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.
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, discussed efforts of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to secure U.S borders against terrorism. Robert Mocny, Deputy Director, US-VISIT Program, provided an overview of the program and its current status. Randolph C.
House Hearing on U.S. Port Security
The Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security of the House Committee on the Judiciary conducted an oversight hearing on U.S. port security. Representative Howard Coble (R-NC) stated that the purpose of the hearing was to focus on the operations and effectiveness of the agencies charged with inspecting ships and cargo entering U.S. ports and on methods used by the public and private sector to enhance the security of the ports. Jayson P. Ahern, Assistant Commissioner, Customs and Border Protection, testified regarding various activities utilized by the agency to target and inspect sea cargo, including the smart box initiative, non-intrusive inspection technology, and the automated targeting system.
