The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the Department of Justice (DOJ) uses the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to prevent prohibited persons from obtaining firearms. This audit was conducted to determine if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) complies with NICS requirements. Four recommendations were made to improve DHS compliance with NICS requirements.
This In Focus provides an overview of cybersecurity for policymaking purposes, describes issues that cybersecurity affects, and discusses potential actions Congress could take.
This In Focus provides an update, and overview, of cyberspace operations. The Department of Defense defines cyberspace as a global domain within the information environment consisting of the interdependent network of information technology infrastructures and resident data, including the internet, telecommunications networks, computer systems, and embedded processors and controllers.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency released an updated Infrastructure Resilience Planning Framework (IRPF) today to better help state, local, tribal, and territorial planners manage risk to critical infrastructure systems and enhance their resilience. First released in 2021, today’s update to the IRPF adds important new resources and tools to better support partners as they face an evolving threat environment.
The federal government has provided billions of dollars to communities recovering from disasters like floods, hurricanes, and wildfires. But federal disaster recovery programs are spread across more than 30 agencies, making it difficult for communities to figure out who to turn to for help. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) also identified 11 options—including the strengths and limitations of each—that could improve the federal approach to disaster recovery. Congress should consider establishing an independent commission that could recommend reforms.
This document provides the first annual report outlining progress towards implementation of relevant capabilities, highlights priority actions that are ongoing and needed across departments and agencies in the U.S. Government and the private sector, and identifies science and technology opportunities to fill gaps and ensure that the nation is properly prepared for emerging pandemic threats.
The Government of Canada established the Task Force on Flood Insurance and Relocation (the “Task Force”) in order to advance a sustainable solution to rising flood costs. The Task Force conducted its work collaboratively with partners from the Government of Canada, provincial and territorial governments, the insurance industry, and other stakeholders concerned with Canada’s growing flood risk.
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) submits this report to the Appropriations Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022. This report draws on current research and data available and information received through extensive engagement and consultation with diverse stakeholders, including publishers, federal agencies, and other organizations.
This review was conducted to evaluate the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's (CISA) progress in meeting the Cybersecurity Act’s requirements for 2019 and 2020. They recommend that CISA complete system upgrades, hire needed staff, encourage compliance with information sharing agreements and develop a formal reporting process with quality controls.
The National Tribal Strategy provides the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Tribal Nations with the necessary roadmap to pursue and achieve shared priorities to support tribal communities before, during and after disasters. FEMA developed the strategy to address its responsibilities to build, enhance and sustain its relationships with tribal communities.
