How DHS plans to use stimulus funds

Out of a total of roughly $3.5 billion in stimulus funds for DHS, here are some spending totals by component: TSA: $1 billion, CBP: $980 million, New DHS HQ: $650 million, FEMA: $615 million+, USCG: $240 million, and ICE: $20 million. But note that $750 million of the money for CBP and the new DHS HQ will go to GSA, not do DHS directly.

Overview of Napolitano’s Action Directives

In her first 10 days in office, new Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has issued 12 “action directives” focused on specific homeland security areas. Here’s an overview of all the action directives, including their purpose and a brief look at what they may indicate for Homeland Security policy in the Obama administration.

Napolitano sails through confirmation hearing

Janet Napolitano completed her confirmation before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Thursday, drawing praise and vows of support from every member of the committee, including both Republican members. Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-) said that he will move to have Napolitano confirmed by the full Senate as soon as possible after President-elect Obama’s inauguration next week.

Event: House Homeland Security Committee roundtables on privacy, civil rights, & civil liberties at DHS

When:  Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
Where: 311 Cannon House Office Building, Washington D.C.
Time:  9:00 am – 4:00 pm

On Wednesday, December 3rd, the Majority Staff of the House Committee on Homeland Security will host a series of roundtable discussions on the future of privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties at DHS.  The event, entitled “A Path Forward: [...]

DHS opens $3B in FY2009 grants with less restrictions

From the Washington Post:
The Department of Homeland Security announced plans yesterday to dole out $3 billion in counterterrorism grants next year to state and local agencies with far-fewer strings attached than in past years.
The DHS move marks a response to criticism from a Democratic Congress and increasingly restive state and local leaders. They have complained [...]

Senators answers questions about homeland security (and other issues)

Democrat Tom Harkin and Republican Christopher Reed answered a series of questions about national issues.  Many questions his on other topics, but Homeland Security-related questions include:

Would you vote for a defense or supplemental appropriations bill that includes a fixed timeline for withdrawal from Iraq?
Should the government be allowed to monitor electronic communications in the interest [...]

MI: DHS and Michigan reach agreement on enhanced driver’s license

From HS Daily Wire:
DHS has reached an agreement with the state of Michigan to enhance the security features of the state’s driver’s license, which may serve in the future as an acceptable alternative document for crossing the United States’ land and sea borders.
The Michigan agreement, similar to those reached with Washington, Vermont, Arizona, and New York [...]

Bill would limit homeland security laptop searches

The Homeland Security Department has declared its right to seize laptops at the U.S. border indefinitely, and the 9th Circuit court upheld their right to do so, but the Travelers Privacy Protection Act introduced Thursday is intended to curb that power.
The legislation would require DHS to form reasonable suspicion of illegal activity before searching electronic [...]

TX: Gov. Perry asks lawmakers for $134 million for border security

Texas: Gov. Rick Perry will ask lawmakers for another $110 million for border security operations and an additional $24 million to fight transnational gangs.”Putting more boots on the ground is the best way to drop the hammer on these criminal activities,” he said.
Some people questioned the conclusions of the report from the Border Security Council [...]