Senate Committee On Homeland Security And Governmental Affairs News

The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs conducted a hearing on ensuring full implementation of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations. Quick review of the prepared remarks of the Senators and witnesses fails to reveal any discussion of container screening in particular or maritime security in general. Source: HK Law

The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs conducted a hearing entitled Homeland Security: The Next Five Years. As explained in her opening statement, Senator Susan M. Collins (R-ME) wants to assess the homeland security challenges the next five years will bring. Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security, discussed those challenges, including port and maritime security. He noted that not every risk can be eliminated, so the goal is to prioritize the threats and address those of highest importance. Among the various witnesses, Richard A. Falkenrath, Deputy Commissioner for Counterterrorism, New York City Police Department, stated that the threat of a weapon of mass destruction in a shipping container has been exaggerated.

The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs received a Briefing from Administration personnel on the Dubai Ports World (DPW) acquisition of the Peninsular & Oriental (P&O) company. Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) issued a Press Release stating that she introduced a resolution calling for a thorough review and Congressional consultation before the transaction could proceed. Source: HK Law

The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs conducted a hearing on the topic of ‘Always Ready’: The Coast Guard’s Response to Hurricane Katrina . Rear Admiral Robert F. Duncan , USCG, Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District, summarized the Coast Guard’s efforts to prepare for and respond to the hurricane. During the response phase, the Coast Guard rescued over 33,000 people. Source: HK Law