With The Afghan War Over, Will U.S. Homeland Security Be Facing Budget And Personnel Cuts?

FOX News/Wall Street Journal: The business of Homeland Security thrives in the two decades since 9/11 

After the attacks, federal policies swelled a defense sector that has reshaped U.S. surveillance as well as northern Virginia’s suburbs 

The attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, led policy makers to embark on one of the largest spending binges in federal government history, transforming the private sector, the Washington metropolitan area and Americans’ relationship with their government. 

Two cabinet departments—the Defense Department and Department of Homeland Security, which was created after the attacks to consolidate a number of existing agencies—saw huge funding increases as Washington geared up to fight two conventional wars, conduct world-wide operations against small, distributed networks of terrorists and harden the home front against future attacks. 

The world’s sole superpower in 2001, the U.S. had been cutting military spending for nearly a decade before the terrorist attacks. Military spending as a share of gross domestic product had shrunk to less than a third of its size at the height of the Vietnam War and less than half what it had been in the Reagan years.  

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WNU Editor: Publicly the Biden administration is saying that the U.S. is safe even with the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban. Will they back this rhetoric by cutting the budgets and programs that Homeland Security are responsible for, and maybe use the Department of Defense money that will no longer be spent on Afghanistan elsewhere? 

My gut says no. 

In fact I see the Biden administration and Congress not only continuing the the flow of money into Homeland Security and the Defense Department, but also increasing their budgets even more.

US Federal Judge Rules That Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf Is Serving 'Unlawfully'

Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf

CNN: Judge rules Chad Wolf likely unlawfully serving as Homeland Security secretary and temporarily blocks some asylum restrictions

A federal judge in Maryland on Friday ruled that Chad Wolf is likely unlawfully serving as acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and temporarily barred the Trump administration from enforcing new asylum restrictions on members of two immigration advocacy groups, according to court documents.

"In sum, the Court concludes that Plaintiffs are likely to demonstrate (former acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin) McAleenan's appointment was invalid under the agency's applicable order of succession, and so he lacked the authority to amend the order of succession to ensure Wolf's installation as Acting Secretary," Judge Paula Xinis' 69-page ruling said.

Xinis also wrote that "by extension, because Wolf filled the role of Acting Secretary without authority, he promulgated the challenged rules also 'in excess of...authority,' and not 'in accordance with the law.'"

CNN has reached out to the department for comment.

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Update: Judge blocks some asylum restrictions, rules Chad Wolf serving as DHS secretary likely unlawful (The Hill)

WNU Editor: Unlawful or not a hurricane is about to hit Louisiana tonight .... Sally’s threat: ‘Potentially historic’ floods, fierce winds (AP), and I will not be surprised if Chad Wolf will be handling the Homeland Security response.

Former Chief Of Intelligence At US Homeland Security Says The Trump Administration Sought To ‘Censor Or Manipulate’ Intelligence

CBS: Whistleblower says top DHS officials tried to stifle intel reports on Russian interference

A senior Department of Homeland Security official alleges he was retaliated against after refusing to stand down on reporting Russia's attempts to interfere in the 2020 presidential election, according to a complaint released Wednesday by the House Intelligence Committee.

Brian Murphy, who was principal deputy under secretary in the Office of Intelligence and Analysis at DHS before his alleged demotion, says in a whistleblower complaint that he was instructed by then-Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf to withhold an intelligence notification on Russian activities because it "made the president look bad."

Murphy objected, the complaint says, telling Wolf "it was improper to hold a vetted intelligence product for reasons for political embarrassment." He claims he was subsequently excluded by Wolf from meetings on the subject and that the draft was ultimately edited in a "misleading" way in order to "place the actions of Russia on par with those of Iran and China," which, Murphy says, is "inconsistent with the actual intelligence data." The draft with the revised analysis was then leaked to the media, according to the complaint.

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WNU Editor: The official who launched the complaint was recently demoted because of this .... In August, Murphy was reassigned amid reporting that his office compiled "intelligence reports" about journalists and protesters in Portland, Oregon. In this context, one has to wonder if this is a case of "trying to get even". In the meantime White House officials are denying his accusations .... National security adviser Robert O’Brien denies claim he ordered that intel report be altered (NYPost).

More News On The Former Chief Of Intelligence At US Homeland Security Saying The Trump Administration Sought To ‘Censor Or Manipulate’ Intelligence

Whistle-Blower Brian Murphy Says D.H.S. Downplayed Threats From Russia and White Supremacists -- New York Times
U.S. intelligence official told to halt Russian 2020 election meddling threat assessments: whistleblower -- Reuters
Trump Accused Of Ordering Firing Of DHS Official For Testifying On Russian Interference -- Forbes
Intelligence whistleblower says he was pressured to downplay threats from Russia, white supremacists -- USA Today
Democrats smell blood with new DHS whistleblower complaint -- The Hill

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen Has Resigned

Daily Mail: Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen RESIGNS after President Trump blamed her for the surge in illegal immigrants coming across and spent months threatening to fire her

* Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen met with President Donald Trump Sunday evening and submitted her resignation
* 'Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen will be leaving her position, and I would like to thank her for her service,' Trump tweeted on Sunday
* Her tenure at Homeland has been marked by an up-and-down relationship with the president, who railed against the immigration problem at the border
* Nielsen was reported to be frustrated with the White House blind siding her when it dropped Ron Vitiello to lead U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
* That and the pressure of the ongoing immigration crisis prompted her to resign
* Trump was also frustrated by the inability of the department to close the border and to change asylum laws to prevent immigrants from claiming that status
* 'Frustrations were building on both sides,' a source told Axios
* Nielsen survived 15 months despite reports Trump was planning to fire her
* Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan will be acting secretary

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen submitted her resignation to President Donald Trump on Sunday evening after months of threats from the president to fire her amid his growing frustration over border security.

'Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen will be leaving her position, and I would like to thank her for her service,' Trump tweeted on Sunday evening.

He announced U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan will be acting secretary.

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WNU Editor: Cannot say that I am surprised.

More News On U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen Resigning

Homeland Security Secretary Nielsen has resigned -- AP
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Nielsen resigns -- Reuters
Nielsen out at Homeland Security -- The Hill
DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen resigns after clashes with Trump on immigration -- CBS
Nielsen resigns as DHS secretary after White House meeting with Trump -- FOX News
Homeland Security chief Nielsen is out -- Politico
Trump says DHS Secretary Nielsen leaving -- CNN
Homeland Security Chief Kirstjen Nielsen Resigns After Trump Flogged Her Over Border Security -- Daily Beast

U.S. Homeland Security Wants To Track Journalists And 'Media Influencers'

Despite what some reporters may suggest, this is nothing more than the standard practice of monitoring current events in the media. Any suggestion otherwise is fit for tin foil hat wearing, black helicopter conspiracy theorists. https://t.co/XGgFFH3Ppl

— Tyler Q. Houlton (@SpoxDHS) April 6, 2018

CBS: Homeland Security to compile database of journalists, media influencers

The Department of Homeland Security posted a contract request this week for "Media Monitoring Services," which will compile a database of hundreds of thousands of journalists, bloggers and "media influencers" for the federal government. After an outcry on social media, a Department of Homeland Security spokesman tweeted "this is nothing more than the standard practice of monitoring current events in the media."

The work request from DHS seeks a firm that has the ability to monitor up to 290,000 global news sources; ability to track media coverage in up to 100 languages and the ability to "track online, print, broadcast, cable, radio, trade and industry publications, local sources, national/international outlets, traditional news sources, and social media."

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WNU Editor: And if you are suspicious of the motives .... according to the above tweet .... you are "fit for tin foil hat wearing, black helicopter conspiracy theorists".

More News On Homeland Security Wanting To Compile A Database That Tracks Journalists And 'Media Influencers'

DHS: Fears over journalist database 'fit for tin foil hat wearing ... conspiracy theorists' -- CNN
Homeland Security to compile database of journalists and ‘media influencers’ -- Chicago Sun Times
Department Of Homeland Security Compiling Database Of Journalists And 'Media Influencers' -- Forbes
Homeland Security Wants to Build an Online 'Media Influence Database' to Track Journalists -- Gizmodo
DHS defends media-monitoring database, calls critics “conspiracy theorists” -- Ars Technica

U.S. Homeland Security Issues A Warning On Weaponized Drones

ABC News: Homeland Security bulletin warns of weaponized drones and threat to aviation

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued an updated terror bulletin on Thursday highlighting the threat of weaponized drones, chemical attacks and the continued targeting of commercial aircraft.

"We continue to face one of the most challenging threat environments since 9/11, as foreign terrorist organizations exploit the internet to inspire, enable or direct individuals already here in the homeland to commit terrorist acts," reads the bulletin.

The National Terrorism Advisory System bulletin, which replaced the old color-coded system, is used to give the public and local law enforcement a summary about ongoing and potentially new terror threats.

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Update #1: National Terrorism Advisory System Bullent - Homeland Security (Homeland Security)
Update #2: Homeland Security: Warns of Weaponized Drones as Terror Threat (US News and World Report)

WNU Editor: I am still surprised that drones have not been used as a "terror weapon" in the U.S..

U.S. Homeland Security Panel Recommends Rejecting Terms Like 'Sharia' And 'Jihad' To Explain Terrorist Motivations

Washington Free Beacon: Homeland Security Report Calls for Rejecting Terms ‘Jihad,’ ’Sharia’

DHS to target millennials in countering Islamist recruitment.

A new Department of Homeland Security report urges rejecting use of Islamic terms such as “jihad” and “sharia” in programs aimed at countering terrorist radicalization among American youth.

The Homeland Security Advisory Council report recommends that the department focus on American milliennials by allocating up to $100 million in new funding. It also urges greater private sector cooperation, including with Muslim communities, to counter what is described as a “new generation of threats to the Homeland related to the threat of violent extremism.”

The funds would be used for hiring experts and new social media programs and technology to influence young people not to join terror groups.

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WNU Editor: I am not surprised .... after adopting the policy of not using the term "radical Islam" .... they are now shifting their focus on the elimination of other phrases and terms that explains the motivation of "radical Islamists".

U.S. Homeland Security Adviser: 9/11 ‘Changed The World For Good’

Daily Caller: Syrian Immigrant Who Said 9/11 ‘Changed The World For Good’ Is A Homeland Security Adviser

One of the sitting members on the Homeland Security Advisory Council’s (HSAC) Subcommittee on Countering Violent Extremism is a 25-year-old immigrant of Syrian heritage who said that the 9/11 attacks “changed the world for good” and has consistently disparaged America, free speech and white people on social media.

Laila Alawa was one of just 15 people tapped to serve on the newly-formed HSAC Subcommittee on Countering Violent Extremism in 2015 — the same year she became an American citizen. Just last week, the subcommittee submitted a report to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, recommending that the DHS avoid using Muslim terminology like the words “sharia” and “jihad” when discussing terrorism.

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WNU Editor: Just browsed her Twitter page .... sighhhh .... she has issues with white males, is an apologist (or a denier) on the role that Islam plays in the current conflicts, and has contempt for much of western culture .... but .... as this CNN post reveals .... 15 Questions with ...Laila Alawa (CNN) .... she has a huge following, a slavishly praising media, and .... she is a Homeland Security Adviser who provides advice on how to protect us.

With people like her in Homeland Security  .... no one should then be surprised by reading this .... DHS Secretary: Right-Wingers Pose Same Threat As Islamic Extremists (Daily Caller).

After Spending Billions The U.S. Cyber Defense System Does Not Work

Judicial Watch: U.S. Blows $5.7 Bil on Cyber Defense System That Doesn’t Work

Reckless government spending is at full throttle with the example du jour a $5.7 billion cyber defense system created to protect computers at federal agencies against hackers. Despite its mind-boggling price tag the system is seriously flawed and uses features already available in much cheaper commercial-grade products, according to a federal probe made public recently.

The problem, besides sticking it to taxpayers for the exorbitant cost, is that the multibillion-dollar system simply doesn’t work. Nevertheless, the bloated agency handling this particular boondoggle, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), insists the program, National Cybersecurity Protection System (NCPS), is effective despite its documented failures.

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WNU Editor: Homeland Security and those responsible for this bondoogle should not worry with this multi-billion dollar failure .... more money is on the way .... Cybersecurity among top goals of Obama's $4.1-trillion budget blueprint (L.A. Times).

U.S. Congressman: 72 Department of Homeland Security Employees Are On The U.S. Terrorist Watchlist

WGBH: Congressman Lynch: 72 Department of Homeland Security Employees On Terrorist Watchlist

Earlier this month, 47 democrats in the house of representatives defied a house veto threat by backing a GOP bill to ramp up screening requirements for Syrian and Iraqi refugees. Congressman Stephen Lynch was among them. He joined Jim Braude and Margery Eagan on Boston Public Radio to discuss the reasoning behind his vote and other congressional matters.

Update: 72 DHS Employees on Terrorist Watch List

WNU Editor: The key phrase in the WGBH report ....

.... Back in August, we did an investigation—the inspector General did—of the Department of Homeland Security, and they had 72 individuals that were on the terrorist watch list that were actually working at the Department of Homeland Security. The director had to resign because of that.

The New Headquarters For The U.S. Department Of Homeland Security Is Overbudget, Late, And Will Probably Never Be Built

Planned Homeland Security Headquarters, Long Delayed And Over Budget, Now In Doubt -- Washington Post

The construction of a massive new headquarters for the Department of Homeland Security, billed as critical for national security and the revitalization of Southeast Washington, is running more than $1.5 billion over budget, is 11 years behind schedule and may never be completed, according to planning documents and federal officials.

In the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the George W. Bush administration called for a new, centralized headquarters to strengthen the department’s ability to coordinate the fight against terrorism and respond to natural disasters. More than 50 historic buildings would be renovated and new ones erected on the grounds of St. Elizabeths, a onetime insane asylum with a panoramic view of the District.

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My Comment: A classic example on how dysfunctional government in the U.S. has become.

Does U.S. Homeland Security Have A Terrorist 'Hands Off' List

DHS Secretly Allowed Suspects With Terror Ties Into Country -- Washington Free Beacon

Sen. Grassley seeking more information about DHS' 'hands off' list

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretly assembled a terrorist “hands off” list that permitted individuals with terrorist ties unfettered entrance into the United States, according to document released by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R., Iowa).

The existence of a “hands off” list that permitted easy entrance for suspect individuals into the United States has drawn concern from Grassley, who released a cache of internal DHS emails detailing the list’s existence and discussion about permitting an alleged member of the Muslim Brotherhood to enter the United States.

The emails—sent between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)—reveal a row over the admittance of one alleged Muslim Brotherhood official tied to Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terror groups.

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Update #1: Chuck Grassley still pushing for answers on Homeland Security's alleged terrorist 'hands off' list -- Washington Examiner
Update #2: DHS Emails Reveal U.S. May Have Terrorist “Hands Off” List -- Judicial Watch

My Comment: If true .... talk about poor judgement. The next question that needs to be answered is .... who signed-off on this policy.

U.S. Judge Orders Homeland Security To Disclose It's Cell Network 'Kill Switch' Protocols

DHS' Transportation Security Operations Center (Image: Homeland Security)

Homeland Security Must Disclose Cell Network 'Kill Switch' Protocols, Court Says -- ZDNet

Summary: The U.S. government's rules governing its ability to shut down cellular and wireless networks to prevent remote bomb detonation must be disclosed, a court has ruled.

Homeland Security's ability to shut down cellular and wireless networks in times of crisis, such as the potential of a remote detonation bomb threat isn't new. Exactly how and when it can be used, however, must be disclosed, thanks to a new ruling by a Washington D.C.-based court.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia rejected Homeland Security's argument that its reasoning and protocols for the dubbed "Internet kill switch" were exempt from public disclosure.

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More News On Homeland Security Being Ordered To Disclose It's Cell Network 'Kill Switch' Protocols

DHS has a month to release ‘Internet kill switch’ plans -- Daily Caller
Judge: Release 'Internet kill switch' plans -- WND
Court: Homeland Security Must Disclose ‘Internet Kill Switch’ -- Washington Free Beacon

My Comment: The U.S. government is going to appeal this ruling.

President Obama Nominates Jeh Johnson As Homeland Security Chief

Pentagon general counsel Jeh Johnson (L) and Army General Carter Ham talk before a Senate Arms Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington in this file photo taken December 2, 2010. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/Files

Exclusive: Jeh Johnson Tapped to Lead Department of Homeland Security -- Daily Beast

Jeh Johnson, the top Pentagon lawyer during Obama’s first term, will be nominated to succeed Janet Napolitano at the Department of Homeland Security. Daniel Klaidman reports.

The White House has settled on a former high-ranking Pentagon official to replace Janet Napolitano as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, two senior Obama administration officials confirm to The Daily Beast.

President Obama plans to announce his intention to nominate Jeh Johnson, who served as the Defense Department's general counsel during the administration's first term, at a White House ceremony tomorrow, one of the sources said.

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More News On Jeh C. Johnson Being Nominated By President Obama As Homeland Security Chief

Obama picks attorney Jeh Johnson for Homeland Security chief -- Reuters
Obama to nominate ex-Pentagon lawyer to head Homeland Security Department -- Washington Post/AP
Obama to nominate new Homeland Security chief -- AFP
Obama to nominate Jeh Johnson, former Pentagon official, as next DHS secretary -- Washington Post
Former Pentagon Official to Be Nominated as Homeland Security Chief -- New York Times
Obama to nominate former Pentagon lawyer as Homeland Security chief -- L.A. Times
Obama to name lawyer Jeh Johnson as new Homeland chief -- Washington Times
Obama to name Jeh Johnson as next DHS Secretary -- CBS
Obama to nominate former Pentagon lawyer Johnson to lead DHS -- FOX News
Obama To Name Jeh Johnson Next Homeland Security Secretary -- ABC News
Former top Pentagon lawyer is Obama pick for DHS -- NBC
Obama Said to Pick Former Pentagon Lawyer for Homeland -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Meet Jeh Johnson: Drone Lawyer and Obama's Secretary of Homeland Security Nominee -- Government Executive

What One Homeland Security Official Does In His Spare Time

War On The Horizon

This Homeland Security Employee Is Preparing For A Coming Race War -- The Atlantic

A Department of Homeland Security employee who works on, among other things, the procurement of guns and ammunition for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, spends his nights and weekends preparing for a coming race war and advocating for anti-gay causes, according to a new report from the Southern Poverty Law Center. Meet Ayo Kimathi, a.k.a. “the Irritated Genie," who told his bosses at the DHS that his anti-white, anti-gay site, "War is on the Horizon," was just an entertainment site that sells concert and lecture videos.

You see, DHS employees, even those with office jobs like Kimathi's, have to get outside activities approved by their supervisors, according to the SPLC. Kimathi's former supervisor told the watchdog group, which tracks hate speech and groups in the U.S., that despite her former employee's banal description of his extracurricular activities, the actual content of the site left her "stunned." She continued: “To see the hate, to know that he is a federal employee, it bothered me."

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My Comment: I can only hope that this is an isolated incident.

Is This Congresswomen The Next Homeland Security Secretary?

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s (D-TX)

Congressional Black Caucus Recommends Sheila Jackson Lee for Homeland Security Secretary -- Houston Chronicle

Conservative bloggers went wild Monday when they got wind of the Congressional Black Caucus’ suggestion that President Obama pick Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Houston for the post of Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Rich Cooper, avid blogger for Security Debrief, responded to the news of the Jackson Lee recommendation in a post by saying, “Apparently, it is not a joke. For reasons that baffle any sense of reality, it is a serious gesture on the part of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) to encourage President Obama to nominate Rep. Jackson Lee as a replacement for outgoing-DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano.”

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More News On The Congressional Black Caucus Recommending Sheila Jackson Lee For Homeland Security Secretary

CBC recommends Sheila Jackson Lee for Homeland Security post -- Washington Times
Congressional Black Caucus recommends Sheila Jackson Lee for DHS Secretary -- Examiner
Black Caucus recommends Sheila Jackson Lee for Homeland Security Secretary -- Examiner
Sheila Jackson Lee for Homeland Security secretary? -- Daily Caller
Congressional Black Caucus Wants Sheila Jackson Lee to Head Homeland Security -- PJ Media
Sheila Jackson Lee for DHS Secretary? -- Rich Cooper, Security Debrief

My Comment: What's my take .... if someone had told me ten years ago that someone like President Obama with his radical background in activism and liberalism would be elected President ..... twice .... I would have laughed it off. Today .... I am a more humbler person in that I now realize that in today's America anything is possible .... even having someone who is totally unqualified like Sheila Jackson Lee being the next Homeland Security Secretary

U.S. Homeland Security's Future Headquarters Is Over Budget, Behind Schedule, And Is Being Built On The Grounds Of A Former Mental Institute

US Department of Homeland Security Headquarters - Phase 1. Tishman Construction

Homeland Security's Future Home: A Former Mental Hospital -- Bloomberg Businessweek

Chris Mills frequently gives tours of St. Elizabeths Hospital, a former mental institution where the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is building a $4.5 billion headquarters. It’s the largest construction project in the District of Columbia since the Pentagon was completed in 1943. So there’s a lot of ground to cover. Mills prefers to chauffeur his guests around the place in a golf cart.

A cheerful 55-year-old with a neatly trimmed mustache, Mills, who is managing the project for DHS, tells visitors to look out for animals. There are loads. Herds of deer, a flock of wild turkeys, and a bald eagle reside in the fenced-in facility. They might not last long outside. St. Elizabeths is located in Anacostia, one of D.C.’s toughest neighborhoods. But they have little to fear inside the high-security fences. “It’s like the wild kingdom in here,” Mills says with a chuckle.

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My Comment: I cannot even make this up.

Corruption Problems At U.S. Homeland Security?

Obama's Pick For No. 2 At Homeland Security Under Investigation -- Reuters

(Reuters) - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Alejandro Mayorkas, who has been nominated to be the deputy secretary of Homeland Security - and who could soon run the department - is under investigation by the department's inspector general.

A spokesman for the Office of the Inspector General said the watchdog was in "the preliminary stage of an investigation of certain allegations made against Alejandro Mayorkas." He would give no further details.

The inspector general's office sent lawmakers an email this week informing them about allegations Mayorkas had engaged in a conflict of interest and misused his position, according to a source familiar with the investigation.

The source said investigators are looking into whether Mayorkas had assisted in securing an investor visa - which had previously been denied twice - on behalf of Gulf Coast Funds Management.

Gulf Coast Funds Management is run by Anthony Rodham, the brother of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

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More News On President Obama's Nominee For No. 2 At Homeland Security Being Under Investigation

Official tabbed for No. 2 Homeland Security post under investigation by watchdog -- Washington Post/AP
Obama nominee faces investigation involving company run by brother of Hillary Clinton -- NBC
Report: Homeland Security official probed over questionable visa -- The Hill
Homeland Security Nominee Under Investigation Over Visa -- Reason
Homeland Security nominee under scrutiny over foreign investor's visa -- CNN

Update: Another top Homeland Security official is under investigation.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano To Resign

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano (Reuters / Jonathan Ernst)

Napolitano Resigns As Homeland Security Secretary -- USA Today

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said Friday she is resigning to take a job running the University of California education system.

"I thank President Obama for the chance to serve our nation during this important chapter in our history, and I know the Department of Homeland Security will continue to perform its important duties with the honor and focus that the American public expects," Napolitano said in a statement.

Obama praised Napolitano's performance, which has included national responses to threats ranging from hurricanes to terrorism.

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More News On The Resignation Of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano

Homeland Security chief Napolitano to resign -- FOX News
Janet Napolitano set to resign -- CBS
Napolitano leaving Obama Cabinet -- CNN
Napolitano to Step Down as Homeland Security Chief, Officials Say -- New York Times
Janet Napolitano to resign Homeland Security post -- Washington Times
Napolitano confirms move to University of California -- Reuters
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano stepping down to run UC system -- Washington Post
Napolitano to head University of California system -- NBC

The High Cost Of Maintaining 'Homeland Security'

‘Homeland Security’ Has Received $791 Billion Since 9/11 -- MSNBC

What is “homeland security?”

Whatever it is, the federal government has spent on a fortune on it. In the aftermath of 9/11 and the beginning of the interminable War on Terror, the Bush administration founded the Department of Homeland Security to act as a central, coordinating office which could respond to the new threats of the modern era. But in addition to the funds pouring into that department, Congress has allocated vast sums for “homeland security” expenditures in other departments, most notably at the Pentagon.

In fact, according to a new investigation from the Nation Institute’s Tomdispatch, $791 billion dollars in federal funding have gone to homeland security, both within and without the department.

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My Comment: Only $791 billion since 9/11?