WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman David Wu's Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation today approved legislation (H.R. 3916) to provide for the next generation of border and maritime security technologies through improved long-term planning for research and development at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

“Border and maritime security officers have an incredibly difficult job. They need the help of new technology to do their jobs better,” Congressman Wu stated. “The Port of Portland processed more than fourteen million tons of cargo in 2007, and I know that the hardworking officers managing security there could use the assistance these technologies would provide.”

Currently, there is no strategic plan guiding long-term research priorities within the DHS Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T). The agency turns to a number of resources for advice on long-term planning, including internal groups such as the Homeland Security Science and Technology Advisory Committee and the Homeland Security Institute as well as outside think tanks and advisory bodies such as the National Academies. However, there is no mechanism to coordinate the efforts of the various advisory groups.

H.R. 3916 authorizes specific border security technology programs, and instructs DHS S&T to improve processes for setting research priorities and serving the needs of technology end users.
Many promising technologies are still not feasible for full implementation along the border because of numerous barriers: high cost, lack of robustness in harsh weather, lack of personnel trained to properly use high-tech equipment, and technical problems. DHS S&T has primary responsibility for bringing new technologies to full readiness, with support from other agencies such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology, which provides testing and validation services.

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