COMBATING TERRORISM: Observations on Options to Improve the Federal Response
Abstract
We are pleased to be here to discuss three bills H.R. 525, H.R. 1158, and H.R. 1292 to change the overall leadership and management of programs to combat terrorism. Federal efforts to combat terrorism are inherently difficult to lead and manage because the policy, strategy, programs, and activities cut across many agencies. Given that $11 billion will be spent during fiscal year 2001 and that more than 40 federal agencies are involved in this matter, we view this hearing as a positive step in the ongoing debate about the overall leadership and management of programs to combat terrorism. We will also discuss additional related proposals from other congressional sources, such as Committee reports and commissions. One of these, the Hart-Rudman Commission, had a scope beyond terrorism, including the broader issue of homeland security. Our testimony is based upon our extensive evaluations many of them for your Subcommittees of federal programs to combat terrorism. 1 Most of our experience is in evaluating programs to combat terrorism, and not the broader topic of homeland security. First, we will discuss the three bills and related proposals and how they are similar and different. Second, we will discuss key problems we have noted in federal programs to combat terrorism and how each of the bills might provide a solution to these problems. In the course of this discussion, we will highlight specific provisions of each bill that could enhance the others.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 24, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA389704
Entities
People
- Raymond J. Decker
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office