Homeland Security

John McCain

Barack Obama

*Translation

McCain co-authored legislation to implement recommendations provided by the 9/11 Commission, and is now calling for further action based on its advice, including streamlining Congress’ oversight of the Department of Homeland Security. McCain supported the revised Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act in 2008, which would not punish telecommunications companies that assisted the government in monitoring communication. He also voted for the Patriot Act in 2001, as well as its reauthorization in 2006. McCain has said he supports closing the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The Republican voted for and supports the Military Commissions Act of 2006, which permits detainees at the prison to be tried by a military tribunal. He does not support the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to allow those detainees access to appeals in U.S. civilian courts.

Obama would also implement several recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, including sending more resources to first responders and making it a priority to pump federal money into areas most at risk. The Democrat voted to reauthorize the Patriot Act in 2006, but says he would revisit and revise the legislation on his campaign Web site. Obama supported the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act in 2006, but now would revise the act to give more oversight to congressional intelligence committees. He did not attend a 2008 vote on FISA amendments. He also supports closing the prison at Guantanamo but voted against the Military Commissions Act of 2006. Obama supports the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to allow detainees to appeal their imprisonment in U.S. civilian courts.

To counter terrorists’ threats, the U.S. needs a homeland security agency that is as “agile and seamless” as those that threaten the country. This means better decision-making in Congress and between government agencies and facilitating easy access to information among the various enforcement agencies. “To close the gaps where terrorists hide,” the department has to empower individuals and communities to engage in a “national culture of awareness.” The department would also focus more on building a national infrastructure, expanding international cooperation, developing a domestic intelligence program and establishing national professional development programs for security and public safety. Congress should allocate money for homeland security by risk priority, not for every state as is the practice now. The department should also be organized into regional, state-based structures that prepare and organize states to respond in the event of a disaster or attack. From a report by David Heyman and James Jay Carafano, Center for Strategic and International Studies.