COHEN DISCUSSES PRIORITIES OF FY09 DHS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORATE BUDGET

Washington , D.C. - March 6, 2008 – Today the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation held a hearing to evaluate the President’s fiscal year 2009 (FY09) budget priorities within the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) and Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO).

“The efforts of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office and the Science and Technology Directorate contribute to the preparedness of our nation against potential terrorist attacks and natural disasters,” noted Subcommittee Ranking Member Phil Gingrey (R-GA).  “These organizations tap into the limitless creativity of our nation’s scientists and engineers, leading to direct benefits for our first responders.

“We also have to consider how best to defend against an adaptive and intelligent enemy who will attempt to overcome or bypass the defenses we create.” Gingrey continued, “Therefore, it is crucial that we seek defenses that can be implemented as broadly as possible and minimize the chance that they can be easily side-stepped.  Reaching this goal will require sustained attention to the operational needs of the Department in creating effective, efficient, and evolving technologies, along with continual reexamination of the threats we face.”

Research and development at DHS is concentrated between DHS S&T and DNDO, with DHS S&T being responsible for federal homeland security related research, while DNDO focuses on technologies for detecting unauthorized transportation of nuclear and radiological materials.

The FY09 budget request for DHS S&T is $868.8 M, which represents a $38.5 M increase over the FY08 enacted funding.  Similarly, the budget request for DNDO is $563.8 M, which is a $79.4 M increase over FY08.

Grateful for the proposed funding increases in a tight budget environment, Hon. Jay Cohen (RAdm., USN ret.), Under Secretary for DHS S&T, said, “We are steadfast in our resolve to serve the best interests of the nation by investing in the talent and technology that will provide America with a sustainable capability to protect against acts of terror and other high-consequence events for generations to come.”

Also testifying at today’s hearing were: Mr. Vayl Oxford, Director of DNDO at DHS; and Mr. George Ryan, Director for the Testing, Evaluation, and Standards Division of DHS S&T.

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