MADISON

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

I do recommend the books and reports from CQ. This is a message I receive in my e-mail so this is an opportunity to quote and suggest it.

Ary Dib Dias

"Dear Colleague,

In response to a CQ Homeland Security story, Rep. Jane Harman has mounted a furious campaign to counter reports that the NSA or FBI recorded a telephone conversation of her agreement to a quid pro quo with a suspected Israeli agent.

Harman has taken to the airwaves, demanding the release of any transcripts, and is working to shift attention to questions about the propriety of executive branch surveillance of lawmakers.

To follow developments on this story and other homeland security issues that affect your interests, including the possible global swine flu pandemic, border security and the Mexican drug war, turn to CQ Homeland Security.

Request a free trial today to get the latest and most extensive news and information on homeland security policy. (Offer expires Friday, May 8.)

CQ Homeland Security provides you with the insight and tools you need to track and understand this ever-evolving topic, including:

News - Receive breaking news, analysis and listings of important congressional and Department of Homeland Security events.
People - Get bios, photos, org charts and searchable contacts for Members of Congress involved in homeland security oversight, authorization and appropriations.
Bills - Track homeland security-related bills with our easy-to-use search tool.
Regulations - Access existing rules, proposed rules, notices and executive orders.

Monitor critical homeland security news and legislation with CQ Homeland Security—the leading online publication dedicated to original reporting on the people who shape and the events that affect domestic preparedness.

Request your free trial today. (Offer expires Friday, May 8.)

Sincerely,

Keith White
Publisher
Congressional Quarterly Inc."

Chairman Recognizes National Military Appreciation Month

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2009 - America's gratitude inspires the members of its armed forces, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a message he issued to commemorate May as National Military Appreciation Month.

Here is Navy Adm. Mike Mullen's message:

"Despite the challenges of two wars and numerous other engagements around the globe, America's military is stronger than ever. Our military is strong because our Nation stands behind them. Whether they are your neighbors, friends, or family members, all make life-changing sacrifices, and all are worthy of our eternal thanks.

"Gratitude from an appreciative Nation – not just during this month, but always – inspires courage and peace of mind for those whose charge it is to keep the peace. Remembering those who sacrificed everything – as well as their families – and continuing to thank and support our veterans and wounded warriors is crucial to the health of our Armed Forces, and truly, essential to the health of our Nation.

"Throughout this month of May, please take time to thank all those in each Service branch, the National Guard, and Reserves, as well as Defense civilians, retirees, veterans, and their families. They are making a difference – and so can you.

"The Joint Chiefs and I are proud to salute the men, women and families of America's Armed Forces – this month, as well as every day of the year."

Sincerely,

M.G. MULLEN
Admiral, U.S. Navy

Audit Finds Flaws in FBI Handling of Terrorist Watchlist

CQ TODAY PRINT EDITION – HOMELAND SECURITY
May 6, 2009 – 1:02 p.m.
By Tim Starks, CQ Staff

An audit of the government’s terrorist watch list found that the FBI sometimes failed to add investigation targets to the list and frequently failed to add suspects swiftly, then often did not remove suspects when investigations were closed.

The Justice Department’s inspector general released the report Wednesday. While the FBI objected that the audit does not reflect recent changes in watch list management, its results drew criticism from the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“That the FBI continues to fail to place subjects of terrorism investigations on the watch list is unacceptable,” said Patrick J. Leahy , D-Vt., who also criticized the failure to remove cleared suspects. “Given the very real and negative consequences to which people on the watch list are subjected, this is unacceptable.”

In a sample of 216 terrorism probes dating from fiscal 2006 to the first half of fiscal 2008, the inspector general determined that the FBI did not nominate 35 known terrorism suspects to the watch list.

In 78 percent of the cases, the FBI did not meet its own deadlines for nominating suspects to watch lists, with the late nominations averaging 42 days to process. Twelve suspects not added at all or not added swiftly might have traveled to or from the United States during the time they weren’t on the list, the report found.

Out of 85 closed investigations, the FBI did not remove seven subjects from the list after they were no longer the target of an investigation, and it did not remove 61 such names in a timely fashion, according to the report. Leahy complained that one person was on the list for five years after an investigation of the individual had been closed.

The audit also criticized other inaccuracies on the list and poor standards for vetting nominations.

In response to the report, Arthur M. Cummings, executive assistant director for the FBI’s National Security Branch, said the FBI had improved its watch list management since the last inspector general report on the topic in March 2008, implementing new training procedures and assigning watch list coordinators.

The audit, Cummings wrote, does not cover the period since the FBI made those changes.

CQ Homeland Security

Behind the Lines for Wednesday, May 6, 2009 — 3 P.M.

By David C. Morrison, Special to Congressional Quarterly

Courts and rights: A federal judge yesterday removed an uncooperative juror from the panel deliberating on the second Liberty City Six retrial, The Miami Herald mentions. A woman who falsely reported to LAX officials that a man was plotting to hijack a plane was sentenced Monday to six months’ house arrest and three years’ probation, the Los Angeles Times tells — while WTVC 9 News has security breach charges being dropped for a man arrested with a gun at Chattanooga’s airport last November. A Minneapolis man held on terror charges for more than five years is asking to be released as he awaits trial, KSTP 5 News relays. Justice officials are working to modify terror tribunals “to increase the rights of defendants, but without giving them the full protections provided by the American legal system,” The Times of London spotlights.

CQ Homeland Security