Expensive UAVs Generate Buzz but Few Results
I've been writing about the use Predator UAVs and their exorbitant cost for some time. It would seem there are many far better (and far cheaper) ways to patrol U.S. borders and other areas from above. The Center for...
DetailsCongress Heal Thyself – You Gotta Be Kidding Me!
The House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security held a hearing today: “TSA's Efforts to Fix Its Poor Customer Service Reputation and Become a Leaner, Smarter Agency.” The sole witness was TSA Administrator John Pistole. Subcommittee Chairman Rogers lectured...
DetailsHonoring Deputy US Marshal Bass Reeves
The crowd gathered on the lawn adjacent to the old Federal Courthouse in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where Judge Isaac C. Parker once presided. It was a beautiful, but warm, Saturday morning, likely akin to ones in the late 1800s...
DetailsLA Times Article Says IG Questions Effectiveness of Predators by CBP
Sunday's LA Times contains a story that every Member of Congress and homeland security stakeholder ought to read. For the first time that I can remember, AMO Chief Michael Kostelnik, CBP's main evangelist for acquiring Predator UAVs for border...
DetailsDon’t Let Hearing Titles Fool You – TSA Does Some Things Very Well
If Congress paid even one-tenth the amount of time trying to "fix" its own problems as it does in its petty meddling in the operations of TSA, the general public would have greater confidence in both organizations. Both entities...
DetailsA Questionable “Word of Caution” at House Homeland Security Hearing
A brief exchange between Chairman Peter King and Ranking Member Bennie Thompson on Wednesday was strange. Rep. Thompson questioned the committee's jurisdiction to hold a hearing on whether Iran and Hezbollah pose a terrorist threat to the U.S. homeland....
DetailsNapolitano’s State of Homeland Security Filled with Missed Opportunities
DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano delivered a "State of Homeland Security" address yesterday at the National Press Club and did a wonderful job delivering a very droll message. She is an accomplished public speaker and was comfortable in reading from...
DetailsDHS Loses Court Case Against Union Pacific – Justice is Done
The decision of U.S. District Judge Joseph Bataillon – ordering CBP to halt the imposition of fines against the Union Pacific railroad in their long-running dispute over when the railroad becomes responsible for contraband found on their trains –...
DetailsWhither CBP?
In just over two weeks, barring an unanticipated miracle, CBP Commissioner Alan Bersin’s recess appointment will run out. There are many positive things that can be said for how Bersin handled his tenure at CBP. Nevertheless, it does not...
DetailsIn Praise of Nick Nayak and the DHS Office of Procurement Operations
A few weeks back, I wrote an “Open Letter to Nick Nayak” in which I expressed, in some rather direct language, my frustration at attending a DHS Office of Health Affairs Industry Day on the Biowatch Generation 3 technology...
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