As the threat of terrorism has grown, civilian agencies are increasingly thrust into the national security conversation. The laws and regulations that govern aviation, immigration, and international trade have become key parts of the national security apparatus. Debates over no-fly lists, border security, and the protection of airplane technology now take place alongside those over the military’s rules of engagement or the value of NSA programs. These new debates seem no less likely to disappear.
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The President should should consolidate the Terrorist Screening Center (TSC) and the National Targeting Center (NTC), which would reduce the chance of error, expedite redress procedures, and save money.
My friend and Heritage colleague, David Inserra, has just released a paper entitled "Considering the Laptop Ban: Risks, Costs, Benefits, and Alternatives." For anyone interested in the issue, it is worth a read. Here is the abstract:
Good news. Politico is reporting the breaking news that there will NOT be a ban on laptops on US-EU flights:
The U.S. today opted not to introduce a ban on bringing laptops into the cabins of flights to the U.S. from Europe, sources told POLITICO.
“No ban,” a Commission official said. “Both sides have agreed to intensify technical talks and try to find a common solution.”
Kudos to DHS for reaching the right decision.
The Homeland Security Advisor will now report to the National Security Advisor. Though there are good arguments for that organizational structure, on balance it is a mistake.
Trump's budget proposal to pay for a wall on the southwest border sacrifices real, every-day security programs on the altar of a campaign promise that will not increase security one iota.
Former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson's speech to the Oxford Union.
The wall is going to cost a lot of money. More than we've spent in the past. Here's some of the data.
I see in the new administration’s early steps an approach to transregional threats that isolates the United States from key partners and allies and departs from reliance on the institutions and expertise that have served well our national security and administrations of all stripes.
For those intersted in the enterprise of homeland security and its operations, my Heritage colleague David Inserra has just published a lenghty, comprehensive review of DHS in which he argues for a fundamental reset of priorities. You may not agree with all of his recommendations, but the depth of analysis is relatively unique in the think tank world these days. Heres' the executive summary opening:
After 14 years, the Department of Homeland Security may get an authorization bill to govern its activities. It's about time ...