Defense and Security of the United States
TSA's New ID, Boarding Pass Scanning System Draws Criticism
The TSA’s new CAT/BPSS system that verifies passenger IDs and boarding passes has come under criticism as being an unnecessary cost to taxpayers that does little to enhance security.
Firearms and Arrest Authority of Federal Agencies
At any time, as many as 120,000 civilian employees of the U.S. government could be making arrests and carrying guns, just like your local police officers. What government agencies do these employees work for and why do they need guns?
Are the Selective Service System and the Draft Still Needed?
The Government Accountability Office examines whether the U.S. still needs a military draft and the Selective Service System.
The 'Terror Gap' In Brady Act Background Checks
Are terrorists slipping through the gun control net? Under current law, being reported as a confirmed or suspected terrorist in a Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act background check does not stop a person from buying a gun in the United States.
Obama's Plan on Women, Peace and Security
The Obama Administration’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security is intended to make women more involved in international process of peacekeeping and conflict resolution.
Beware the bin Laden Death Picture Scam
Read about the bin Laden death picture scam. Learn how to avoid being tricked by the bin Laden death picture scam. Discover why the bin Laden death picture was never made public. Find out why the bin Laden death picture scam was prevalent.
Should bin Laden Picture Be Released?
Find out whether the bin Laden picture is available on the Internet. See why Obama didn't release the bin Laden picture following the terrorist mastermind's killing in 2011. Learn about what the bin Laden picture taken by Navy SEALS shows. Discover the arguments for and against releasing the bin Laden picture.
Napolitano Updates Congress on Mexican Border Initiative
Two years after the March 2009 launch of the Obama administration’s Southwest Border Initiative, Home Land Security Secretary Janet Napolitano updated Congress on her agency’s implementation of the plan and progress in securing the Mexican border.
Is Ban on Women in Combat Old Fashioned?
Find out how the ban on women in combat limits diversity in the military. Read about a study of diversity that recommends women in combat exclusion be overturned. Learn about the history of the military policy on women in combat.
What is the Military Leadership Diversity Commission?
Learn about the Military Leadership Diversity Commission. Find out why the Military Leadership Diversity Commission was created and what the Military Leadership Diversity Commission responsibilities were. Read about the important and controversial recommendations issued by the Military Leadership Diversity Commission.
Hurricane Katrina Damage to New Orleans Area Housing
At the end of 2009, more than five years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city; more than 44,200 housing units in New Orleans remain uninhabitable, according to the first comprehensive report on Katrina-related housing damage from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Color-Coded Terror Threat System Replaced
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the replacement of the color-coded terrorism threat advisory system with a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) designed to provide more timely and specific details about terrorist threats.
Why Canadian Border Poses Bigger Threat to U.S.
Find out why government watchdogs believe the Canadian border poses a greater risk of terrorism to the United States than the Mexican border does. Read details of a controversial report on lax security along the Canadian border. Learn about the rugged terrain along the Canadian border and how it hampers security efforts. Discover how much the United States spends on security along the Canadian border and learn about the number of arrests they make.
State Department Backs New START Nuclear Arms Treaty
The U.S. State Department wants to assure Americans that they can sleep soundly knowing they will be still protected by plenty of nuclear weapons after implementation of the new Strategic Arms Reduction (New START) Treaty.
'If You See Something, Say Something' Explained
Read about If You See Something Say Something campaign in this guide to If You See Something Say Something. Learn about the history of the If You See Something Say Something campaign. Discover the history of the If You See Something Say Something campaign. See how the If You See Something Say Something campaign was expanded.
The Hidden Danger of a Green Laser
Find out why the U.S. government issued a warning about the use of green laser. See the problems caused by a green laser. Learn about the health impacts of a green laser on airline pilots. Discover the penalties for shining a green laser at airplanes.
Nuclear Waste Storage Alternatives
Aside from burying it all at a single location somewhere within the continental United States, how do you think the government should deal with long-term storage of our nuclear waste?
Yucca Mountain Still in Nuclear Waste Storage Mix?
Shortly after taking office, President Obama pulled the financial plug on further development of the Yucca Mountain, Nevada nuclear waste storage facility, prompting Environmental Issues Guide Larry West to ask the very difficult question, “If not Yucca Mountain, where?” Based on the action being taken by Congress, the answer may still be Yucca Mountain.
Bush Says U.S. Will Maintain Security at Seaports
President Bush yesterday stated that the pending sale of shipping operations at six major U.S. seaports to a state-owned business in Dubai of the United Arab Emirates would not change existing security operations at those ports.
National Commission on Terrorist Attacks (9-11 Commission)
The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, an independent, bipartisan commission created by congressional legislation in late 2002, is chartered to prepare a full and complete account of the circumstances surrounding the 9-11 terrorist attacks. The Commission is also mandated to provide recommendations designed to guard against future attacks.
Current Headlines from the War on Terror
The latest news from all fronts in the War on Terror, including the battle against al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden, Iraq and Saddam Hussein, and the crisis in the Middle East. Also includes a daily archive of events from Sept. 11, 2001 through the overthrow of the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Killed in Action
American military personnel confirmed by the Department of Defense as being killed in action over the past week in fighting in Iraq, Afghanistan and other fronts in the war on terrorism.
What Terrorist Threat Colors Mean
The American Red Cross has attempted to answer the questions of many Americans about the Homeland Security Advisory System, a color-coded system that depicts the current risk of terrorist activity. Questions like, what specific steps should we take at each of the five terrorist attack threat levels?
National Cyber Alert System Debuts
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has just launched the National Cyber Alert System, a Web-based system designed to provide Americans with timely and actionable information to better secure their computer systems.
America's First Ever Homeland Security Budget
On October 1, 2003, President Bush signed into law the nation's very first spending bill dedicated to ensuring and enhancing homeland security. The following White House fact sheet provides highlights of exactly how $37.6 billion dedicated to the Department of Homeland Security will be spent during Fiscal Year 2004.
Security Tips to Speed Summer Flying
Even dirt on your golf clubs can trigger airport security devices. Learn how prudent packing can save you plenty of travel time this summer.
Prepare for terrorism at Ready.gov
The Department of Homeland Security has launched a new Website to educate and empower American citizens to prepare for and respond to potential future terrorist attacks.
"Why We Know Iraq is Lying" by Condoleezza Rice
National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice explains why the Bush White House is sure Saddam Hussein is lying about Iraq’s intentions to dismantle its nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programs.
FEMA Provides Disaster Preparedness Guide
Do you know how to build a disaster supply kit, or how to locate and evacuate to a shelter? This great new guide from FEMA helps families prepare to survive just about any manmade or natural disaster. Learn to make the U.S. 'A Nation Prepared.'
How to Support US Troops
With the holidays approaching, here are several programs and Web sites through which Americans can show their support for U.S. servicemembers, especially those serving overseas in this time of war.