National Security Zone

To limit leaks to the public, Senate panel takes step to better protect whistleblowers

By Dwight A. Weingarten on September 30, 2019 Senate Intelligence Committee, whistleblowers

The Senate Intelligence Committee approved a bill last week to provide additional support for whistleblowers in the intelligence community.

Cybersecurity International Relations

Senate Judiciary Committee worries about global use of Huawei 5G networks

By Dwight A. Weingarten on September 30, 2019 5G, Lindsey Graham, national security, richard blumenthal, Senate Judiciary

Committee Chairman Sen. Lindsey Graham said he had not seen “bipartisanship like this is a long time” over the national security implications of emerging 5G networks run by the Chinese company Huawei.

Domestic Politics Environment

Interior secretary says offshore drilling deregulation will continue

By Alexis Shanes on September 29, 2019 David Bernhardt, Interior Secretary, offshore drilling program

Interior Secretary David Bernhardt says Trump administration won’t pause offshore drilling program, despite prior reports.

Domestic Politics Immigration

DHS warns of border risks as Dems slam Trump on immigration

By Camille Erickson on September 29, 2019 border crisis, democrat, detention, dhs, Immigration, Senate Judiciary Committee

DHS told lawmakers at a packed U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing that the nation is experiencing an “unprecedented border security and humanitarian crisis.” But several Democratic senators criticized DHS for its call to prolong detention and punish immigrants in the name of deterrence.

Domestic Politics

The impeachment dilemma

By Dwight A. Weingarten on September 29, 2019 Adam Schiff, impeachment, Steve Scalise, trump

Two Congressional leaders gave their thoughts on the prospects of the House of Representatives bringing impeachment charges against the president.

Cybersecurity Domestic Politics

As states prepare for 2020 election, Maryland ahead of the curve

By Dwight A. Weingarten on September 28, 2019 2020 election, Congress, Maryland, security

Congress met to discuss the security of the 2020 election, and while many other states are looking to catch up, Maryland’s election systems already meet best practices.

Domestic Politics Environment

Puerto Rican Leaders Demand Disaster Relief Funds from Congress

By Camille Erickson on September 28, 2019 Capitol Hill, disaster relief bill, hurricane, Puerto Rico, The Hispanic Federation

The Hispanic Federation and Puerto Rican leaders marched to Capitol Hill to demand the Senate pass a disaster relief bill. Many activists said that Congress had failed the families impacted by hurricanes.

Immigration International Relations

Detained asylum seekers from 100 countries face shrinking chance of bond

By Camille Erickson on September 28, 2019 asylum, Central America, crackdown, Immigration, Mexico

Migrants from Central America coming through Mexico are the target of a U.S. immigration crackdown. But over half of the 42,000 asylum cases decided in fiscal 2018 involved people from countries outside Central America.

Domestic Politics Immigration

Florida representatives question acting DHS secretary on immigration enforcement

By Dwight A. Weingarten on September 28, 2019 David Price, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, department of homeland security, Flores Agreement, John Rutherford, Kevin McAleenan, trump

Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan answered questions on immigration enforcement during a 2020 budget review hearing.

Immigration International Relations

‘Why are you made to suffer for needing asylum?’

By Camille Erickson on September 28, 2019 asylum, Commission on Civil Rights, detention, Immigration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Kirstjen Nielsen

The Commission on Civil Rights held a subcommittee session to hear the public testify about civil rights violations in detention facilities and the harmful impacts of separating immigrant children from their parents.