Test Post

Test 123

Continuing Resolution Introduced

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives introduced H.J. Res. 117, a continuing appropriations resolution to fund federal programs into 2013. The 6 month continuing resolution would provide a slightly increased level of funding for federal programs across the board (including the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program) through March 27, 2013. The House Rules Committee will meet this week to prepare the continuing resolution for floor consideration.

CFATS Hearing in Appropriations Committee

This week, the House Appropriations Committee held a brief hearing on CFATS. Witnesses included Suzanne Spaulding, Deputy Under Secretary, National Protection and Programs Directorate and Steve Caldwell, Director, Homeland Security & Justice Issues, Government Accountability Office.
The GAO provided the Committee with a report detailing a “performance audit” of ISCD it conducted from February 2012 to July 2012. Under Secretary Spaulding also provided written testimony. Of particular note, ISCD resumed Authorization Inspections on July 16.

TSA Announces Revised TWIC Renewal Policy

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) announced today that the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) renewal policy is being revised to provide a new less-costly and burdensome option for the


Under the revised policy (which becomes effective August 31, 2012), U.S. Citizens who have a TWIC that expires before the end of 2014 will have the option of paying $60 to acquire a 3 year Extended Expiration Date (EED) card, instead of the standard 5-year TWIC card. Additionally, workers who opt for the EED will only have to make one trip to the TWIC Enrollment center (to activate their card).
Please view the Extended Expiration Date TWIC Exemption Notice for additional information.

Congressional Research Service Report on Pipeline Safety and Security

Last month, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) issued a report on U.S. pipeline safety and security. The report reviews current pipeline security and safety activities within the Transportation Security Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and suggests that Congress assess how the various elements of U.S. pipeline safety and security fit together in the nation’s overall strategy to protect transportation infrastructure.

TSA Publishes 30 Day ICR Notice For Rail Security Program

This week, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) published a 30 Day Information Collection Request Notice in support of its Rail Security Program. Comments will be accepted through May 2, 2012.

2012 Chemical Sector Security Summit

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that the 2012 Chemical Sector Security Summit will be held in Baltimore, MD on July 31-August 1, 2012. DHS will provide agenda and registration details later this Spring. Please visit the DHS website for more information.

TSA Publishes 2011 Enforcement Action Annual Report

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) published its 2011 annual report on enforcement actions. In 2011, TSA took 21 surface transportation actions. These actions were taken as a result of rail car chain of custody and location violations, as well as Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) violations (e.g., use of another’s TWIC, fraudulent manufacture of a TWIC). TSA collected a total of $8,500 in civil penalties for the violations.

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Reader Pilot Program Final Report

This week the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued a Final Report for its TWIC Reader Pilot Program. The Pilot Program took place over a three year period and included over 30 different TWIC reader models in multiple ports across the country.

Despite some challenges, the report indicated that TWIC readers function properly and make efficient and effective access decisions when installed, operated, and utilized in their intended environment. The Coast Guard will now use the results of the Pilot Program to assist it in preparing a TWIC Reader Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and ultimately, a TWIC Reader Final Rule.

Port Security Grant Program Outreach

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host two national conference calls for persons interested in applying for Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) funding for FY 2012. The calls are split into East Coast and West Coast, though all are welcome to join either call. The call information, dates, and times are listed below:

Call in Number: 1-800-320-4330
PIN: 318745

East Coast
Wednesday, February 22nd 11:00 a.m. EST

West Coast
Thursday, February 23rd 1:00 p.m. EST