PUBLICATIONS BY Jena Baker McNeill
Commentary
Research
2009 Commentary
September 29, 2009
Congress Should Stop Playing Politics with E-Verify
By Jena Baker McNeill
On September 8th, the rule requiring E-Verify for federal contractors went into effect. A positive step forward for workplace enforcement, this rule shows that the federal government is dedicated to enforcing its own immigration laws.
April 16, 2009
President Should Merge Homeland Security Council with NSC
By James Jay Carafano and Jena Baker McNeill
On February 13, President Obama issued a directive requiring a review of whether the Homeland Security Council (HSC) should be integrated with the National Security Council (NSC). In addition, the directive looked to increasing the capacity of the White House to manage issues during a crisis.
2009 Research
November 04, 2009
Chemical Security: Separating Risk from Excessive Regulation
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2679)
While ensuring the safety and security of chemical facilities is important, excessive regulation that prevents the private sector from doing business is a poor approach.
October 21, 2009
Another Terror Plot Foiled: 27 Since 9/11
By Jena Baker McNeill and Jessica Zuckerman
(WebMemo #2663)
The arrest of Boston resident Tarek Mehanna makes one fact very clear: the need for strong counterterrorism measures has not waned.
October 20, 2009
Joe Biden's Fence-Mending Mission: Re-Open the Visa Waiver Program
By Helle C. Dale and Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2658)
Joe Biden should use his foreign trip to put pressure on the Administration to open the Visa Waiver Program to America's Eastern European allies.
October 09, 2009
Patriot Act: A Chance to Commit to National Security
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2648)
Congress should resist initiatives that would repeal or erode key provisions of the Patriot Act.
October 08, 2009
Freezing Telecom Immunity Would Chill Counterterrorism Efforts
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2645)
Protecting America requires a strong private-public partnership. Telecom immunity is a critical component of this partnership.
September 29, 2009
26 Foiled Terror Plots Show Success of Information Sharing
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2634)
Three thwarted domestic terror attacks: A wake-up call for Congress and the Administration.
September 22, 2009
Congress Should Stop Playing Politics with E-Verify
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2622)
E-Verify is set to expire on September 30. Unless Congress renews this program, uncertainty over the future of E-Verify will only lead to confusion as the private sector attempts to understand its obligations.
September 09, 2009
Eight Years after 9/11: Analyzing Congress's Homeland Security Agenda
By Jena Baker McNeill, James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., and Matt A. Mayer
(WebMemo #2608)
This Friday makes the eighth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Congress should honor the memory of that tragedy by solidifying its homeland security agenda by enacting several critical pieces of legislation-- and avoiding others.
August 24, 2009
E-Verify: Challenges & Opportunities
By Jena Baker McNeill
(Testimony #9999)
An effective immigration policy will be one that has the effect of reducing illegal immigration in the United States. At the same time, policies must center on three goals: keeping America free, keeping it safe, and keeping it prosperous. We should not compromise one to gain another; all three can and should be met with respect to America's immigration policies. E-Verify is a tool that meets these requirements.
August 04, 2009
The Tourism Promotion Act of 2009: Doing What Government Does Not Do Best
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2575)
Instead of promoting tourism through the Tourism Promotion Act of 2009, the government should stick to its current tourism-related responsibilities.
August 04, 2009
Shiprider Program Demonstrates U.S.-Canadian Cooperation
By Dean Lenuik and Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2576)
The Shiprider program is an example of the well-integrated marine defense relationship between the U.S. and Canada. Both nations should seek greater cross-border cooperation.
July 14, 2009
Section 287(g) Revisions: Tearing Down State and Local Immigration Enforcement One Change at a Time
By Jena Baker McNeill and Matt A. Mayer
(WebMemo #2543)
The Obama Administration's plans to revise the Memorandums of Agreement that are negotiated under section 287(g) of the Immigration and Naturalization Act will undercut a critical tool for enforcing America's immigration laws.
July 02, 2009
Terrorist Watch: 23 Plots Foiled Since 9/11
By Jena Baker McNeill and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #2294)
Since 9/11, 23 terrorist plots against the U.S. have been foiled. Many of the individuals involved in these plots have been convicted and sentenced to time in prison for their participation. America has become a more difficult target for terrorists, but the threat has not diminished. Adjusting and strengthening U.S. security efforts to conquer these changing threats will require Congress and DHS to work together.
July 02, 2009
Executive Summary: Terrorist Watch: 23 Plots Foiled Since 9/11
By Jena Baker McNeill and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(Executive Summary #2294)
Since 9/11, 23 terrorist plots against the U.S. have been foiled. Many of the individuals involved in these plots have been convicted and sentenced to time in prison for their participation. America has become a more difficult target for terrorists, but the threat has not diminished. Adjusting and strengthening U.S. security efforts to conquer these changing threats will require Congress and DHS to work together.
June 30, 2009
Ag JOBs Amnesty: The Wrong Way to Help American Agriculture
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2513)
Proving genuine assistance to farmers and other agricultural sectors is important. Amnesty, however, is the wrong answer.
June 23, 2009
The PASS ID Act: Rolling Back Security Standards for Driver's Licenses
By Janice L. Kephart and Jena Baker McNeill
(Backgrounder #2288)
PASS ID would repeal REAL ID, stripping away the substantive provisions that are already making driver's license more secure, including a repeal of 9/11 commission identity verification recommendations, information sharing between states, and airport ID security standards. Congress should preserve REAL ID, fund it adequately, and take steps to ensure its full implementation by moving interested states into the program.
June 18, 2009
Promoting U.S. Tourism: Taxes Are the Wrong Approach
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2492)
The Travel Promotion Act of 2009 will make travel to the U.S. more expensive, thereby encouraging would-be tourists to stay at home or spend their money on a trip to another country.
June 17, 2009
The SAFETY Act: Obama Cyber Plans and the Private Sector
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2490)
On May 29, the Obama Administration released the results of its 60-day cyber review. The review correctly emphasized the vital role of the private sector in any future national cybersecurity strategy.
June 12, 2009
Visa Waiver Program: A Plan to Build on Success
By Jena Baker McNeill, Nathan Alexander Sales, James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., and James Dean
(Backgrounder #2282)
Congress established the VWP to strengthen America's relationship with key allies around the globe. Recent reforms have made the program a better tool for thwarting terrorist and criminal travel as well as for combating violations of U.S. immigration laws. Congress should transfer permanent waiver authority to DHS and decouple VWP from the biometric air-exit mandate.
May 18, 2009
Amnesty as an Economic Stimulus: Not the Answer to the Illegal Immigration Problem
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2451)
Repackaging amnesty as an economic stimulus is not an effective means of combating illegal immigration. Nor will it help the economy.
April 28, 2009
Strategy for Swine Flu Should Focus on Common Sense, Not the Border
By Jena Baker McNeill and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2415)
The United States should remain diligent in its efforts to control the spread of swine flu. Focusing on the border, however, will not stop the spread of the flu—but it will stop the economy.
April 22, 2009
Section 287(g): State and Local Immigration Enforcement Efforts Are Working
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2405)
Congress should recognize the valuable role that state and local law enforcement can and do play in keeping America safe, combating illegal immigration, and protecting our borders—and encourage the growth and expansion of 287(g) and other similar programs.
April 15, 2009
A New Approach to Improving Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education
By Dan Lips and Jena Baker McNeill
(Backgrounder #2259)
American leaders have emphasized the need to improve performance in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. Instead of focusing on federal solutions and increasing federal spending policymakers and the private sector should refocus attention on systemic education reforms at the state, local, and school levels to dramatically increase the number of students who succeed in STEM fields at school and in the workforce.
April 15, 2009
Options for Combating Piracy in Somalia
By Jena Baker McNeill and Brett D. Schaefer
(WebMemo #2397)
U.S. anti-piracy strategy should be applied to the Horn of Africa and surrounding waters, but the uniquely lawless situation in Somalia requires supplementary strategies.
April 09, 2009
President Should Merge Homeland Security Council with NSC
By Jena Baker McNeill and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2390)
President Obama should fold the Homeland Security Council into the National Security Council. Doing so would improve interagency policy planning and eliminate gaps between efforts to address transnational security threats at home and overseas.
April 07, 2009
Help the Economy and Federal Deficit by Raising H-1B Caps
By Jena Baker McNeill and Diem Nguyen
(WebMemo #2384)
Raising H-1B caps will provide businesses the professionals and skills they need to develop their business when ready.
April 01, 2009
Secure Flight Program Creates Safer Skies
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2376)
Yesterday the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the implementation of Secure Flight—a program to screen flight passenger data and flag possible terrorists before they board a commercial airplane. DHS should be commended for implementing such a smart security measure.
March 24, 2009
Secretary Clinton's Mexico Trip: Three Benchmarks for U.S.-Mexican Relations
By Ray Walser, Ph.D., James Roberts, and Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2358)
This week, during her inaugural visit to Mexico, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton faces a tough but critical challenge: laying the early foundations for a solid, working relationship with America’s southern neighbor.
March 09, 2009
E-Verify Expires: Time for Congress to Reauthorize the Program
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2332)
Congress should reauthorize and fully fund E-Verify.
March 09, 2009
15 Steps to Better Border Security: Reducing America's Southern Exposure
By Jena Baker McNeill
(Backgrounder #2245)
The 9/11 attacks raised concerns over the security of U.S. borders. In response, the Bush Administration employed additional Border Patrol agents, deployed new technologies at the border, and erected physical barriers. The Obama Administration should continue these measures by increasing training capabilities, supporting SBInet, encouraging states to enter into Section 287 (g) compacts, and to create State Defense Forces in order to promote citizen participation in border security.
March 09, 2009
Executive Summary: 15 Steps to Better Border Security: Reducing America's Southern Exposure
By Jena Baker McNeill
(Executive Summary #2245)
The 9/11 attacks raised concerns over the security of U.S. borders. In response, the Bush Administration employed additional Border Patrol agents, deployed new technologies at the border, and erected physical barriers. The Obama Administration should continue these measures by increasing training capabilities, supporting SBInet, encouraging states to enter into Section 287 (g) compacts, and to create State Defense Forces in order to promote citizen participation in border security.
March 06, 2009
U.S., Canada Working Together on Improving Border Security
By Jena Baker McNeill and Diem Nguyen
(WebMemo #2329)
Initiatives to secure the United States from potential terrorists in Canada should respect both nations’ sovereignty and addresses common concerns without hindering either nation’s economic viability.
March 06, 2009
Enforcing Immigration Laws: State and Local Law Assistance Needed
By Jena Baker McNeill and Diem Nguyen
(WebMemo #2331)
Congress should recognize the valuable role 287(g) plays in keeping America safe, combating illegal immigration, and engaging state and local governments.
February 27, 2009
Restructuring FEMA: Stand-Alone FEMA Would Not Make Cents
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2316)
Given the current economic turmoil and the success of DHS in recent years, taking FEMA out of DHS would be a mistake.
February 20, 2009
Reviewing DHS: The International Dimension of Homeland Security
By Jena Baker McNeill and Diem Nguyen
(WebMemo #2305)
Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano should ensure that her policy priorities recognize the important role international cooperation plays in U.S. security efforts, and she should formalize the ability of DHS to promote international cooperation.
February 12, 2009
Disaster of 100 Percent Maritime Cargo Scanning Not Lost on Napolitano
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2288)
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano pinpointed the problems with scanning 100 percent of cargo entering the U.S. She should now pressure Congress to find a workable alternative.
February 09, 2009
U.S.–India Homeland Security Cooperation: Moving Forward
By Lisa Curtis and Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2282)
As the U.S. and India both continue to look for strategies that can effectively protect their citizens from terrorism, each country stands to gain considerably by sharing experiences and best practices and increasing their overall intelligence cooperation against global and regional terrorist threats.
January 27, 2009
Adding Visa Waiver Restrictions: The Wrong Course for Congress
By Jena Baker McNeill, James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., and James Dean
(WebMemo #2248)
Congress should not destroy the Visa Waiver Program by instituting unworkable requirements. Doing so would decrease security and alienate our allies while battering America’s already-damaged economy.
January 16, 2009
Bush Farewell Addresses Homeland Security
By Jena Baker McNeill and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2228)
In his farewell address to the nation, President George W. Bush reflected on one of the central challenges of his Administration—responding to the threat of transnational terrorism.
January 14, 2009
10 plus 2: A Flexible Alternative to 100 Percent Scanning
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2217)
“10 plus 2” would require shippers to provide certain information before a container can be shipped to the United States. Congress and DHS should allow it serve as a template for future maritime security policy.
January 13, 2009
Key Questions for Janet Napolitano, Nominee for Secretary of Homeland Security
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2204)
The United States Senate will soon render its advice and consent to the nomination of Governor Janet Napolitano (D-AZ) as the new secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In giving its advice and consent, Senators should explore Governor Napolitano’s views on issues across the homeland security spectrum. Consequently, the Senate should consider these preliminary questions.
2008 Research
December 16, 2008
Fixing Border Security and Immigration
By Jena Baker McNeill and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(Special Report #33)
President-elect Obama, we applaud your commitment to secure our nation's borders, but securing our borders is simply one step toward protecting America and fixing our broken immigration system.
December 12, 2008
The Quadrennial Homeland Security Review: A Vital Tool for the Obama Administration
By Jena Baker McNeill
(Backgrounder #2215)
The Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR) will occur for the first time next year and is a valuable tool to ease the transition from one Administration to the next because it informs a new Administration on the right course for homeland security. The new Administration should not undertake major changes in homeland security policy until the QHSR process is complete.
December 08, 2008
Strengthening the Visa Waiver Program
By Jena Baker McNeill, James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., and James Dean
(Special Report #30)
President-elect Obama, your comments on the Senate floor regarding the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) demonstrate that you recognize the program's substantial public diplomacy benefits.
December 04, 2008
Cabinet-Level FEMA Not Needed
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2153)
By taking FEMA out of DHS, Congress would turn a blind eye to the lessons learned on 9/11. Putting constituent politics over effective disaster response is a move America can ill-afford.
November 25, 2008
Homeland Security Oversight Reform Requires Leadership
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2143)
On November 12, senior House Republican leaders sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urging her to amend the rule that governs how committees are organized. This letter is a positive step toward changing the chaotic system of congressional oversight of homeland security.
November 21, 2008
Anti-Piracy Initiatives Should Reflect U.S. Maritime Interests
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2141)
It is important that the U.S. government continues to monitor these developments and support anti-piracy initiatives through already-established international forums.
October 21, 2008
Visa Waiver Reform Ready for Next Step
By Jena Baker McNeill and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2108)
On October 17, President Bush announced that seven countries had met the requirements for admission into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This announcement is a positive step for visa reform. Congress should look to how it can build on the successes of VWP reform.
October 20, 2008
Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack: A Preventable Homeland Security Catastrophe
By Jena Baker McNeill and Richard Weitz, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #2199)
A major threat to America has been largely ignored by those who could prevent it—the U.S. Congress and the President. They should conduct research on the EMP threat, scenario planning, and the development of a National Recovery plan. An EMP attack on the United States could irreparably cripple the country, wreaking havoc on the nation's electronic systems.
October 08, 2008
Don't Let E-Verify Perish in the Next Congress
By Jena Baker McNeill and Matt A. Mayer
(WebMemo #2097)
On September 27, Congress voted to fund E-Verify through March 2009. This is certainly a positive step for the program, but it has put the ball in the court of the next Congress to reauthorize and fund E-Verify into the future. It is also an opportunity to expand and improve on the program in conjunction with the new Administration.
September 24, 2008
Visa Waiver Program Hearing Should Consider DHS Progress toward Increased Security
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2076)
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a report criticizing the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) implementation of the new congressional security measures aimed at the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). DHS counters this report by emphasizing that in a very short period of time, it has made considerable progress toward meeting the looming January deadline.
September 23, 2008
Building Infrastructure Resiliency: Private Sector Investment in Homeland Security
By Jena Baker McNeill
(Backgrounder #2184)
America’s infrastructure is in desperate need of repair and lacks resiliency—the ability to keep the country running after a disaster has struck. Rather than spending money protecting deteriorating infrastructure from terrorists, Washington should define the difference between private-sector and government roles, recognize the amount of infrastructure that needs improvement at the borders, and protect U.S. sovereignty in transnational projects.
September 22, 2008
Removing FEMA from DHS Would Be a Terrible Mistake
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2071)
It’s déjà vu all over again: People are arguing that the Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) should be taken out of the Department of Homeland Security. Recent disaster responses, from the California wildfires to Hurricane Ike, demonstrate that FEMA is operating effectively within the department. Congress should reject calls to make FEMA a stand-alone agency.
September 15, 2008
Congress Should Establish EMP Recognition Day
By Jena Baker McNeill and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2063)
The threat of an Electro-Magnetic Pulse (EMP) attack against the United States is credible. Such a strike could have a devastating impact on the nation by disabling electrical systems, grinding the economy to a halt, and possibly resulting in the deaths of millions. Yet other than establishing a commission to study the problem and holding a handful of hearings, Congress has done virtually nothing to address the issue. Such inaction could change virtually overnight, however, if Congress held even one EMP Recognition Day.
September 11, 2008
On the Anniversary of 9/11, Where Is Homeland Security as an Election Issue?
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2058)
This November’s presidential election has already turned into a heated confrontation involving issues that are important to the American public. Yet one critical concern—homeland security—continues to receive scant attention from either major party candidate. The anniversary of the 9/11 attacks should remind both campaigns that the issue of homeland security cannot be ignored.
September 04, 2008
100 Percent Cargo Container Scanning: A Global Disaster
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2047)
A new Government Accountability Office report found that blanket scanning is not only bad for trade but hinders the ability of the international community to improve supply chain security worldwide. This report is not the first round of bad news for 100 percent scanning, and indications are that it will not be the last. Congress must recognize the disastrous consequences of 100 percent scanning and begin to examine alternatives that would maintain economic viability while protecting Americans.
September 02, 2008
FCC Needs to Reexamine Public Safety Spectrum
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2043)
The recent failure by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to garner the minimum bid on the public safety spectrum is a major setback for interoperability in the United States. The FCC must examine what went wrong and ensure that the re-auction takes into account private sector realities, public safety objectives, and FCC goals. The re-auction should be radically different from the first and include fewer restrictions, no reserve price, and more dialogue with the private sector. After all, American lives depend on it.
August 15, 2008
100 Percent Air Cargo Screening Continues to Infect Homeland Security
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2025)
Congress has taken a completely wrong path with regards to cargo screening and should reverse course immediately.
August 06, 2008
Don't Let the Good Die Young: Strengthening Homeland Security's Policy Office
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2012)
The Office of Policy is an example of the right direction for the Department of Homeland Security. The office is forward thinking and tasked with projects, such as the QHSR, which will have a meaningful impact on the future of the DHS. Congress must not let politics stand in the way of securing the Homeland.
July 16, 2008
Grants Should Not Be the Pork to Feed State Homeland Security Spending
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #1995)
States' use of homeland security grants to supplant state homeland security spending is widespread even in the rosiest of economic times. In the current fiscal climate, however, such toxic misappropriation could explode into an epidemic. Subsequently, Congress must not allow homeland security grants to masquerade as an entitlement program for the states.
July 14, 2008
Congressional Oversight of Homeland Security in Dire Need of Overhaul
By Jena Baker McNeill
(Backgrounder #2161)
Congress has done little to implement the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that it consolidate oversight of the Department of Homeland Security, and this commitment to the status quo threatens the DHS’s ability to identify and respond effectively to security threats. The current oversight system is impractical, constitutionally deficient, and simply poor management. Congress should act immediately to streamline oversight of the DHS.
July 14, 2008
Congress Set to Open the Air Cargo Security Sore
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #1989)
Congress should use tomorrow’s hearing on the 9/11 Commission Act to reexamine the feasibility of the 100 percent screening mandate.
June 19, 2008
Electronic Travel Authorization: Important for Safer and More Secure Overseas Travel
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #1964)
On June 3, 2008, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) took the next step toward mandatory implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). By streamlining the current entry-screening process, ESTA enhances security screening at ports of entry into the United States while reducing inconvenience to America’s guests.
June 18, 2008
Beltway-Centric Approach to Disaster Response Is a Recipe for Disaster
By Jena Baker McNeill, J.D.
(WebMemo #1960)
On June 11, 2008, the House Homeland Security Committee (HHSC) held a hearing to examine whether the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is ready to lead relief efforts in the event of a major U.S. catastrophe. Despite the vast amount of resources dedicated to improving DHS’s disaster-response capacity, the consensus of the hearing was that the organization is unprepared to provide adequate post-disaster leadership.
November 20, 2009
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