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.

Obama pushes security upgrades for seaports & emergency communications

From Government Security News: President Obama’s radio and Internet address Jan 24 specifically mentioned strengthening security at the nation’s seaports and improving first responder communications as areas targeted by the economic recovery plan – and thus likely to receive federal funding in the short term.

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.

GAO faults agencies for lack of coordination on interoperability

A GAO report released on December 12 found that the DHS, the DOJ, and the Treasury Department are no longer coordinating with each other to develop the Integrated Wireless Network (IWN) program – a nationwide federal wireless communications service for use by first responders.