In this post-9/11 world, Americans would not argue that the government should do everything possible to protect them from harm. However, an agency tasked with that mission has tallied a frightening number of failures in nearly every area of its mandate and is in need of more significant reform.
Signal Lost and $430 Million Wasted
Following the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, the 9/11 Commission identified the need for an interoperable communication network among the nation’s first responders. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was tasked with creating a common channel that different types of first responders could access. After more than a decade and $430 million spent, the […]
Innovation = Jobs
Innovation creates jobs. That is the central premise of Jay Walker’s keynote address, “Making Innovation Work for America and Americans,” at the first meeting of the IP Dealmakers Forum on November 6, 2014. The forum linked investors together with intellectual property (IP) information and opportunities. Walker’s speech is particularly timely given the release on November […]
Back to Black – II
A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog about Senator Coburn’s (R-OK) efforts in fighting a bloated federal government, rife with waste, fraud, and abuse. You may recall his office has produced several reports on where spending could be cut in the federal government. In my blog, I pulled out some examples from one of […]
Mixed News on Defense
The summer appropriations process for the Department of Defense (DOD), beginning with the initial authorizing bills, has thus far brought a mixed bag of news. On the positive side, the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) directs the Pentagon to look for commercial products capable of performing functions currently under the purview […]
The Emperor’s New Clothes?
President Obama and his minions have been wringing their hands and warning us that the nation will face catastrophic hardships as the sequester is implemented.
911 Funds Should Support 911 Functions
The 911 system is a valuable emergency communications tool available nationwide, and supported, in part, through fees typically designated as either 911 funds or enhanced 911 (E-911) fees.
Zombie Apocalypse Threatens Taxpayer Dollars, Not Nation’s Security
In December 2012, Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) released Safety At Any Price: Assessing the Impact of Homeland Security Spending in U.S. Cities, which focused on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant programs, including the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI). Those who are familiar with Sen. Coburn’s previous work were not surprised by the numerous examples of wasteful spending in the report, such as federal funding for a zombie apocalypse demonstration.
House Passes Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act
Cybersecurity has been a very prevalent issue on Capitol Hill recently with legislation such as The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and The Protect IP Act (PIPA) being introduced before Congress. Both of these bills pertain to issues of piracy and online theft, and the negative impact they can have on the economy. As concerns […]
Stop the state raids on the E 911 communications funds
In most situations, consumers expect to get what they are paying for. For example, communications bills in most states include an Enhanced 911 (E 911) tax or fee. Based on its title, consumers would assume that this money is used for upgrades to the existing 911 services in their state or locality. This is a valid premise, given that the current 911 system has been around for decades and needs improvement and modernization. However, in some states, the E 911 funds are not always used for their intended purpose.