Trump's Homeland Security Pick Has Quakertown Roots

Tom Bossert, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for Homeland Security, has local roots. He was raised in Quakertown, and graduated from high school there in 1993. A reader who graduated with Bossert describes him as a "decent student but really seemed to excel after High School." He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and also has a law degree from George Washington University. He previously served President Bush as a Homeland Security Deputy.

In contrast to the current arrangement, in which the Homeland Security Adviser reports to the National Security Adviser, Bossert will report to the President.

Dent Supports Homeland Security Appropriation

(From Congressman Charlie Dent's press office) -- U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent (PA-15), a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, yesterday voted for H.R. 2017, the Fiscal Year 2012 Department of Homeland Appropriations Act. The measure, the first of 12 annual funding bills to be considered by the House this year, provides $40.6 billion in non-emergency spending for programs and operations at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

“As a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I supported this legislation because it bolsters the security of the American people while honoring Congress’s commitment to spend tax dollars in a responsible and efficient manner,” said Rep. Dent."Nearly a month ago, intelligence gained during the raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound in Pakistan confirmed terrorist organizations remain committed to launching attacks within the US. Today, communities across the country, particularly in Alabama and Missouri, are reeling from some of the most devastating storms in their history. These events remind us that threats to our security can come from unpredictable sources at unpredictable times. H.R. 2017 provides DHS the resources it needs to ensure our nation is prepared for disasters of any kind."

Notably, H.R. 2017 includes $8.7 billion for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to enhance security along our borders and $3.19 billion for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in part to improve passenger screening equipment and personnel training.

During consideration of the bill on the House floor, Dent voted for an amendment to restore a portion of funding for two critical first responder programs; the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) and Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) programs. Originally set to receive $350 million in funding through the legislation, Dent supported an amendment offered by Rep. Steven LaTourette (OH-14) to provide a total of $670 million for the two programs.

“As first responders play an increasingly important role in national homeland security efforts, it is important that we help communities ensure they have the capabilities to effectively respond to natural and manmade threats,” Rep. Dent said.

Will Callahan Close Gitmo From the Git' Go?

Congressional candidate John Callahan recently met with a group that advocates closing Gitmo and holding trials for dangerous terrorists in America, possibly even in Pennsylvania. I don't know whether Callahan actually agrees with a group calling itself Human Rights First, but The Hill reports he is meeting with them.

LV Congressman Charlie Dent, as a member of the Homeland Security Committee, has demanded common-sense use of military tribunals for foreign terror suspects at Gitmo’s facilities, which were designed for that very purpose. In anews release on this subject, Dent poses the following questions:

1. Does John Callahan support closing Gitmo? If so, how?

2. Does John Callahan believe American soldiers should be reading Miranda rights to terrorists they capture on the battlefield?

3. Does Callahan believe American soldiers should face criminal charges for violating the civil rights of terrorists?

4. Is Callahan willing to require our military soldiers to gather forensic evidence on the battlefield for a prosecution in a civilian American court?

5. Does John Callahan honestly believe that foreign terrorists should be imprisoned and tried on American soil?

“These are not academic questions,” Dent said. “Consider that a location in Western Pennsylvania was put forward as alternative site to New York City for the Khalid Mohammed trial. This is an important issue that hits home.

“Instead of listening to a plan that even the Obama Administration is quietly abandoning, here’s who John Callahan should listen to – the families of these terrorists’ victims, some of whom live right in our own community. He should get the thoughts of the men and women in uniform who captured these individuals and who right now are fighting for our national security in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan and elsewhere. And he should heed the opinions of leaders from both parties who know the cost and security risk of terrorist trials in our own backyard.”

Times Square Defendant Post Removed

I had a post up about the possible connection of the Times Square bombing Defendant to the LV, but removed it within 15 minutes after discovering that it was inaccurate. This post was only up briefly, but in view of the nature of the subject, I feel an explanation is necessary.

Kill Al-Awlaki, But Don't Revoke His U.S. Citizenship

LV Congressman Charlie Dent last week introduced a Resolution (you can read it here) asking that Anwar al-Awlaki's U.S. citizenship be terminated. It's been referred to the Judiciary Committee, where it will likely die of old age. Dent has 16 co-sponsors, but every one of them is a Republican.

Those of you who actually read that nonbinding Resolution can see that Dent never suggests that Congress act unilaterally. He never even hints that the due process rights afforded by our Constitution be ignored. He does suggest that al-Awlaki is "an operative for al Qaeda's conspiracy to overthrow, put down, or to destroy by force the Government of the United States." This citizen-terrorist did provide "spiritual" guidance to several of the 9/11 hijackers. He did give the orders for the failed Christmas-Day bombing. In March, he did state all Muslims have an obligation to take up arms against the United States.

Any one of these could provide a Constitutional basis for a denial of the benefits of U.S. citizenship.

Pennsylvania Avenue initially broke this story, but failed to include or link to the actual language of the Dent's Resolution. LV bloggers jumped to conclusions, condemning Dent instead of al-Awlaki.

LVIndependent shrieks, "Gulag: Charlie Dent Wants to Disappear an American Citizen." Another blogger, LVCI, calls Dent a "dummie" and huffs he would never "vote for anyone to power who, even for a second, entertained a thought of stripping ANY American of their citizenship no matter how vile." Finally, Rich Wilkins adds, "[T]his is all crazy talk to be honest."

I waited to read the actual Resolution, which is relatively innocuous.

I have to wonder where the hell these bloggers were when Barack Obama decided to kill this terrorist. I'm pretty sure that will bother Al-Awlaki a lot more than a mere loss of citizenship. The New York Times, German newspaper Junge Welt and National Security Policy Analyst Mohamed Elibiary have all spilled the beans on this authorized hit. Maybe they're next.

Can you advocate killing this guy and still be considered a progressive? Thankfully, Daily Kos says yes. Citizenship, schitizenship. One of their goofy bloggers actually argues it's "a bit repulsive whenever anyone suggests that US Citizens should be afforded more rights than anyone else. To me, it smacks of racism (or at the very least, nationalism)." If we can whack a non-citizen without due process, we should also be able to whack a citizen for the sake of consistency.

So there you have it. You can whack this guy, but whatever you do, don't take away his citizenship. That would be unconstitutional. Cuckoo.

Of course, what these folks really find objectionable is that Dent is a dirty, evil Republican. As a result, nothing he proposes can be right. President Obama is a Democrat, so nothing he proposes can be wrong, even a sanctioned hit on an American citizen.

Instead of playing "Hail to the Chief" when Obama enters a room, the Godfather theme might be more appropriate.

Dent: Security at Federal Buildings Too Lax

According to a recently released GAO report, security at federal buildings is way too lax. In covert tests conducted by the Federal Protective Service, contract guards will lay out a welcome mat to people with guns, knives and bombs two out of three times. Even more scary, people carrying components for an improvised explosive device passed undetected by guards at 10 out of 10 high-security facilities in four major cities.

LV Congressman Charlie Dent, in a Friday news release, announces that he's introduced legislation (Federal Protective Service Reform and Enhancement Act of 2010, H.R. 5053) to beef up security in Federal facilities by reforming the agency charged with protecting federal employees and visitors. The Federal Protective Service is the lead government agency tasked with providing security at more than 9,000 facilities. Most of the work is done by 15,000 contract guards, who are not really federal employees.

“Fifteen years ago our nation was shaken by the bombing of the Murrah Federal building in Oklahoma City. Recent acts of violence at Federal facilities are a stark reminder that our nation’s Federal buildings remain vulnerable to attack,” Congressman Dent said. “Sadly, the Federal agency tasked with providing security at Federal buildings has been woefully understaffed and appears inept. That is why I have introduced legislation that provides better training and stronger oversight for the men and women who are the first line of defense in our nation’s Federal government buildings.”

Dent serves as Ranking Member on the Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee, and has "seen firsthand the vulnerabilities our nation’s Federal facilities face on a daily basis. To address these issues, my legislation implements a number of recommendations called for by the Government Accountability Office that would enhance security and safety in Federal buildings.”

Key provisions of the legislation include:

· Enhancing standards for training and certification of contract guards;

· Improving Federal Protective Service oversight of the contract guard program;

· Nearly doubling the number of Federal Protective Service Inspectors to increase the frequency of security inspections;

· Increasing the frequency and quality of covert inspections and penetration tests; and

· Standardizing a list of items that would be prohibited from being brought into a Federal facility.

Additionally, the bill establishes a 3-year pilot program to be implemented in at least three of the highest-security Federal facilities to evaluate whether cost savings or security enhancements exist in having a federalized guard staff. The Obama administration has resisted attempts to replace these glorified security guards with federal law enforcement officers.

“These reforms will allow the Federal Protective Service to better meet its critical mission of protecting Americans who work in and visit our government’s facilities,” Congressman Dent said.

I Think I Dated Jihad Jane

Blond hair. Green eyes. Only 46 years old. Spends lots of time on the Internet. Lives in nearby Pennsburg.

I think I dated her until she found out my real name is Bernie, not Omar, and that I'm Irish, not Lebanese.

I'm speaking, of course, about our very own Jihad Jane. She wanted to kill a Swedish cartoonist in a way that would frighten "the whole Kufar [nonbeliever] world." Who the hell thinks like that? Seriously. Couldn't she just join a fitness club or something?

When news of her October 15 arrest was made public yesterday, LV Congressman Charlie Dent released this statement:

“The indictment released today is a chilling reminder that the threat of homegrown terrorism is real and that even American citizens can be susceptible to radicalization. This indictment underscores that terrorists are actively exploiting the Internet as a powerful tool to communicate, recruit, plan and execute attacks.

“I commend the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Joint Terrorism Task Force for their thorough investigation of this case. In my capacity as member of the Homeland Security Committee, I will be monitoring this situation closely.”

I was wondering why I never heard back from her.

Update: "Did you really date Jihad Jane"

"Not really, no."

"Well, you better make that clear before you find your ass in Gitmo."

"Do they serve hummus?"

Can We Really Achieve Airport Security?

In the wake of disturbing news about a security breach at Newark Airport, in which a TSA officer abandoned his post and surveillance cameras failed, Congressman Charlie Dent is among those who are upset. As the Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection, he'll be visiting Newark Airport as part of a Congressional Delegation next week.

Dent makes this observation: “We are reminded yet again of the high stakes of aviation security, having narrowly averted a catastrophe in the skies over Detroit. We must reinforce with the Transportation Security Administration that their duties have life or death consequences and ensure the appropriate equipment, training and policies are in place to protect the American public. I will demand accountability of those who are not up to the task of protecting the traveling public.”

I understand this need to be vigilant, and credit Congressman Dent and Senator Lautenberg for being concerned. But I also think we have to recognize that, no matter what security precautions we install, there will always be failure. We seem to have forgotten that reality.

David Brooks, in a recent NYTimes op-ed, claims we need look no further than our own military, whose mistakes during WWII resulted in tragedies like American planes bombing our own troops. We did not get lathered up, recognizing that any human institution is necessarily flawed.

But today, we demand perfection. "[W]e seem to expect perfection from government and then throw temper tantrums when it is not achieved. We seem to be in the position of young adolescents — who believe mommy and daddy can take care of everything, and then grow angry and cynical when it becomes clear they can't."

So now, we'll be installing full body scanners and searching people a gazillion times and then will wonder what went wrong the next time.

Obama Reacts to Attempted Christmas day Attack, Violence in Iran

This morning, I published LV Congressman Charlie Dent's reaction to a Christmas Day attempt to bomb a passenger jet carrying 250 innocent civilians. President Obama has now spoken out about that, as well as the recent violence in Iran.

Hey, guys. Good morning, everybody. I just want to take a few minutes to update the American people on the attempted terrorist attack that occurred on Christmas Day and the steps we're taking to ensure the safety and security of the country.

The investigation is ongoing and I spoke again this morning with Attorney General Eric Holder, the Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, and my Counterterrorism and Homeland Security Advisor John Brennan. I asked them to keep -- continue monitoring the situation, to keep the American people and members of Congress informed.

Here's what we know so far. On Christmas Day, Northwest Airlines Flight 253 was en route from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Detroit. As the plane made its final approach to Detroit Metropolitan Airport, a passenger allegedly tried to ignite an explosive device on his body, setting off a fire.

Thanks to the quick and heroic actions of passengers and crew, the suspect was immediately subdued, the fire was put out, and the plane landed safely. The suspect is now in custody and had been charged with attempting to destroy an aircraft. And a full investigation has been launched into this attempted act of terrorism and we will not rest until we find all who were involved and hold them accountable.

This was a serious reminder of the dangers that we face and the nature of those who threaten our homeland. Had the suspect succeeded in bringing down that plane it could have killed nearly 300 passengers and crew, innocent civilians preparing to celebrate the holidays with their families and friends.

The American people should be assured that we are doing everything in our power to keep you and your families safe and secure during this busy holiday season. Since I was first notified of this incident I've ordered the following actions to be taken to protect the American people and to secure air travel.

First, I directed that we take immediate steps to ensure the safety of the traveling public. We made sure that all flights still in the air were secure and could land safely. We immediately enhanced screening and security procedures for all flights, domestic and international. We added federal air marshals to flights entering and leaving the United States. And we're working closely in this country -- federal, state and local law enforcement -- with our international partners.

Second, I've ordered two important reviews because it's absolutely critical that we learn from this incident and take the necessary measures to prevent future acts of terrorism. The first review involves our watch list system, which our government has had in place for many years to identify known and suspected terrorists so that we can prevent their entry into the United States.

Apparently the suspect in the Christmas incident was in the system, but not on a watch list such as the so-called no-fly list. So I've ordered a thorough review not only of how information related to the subject was handled, but of the overall watch list system and how it can be strengthened.

The second review will examine all screening policies, technologies and procedures related to air travel. We need to determine just how the suspect was able to bring dangerous explosives aboard an aircraft and what additional steps we can take to thwart future attacks.

Third, I've directed my national security team to keep up the pressure on those who would attack our country. We do not yet have all the answers about this latest attempt, but those who would slaughter innocent men, women and children must know that the United States will do more than simply strengthen our defenses -- we will continue to use every element of our national power to disrupt, to dismantle, and defeat the violent extremists who threaten us -- whether they are from Afghanistan or Pakistan, Yemen or Somalia, or anywhere where they are plotting attacks against the U.S. homeland.

Finally, the American people should remain vigilant, but also be confident. Those plotting against us seek not only to undermine our security, but also the open society and the values that we cherish as Americans. This incident, like several that have preceded it demonstrates that an alert and courageous citizenry are far more resilient than an isolated extremist. As a nation we will do everything in our power to protect our country, as Americans we will never give in to fear or division, we will be guided by our hopes, our unity, and our deeply held values. That's who we are as Americans. And that's what our brave men and women in uniform are standing up for as they spend the holidays in harm's way, and we will continue to do everything that we can to keep America safe in the New Year and beyond.

Before I leave let also briefly address the events that have taken place over the last few days in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The United States joins with the international community in strongly condemning the violent and unjust suppression of innocent Iranian citizens, which has apparently resulted in detensions, injuries and even death.

For months the Iranian people have sought nothing more than to exercise their universal rights. Each time they have done so they have been met with the iron fist of brutality, even on solemn occasions and holy days. And each time that has happened the world has watched with deep admiration for the courage and the conviction of the Iranian people, who are a part of Iran's great and enduring civilization.

What's taking place within Iran is not about the United States or any other country -- it's about the Iranian people and their aspirations for justice and a better life for themselves. And the decision of Iran's leaders to govern through fear and tyranny will not succeed in making those aspirations go away. As I said in Oslo, it's telling when governments fear the aspirations of their own people more than the power of any other nation.

Along with all free nations the United States stands with those who seek their universal rights. We call upon the Iranian government to abide by the international obligations that it has to respect the rights of its own people. We call for the immediate release of all who have been unjustly detained within Iran. We will continue to bear witness to the extraordinary events that are taking place there. And I'm confident that history will be on the side of those who seek justice.

Thank you very much, everybody, and Happy New Year.

Seems to me that Dent and Obama are pretty much on the same page. If they can do it, can't we?

Charlie Dent: "Our Enemy Has Not Forgotten Us, and We Should Not Forget Them"

LV Congressman Charlie Dent is a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection. As federal investigators unravel the Christmas Day terror plot that nearly resulted in the explosion of an American passenger jet on flight over Detroit, Dent has issued the following statement:

“The attempted downing of an aircraft and its 250-plus passengers was a foiled terrorist attack, plain and simple. Yesterday’s events show that aviation continues to be a target for terrorists.

“I have serious concerns about our security systems and what more we need to do to assure passenger safety. We need to know what kind of screening was done on the suspect before he boarded the aircraft, including whether he should have been on the no-fly or selectee lists for aviation.

“I want to commend those individuals on the plane who saw something suspicious, acted, and took control of the situation. Would-be terrorists and others who threaten the safety of our homeland should take a lesson from this incident. The American traveling public is not going to sit still and become victims; they are vigilant and prepared to defend themselves and their fellow travelers against attackers.”

“I also want to assure the American public that the men and women of the TSA are doing everything possible to ensure their safe travel this holiday season.

“Travelers can expect tighter security at the airports. We need to be patient with the extra security and remember that if you see something suspicious, say something. Our enemy has not forgotten us, nor should we forget them.”

Dent: Get Me to Gitmo

Lehigh Valley Congressman Charlie Dent vented a bit today over evasive answers provided by Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Jane Lute about the risks associated with relocating terrorists into the United States. Asked at a Homeland Security Committee hearing where terrorist detainees currently housed at Guantanamo Bay should be relocated, Deputy Secretary Lute refused to give specifics.

“Now is not the time to play games with our national security,” Congressman Dent said after the hearing. “The Department refuses to answer whether unidentified terrorist sleeper cells are in the United States, but the Administration is still willing to import terrorists from our maximum-security detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to some local jail cell.”

In February, Rep. Dent and eight fellow Republican Members of the Committee on Homeland Security asked Chairman Bennie Thompson for a Committee-sponsored trip to Gitmo. Today, Dent renewed that request.

“The Department of Defense is willing to bring us to Guantanamo Bay, but there appears to be no interest on the part of the majority to visit Gitmo,” Congressman Dent said. Members of Congress require an authorization from their Committee Chairman to visit the terrorist detention facility.

Dent: Homeland Security Funding Based on Risk

The following is a portion of my interview with LV Congressman Charlie Dent, originally conducted on August 14.

LVRamblings: As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, how do you explain our total lack of progress in securing our ports and industrial and energy infrastructure as well as countless other points of vulnerability?

Congressman Dent: "The only thing I would say, very respectfully, is that we have made progress on port security. In fact, in my first term, we passed a very significant piece of port security legislation. It was a bipartisan agreement worked largely between my friend and colleague, Dan Lungren of California, a former Attorney General and Jane Hartman, a Democrat from California, a very strong leader on the committee and on intelligence issues. We did pass some very significant port security legislation as well as chemical plant security.

"Speaking to the question more generally, homeland security funding must be based on risk. It is risk-based funding - that is threat, vulnerability, consequence of attack. That's what directs our funding, not so much political criteria but those three conditions. Threat. Vulnerability. Consequence of attack.

"And it is true, we have many more vulnerabilities than we have funds to fortify all of them. I'll give you an example. You mentioned energy security. To be very candid, a nuclear power plant is not very vulnerable."

LVRamblings: It's not very vulnerable?

Congressman Dent: "Well, if somebody wants to take a jumbo jet and crash it into a cooling tower, maybe you'll destroy the plane. I've seen the simulations. I've seen what they've done. They are designed to withstand major impacts, both the reactor and those cooling towers. They're not very vulnerable. You'd need an army to try to take over one of those. There is incredible security. You'd need a massive conspiracy from the inside.

"Energy infrastructure, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and since 9/11, there are some very strong security measures in place, for example in a nuclear power plant.

"There are a lot of other pieces of American infrastructure that I worry a great deal about. There are soft targets. You don't need to be particularly smart to figure out where those vulnerabilities are. A crowded mall at Christmas time. They're very vulnerable. And there are other sites that I'd rather not mention publicly but there are a lot of very vulnerable sites out there.

"The point is, you take your limited Homeland Security dollars and you place them where they will have the most impact, looking at those issues of threat, vulnerability and consequence of attack. How many people will be impacted or killed or properties damaged - that's what you're looking at. There are some rather complex methodologies we use to determine that. Much of that is classified so I can't talk a whole lot about it.

"The good news is that, despite all the challenges, we have not experienced a terrorist attack since 9/11 . . . "

LVRamblings: That's true, that's true . . .

Congressman Dent: "That is something we should never lose sight of. I recently sat on a hearing of the Homeland Security Committee with Jane Harmon and we brought in the leading expert on al-Qaeda, who wrote the book, Peter Bergen.

"He and another expert felt we had been pretty effective in disrupting al-Quaeda. He believes that al-Qaeda seems to be unravelling. His words, not mine. Leading expert.

"Are they still lethal? Absolutely. Do they have an intent to do harm? Absolutely.

"The real al-Quaeda threat is going to come to this country through Europe, through the VISA waiver program. The Jihadis movement has had a hard time recruiting in our country and that's a great thing. Many people come to this country - Christian, Muslim or Jew - to adopt the American dream. In Europe, they are more segregated, and al-Qaeda has the intent and can do the damage and one doesn't have to be particularly bright to buy fertilizer and fuel oil to stick it in the back of a truck and ignite it."