Congress assesses progress of U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Today the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight of the House Homeland Security Committee held a hearing to assess the progress of the Department of Homeland Security since it was instated in 2003, and to establish the organization’s goals for the future. Norman Rabkin, managing director for the Government Accountability Office’s Homeland Security and Justice Team, determined that while the organization has made significant developments in achieving its mission of protecting the United States from terrorist attacks, its managerial functions still need focus and improvement.

Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY) asked about the reportedly low rate of minority employees in the DHS, to which DHS Deputy Under Secretary for Management Elaine Duke replied that the organization is taking initiatives to increase the number. Clarke also emphasized the DHS’s underdevelopment, comparing it to an infant still learning to focus its eyes.

Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI) called for more effective management of procurement operations and contracts, yet said that it needs more consolidated Congressional support because it currently reports to 86 committees and subcommittees, resulting in “conflicting guidance for the department.” Duke reiterated that the organization is moving towards these goals, and is still in the developmental phase as is normal for an organization that is only 5 to 7 years old.