Oversight Hearing

Oversight Hearing on DHS Law Enforcement Efforts

On February 3, 2004, the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security of the House Committee on the Judiciary conducted an Oversight Hearing on Law Enforcement Efforts within the Department of Homeland Security. Chairman Howard Coble (R-NC) stated that the purpose of the hearing was to examine how the transfer of law enforcement agencies to the new Department has affected the non-terrorism missions of those agencies. Mr. W. Ralph Basham, Director, U.S. Secret Service, testified about how the agency’s traditional missions have merged with the new anti-terrorism mission. Admiral Thomas H. Collins, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, testified that the Coast Guard has always been a multi-mission organization and is adept at balancing competing priorities and creating synergies. Michael Garcia, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, testified about the integration of agents from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), the Customs Service, the Federal Protective Service, and the Federal Air Marshals. Source: HK Law

Oversight Hearing on US-VISIT Program

The Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims of the House Committee on the Judiciary conducted an oversight hearing on the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) program. This is the program, currently being phased in, that will process all non-citizens entering the United States, including crewmembers on foreign ships. Robert Jacksta, Executive Director of Border Security and Facilitation, Department of Homeland Security

Oversight Hearing On Deepwater

The Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure conducted an oversight hearing on Deepwater Implementation. Chairman LoBiondo (R-NJ) expressed concern that the revised implementation plan is lacking in detail, but noted that acquisition should not be further delayed. Admiral Thomas H. Collins, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, testified that the enhanced capabilities requested in the revised plan are necessary to meet the

Senate Hearing on TSA Budget Request

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation issued a press release stating that, on March 4, the Committee will conduct an oversight hearing to review the President’s proposed Transportation Security Administration (TSA) budget for fiscal year 2009. Source: HK Law

Hearing on New Orleans Spill

On September 16, the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure will conduct an oversight hearing on the Oil Spill in New Orleans in July 2008 and Safety on the Inland River System. Source: HK Law

Oversight Hearing on TWIC Implementation

The House Committee on Homeland Security conducted an oversight hearing on the Implementation of the TWIC Program. In his prepared remarks, Committee Chair Bennie Thompson (D-MS) expressed his concern that the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program is far behind schedule and that the estimates of the number of workers affected are much understated. Testimony was for the record, as the hearing was interrupted by a floor vote

The State of Maritime Security

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation conducted an oversight hearing on The State of Maritime Security. The Chairman, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) generally complimented efforts of the various agencies in enhancing maritime security, but expressed concern over the lack of a comprehensive national maritime security plan and the seeming lack of coordination between the agencies. The Administration witnesses, Admiral Thomas Collins, USCG; Robert Bonner, Commissioner, U.S

Hearing Will Highlight Port Security Efforts & Challenges

The U.S. House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee will hold a field hearing in New Jersey on March 26 to examine security efforts implemented in the Port of New York and New Jersey, and to investigate ways to further enhance ports and waterways security around the nation. The Congressional hearing is scheduled for: Tuesday, March 26, 2002 at 10: 00 a.m. in the Port Newark-Elizabeth General Office Building (GOB), 1st Floor, Cafeteria, 1210 Corbin St., Elizabeth, NJ.

Hearing on National Strategy for Maritime Security

The Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure conducted a field hearing on the National Strategy for Maritime Security. The purpose of the hearing, held in Camden, New Jersey, was to continue oversight of federal programs intended to enhance security in the maritime domain. RADM Craig Bone, USCG and Mr. Mark O. Hatfield, Jr., TSA, testified that maritime security encompasses threats from all criminal or

Hearing on CG Acquisitions Process

Today, March 24, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, convened the Subcommittee to examine steps the Coast Guard has taken to reform and strengthen the policies and procedures it utilizes to manage acquisition processes. Specifically, the hearing examined the extent to which the Coast Guard will be positioned to exercise effective oversight of acquisition efforts as a result of new reforms implemented in