In the immediate aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings, the key to the investigation is strong cooperation and teamwork by the law enforcement entities involved. This cooperation largely occurs in the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) overseeing the investigation. Led by the FBI, the JTTF will work closely with all …
The world’s second-largest reinsurer, Swiss Re, reports “that natural catastrophes and man-made disasters cost the insurance industry $77 billion in 2012.” The report noted this figure covered “more than 300 catastrophes and disasters caus[ing] the loss of 14,000 lives and $186 billion.” These disasters included many of the 112 events …
Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations is holding a hearing titled, “Counterterrorism Policies and Priorities: Addressing the Evolving Threat.” The hearing has just three witnesses, not one of whom represents state and local law enforcement counterterrorism equities. That omission really is par for the course, as too often …
In the increasingly politicized environment surrounding President Obama’s attempt to pass comprehensive immigration reform, border security again became the focus. In an attempt to take the issue of border security off the table, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano claimed that “the border is secure. I believe the …
Despite all the handwringing, it appears that President Barack Obama will get what he wanted in his excessive $60.4 billion request related to Hurricane Sandy. Shortly after his request was sent to Congress, the Senate approved President Obama’s package largely intact. Last week, the House passed $9.7 billion for the …
According to the Financial Times, the insurance industry estimates the total bill for insurers from Hurricane Sandy will be between $20 billion and $25 billion. President Barack Obama’s emergency request for Hurricane Sandy totals $60.4 billion. One must naturally wonder how the damages not covered by insurance could be roughly …
In his oversight report, “Safety at Any Price: Assessing the Impact of Homeland Security Spending in U.S. Cities,” Senator Tom Coburn (R–OK) highlights several examples of cities using homeland security grants for ill-advised expenses. Senator Coburn’s report is an important one and a must read for the media and policymakers. …
In a shameless attempt to politicize Hurricane Sandy, The New York Times rushed out an editorial, “A Big Storm Requires Big Government,” attacking conservatives for advocating a rebalancing of disaster response responsibilities. The Times says the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) “was put back in working order by President Obama, …
Hurricane Sandy is battering the East Coast this morning, expected to wreak havoc for millions of people from the Mid-Atlantic to northern New England. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are affected by the storm. Please take care and be safe. Because of Sandy’s timing this late in October, …
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been out of control in its disaster declarations, and the Obama Administration has issued more of these than any President—costing taxpayers billions. The government has made this information readily searchable online, until recently. At some point in the last couple of months, FEMA …
