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Daily Archives: March 8, 2007

DOJ OIG Report Documents FBI Underreporting Use of National Security Letter

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The Blotter (ABC News): “The FBI repeatedly failed to follow the strict guidelines of the Patriot Act when its agents took advantage of a new provision allowing the FBI to obtain phone and financial records without a court order, according to a report to be made public Friday by the Justice Department’s Inspector General.”

  • A Review of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Use of National Security Letters (Unclassified), March 2007
  • Statement of the Attorney General: “The Attorney General commends the work of the Inspector General in uncovering serious problems in the FBI’s use of NSLs. He has told the Director that these past mistakes will not be tolerated and has ordered the FBI and the Department to restore accountability and to put in place safeguards to ensure greater oversight and controls over the use of national security letters.”
  • Department of Justice Statement on Inspector General’s Report on National Security Letters: “…the OIG found no deliberate or intentional misuse of authorities, whether NSL statutes or Attorney General Guidelines. Nevertheless, the OIG review identified several areas of inadequate auditing and oversight of these vital investigative tools, as well as inappropriate processes, and these are findings of significant concern. As a result, Director Mueller is implementing reforms to the process designed to correct those deficiencies identified – with accountability. Those steps include strengthening internal controls, changing policies and procedures to improve oversight of the NSL approval process, barring certain practices identified in the Inspector General’s report, and ordering an expedited inspection.”
  • A Review of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Use of Section 215 Order for Business Records (Unclassified), March 2007
  • See related postings on National Security Letters (NSLs)

    • Restoring the Constitution Act and the Habeas Corpus Restoration Act

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    Press release: “Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice), Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence, and Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, today announced the introduction of two bills that would address and reverse problematic parts of the Military Commissions Act. Both the “Restoring the… Continue Reading

    HHS Launches New Online Toolkit for Medical Responses to Radiation Emergencies

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    “REMM (Radiation Event Medical Management – Guidance for Diagnosis and Treatment for Health Care Professionals) was produced by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Office of Planning and Emergency Operations, in cooperation with the National Library of Medicine, Division of Specialized Information Services, with subject… Continue Reading

    GAO Report on Management of Coast Guard Deepwater Program

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    Coast Guard: Status of Efforts to Improve Deepwater Program Management and Address Operational Challenges, GAO-07-575T, and Highlights, March 8, 2007. “The Coast Guard’s Deepwater program is a 25-year, $24 billion plan to replace or modernize its fleet of vessels and aircraft. While there is widespread acknowledgment that many of the Coast Guard’s aging assets need… Continue Reading

    Post-Employment Restrictions Tightened for Senior DHS Officials

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    Press release: “The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff announced a change in policy today that bars all former senior DHS officials from representing a non-federal entity before any part of DHS for one year after they leave federal employment. This change applies to Senior Executive Service and other non-General Schedule employees who… Continue Reading

    President Declares National Emergency With Respect to Iran Continues

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    Notice: “Because the actions and policies of the Government of Iran continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States, the national emergency declared on March 15, 1995, must continue in effect beyond March 15, 2007. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the… Continue Reading

    SEC Suspends Trading Of 35 Companies Touted In Spam Email Campaigns

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    SEC press release: “The Securities and Exchange Commission this morning suspended trading in the securities of 35 companies that have been the subject of recent and repeated spam email campaigns (see examples). The trading suspensions – the most ever aimed at spammed companies – were ordered because of questions regarding the adequacy and accuracy of… Continue Reading

    FTC Unveils Practical Suggestions for Businesses on Safeguarding Personal Information

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    Press release: “The Federal Trade Commission is offering a new guide for businesses with practical suggestions on safeguarding sensitive data. The 24-page brochure can help businesses of all sizes protect their customers’ and employees’ personal information.” Protecting Personal Information: A Guide for Business Speech: Building A Culture of Privacy and Security — Together, The International… Continue Reading

    Committee Will Hold Hearing on Disclosure of CIA Agent Valerie Plame Wilson's Identity

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    Follow up to posting on Libby conviction this week, as well as previous links to CIA leak investigation, today news that “Chairman Henry A. Waxman announced a hearing on whether White House officials followed appropriate procedures for safeguarding the identity of CIA agent Valerie Plame Wilson. At the hearing, the Committee will receive testimony from… Continue Reading