R-Va.) began his question period at a Mar. 8 Homeland Security subcommittee hearing frustrated that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has yet to complete past-due cyber workforce requirements. “What is your level of accountability? What is your fear if you miss the dates established by law—what’s the worst thing you think […]
Terrorism
Middle East Conflict Resolution an Ongoing Challenge
American public attention has been focused on the recent school shooting in Florida and gun reform, as well as Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s ongoing investigation of President Donald Trump and Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. One issue that remains on second-tier status is the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Most Americans are […]
It’s Crucial to Increase Physical Security at U.S. Schools
The heartbreaking and tragic events last week at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, reminded us of the dangers that exist for our schools. In this case, an active shooter, Nikolas Cruz, gained access to school grounds and used his AR-15 semi-automatic weapon to claim the lives of 17 victims. Schools nationwide have […]
Ambassador: Iraq Largely Responsible for Its Own Success
Iraqi Ambassador to the United States Fareed Yasseen discussed progress in Iraq Feb. 22, noting that the entire dynamic in the long-embattled country has dramatically changed from just four short years ago. “The Iraqi army that has now defeated ISIS is not the Iraqi army of 2014; the governance structure of Iraq is different from […]
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 […]