FederalDaily - October 24, 2006
Senators Warn Against Rapid Launch of TWIC
Two senators warn that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) must fix some ongoing problems
with a new transportation worker identification program before implementing it at all facilities. Sens.
Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., on Oct. 20 urged the TSA to fix a myriad of
problems with the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) before attempting to put it
in place. The senators noted a Government Accountability Office report which looked at efforts by TSA
to develop the TWIC, which aims to ensure only authorized workers are allowed to enter secure areas
of transportation facilities. Specifically, the report says TSA must improve its testing of the technology
that supports the TWIC program to ensure the system can be effectively deployed, particularly in harsh
maritime environments. The report also said the agency needs to show it is able to meet enrollment
goals. In addition, the report cites significant staff turnover at the Department of Homeland Security
as an obstacle to full TWIC implementation. To see more, go to: http://www.gao.gov/docsearch/abstract.php?rptno=GAO-06-982
:: Back to Top ::
Amendment Gives Free Life Insurance to Troops
When President Bush signed the defense spending authorization bill, he also enacted a provision tucked
inside the legislation to pay all premiums for combat troops enrolled in the Servicemembers’ Group
Life Insurance (SGLI) program—up to the maximum of $400,000. Sponsored by Rep. John Spratt, D-S.C.,
the measure became law Oct. 17 when Bush signed the bill, according to officials in Spratt’s
office. The coverage will be available to troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Previously, these
troops have received reimbursement for premiums on the first $150,000 of SGLI coverage. Under Spratt’s
amendment, they will receive reimbursement for all premiums paid while serving in a combat theater. “Our
men and women in uniform put their lives on the line for us every day,” said Spratt. “They
should not have to pay for life insurance when we put them in harm’s way.” To see more,
go to: www.house.gov/list/press/sc05_spratt/SGLI_enactment.html
:: Back to Top ::
GAO: DHS Needs to Improve Multi-Agency Cooperation
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) needs to improve the collaboration among the four multi-agency
24/7/365 operations centers which protect the country from terrorists, a new government report said.
The Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) Oct. 20 report looked at the operations of these
four centers which work to help detect, deter and prevent terrorist acts. Customs & Border Protection
runs two of the four multi-agency operations centers—the National Targeting Center and the Air
and Marine Operations Center. The Transportation Security Administration's operations center monitors
air/rail commercial passengers, and the DHS Operations Directorate runs the National Operations Center
Interagency Watch and works to enhance efficiency and collaboration among DHS components. Obstacles
to collaboration remain. GAO said the multi-agency operations centers lack common goals and joint strategies;
clearly defined roles and responsibilities and consistent staffing assessments, among other things.
DHS officials have promised to take necessary steps to improve collaboration, the report said.
To see more, go to: www.gao.gov/docsearch/abstract.php?rptno=GAO-07-89
:: Back to Top ::
|
