DHS Secretary Announces New Six-Point Agenda for DHS (Includes "Secure Freight" Initiative)
On July 13, 2005, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Michael Chertoff, announced a new six-point agenda for his department, which according to a DHS press release reflects the conclusions drawn from the Second Stage Review1, a systematic evaluation of DHS operations, policies and structures.
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
If your job depends on informed compliance, you need International Trade Today. Delivered every business day and available any time online, only International Trade Today helps you stay current on the increasingly complex international trade regulatory environment.
Six "Key Imperatives" to Guide DHS' Near Term Agenda
In the weeks and months to come, DHS states it will launch specific policy initiatives in six key areas. According to DHS, these six "key imperatives" will drive the near term agenda for DHS, and would result in changes that (partial list):
Transportation security, supply chain security ("Secure Freight" Initiative). Harden transportation security, without sacrificing mobility, by enhancing transit safety, strengthening aviation security through use of better technology, and increasing traveler user fees to better fund the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
In addition, supply chain security management would be improved by gathering and assessing more complete data from the global supply chain to develop a more accurate profile of the history of cargo in a given container.
Data about what cargo is moving from the initial point of shipping to the final destination will allow DHS to target risk better. With more informed targeting, DHS can more efficiently conduct inspections of cargo that is either high risk or unverified. This "Secure Freight" initiative will allow DHS to expedite large portions of inbound cargo, and focus with more precision on the unknown.
Structural re-alignment (CBP to report directly to Secretary, BTS to be folded into new Directorate of Policy). DHS is proposing that the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), as well a most other directors and commissioners, report directly to the DHS Secretary and DHS Deputy Secretary.
Currently, CBP reports to the Directorate of Border and Transportation Security (BTS), which DHS is proposing to fold into a new Directorate of Policy, which will assume the policy coordination functions performed by BTS.
This proposed new directorate, which would ultimately be led by an Under Secretary upon enactment of legislation, would serve as the primary Department-wide coordinator for policies, regulations, and other initiatives.
Border security. Strengthen border security and interior enforcement and reform immigration processes through additional staffing, new technology, enhanced infrastructure development, and a proposed Temporary Worker Program (TWP), etc.
Preparedness. Increase preparedness, with particular focus on catastrophic events.
Information sharing. Enhance information sharing with our partners, particularly with state, local, and tribal governments and the private sector.
Stewardship. Improve DHS stewardship, particularly with stronger financial, human resource, procurement and information technology management.
(CBP Commissioner Bonner has also issued a statement supporting Secretary Chertoff's new agenda. Regarding the Secretary's proposed reorganization, the Commissioner states that it will streamline the Department in a way that will lead to greater efficiency and effectiveness.)
(1The Second Stage Review (2SR) included 18 action teams composed to 10-12 members with appropriate expertise dealing with certain subject matter. These action teams examined a wide range of issues, including risk/readiness, performance metrics, supply chain security, etc.)
Secretary's statement on 2SR (dated 07/13/05), available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=4597
Secretary's announcement of 2SR six-point agenda (dated 07/13/05), available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=4598
CBP Commissioners statement (dated 07/13/05) available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/press_releases/07132005.xml.