Thompson lays down Democrats' Homeland security agenda
Nov 16, 2006
When Democrats assume control of the U.S. Congress next year, they plan to make Homeland security one of the cornerstones of their agenda.
Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), who will become chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, told reporters last week he would seek to boost funding for rail and mass transit; strengthen security regulations for chemical plants and container cargo; and implement what he said are a number of recommendations from the 9/11 commission that remain unaddressed....
Washington rail corridor to include high-tech surveillance
Nov 16, 2006
Scores of surveillance cameras and sensors will be installed along a key eight-mile rail corridor in Washington D.C., to help protect passenger trains and rail cars carrying hazardous materials.
The National Capital Planning Commission signed off on the $10 million pilot project this month, allowing the Department of Homeland Security to begin installation.
If the project works out, says William Flynn, the DHS director of risk management, it might be replicated in other parts of the country....
Procurement Close-up: HPRDS contracts announced
Nov 2, 2006
Would-be hijackers targeted American cities
Nov 2, 2006
Maryland transit deploys intelligent video
Nov 2, 2006
Border fence may have a few holes
Nov 2, 2006
No sooner did Congress authorize construction of a 700-mile fence on the U.S.-Mexico border than lawmakers rushed to approve separate legislation that ensures it will never be built as advertised, according to a Washington Post report.
Congress has approved a proposal to build a barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border. It would include two layers of fencing, lighting, cameras and sensors. But a few weeks ago the House and Senate gave the Bush administration leeway to distribute the money to a combination of projects -- not just the physical barrier along the southern border....
TWIC program may run into further delays
Nov 2, 2006
One-year timetable for HSPD-12 card issuance begins
Nov 2, 2006
Oct. 27 marked the deadline for federal agencies to begin issuing new biometrics-based smart cards to its employees and contractors for access to federal buildings and information systems nationwide.
The measure is part of Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which calls for a mandatory, government-wide standard for secure and reliable forms of identification to enhance government security and efficiency, reduce identity fraud and protect personal privacy....
Firefighters receive funding for safety technology
Oct 19, 2006
The Department of Homeland Security has awarded $91.8 million in direct assistance grants to 860 fire departments and first responder organizations....
Thousands wrongly on terror watch list
Oct 19, 2006
DHS cautions NFL on stadium bomb threats
Oct 19, 2006
A threat of radiological bomb attacks at seven professional football stadiums was posted this week on an Internet site, but domestic security officials said this week that they had no reason to place credibility in it....
DHS proposes use of vicinity RFID for security at ports of entry
Oct 19, 2006
On the heels of President Bush's signing of the Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act, authorizing $3.4 billion over five years for security measures, the Department of Homeland Security is proposing the use of vicinity RFID technology for further security at U.S. ports.
The vicinity RFID technology, to be compatible with the U.S. Department of State's new PASSport card, would allow a travel document to be read from several feet as a vehicle approaches inspection....
TSA may use 3-D X-ray technology for carry-on bags
Oct 19, 2006
The Transportation Security Administration may screen carry-on bags with new three-dimensional X-ray machines that are better at spotting liquid explosives, guns and other weapons...
