Democrats Cite Gaps in DHS Record
Wednesday December 28, 2005 4:32 PM
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-5508227,00.htmlAssociated Press
{snips}
A report released Tuesday by 13 members of the House Homeland Security Committee says that nearly three years after the cabinet department's creation, gaps still remain in federal efforts to defend the nation against terrorism - including at ports, borders and chemicals plants.
The department also fails to share alerts and other intelligence quickly with state and local officials, according to the Democrats' report, which analyzes public statements and congressional testimony that outline Bush administration security goals since 2002.
. . . according to the report, the department has failed to:
-Compile a single, comprehensive list prioritizing protections for the nation's most critical and potentially vulnerable buildings, transportation systems and other infrastructure.
-Install monitors at borders and every international seaport and airport to screen for radiation material entering the country.
-Install surveillance cameras at all high-risk chemical plants.
-Create one effective network to share quickly security-related intelligence and alerts with state, local and private industry officials.
-Track international visitors through a computerized system that takes their fingerprints and photographs as they enter and exit the country.
House Homeland Security Committee Democrats:
http://hsc-democrats.house.gov/