Communications – The Muscle Not Exercised
This week, DHS, various federal departments, a range of state, local and tribal governments as well as members of the private sector, and international participants are taking part in the National Level Exercise 2009 (NLE09). The successor to...
DetailsSunday’s Post – The Making of a Secret Service Agent
Sunday’s Washington Post Magazine (July 26, 2009), profiled the intense and what can only be described grueling process to become a Special Agent of the US Secret Service. Taking you through the backgrounds of some of the members...
DetailsCongress Gets an ‘F’
Kudos to Politico, and in particular Sarah Laskow of the Center for Public Integrity for their FRONT PAGE story in today’s issue (July 16, 2009) on the perpetual and ongoing train-wreck that is Congressional oversight of the Department of...
DetailsBehold – The Answers Have Arrived
Last year the Department of Homeland Security asked the President’s private sector advisors on the National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC) to examine the following question: What impedes the nation’s ability to respond and recover from a major disaster resulting...
DetailsMind the Gap – Lessons from London – Part 1
Anyone who has ever visited London and traveled via ‘the Tube,’ (the City’s incredibly efficient and effective subway system) has probably heard the phrase “Mind the gap,” coming from the overhead speakers. This distinctly British warning reminds the Tube’s...
DetailsMissing a Key Ingredient in the Housing Hearing
On Wednesday, July 8th, the full Committee of US House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee will convene a hearing entitled, “FEMA Housing: An Examination of Current Problems and Innovative Solutions”It’s got an even more interesting witness list which includes:Witnesses:Panel...
DetailsAn American Beauty
If you’re like most people, Independence Day brings to mind all-things Americana: Will Smith chasing aliens, Dad’s “famous” cookout, and loads of illegal fireworks. For me however, it brings to mind a 22-year-old Salvadorian woman. Before you...
Details‘Pen and Pad’ Session with the Secretary
This afternoon I had the opportunity to participate in a ‘Pen and Pad’ Session with Sec. Napolitano. I joined the session via teleconference, and, like her in-person appearances before the Hill, the media and speaking venues, the...
DetailsBest Quote about Iranian Protests
As the world continues to watch the unfolding situation in Iran and the massive protests over the disputed election results, the best quote about what is happening there was captured by Twitter and reported in today’s New York Times,...
DetailsAnother Great Hire for FEMA
Members of the National Association of Emergency Managers (NEMA) received a bittersweet email this afternoon. Kristin Robinson who has served as NEMA’s lead for Government Relations for the past several years is leaving the Association to take a...
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