Border security

November 5, 2009 -- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced the final deployment of non-intrusive scanning equipment to detect radiation emanating from materials used in nuclear devices at all Northern border land ports of entry—a major security milestone completed two months ahead of schedule that reflects Secretary Napolitano’s ongoing commitment to strong, layered security at the U.S.-Canada border.

“Securing our Northern border while facilitating legitimate travel and trade requires a strategic combination of technology, personnel and infrastructure,” said Secretary Napolitano. “This technology enhances our capability to guard against terrorism and criminal threats while expediting border crossings for lawful trade and travel.”    » read more »

October 16, 2009 -- Washington, DC – Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., today announced that the Department of Homeland Security has awarded a contract in the amount of more than $2.75 million to BrooAlexa Design Joint Venture, LLC, of Dunbar, West Virginia, to begin the initial planning and development for the construction of new dormitories at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Advanced Training Center in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.    » read more »

House Passes the Homeland Security Appropriations Act

October 15, 2009 -- Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Rep. John Hall (D-Dover) helped the House pass crucial investments in priority homeland security programs. The Homeland Security Appropriations Act (H.R. 2892), which passed the House of Representatives today with broad bipartisan support, increases federal funding for securing America's borders, ports and airports.    » read more »

10/15/2009 -- WASHINGTON – Congressman Parker Griffith voted today to pass the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2010 and to increase funding for border security and immigration law enforcement. H.R. 2892 passed the House Floor Friday and will be sent to the Senate before being signed into law by the President.

“Congress has taken a step in the right direction toward a serious and sustained effort to secure our borders,” Griffith said. “The security of this nation is priority number one, and this legislation provides critical funding to secure our borders, train our local first responders and safeguard the American people.”    » read more »

October 14, 2009 -- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced $88 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding for Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) equipment—enhancing border security by expanding U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) capabilities to scan commercial traffic for contraband through X-ray and other imaging technologies.

"These cutting-edge technologies will help us better detect threats at our nation's borders while expediting legitimate travel and trade," said Secretary Napolitano. "The Recovery Act has infused critical resources into local economies across the country while strengthening our nation's security."    » read more »

August 27, 2009 -- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced new directives to enhance and clarify oversight for searches of computers and other electronic media at U.S. ports of entry—a critical step designed to bolster the Department’s efforts to combat transnational crime and terrorism while protecting privacy and civil liberties.

“Keeping Americans safe in an increasingly digital world depends on our ability to lawfully screen materials entering the United States,” said Secretary Napolitano. “The new directives announced today strike the balance between respecting the civil liberties and privacy of all travelers while ensuring DHS can take the lawful actions necessary to secure our borders.”    » read more »

Measure Contains Funding for Border Region, N.M. Air Force Bases & Labs

June 18, 2009 -- WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today reported that Congress has given final approval to legislation that contains funding for border security.

The measure, which is now headed to the White House, contains $250 million to combat violence and drug trafficking, of which $140 million is for the Department of Homeland Security to hire additional law enforcement and intelligence personnel, and to pay overtime for those already working along the border.    » read more »

Also secures $3 million for cyber safety software

June 19, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week Senator Bob Bennett (R-Utah) a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, supported the Fiscal Year 2010 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, which included $800 million in funding for border security and $3 million for cyber security.

"I am pleased the Appropriations Committee senses the urgency in securing our nation's borders and providing our patrol agents with the tools they need to make sure our country and citizens remain safe," said Bennett. "Utahns can rest assured that we are doing everything we can in Congress to provide the highest security to every American."    » read more »

June 16, 2009 -- The United States Department of Homeland Security today announced this year's Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) awards and that the State of Colorado will be receiving approximately $19.2 million, which will be administered by the Governor's Office of Homeland Security.

More than 80 percent of the funds awarded will go to counties and local jurisdictions throughout Colorado to support local first responders and homeland security initiatives. The funded projects will improve the state's preparedness for a man-made or natural disaster.    » read more »

June 5, 2009 -- Today, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, U.S. Department of Homeland Secretary Janet Napolitano, and Director of National Drug Control Policy Gil Kerlikowske released President Obama’s strategy to stem the flow of illegal drugs and their illicit proceeds across the Southwest border and reduce associated crime and violence in the region.    » read more »

Money will go to eight northern border counties

June 4, 2009 -- (WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Montana’s U.S. Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester today announced that eight Montana counties will receive a combined $1.8 million to improve security along Montana’s northern border.

Eight of Montana's northern border counties will receive money to help pay for fuel, personnel, and equipment. County law enforcement agencies partner with the U.S. Border Patrol to monitor the border for suspicious activities, respond to calls, and participate in training exercises.

* Phillips - $215,719
* Valley - $ 215,068
* Blaine - $ 215,393
* Hill - $217,997
* Glacier - $210,837
* Daniels - $ 69,560
* Toole - $215,719
* Flathead - $229,659    » read more »

June 4, 2009 -- Albuquerque, N.M.—U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced today the formation of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) Southwest Border Task Force, a diverse group of national security experts charged with examining the Department’s efforts along the U.S.-Mexico border and providing advice and recommendations directly to the Secretary.    » read more »

June 4, 2009 -- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced fiscal year 2009 Operation Stonegarden grants—totaling $60 million—for 13 border states and the Territory of Puerto Rico to enhance the capabilities of federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to jointly secure U.S. borders and territories.

“Operation Stonegarden grants direct critical funding tostate, local and tribal law enforcement operations across the country,” said Secretary Napolitano. “I am proud to announce that the 2009 funding provides additional flexibility to ensure that our first responders are equipped with the resources they need to confront the complex and dynamic challenges that exist along our borders.”    » read more »

Joint Statement by DHS Secretary Napolitano and Canadian Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan on the U.S.-Canada Border

May 27, 2009 -- Ottawa—The Honorable Janet Napolitano, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Honorable Peter Van Loan, Canadian Minister of Public Safety, recognize the unique nature of the U.S.-Canada border and share a determination to tackle common threats that we face, including terrorism and organized crime.

“We are working in partnership to ensure we manage the border in a way that contributes to the well-being of our two countries and recognize that we can enhance our security without compromising trade.    » read more »

May 26, 2009 -- Detroit—The Honorable Janet Napolitano, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Honorable Peter Van Loan, Canadian Minister of Public Safety, toured port operations today on both sides of the shared United States/Canada border and signed an agreement to make Shiprider—joint law enforcement teams stationed along the international maritime border—permanent.    » read more »