Week Ahead for the House Homeland Security Committee -- Sept 16-20

Media Contact: Charlotte Sellmyer (202) 226-8417
Sep 13, 2013 Issues: Counterterrorism, Cybersecurity, Preparedness for and Response to Terrorist Attacks and Natural Disasters, Oversight of DHS Management

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Homeland Security Committee has announced the following events for next week.

WEDNESDAY, September 18 at 10:00 a.m.

Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies

Subcommittee Markup

311 Cannon House Office Building

H.R. 2952 (Mr. Meehan), To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to make certain improvements in the laws relating to the advancement of security technologies for critical infrastructure protection, and for other purposes.  The “Critical Infrastructure Research and Development Advancement Act of 2013” or the “CIRDA Act of 2013”.

H.R. ___, a bill to be introduced prior to consideration (Ms. Clarke), To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish cybersecurity occupation classifications, assess the cybersecurity workforce, develop a strategy to address identified gaps in the cybersecurity workforce, and for other purposes. The “Homeland Security Cybersecurity Boots-on-the-Ground Act.” 

WEDNESDAY,  September 18 at 2:00 p.m.

Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence

Understanding the Threat to the Homeland from AQAP

311 Cannon House Office Building

Invited Witnesses Include:

  • Ms. Katherine Zimmerman, Senior Analyst, AEI Critical Threats Project, The American Enterprise Institute
  • Mr. Frank J. Cilluffo, Associate Vice President, Director, Homeland Security Policy Institute, The George Washington University

Subcommittee Chairman Peter T. King (R-NY) on the hearing: “This hearing will examine the ongoing threat to the U.S. Homeland from al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the Yemen-based al Qaeda affiliate.  Unfortunately, in many ways, the al Qaeda network is stronger today than it was before 9/11 because it has a foothold in so many locations.  As the White House and Congress continue to grapple with the situation in Syria, it is vital that we do not lose site of the threat posed by AQAP and other al Qaeda affiliates.  This hearing will focus on the current threat and capability of AQAP, review U.S. Counterterrorism policy towards the group, and the lessons learned from the August embassy closures.”

THURSDAY, September 19 at 10:00 a.m.

Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications

Assessing the Nation’s State of Preparedness: A Federal, State, and Local Perspective

311 Cannon House Office Building

Invited Witnesses Include:

  • The Honorable Timothy Manning, Deputy Administrator, Protection and National Preparedness, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • Mr. Mark Gliharducci, Director, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Testifying on behalf of the National Governors Association and the Governors Homeland Security Advisors
  • Mr. Jeffrey W. Walker, Senior Emergency Manager, Licking County, Ohio, Testifying on behalf of the International Association of Emergency Managers
  • Chief James Schwartz, Arlington County Fire Department, Testifying on behalf of the International Association of Fire Chiefs

Subcommittee Chairman Susan Brooks (R-IN) on the hearing: “September is National Preparedness Month and having just observed the 12th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, this hearing is an opportunity for Subcommittee Members to reflect on the gains the nation has made in preparedness over the past 12 years and the challenges that still remain.  This hearing will offer Federal, State, and local perspectives on our nation's capabilities and the further steps necessary to enhance them.”

 

THURSDAY, September 19 at 2:00 p.m.

Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency

DHS Acquisition Practices: Improving Outcomes for Taxpayers Using Defense and Private Sector Lessons Learned

311 Cannon House Office Building

Invited Witnesses Include:

Panel I

  • Hon. Rafael Borras, Undersecretary for Management, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • Ms. Michele Mackin, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, Government Accountability Office
  • Ms. Anne Richards, Assistant Inspector General for Audits, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Panel II

  • Mr. William C. Greenwalt, Visiting Fellow, Marilyn Ware Center for Security Studies, American Enterprise Institute
  • Mr. Stan Soloway, President and CEO, Professional Services Council
  • Mr. David Berteau, Senior Vice President and International Security Program Director, Center for Strategic and International Studies

Subcommittee Chairman Jeff Duncan (R-SC) on the hearing: “DHS acquisitions represent hundreds of billions of dollars, and they have major implications for the American taxpayer.  DHS invests in a variety of new systems to protect the border, detect radiological and nuclear materials, improve disaster response, and secure cyber infrastructure, among other things. Rigorous oversight is essential since our Congressional watchdogs report programs are often late, cost more, and do less than originally expected.  Earlier this year, GAO found DHS had 21 IT programs estimated to cost $1 billion that were not meeting their cost or schedule goals.  GAO also found that TSA put taxpayer dollars at risk by not following DHS acquisition policies when acquiring their ‘body scanners’ and canine teams.  Additionally, the Inspector General reported that DHS does not have reliable information on the types of radio systems it has for securing U.S. borders.  This hearing will examine how DHS has spent taxpayer dollars on its acquisition programs while looking at the best practices DOD and the private sector employ to reduce costs and increase efficiency.”

*LIVE video of the hearings and markup will be available here.

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