Latest in Homeland Security
The Senate Judiciary Committee is holding an oversight hearing of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today. Kirstjen Nielsen, the newly-confirmed DHS secretary, will be testifying. You can watch the livestream here:
A summary of Wagafe v. Trump, a Western District of Washington case that may be a bellwether for future litigation of “extreme vetting” legislation.
A review of the recently introduced 2017 Secure Elections Act.
Passing an authorization bill for the Department of Homeland Security will ensure a safer homeland and bring us closer to more effective congressional oversight.
Is immigration a national security isssue? The Trump Administration thinks so and may be moving the visa and refugee process from the Department of State to Homeland Security as a result.
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.