DHS

Today And Tomorrow

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 30, 2008 -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to coordinate the operational and support activities of numerous federal agencies in response to continued flooding in the Midwest.

FEMA and its federal partners are working closely with state and local governments as well as with the private sector to support those areas still fighting the floods and to assist those beginning the rebuilding process.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

* Where waters have receded, FEMA disaster assistance workers are providing resources to individuals seeking assistance in the Midwest.    » read more »

June 25, 2008 -- "We are shocked and appalled to learn that Jesus Navarro Montes was recently released by a Mexican Judge. Navarro Montes is a suspect in the murder of Border Patrol Agent Luis Aguilar. Agent Aguilar was killed in a heinous act of violence on January 19 in the Yuma Sector, while attempting to stop two vehicles that illegally entered the country and were absconding into Mexico.

We are working with a determined Mexican Government, and our Department of Justice, to seek swift justice for the Aguilar murder. We have also assured Agent Aguilar’s family that every resource is being called upon in the relentless pursuit of justice.    » read more »

June 17, 2008 -- THE PRESIDENT: I've just assembled my -- many people on my domestic policy team to discuss the current flooding in the Midwest. Of course, our hearts and thoughts go to those who lost life. And of course, we're concerned about those whose -- who lost their homes or lost their businesses.

George W. Bush offers media a photo opportunity on Midwest flood relief: White House photo

I've been briefed by Secretary Chertoff and Secretary Schafer and Director Paulison about the response. First task at hand is to deal with the flood waters, to anticipate where the flooding may next occur, and to work with the state and local authorities to deal with the response.    » read more »

Federal Coordinator Doug O'Dell and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Brigadier General Michael Walsh Discuss Levee Protection in New Orleans

May 30, 2008 -- New Orleans, LA. – General Doug O’Dell, federal coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, along with Brigadier General Michael Walsh of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), recently hosted a media conference call to discuss hurricane protection in New Orleans in preparation for the upcoming hurricane season beginning June 1.

A levee wall in New Orleans: Photo by AuthenticEccentric (CC)    » read more »

May 27, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, DC — Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton issued the following statement today in reaction to a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that reveals gaps in a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) program designed to strengthen port security:

Container ship: Photo by Patrick Boury (CC)    » read more »

Grant Will Enhance Fire and Police Response in NYC, Westchester and Long Island

April 16, 2008 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson today announced that $34 million in homeland security grant funds have been awarded to the New York City urban area as part of the federal government’s Urban Area Security Initiative.

FDNY fire truck: Photo by Sergio Calleja (CC)

The funds are made available through the federal Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grant Program that will help fire, police and other first responders better communicate during emergencies.    » read more »

April 11, 2008 -- (Remarks as Prepared) -- Chairman Leahy, Ranking Member Specter, and Members of the Committee:

Thank you for inviting me to appear before the Committee to discuss the Department's progress in securing our homeland and protecting the American people. At the outset, I'd like to thank the Committee for its past support of the Department and your continued guidance as we take aggressive steps to achieve our mission.

Michael Chertoff with George W. Bush: White House photo    » read more »

April 10, 2008 -- PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Northern Command plan to refine their existing intelligence relationship, said the top DHS intelligence official during a recent visit to USNORTHCOM headquarters.

Soldiers check an AH-64 Apache Longbow helicopter at Fort Bliss, Texas: Before conducting an aerial reconnaissance flight over the southwest border. Photo by Edd Natividad    » read more »

April 8, 2008 -- Information technology has grown to provide both government and the private sector with an efficient and timely means of delivering essential services around the world. As a result, these critical systems remain at risk from potential attacks via the Internet. It is the policy of the United States to prevent or minimize disruptions to our critical information infrastructure in order to protect the public, the economy, government services, and the national security of the United States.

The central telephone exchange in San Francisco: Photo by optically active (CC)    » read more »

04/04/2008 -- The letter below signed by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle was delivered to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff today regarding the proposed federal rulemaking by the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection. If instituted, this rule could negatively impact the $17 billion cruise industry in Hawaii, California and across the nation.

A cruise liner in Kahalui Harbor, Maui: Photo by Alan L (CC)    » read more »

Coast Guard professional employees vote to consolidate with non-professionals

April 2, 2008 -- (WASHINGTON)—Adding to its reputation as the union for Department of Homeland Security workers, the American Federation of Government Employees recently was certified at the national level as the exclusive representative for approximately 2,500 United States Coast Guard employees.

Marking their trust in AFGE, professional employees at the USCG voted for inclusion in a consolidated unit with the non-professionals, thus merging 22 existing units into one nationwide unit. The Federal Labor Relations Authority issued the new certification on March 31.    » read more »

WASHINGTON (Wednesday, April 2, 2008) – The Senate Judiciary Committee today held a hearing on oversight of the Department of Homeland Security. Secretary Chertoff fielded questions from Senators about backlogs in naturalization applications at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the REAL ID Act, and immigration detention practices.

Senator Leahy and Secretary Chertoff are speaking before the oversight hearing: Photo courtesy Senator Leahy    » read more »

Senator's Inquiry Follows Allegation that 99% Flights Have No Air Marshal on Board

04/02/2008 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator John Kerry wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff today, urging him to provide more information about the number of flights in the U.S. that are actually covered by a Federal Air Marshal (FAM).

Photo by Bill Frazzetto (CC)    » read more »

Governor Baldacci Will Submit Legislation to Place New Restrictions on Driver’s Licenses and State Credentials

April 2, 2008 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci learned today from the Department of Homeland Security that Maine has been granted an extension to the May 11, 2008, implementation deadline for the REAL ID Act of 2005.

Earlier today, Governor Baldacci responded to a March 31 letter from DHS that asked Maine to take certain steps to improve the security of its driver’s license before an extension would be granted. In his letter to DHS, Governor Baldacci agreed to all the requirements.    » read more »

April 1, 2008 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced today its intent to issue two waivers of certain laws to expedite security improvements at the southwest border. Congress gave the Secretary of Homeland Security authority to waive all legal requirements necessary to expeditiously install additional physical barriers and roads at the border to deter illegal activity.

CBP Border Patrol agent does a pat down of a Mexican being returned to Mexico: Photo by Gerald L. Nino    » read more »