| Joseph D. Lipchitz Jeffrey R. Porter David J. Leiter Cynthia J. Larose Jonathan T. Cain |
Mintz Levin’s multidisciplinary Homeland Security Group assists clients in overcoming challenges and capitalizing on opportunities in the homeland security field. As such, the Mintz Levin Homeland Security Newsletter is designed to share information from a wide variety of sources in an effort to keep you abreast of the latest general industry developments, news from Capitol Hill, and opportunities in the homeland security industry. News Affecting Your Business DHS and the Department of State Announce Press Release, Department of Homeland Security - July 22, 2008 The U.S. Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the new U.S. Passport Card, which will be valid for land and sea travel between the U.S. and several North American destinations, is in full production and is now being distributed. TSA Technology Lacking to Scan Cargo Pallets on Planes Nextgov - July 16, 2008 The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has revealed that it cannot find the technology to screen large cargo pallets, throwing into doubt TSA’s ability to meet a mandate to screen all cargo on passenger planes by 2010. Bush Signs New Rules on Government Wiretapping Yahoo! News - July 11, 2008 President Bush signed a bill one day after the Senate sent it to him that overhauls government eavesdropping. The bill will grant immunity to telecommunications companies that aided the U.S. government in spying on Americans since 9/11. DHS Risk-Based Grant Methodology Is Reasonable, but Current Version’s Measure of Vulnerability Is Limited U.S. Government Accountability Office - June 27, 2008 The U.S. Government Accountability Office has determined that the methodology used by the DHS to distribute funding to enhance the nation’s capability to respond to acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events is limited. DHS’s current risk analysis model does not measure vulnerability of each state and urban area independently. Rather, DHS considers all areas equally vulnerable to attack. Homeland Security Advisory Council’s Report, Department of Homeland Security - June 25, 2008 The Essential Technology Task Force was established by the Homeland Security Advisory Council to make recommendations to DHS regarding the acquisition of technology necessary to maintain robust, flexible, and resilient homeland security. The report discusses several recommendations necessary in the face of rapidly changing threat and technology. TSA Announces New Airport Airside Security Initiative Press Release, Transportation Security Administration - June 18, 2008 Aimed at further enhancing airport airside security and operations, TSA has announced the establishment of the Airside Vulnerability Reduction Team program. This program will enhance security operations on the secure side of the airport, which includes the tarmac. Bush Orders Contractors to Check Workers’ Legal Status USA Today - June 9, 2008 President Bush has signed an executive order designating E-Verify as the electronic employment eligibility verification system that must be used by federal contractors. This system allows employers to confirm the legal status of potential employees almost instantly. DHS to Upgrade Homeland Security Information Network Press Release, Department of Homeland Security - June 6, 2008 The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that it will be enhancing its Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) to provide a trusted and secure national platform, as well as enhanced capabilities in certain areas. DHS Announces Customer Service Improvements Press Release, Department of Homeland Security - June 6, 2008 As part of an effort to strengthen customer service at the U.S. border, DHS announced a three pronged initiative that includes the launch of the Global Entry pilot program, the Passenger Service Program, and an expanded Model Ports Initiative. Government Grants, Procurements, DHS Awards $1.8 Billion in Preparedness Grants Press Release, Department of Homeland Security - July 25, 2008 The Department of Homeland Security will be providing new funds to bolster the nation’s capability to cope with disasters resulting from both natural events and terrorism. Improvements will occur in areas ranging from border security to medical response. DHS Announces $79 Million in State Grants for REAL ID Press Release, Department of Homeland Security - June 20, 2008 Addressing a key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will award nearly $80 million to 48 states to improve the security of driver’s licenses and identification documents. DHS Awards $844 Million to Secure Press Release, Department of Homeland Security - May 16, 2008 As part of its Infrastructure Protection Activities grant program, DHS has awarded $844 million in an effort to protect against and respond to terrorist attacks and other major disasters and emergencies. ML News and Legal Alerts Executive Order Mandates Federal Contractors
to Immigration Alert, Mintz Levin - June 16, 2008 President Bush has signed an executive order designating E-Verify as the electronic employment eligibility verification system that must be used by federal contractors. This system allows employers to confirm the legal status of potential employees almost instantly. The E-Verify System Cutting Edge Issues on the Federal Web-Based Video Podcast, Mintz Levin - May 29, 2008 On May 21, 2008, members of Mintz Levin’s Immigration and Employment practices presented a free online webinar discussing the nationwide voluntary E-Verify program being implemented by DHS and the Social Security Administration. The recorded webinar can be found on Mintz Levin’s website. |
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