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.

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 [...]