WebMemo posted June 1, 2011 by Jena Baker McNeill
Looming Budget Cuts at the DHS Office of Policy
As Congress moves through the fiscal year (FY) 2012 appropriations process, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Policy may receive a dramatic decrease in funding. While it is important that Congress seek out cost savings within DHS, the Office of Policy is a critical player in policy development and interagency activities. It is also home to key…
America at Risk Memo posted May 23, 2011 by Jena Baker McNeill, Matt A. Mayer
Ten Years After 9/11: Thinking Smarter About Homeland Security
The 9/11 attacks acted as a catalyst for major changes in U.S. security efforts. The attacks altered not only how the nation would identify and prepare for threats but also how it would work to prevent them. The approaching 10th anniversary of the attacks gives policymakers an opportunity to undertake a realistic and retrospective assessment of homeland security policies…
WebMemo posted May 19, 2011 by Jena Baker McNeill, Matt A. Mayer
Homeland Security Grant Guidelines Make Security and Fiscal Sense
On May 19, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its allocations for the fiscal year (FY) 2011 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant program. The purpose of the UASI is to distribute homeland security funds to the highest-risk urban areas in America. This year’s allocations would drastically slash the number of areas eligible to receive UASI funds from…
WebMemo posted May 17, 2011 by Jena Baker McNeill, Jessica Zuckerman
After bin Laden: Support the PATRIOT Act
Osama bin Laden’s death was undoubtedly a major victory for the United States and civilized society. The War on Terrorism, however, is not over—al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups will continue to stage plots against the United States, as they have done at least 39 times since 9/11. Successful counterterrorism policies, capable of stopping these threats before they…
WebMemo posted May 10, 2011 by Matt A. Mayer, Jena Baker McNeill
After bin Laden: Don’t Alter Homeland Security Priorities
Even with Osama bin Laden’s death and the approach of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, America’s homeland security priorities remain unchanged. Its national progress should have been greater. Unfortunately, Washington squandered far too much time and money because of failed and cumbersome federal oversight, the federalization of homeland security, the distribution of funds…
WebMemo posted May 4, 2011 by Jena Baker McNeill, Paul Rosenzweig
Combating Passport Fraud: The Right Steps for the State Department
The Department of State is currently seeking public comment on its proposal to create a new biographical questionnaire for U.S. passport applicants. Reforms in the passport-issuance process are indeed necessary to prevent the misuse of passports by criminals and terrorists. However, the proposed questionnaire goes too far in requesting that all passport applicants fill…
WebMemo posted March 29, 2011 by Jena Baker McNeill
E-Verify Self Check: A Solid Step Forward
On March 21, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano introduced a new component of the E-Verify system called Self Check. This free, voluntary service would allow individuals to log in to a system to verify their immigration status and address any problems with their work status, including outdated information or typographical errors. Self Check is a positive step…
Backgrounder posted March 29, 2011 by Jena Baker McNeill
Checkbook Homeland Security: Highlights from the FY 2012 Budget Request
Abstract: The President’s budget request would maintain homeland security funding at current levels, but the budget request would increase funding for several programs that add little additional security while cutting others that could significantly enhance U.S. homeland security. Congress should use the budget process to refocus the Department of Homeland Security on its…
WebMemo posted March 7, 2011 by Jena Baker McNeill
Jumpstarting the Visa Waiver Program to Increase Security and Economic Prosperity
Representatives Mike Quigley (D–IL) and Dan Lipinski (D–IL) and Senator Mark Kirk (R–IL) announced plans today to introduce the Secure Travel and Counterterrorism Partnership Act in both the House and the Senate. This act would introduce several reforms to modernize the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), including a switch from visa refusal rates to overstay rates as a standard…