Bi-partisan group of homeland security experts supports Congressional efforts to authorize the Department
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Douglas Farrar
The Aspen Institute
Doulgas.farrar@aspeninstitute.org | 202.669.2333
Aspen, CO, July 19, 2017 – The Aspen Institute Homeland Security Group expresses full support for bipartisan Congressional efforts to authorize the Department of Homeland Security. This would mark the first authorization of the Department since its creation nearly fifteen years ago. Authorization should strengthen the Department by requiring it to be better – more effective, more efficient, and more responsive – while allowing the Secretary maximum freedom of action and flexibility to lead and manage the Department and to carry out its important mission of protecting the homeland and the American people.
This bipartisan approach to a critical component to our national security apparatus is refreshing and encouraging in an age of ever evolving threats. The Group further expresses support for efforts to streamline Congressional oversight of the Department – a key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission that has yet to be implemented – and encourage regular authorization of the Department, its authorities, and its agencies and the strengthening of the authority of the House Committee on Homeland Security.
The Aspen Institute Homeland Security Group is a bipartisan group of homeland security and counterterrorism experts who convene periodically to discuss these issues and to make recommendations to policy makers. The Group is co-chaired by former Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and former Congresswoman Jane Harman. The full membership list is available at:https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/homeland-security-program/homeland-security-group/
The Aspen Institute is an educational and policy studies organization based in Washington, DC. Its mission is to foster leadership based on enduring values and to provide a nonpartisan venue for dealing with critical issues. The Institute is based in Washington, DC; Aspen, CO; and on the Wye River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It also has offices in New York City and an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.