UPDATED -- The Week Ahead: House Committee on Homeland Security

Jun 1, 2011 Issues: Domestic Radicalization / Radicalization Hearings, Counterterrorism, Border Security, Maritime Security, Preparedness for and Response to Terrorist Attacks and Natural Disasters, Passenger and Cargo Aviation Security, Surface Transportation Security

***Updated to include time change for Thursday hearing and addition of field hearing***

Washington, D.C. (Wednesday, June 1, 2011) – Today, ¬U.S. Rep. Peter T. King (R-NY), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, announced the following upcoming Committee events:

Wednesday, June 1

“The DHS Intelligence Enterprise - Past, Present, and Future”

2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1 in 311 Cannon House Office Building

Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence
Rep. Patrick Meehan (PA), Chairman

INVITED WITNESSES INCLUDE:
The Honorable Caryn Wagner
Under Secretary
Office of Intelligence and Analysis
Department of Homeland Security

Rear Admiral Thomas Atkin
Assistant Commandant for Intelligence and Criminal Investigation
U.S. Coast Guard

Mr. Daniel Johnson
Assistant Administrator for Intelligence
Transportation Security Administration

Mr. James Chaparro
Assistant Director for Intelligence
Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Ms. Susan Mitchell
Deputy Assistant Commissioner
Office of Intelligence and Operations Coordination
Customs and Border Protection

Chairman Meehan on the hearing:
"The Subcommittee will hear from Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis Caryn Wagner in addition to other component intelligence officials on how effectively the Department is providing accurate and comprehensive intelligence to the men and women on the front lines in the fight against terrorism. I also look forward to hearing how the Department is assisting in analyzing and disseminating the intelligence 'treasure trove' seized in the Osama bin Laden operation."

Thursday, June 2

Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 1299, H.R. 1922, and H.R. 915

9:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 2 in 311 Cannon House Office Building

Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security
Rep. Candice Miller (MI), Chairman

H.R. 1299, (Mrs. Miller) To achieve operational control of and improve security at the international land borders of the United States, and for other purposes. The “Secure Border Act of 2011.”

  • An Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute is expected to be offered by Mrs. Miller.

H.R. 1922, (Mr. Quayle) To provide U.S. Customs and Border Protection with access to Federal lands to carry out certain security activities in the Southwest border region, and for other purposes.

H.R. 915, (Mr. Cuellar) To establish a Border Enforcement Security Task Force program to enhance border security by fostering coordinated efforts among Federal, State, and local border and law enforcement officials to protect United States border cities and communities from trans-national crime, including violence associated with drug trafficking, arms smuggling, illegal alien trafficking and smuggling, violence, and kidnapping along and across the international borders of the United States, and for other purposes. The “Jaime Zapata Border Enforcement Security Task Force Act.”

  • An Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute expected to be offered by Mr. Cuellar.  

 

“Authorizing the Transportation Security Administration for Fiscal Years 2012 and 2013”

***Time change***
4:00 p.m. (changed from 2:00 p.m.) on Thursday, June 2 in 311 Cannon House Office Building

Subcommittee on Transportation Security
Rep. Mike Rogers (AL), Chairman

INVITED WITNESSES INCLUDE:
The Honorable John S. Pistole
Administrator
Transportation Security Administration

Chairman Rogers on the hearing:
“We must ensure that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the agency responsible for protecting our Nation’s transportation systems, has the tools it needs to prevent terrorists from carrying out an attack, and that it functions efficiently and effectively.  This hearing will continue our Subcommittee’s oversight by focusing on authorizing the TSA for Fiscal Years 2012 and 2013. This hearing will allow us to hear directly from Administrator John Pistole on his priorities for addressing vulnerabilities in all modes of transportation.  His efforts toward a more risk-based screening solution are encouraging.  The shift away from a one-size-fits-all approach at screening checkpoints would improve TSA security operations and the experience of the traveling public.  I look forward to a frank discussion on this and other security matters at the hearing, which will inform the Subcommittee’s development of a TSA authorization bill.”

Friday, June 3

“Denying Safe Havens: Homeland Security’s Efforts to Counter Threats from Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia”

10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 3 in 311 Cannon House Office Building

Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Management
Rep. Michael T. McCaul (TX), Chairman

INVITED WITNESSES INCLUDE:
Ms. Jacquie Williams-Bridgers
Managing Director
International Affairs and Trade
Government Accountability Office

Mr. Mark Koumans
Deputy Assistant Secretary
International Affairs     
Department of Homeland Security

Ms. Shari Villarosa
Deputy Coordinator for Regional Affairs
Department of State

Mr. James Q. Roberts
Principal Director for Special Operations & Combating Terrorism
Office of Special Operations/Low-Intensity Conflict & Interdependent Capabilities
Department of Defense

Mr. Steve Coll
President and CEO
New America Foundation

Professor Bruce Hoffman
Director
Center for Peace and Security Studies
Director, Security Studies Program
Georgetown University

Chairman McCaul on the hearing:
“Eliminating the terrorists’ base of operations where they have the ability to recruit, train and plan their operations is the key to preventing attacks on American soil.  Osama Bin Laden orchestrated the 9/11 attacks from a safe haven in Afghanistan.  Anwar al Awlaki has been able to inspire more than two-dozen plots against the United States over just the past two years including the Fort Hood shootings and Christmas bomber. This hearing will assess the role of the U.S. government in denying the terrorists the ability to reconstitute.”

Friday, June 10

***New hearing***
Field Hearing: “Weathering the Storm: A State and Local Perspective on Emergency Management”

10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 10 at Clearwater City Council Chambers, Clearwater City Hall, 112 S. Osceola Avenue, Clearwater, Florida 33756

Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications
Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL), Chairman

INVITED WITNESSES INCLUDE:
To be announced

Tuesday, June 14

“Securing the Nation’s Ports and Maritime Border — A Review of the Coast Guard Post 9/11 Homeland Security Missions”

10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14 in 311 Cannon House Office Building

Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security
Rep. Candice Miller (MI), Chairman

INVITED WITNESSES INCLUDE:
To be announced

Wednesday, June 15

The Committee will convene the second in a series of hearings examining radicalization.  This hearing will focus on radicalization in U.S. prisons.  Additional information about this hearing will be distributed in the coming weeks.

***See www.homeland.house.gov for updates.

***Coverage note:  All Committee on Homeland Security hearings are webcast live at www.homeland.house.gov

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