department of homeland security Archives

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) wants to make sure that members of Congress don’t get paid during any time of federal government shutdown.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is the lone major agency that was not funded by Congress when they enacted the full-year FY2026 spending for most of the rest of government.

“I can promise you that if the staff in this building, if the men and women in this building, if members of Congress, House or Senate, weren’t getting a paycheck right now, they’d be much more eager to come to the table and to have a conversation and to figure out a pathway forward,” Britt said on the Floor of the Senate Friday.

https://x.com/SenKatieBritt/status/2034800137537536328

Late last year, U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, introduced legislation that ensures members of Congress do not receive a paycheck until the federal government reopens following a shutdown or lapse in appropriations.

“I really think we should think long and hard about Senator Kennedy’s bill,” Britt explained. “I fully support it. I hope that we can get every one of our colleagues down here to do the same, Mr. President, because what Senator Kennedy’s bill says is that if there are people who have stepped up to serve our government in any capacity that are not getting a paycheck as a result of this body not doing its job, then we shouldn’t get one either. I think that’s pretty common sense.”

The No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act ensures that Members of Congress do not receive a paycheck during a government shutdown. Members will also not receive back pay.

The Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act (S.3057) would also mandate that payroll administrators for each House of Congress keep members of Congress’ paychecks in escrow accounts during a government shutdown. The funds are only disbursed at the start of the next Congress.

“I fully support it,” Britt continued. “If there are men and women who have stepped up to serve, in this instance, the Department of Homeland Security, which Mr. President, the very mission of that is to keep our homeland safe, to keep American citizens safe, many of them taking an oath to do just that, and they are not getting a paycheck. If they’re not getting one, we shouldn’t be either.”

The senator believes it’s important to force Democrats to go on the record and vote against such a common sense provision.

“So let’s put Senator Kennedy’s bill on the floor,” she said. “Let’s do it, and let’s see where everybody falls on this. And I can guarantee you, if this body and that body don’t get paychecks, they’ll be much more eager to make sure that other people get theirs. So Mr. President, I urge this body to take a look at Senator Kennedy’s legislation. I fully support it, and hope that we will vote on that in the days to come.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee

U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) is calling out the dangerous and irresponsible rhetoric coming from leaders in the Democratic Party after a woman was killed in Minneapolis by an ICE officer acting in self defense.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent after she allegedly tried using her vehicle as a weapon. Latest reports indicate Good was “stalking and impeding” ICE agents throughout the day of the incident.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey accused the agent of committing murder and said ICE needs to leave the city.

Britt discussed the situation Thursday on Newsmax.

“Well, first and foremost, this is a tragic situation,” Britt said. “As you said yourself, any loss of life is something that we all mourn when we look at where we are and how we got here. The left has to assume responsibility for creating an environment that should have never existed.”

https://x.com/NEWSMAX/status/2009305346201014674

Senator Britt blamed extreme rhetoric against immigration officers for creating an environment that coax people into dangerous situations.

“Their actual rhetoric about law enforcement officers and what they do in our community has been toxic, and it is a seed that has been sowing and growing for some time,” she explained. “At the end of the day, one thing that everyone needs to remember is law enforcement officers leave the safety of their home each and every day so that we can return to ours.”

Britt specifically called out Minnesota Governor Tim Walz over some of his comments on the Trump administration.

“We what we’ve seen because of the rhetoric of people like Tim Waltz is we have seen an increase of 1300% in actual assaults on ICE officers,” she said. “We have actually seen an 8,000% increase on death threats to ICE officers.”

“Look, this is absolutely ridiculous,” she added. “We need to make sure that the people of our country know that our law enforcement officers are there to keep them safe. They’re there to enforce the law, not create rhetoric that emboldens people to actually push back and and and and we we saw what happened yesterday, which was just tragic all the way around. And I think the left has got to stop you’ve got to be more responsible, and you have to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people who are here to keep us safe.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee

Auburn University’s McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security is bringing two heavyweight national-security figures onto its advisory board.

Former U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary under President Donald Trump, Kirstjen Nielsen, now president of Lighthouse Strategies, and Auburn alumnus James Hoskins, a former U.S. Air Force intelligence leader who built Scitor Corporation into a mission-critical intelligence firm later acquired by SAIC, will join the board.

According to the institute, as board members, Nielsen and Hoskins will serve as senior advisors, bringing deep experience from the highest echelons of national security and private-sector leadership.

They join an already distinguished roster of advisors, including corporate executives, senior government officials and Auburn University leadership.

From its policy hub in Washington, D.C., the Institute works closely with federal agencies, Congress and industry leaders to shape actionable public policy in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. In Auburn and Huntsville, its applied research teams develop and deploy practical solutions that help safeguard critical infrastructure systems across the Southeast and the nation.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome former Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen and Auburn’s own renowned engineer James Hoskinsto our advisory board,” said Lt. Gen. Ronald L. Burgess Jr., McCrary Institute Advisory Board chairman and former director of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency.

“Bringing on these renowned leaders in homeland and national security will only further our ability to help the McCrary Institute have a meaningful impact on our nation.”

“I am deeply honored to join the board of the McCrary Institute, a dynamic and mission-driven institution that not only leads in cybersecurity innovation and education but also stands as a national resource, shaping the future of policy, research and resilience,” said Kirstjen Nielsen, the sixth Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“The McCrary Institute stands out because it does not stop at ideas or theory — it ensures that innovation is tested against the realities of the field. By bringing operational context and real-world requirements into its work, the Institute grounds cyber policy, research and innovation in the challenges faced every day by operators and defenders of critical infrastructure. This ‘policy informed by practice’ approach ensures that strategies are not only conceptually sound but also executable, scalable and relevant. It is a privilege to contribute to such a unique and vital institution.”

“It’s an honor and privilege to serve Auburn University’s McCrary Institute,” said James Hoskins, former chairman and CEO of the Scitor Corporation.

“The cybersecurity mission of the McCrary Institute is national in scope and priority. America’s future is in great hands considering the capabilities, personnel and facilities that have been assembled by McCrary with the aim to make a landmark difference.”

Frank Cilluffo, director of the McCrary Institute, praised the additions, saying the pair’s experience will strengthen the institute’s mission and its roster of national security leaders.

“I’m thrilled that Kirstjen and James are joining the McCrary Institute’s advisory board,” said Cilluffo. “They bring deep experience in national security, cybersecurity and public service — adding invaluable perspective to an already exceptional group. Their advice and counsel will help us strengthen our efforts to protect the critical infrastructure that underpins our nation’s security, economy and communities.”

Grayson Everett is the editor and chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

This week, the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security approved its portion of a $69 billion budget reconciliation package for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s border security mission.

The section approved by the body provides funding for an effective border wall system and technology to help detect deadly illicit drugs.

Additionally, it allows for the deployment of more frontline personnel to the southern border, including Border Patrol agents, Custom and Border Patrol (CBP) officers, as well as U.S. Air and Marine operations members.

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, a member of the committee, credited President Donald Trump with already working towards the initiatives outlined in the group’s portion of the package.

“The American people are safer today because Donald Trump is president,” Strong (R-Huntsville) said. “He wasted no time restarting construction of the border wall and reinstating effective immigration enforcement policies. His decisive action is protecting North Alabama by curbing illegal immigration, stopping drug trafficking, and dismantling dangerous criminal networks.”

The lawmaker stressed the importance of the large-scale improvements at the southern border.

“Now, Congress must provide the necessary resources to fund President Trump’s agenda,” Strong declared. “This is a once-in-a-generation border security overhaul that includes funding for a state-of-the-art border barrier system, investments in border personnel and fleet vehicles, and border surveillance technology.”

The funding provided in the package will go towards:

Border Barrier System — $46.5 billion
CBP Facilities — $5 billion
Addressing the Urgent Need for Additional Frontline CBP Personnel — $4.1 billion
Investing in the CBP Workforce — $2 billion
Non-Intrusive Inspection — $1.076 billion
Border Surveillance Technology — $2.7 billion
Unmanned Aircraft Systems — $500 million
Operation Stonegarden — $450 million

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

Since arriving on Capitol Hill in January 2023, U.S. Rep. Dale Strong has dedicated much of his time to fighting the ever-expanding influence and reach of the Chinese Communist Party. In his latest effort, the Congressman from Alabama’s Fifth District has reintroduced a bill appropriately entitled the SHIELD( Strategic Homeland Intelligence and Enforcement Legislation to Defend) Against the CCP Act.

The legislation, if passed, would establish a Department of Homeland Security working group to counter threats posed by the CCP and would require the group to examine, assess, and report on the array of ‘nontraditional tactics’ used by China and the efforts of DHS to counter the activities.

“China represents one of the most aggressive and dangerous threats to our national security today,” said Strong (R-Monrovia). “This bill ensures DHS has a dedicated team working to combat this threat. I’m proud this legislation has broad support from my colleagues in the House and our law enforcement partners. It’s past time to get this legislation to the President’s desk and to protect the American people.”

After passing the House last month with significant support, the bill is now gaining influential supporters outside of Congress. This week, it was endorsed by the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC), and the National Fusion Center Association (NFCA).

Eric Brown, President of the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, believes Strong’s bill is exactly what is needed to counter large-scale drug trafficking enabled by the CCP.

“The Chinese Communist Party is actively involved—both directly and indirectly—in supporting transnational criminal organizations engaged in the importation and trafficking of fentanyl, illicit drug precursors, and other controlled substances that have significantly contributed to drug poisonings and deaths across our country,” said Brown. “We are grateful to Representative Strong for introducing the SHIELD Against CCP Act and for his commitment to dedicating resources, personnel, and programming to confront these deadly threats.”

“The NNOAC is on the front lines of this fight, and we are committed to working with Congressman Strong and our partners at DHS to confront and dismantle the networks behind illicit drug trafficking.”

According to Mike Sena, President of the National Fusion Center Association, Strong’s legislation takes the correct, critical steps needed to address the growing threat of Chinese aggression.

“We applaud Representative Dale Strong for championing the SHIELD Against the CCP Act,” Sena said. “This bill importantly acknowledges the vital role of the National Network of Fusion Centers and the importance of intelligence sharing and collaboration across federal, state, and local levels to protect national security.”

“We are especially grateful for the recognition of our dedicated state and local public safety professionals, both sworn and civilian, who work tirelessly every day to track criminal trends and share timely, credible threat information. Their commitment and expertise are essential to protecting our communities and enhancing our nation’s ability to respond to emerging threats.”

According to Strong, it is estimated that the People’s Republic of China’s theft of U.S. intellectual property reaches into the billions, amounting to approximately $4,000 to $6,000 per American family of four after paying taxes.

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is calling on the Trump administration to close a loophole in the law that is used by drug traffickers to flood deadly fentanyl into the U.S.

Marshall joined a coalition of 25 state attorneys general asking U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) Kristi Noem and Acting Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Pete Flores for greater scrutiny of an import pilot program called Entry Type 86, which they argue allows small packages to enter the U.S. with minimal customs screening.

“Fentanyl is devastating communities across Alabama and the nation, and we must take decisive action to shut down every avenue that allows this deadly drug to enter our country. Loopholes like Entry Type 86 pose a serious threat to public safety, making it easier for traffickers to smuggle fentanyl and other dangerous substances across the border,” Marshall said.

“I am confident that the Trump Administration will take immediate steps to close this gap and strengthen border security to protect American lives.”

The attorneys general explain in the letter that the Entry Type 86 Program has far exceeded its “original scope.”

“Entry Type 86 now accounts for 75% of all de minimis goods entering the United States, with shipments increasing from 153 million in 2015 to more than 1.2 billion in 2024,” the letter stated. “Any surge of this magnitude requires further study, especially when it comes to potential challenges within our customs enforcement system. It raises serious concerns about the flood of deadly drugs coming into our country through this program, along with other issues including noncompliance, supply chain vulnerabilities, and the circumvention of duty and regulatory obligations.”

Alabama joined the Kentucky-led letter alongside attorneys general from Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

“We as state attorneys general stand ready to work together with you to cut off all avenues for the entry of fentanyl and other potentially lethal drugs into our communities. The lives of those we all serve will be saved as a result,” the letter concluded.

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen is calling on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to implement much-needed updates to the agency’s Systematic Alien Verifications for Entitlements (SAVE) program.

The program is a service provided by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services branch of the DHS and is used by state and local governments to verify noncitizen status for individuals applying for social benefits.

Allen, along with 20 other Secretaries of State from across the country, stressed in a letter addressed to the head of DHS, Kristi Noem, the need to change the program.

Due to past guidance from the federal government and structural inadequacies, it is reportedly difficult to verify citizenship for voting purposes using the SAVE database.

“As you embark on this important task, we respectfully ask you to focus on another issue that is critical to our future – elections,” wrote the officials.

“Tasking the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, a component of the DHS, with prioritizing needed improvements to the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program would help us better detect noncitizens attempting to register and/or vote in our elections. As President Trump has explicitly conveyed, ensuring noncitizens do not vote in our elections is crucial to protecting the integrity of elections in our respective states; however, to vigorously and successfully assume this charge, improvements addressing current limitations within the program are vital.”

According to Allen, updates would be beneficial to the voting process in Alabama, providing a boost in integrity.

“Ensuring noncitizens are prevented from registering to vote or voting in our elections is a top priority for Alabama,” said Allen. “I have a zero-tolerance policy for noncitizens voting in Alabama’s elections. Fortifying states’ tools to verify the citizenship of those attempting to register and/or registered to vote is a critical objective for me and my colleagues.”

The Secretary traveled to Washington, D.C., last year and spoke with legislators about the effort from the Biden Administration to stifle his fight against noncitizens voting.

“In my testimony before the United States Senate, I recounted my Office’s efforts to obtain noncitizen data from the federal government, which were blocked by the Biden administration.”

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth announced on Friday that the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has formed a task force to work “hand-in-glove” with federal agencies in carrying out the Trump administration’s orders related to illegal immigration – including the largest deportation operation in U.S. history.

Ainsworth said in a video message that he will be actively involved in partnerships to ensure illegal immigrants marked for deportation in Alabama are returned home.

“As Lieutenant Governor, I pledge my full 100% support to President Trump and field agencies like ICE [U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement], the DEA [Drug Enforcement Agency], Homeland Security and others that are enforcing his executive orders, arresting the law-breakers, and marching them into cargo planes headed back to where they came from.”

“I’m going to help these federal agencies pinpoint the problem areas in our state and help resolve the illegal immigration and crime problems. I’ve consulted with Alabama Law Enforcement Agency director Hal Taylor, and a state task force is now working hand-in-glove with federal agencies to carry out President Trump’s roundup,” Ainsworth said.

In less than two weeks since taking office, President Trump has directed federal agencies to rapidly escalate a “whole-of-government” approach to secure the border and remove individuals residing in the U.S. illegally.

ICE has been publicizing daily arrest and detention statistics of illegal aliens. Over a seven-day period, the agency reported over 5,000 arrests and over 4,000 detainers lodged.

Ainsworth emphasized that illegal Immigrants “commit a crime the moment they jump our border and set foot on U.S. soil” and that President Trump is doing something about it.

“Since 1923, Alabama’s state motto has been ‘we dare defend our rights.’ But it’s time now for illegal immigrants who reside here to quickly learn that Alabamians also ‘dare defend our borders’ as well,” Ainsworth said.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

I’ve said it from the beginning—illegal immigration is going to infiltrate our small towns and communities. The clear destruction of our border by the Biden-Harris Administration has done Americans no good. Heinous crimes, gang violence, and drug trafficking have only risen since the Democrat Party took control in January 2021.

Now, the people and local leaders of rural America are forced to accommodate an abundance of illegal aliens without any direction or say. There is only one group to blame—the Democrats Party.

Mass amounts of Haitian immigrants have entered rural Alabama in Coffee County and Talladega County. Local officials were not notified of the relocation and have received no answers from the federal government about what is happening. Not only can small towns not keep up with an influx of non-American residents, but they also cannot risk the rise of any gang violence or criminal activity.

There have been one too many instances of Americans facing the brunt of crime for Alabamians to sit by watch this happen.

For the last 4 years, the Democrat Party has purposely turned a blind eye to the problems of illegal immigration. The border crisis is on the backs of all Democrats for not speaking up. With open border policies come the loss of lives, like Laken Riley, who was brutally murdered by an illegal alien.

The Democrat Party is not listening to the realities of the widespread, destructive impacts of illegal immigration. The American people and Republican Party have time and time again pointed out the facts about our crippled, nearly nonexistent border, yet nothing happens because Democrats turn a blind eye towards this issue.

Now, the peace of the small town has been disrupted. Coffee and Talladega Counties are battling the shock of this Democrat-orchestrated influx of Haitians, but very soon all of Alabama will feel the effects. Today, security is nonexistent, and we can only blame Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Secretary Mayorkas, and all Democrats who always said we have the border under control.

We cannot allow the Democrats to continue putting America down this fearful path. The elections coming up are so vital for the safety and security of our nation.

If you vote for any Democrat in Congress this November, you are voting for their support of illegal immigrants in Alabama. I will not stop fighting for Alabama, and I will continue working to put America first!

Jerry Carl represents Alabama’s First Congressional District. He lives in Mobile with his wife Tina.

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers announced Wednesday morning that he has managed to secure more than $915,000 in federal funding for local fire departments in Alabama’s 3rd Congressional district, which includes Lee, Talladega, Calhoun and Russell Counties.

Rogers (R-Saks) said the funding will help increase the level of safety for both first responders and the communities they serve.

“I am proud to announce over $915,000 in federal money is coming to first responders in Alabama’s Third Congressional District,” said the Congressman. “This funding will bring our community’s firefighters essential supplies to perform their duties and ensure their safety.”

The financial support for the first responders has been made possible through the Department of Homeland Security’s FY 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

A full list of the grantees can be found below:

Spring Garden Fire Department: $127,533.33
Town of Gaylesville: $24,200.00
City of Tallassee: $282,390.47
City of Alexander City: $28,666.66
City of Lafayette: $30,666.66
City of Goodwater: $35,333.33
Riverside Fire & Rescue Department: $36,571.42
City of Lincoln: $42,954.28
Lay Lake Volunteer Fire Department: $60,071.42
City of Moody: $76,190.47
Sycamore Volunteer Fire Department: $97,523.80
Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department: $74,857.14

Rogers has also been a staunch ally of law enforcement throughout his time in Congress and regularly works with Alabama’s local law enforcement officials.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

On Thursday, the McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security at Auburn University announced six more senior fellows to its 2024 cohort.

The six new senior fellows join 27 other new senior fellows who were announced in February. According to the university, the experts and officials will add expertise in cybersecurity and national security across government and the private sector. Fellows rotate and serve for three years.

“We are thrilled to have these six esteemed individuals joining the McCrary Institute,” said Frank Cilluffo, director of the institute.

“They add considerable expertise to our public policy initiatives and our efforts to strengthen public-private partnerships with their years of experience. From cybercrime to cutting-edge technology to bridging the private-public divide, all of them will help us with our goal to make our country a safer place in light of the new and growing threats we face in cyberspace.”

Here are the six new senior fellows accompanied by biographies provided by Auburn University:

Former U.S. Congressman John Katko

Ranking Member, Homeland Security Committee

John Katko is an accomplished leader who served Central New York in Congress from 2015 until his retirement in 2022.

Early in his career in Congress, John became a strong voice on the House Homeland Security Committee. In 2020, he was selected to lead House Homeland Security Committee Republicans. As Ranking Member, John led efforts to secure the border and prioritized a robust focus on cybersecurity, as well as transportation and airport security. Additionally, John served eight years as a member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.

While serving New York’s 24th Congressional District, John achieved significant legislative success, with 98 bills passed the House and 45 signed into law. Through his advocacy, John delivered millions of dollars to his district in Central New York.

John has strong relationships in New York and Washington across the political spectrum. He is well-respected for his work across the aisle and was consistently ranked among the most bipartisan members of Congress by the nonpartisan Lugar Center. As Chair of the Republican Governance Group, John was responsible for expanding political engagement with results-oriented Members of Congress.

Prior to serving in Congress, John spent nearly twenty years as a federal organized crime prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice, prosecuting hundreds of complex criminal cases including organized crime, drug and human trafficking, murder, and political corruption. He has extensive experience on the U.S. Northern, Southern, and Maritime borders. Additionally, he served as a litigator with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission and as an anti-trust and commercial litigation attorney in private practice.

John and his wife Robin live in Camillus, New York and enjoy spending time with their three adult sons.

Brad Medairy

Executive Vice President, Booz Allen Hamilton

Brad Medairy is an Executive Vice President at Booz Allen Hamilton where serves as the Firm’s senior executive for cybersecurity. He spends his time on the cyber missions of national-level clients, including the intelligence community, U.S. Cyber Command, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Department of Defense (DOD). He is responsible for addressing some of the nation’s top cybersecurity challenges, including protecting critical infrastructure, securing the supply chain, protecting emerging technologies/platforms (AI, 5G, medical devices, and weapons and space systems), and defending the extended federal enterprise against cyber-attacks.

Brad is passionate about advancing the nation’s capabilities in cyberspace by integrating emerging technologies with intelligence tradecraft to deliver next-generation, full-spectrum cyber solutions. He leads a multidisciplinary team of cyber operators, AI and machine learning engineers, software developers, and cloud engineers to develop and deliver these solutions across the federal and commercial markets.

Brad was named a Top 50 Cybersecurity Leader of 2023, 2021 Federal 100 Award Winner, 2020 Cyber Executive of the Year by the Northern Virginia Technology Council, and a finalist for WashingtonExec’s 2020 Cybersecurity Industry Executive of the Year.

Brad earned a B.S. from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and an M.S. from Johns Hopkins University.

Christopher D. Roberti

Senior Vice President for Cyber, Space, and National Security Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Chris leads the team responsible for national security issues at the U.S. Chamber, to include cybersecurity, space, defense, ICTS security, federal acquisition policy, and public-private sector operational cyber collaboration and intelligence sharing. In this role, he guides the Chamber’s national security advocacy on high-profile policy issues domestically and internationally.

In addition, Chris is responsible for managing the Chamber’s relationships with key U.S. Government interlocutors in the national security and law enforcement sectors. He also served as chief of staff to former U.S. Chamber CEO Thomas J. Donohue, advising on a range of domestic and international issues, program integration, and strategy. Chris works closely with members of the Chamber’s executive leadership team on policy initiatives and programs of key importance to the American business community.

Before joining the Chamber, Chris served for nearly a decade in the federal government on national security matters, with much of his work overseas in diverse environments. He began his career as a corporate attorney at a global law firm, where his practice focused on international private equity, mergers & acquisitions, and securities transactions.

Chris is a member of the executive committee of the board of the National Cryptologic Foundation and has guest lectured at the University of Chicago.

He earned a J.D. degree from the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and holds B.A. degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Bradon Rogers

Chief Customer Officer, Island

Bradon Rogers is the Chief Customer Officer at Island, where he directs the technical aspects of all customer interactions, leveraging his vast experience in cybersecurity, enterprise software, and cloud technology. Bradon’s career in cybersecurity spans over 25 years, during which he has played an executive leadership role for some of the largest firms in the industry.

He previously served as the Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales Engineering at Mimecast, where he managed field technical operations globally. Before joining Mimecast, Bradon was Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales Engineering and Product Marketing at Symantec. As a part of the executive leadership team at Symantec, Bradon led the global sales engineering organization, where he was also responsible for creating the go-to-market messaging and strategy of the company’s product portfolio and its many acquisitions. He joined Symantec after its acquisition of Bluecoat, where he held the same role, guiding technical excellence across the field sales teams and while leading product strategy. Bradon held similar executive and technical leadership roles at McAfee, Secure Computing, and CipherTrust.

Bradon is also a co-author of “Security Battleground: An Executive Field Manual,” aimed at providing security and technology guidance to executives without formal training in these fields. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Auburn University, where he has served on advisory boards for the College of Business and Auburn Athletics. Additionally, Bradon is a board member of The Exceptional Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving adults with special needs.

Kiersten Todt

President, Wondros

Kiersten Todt is the President of Wondros, a globally-acclaimed, service-driven creative firm that translates the complex stories of the world’s most innovative organizations, companies, and individuals into dynamic content that informs the culture and inspires change. The storytelling Wondros develops provides partners with creative content that builds bridges to diverse communities to create social and policy impact in ways that can be measured.

She is the former Chief of Staff of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which has a nearly $3B budget and over 3,000 employees and contractors. In that role, she was responsible for the planning, allocation of resources, and development of long-range objectives in support of the department’s goals.

She is also a strategic advisor to venture capital firms and serves on Boards of companies, which are focused on open-source software, memory safe language, and neurodiversity.

Prior to her role at CISA, Kiersten was the Managing Director of the Cyber Readiness Institute (CRI), a non-profit that develops free cybersecurity tools for small businesses worldwide. She co-founded CRI with the CEOs of Mastercard, Microsoft, PSP Partners, and the retired CEO of IBM.

Kiersten also served as CEO of Liberty Group Ventures, LLC, where she worked with senior leaders in industry on cyber risk management, including senior executive and Board education and briefings on threats.

Her service to the Federal Government includes serving as a professional staff member in the U.S. Senate, where she co-drafted the legislation to create the Department of Homeland Security, and as Executive Director of President Obama’s Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity.

Ms. Todt’s commentary is featured frequently in national television and print media.

Kiersten graduated from Princeton University, with a degree in public policy and holds a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University.

Bryan Ware

Entrepreneur

Mr. Ware is a serial entrepreneur, having been the CEO of five VC/PE backed companies – Digital Sandbox, Haystax Technology, Next5, LookingGlass, and his most recent company, currently in stealth. All of his companies have been software/AI/cyber/intelligence focused companies serving the national security community, law enforcement and/or major brands. Mr. Ware served as Assistant Secretary of Cyber Policy at DHS and as the first Presidentially appointed Director for Cybersecurity at CISA. Mr. Ware currently serves on the boards of companies and nonprofits including the CyberGuild, an organization seeking to increase cyber awareness and diversity in the cyber workforce.

The McCrary Institute, founded in 2015 at Auburn University, concentrates on sound cybersecurity policy, cybersecurity education and applied research in cybersecurity. In 2022, there were 2,385 ransomware attacks reported to the FBI. More than one-third of those were attacks on U.S. critical infrastructure organizations.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) and his Republican colleagues forced a vote on the Border Safety and Security Act on Wednesday, a bill that would shut down the border until the Department of Homeland Security regains operational control. Democrats blocked the bill.

In a floor speech, Senator Tuberville claimed that he and his Republican colleagues have offered real solutions to fix the border crisis while charging that Sen. Chuck Schumer’s (D-New York) “bipartisan” border deal before the Senate is nothing but a messaging exercise to give vulnerable Democrat senators cover during an election year. Tuberville claimed that Sen. Schumer’s bill would cost taxpayers $20 billion and do absolutely nothing to secure the border.

“Three weeks ago, two illegal immigrants attempted to break into the Marine base at Quantico in Virginia,” said Tuberville in a speech on the Senate floor. “Both individuals are Jordanian nationals who were apprehended by Customs and Border Patrol Protection at the southern border and released into the United States. One of them is allegedly on the terrorist watch list.”

“Now, how did we get here? How did we get to the point where two people who entered the country illegally and were not screened or vetted tried to drive a truck onto a military base?” said Tuberville. “Let me say that again. These people are not being screened or vetted. We have no idea who these people are. But here’s what we do know about the people who have invaded our country. 25,000 Chinese nationals have entered our country since October 1, 2023. 184,000 Haitians have entered under Joe Biden’s mass parole program, along with 101,000 Venezuelans, 91,000 from Cuba, [and] 75,000 Nicaraguans. And this doesn’t count the 76,000 Afghans who came here after Joe Biden’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan.”

“As I have repeatedly said, I have got no problem with legal immigration – nor do my Republican colleagues,” Tuberville continued. “America is the land of freedom and opportunity. If people wanna come here legally, we’ll welcome them. But we cannot – we cannot – have terrorists crossing our borders unverified – ask the FBI. Beyond the safety concerns, we simply cannot afford to support the 11 million illegal immigrants who have illegally crossed our borders in the past three and a half years. I don’t know if Joe Biden missed the memo, but folks, we are dead broke. Dead broke. Yet we’re shelling out hundreds of billions of dollars to support these 11 million illegal immigrants. And this does not count the millions of what we call got-aways who, obviously, if they can come across and not be apprehended, why in the world would they go somewhere and [turn themselves in to] the border patrol? It’s because they are criminals.”

Tuberville said that a recent report from the House Committee on Homeland Security estimated the southern border surge is costing the American taxpayers about $450 billion dollars a year. $42 billion of that is in direct welfare assistance.

“Why are Joe Biden and the globalist Democrats allowing this to happen?” Tuberville asked. “Why is this going on? It is simply because Democrats care more about keeping power than they do about safety and protecting the American taxpayer and American citizen. A New York congresswoman confirmed this. She says she welcomes illegal immigration because it helps with redistricting. The president and his progressive left Democrat Party know that the more people that they can get in this country, the longer they stay in power by increasing the population in the blue districts. Simple fact.”

“This bill, the Border Act of 2024, doesn’t even have the word “security” in the title,” said Tuberville. “That’s because this bill will only make the crisis at the southern border worse. It’s a border invasion bill. It’s not a border bill. It’s a border giveaway paid for by the American taxpayers – trillions of dollars. It also weakens the power of the president by suggesting the president close the border only when [Customs and Border Protection]has apprehended 4,000 illegal immigrants a day. Yeah, you heard that – a day. So, we’re gonna pass a bill that’s gonna allow 4,000 people to come here a day? That’s insane.?”

“The bill is just another public relations stunt from globalist democrats pretending to care about the border during an election year,” said Tuberville. “We need to get serious about national security created by open borders – serious. If we don’t believe that, we need to ask our allies over in Europe that have pretty much had their countries destroyed by immigration. The American people don’t want another messaging exercise. They want to feel safe in their neighborhoods.” “If Democrats are serious about securing the border, they will support the Border Safety and Security Act.”

Senator Tuberville helped introduce the Secure the Border Act of 2023, the Senate companion of the bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year, commonly known as H.R. 2. During his first three years in the United States Senate, Senator Tuberville has made multiple visits to the southern border and worked on many legislative initiatives to secure the border.

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) is calling on the leadership in the Senate to have a fair impeachment trail against the current head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The House delivered the impeachment articles against DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas Tuesday, but some Republicans expect Schumer to hold a vote to immediately dismiss the impeachment charges sometime Wednesday to skip a trial on the floor.

Tuberville discussed the issue Tuesday on Newsmax.

"Never has this happened in the U.S. Senate or the United States Congress."

Sen. Tommy Tuberville slams Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for threatening to table the impeachment articles against DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. @SenTuberville @BiancaDLGarza pic.twitter.com/aaPpJvPClo

— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) April 16, 2024

“Never has this happened in the United State Senate or in Congress,” Tuberville said. “If article come over, the impeachment trial goes on.”

The senator said he fully expects his Democrat colleagues to vote for dismissing the charges.

“They’re not going to let that happen,” he argued. “They’re going to vote 51-49 to table this, to go to the next bill, forget about this.”

Tuberville believes the Democratic members of Congress don’t have their priorities in order.

“You know what gets me? They’re talking about Iran, they’re talking about Ukraine, they’re talking about all this other money,” he said. “They’re not talking about helping the American people at the southern border. It’s an absolute disgrace. Chuck Schumer, one day he’s after Israel, the next day he’s for Israel. I mean, these people, they do not have any consistency or any brevity about them in terms of supporting the American people. It’s an absolute shame.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

Over the last year, the House Committee on Homeland Security has conducted an investigation into the causes and costs of the crisis at our southern border. That investigation laid bare the mistakes, recklessness, and irresponsibility of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and the Biden Administration.

There are two indisputable facts that came out of our investigation. First, we have, in no uncertain terms, a crisis at our southern border. Second, Secretary Mayorkas’ willful refusal to uphold federal immigration law is a direct cause of that crisis.

Before Secretary Mayorkas took over DHS, our borders were more secure than they have ever been. Under President Trump, the United States instituted sound border policies and immigration law aimed at doing precisely what DHS is supposed to do, protecting the Homeland.

However, under Secretary Mayorkas, our homeland is anything but safe. Over 8.3 million illegal aliens have crossed the southern border during the Biden Administration, a direct result of Secretary Mayorkas’ deliberate attempt to circumvent federal law.

Over 360 individuals on the terror watchlist have been stopped trying to enter the country, with countless more likely evading detection. To put that in perspective, 19 men on the watchlist were apprehended in December alone, the same amount of individuals that carried out the 9/11 attacks. Those that wish the United States and Americans harm are exploiting the weakness of this border crisis, yet Secretary Mayorkas does not seem to care.

The lack of consequences for those crossing our border illegally puts American lives in danger and invites yet more illegal immigrants. In fact, December 2023 was the 34th month in a row that illegal border crossings have been higher than even the highest month under President Trump.

Just weeks ago, Secretary Mayorkas stated that they were releasing over 85% of illegal aliens that are “apprehended,” despite federal law stipulating that migrants are only to be released on a “limited, case-by-case basis.”

I don’t know about you, but I have never heard of 85% being described as either limited or case-by-case. There is no doubt that Secretary Mayorkas’ refusal to enforce federal law caused this massive crisis.

The Committee has dutifully and thoroughly conducted its investigation and voted just last week to send the articles of impeachment against Secretary Mayorkas to the House floor. I want to be clear; this is not a decision that I or any of my colleagues took lightly.

This is the result of 10 hearings, the testimony of over two dozen witnesses including the chiefs and deputy-chiefs of each of the nine Border Patrol southwest border sectors, and hundreds of hours of investigation.

Facing the reality of the situation our country finds itself in means that we must resort to the last solution available to us, the impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas for his willful refusal to enforce the law and his breach of the public trust.

Congressman Dale W. Strong represents the Fifth District of Alabama and is a member of the House Armed Services, Homeland Security, and Science, Space and Technology Committees.

In the wake of heightened global security concerns throughout 2001, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security developed the program BioWatch, a monitoring system that tests air samples for biological agents that could be used in attacks on American citizens.

It currently operates across over 30 major U.S. cities in cooperation between DHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Drawing on his experience as a first responder, Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) authored a bill he says will “harden our defenses against bioterrorism.” That bill advanced the House Committee on Homeland Security on Wednesday.

“We know that with the Biden Administration’s open border policies, Americans are exposed to untold threats. We have no idea who or what is coming across our border under this administration,” Strong said.

“Cartels and terrorist organizations are exploiting these weak policies every single day. The Department of Homeland Security must do everything in its power to protect Americans from new and existing threats.”

BioWatch is a nationwide system of sensors designed to detect the presence of specific pathogens that might be used in a bioterrorism attack, strategically placed throughout the country. Highly-dense and critical areas are most guarded by the system.

After unanimous passage through the Homeland Security committee, a bipartisan urgency to support the utilization of BioWatch laboratories and networks was moved forward. Strong says he wants to keep officials at the highest level aware of threats.

“I am proud to introduce legislation to ensure the Biden Administration is better prepared to protect Americans against these threats,” Strong said.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

Four million illegal immigrants have crossed our southern border since President Biden took office in January 2021 — which is almost 80% of Alabama’s total population.

The Biden administration publicly touts that the border crisis is under control, while privately demanding that the head of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) resign. But the numbers don’t lie — the border crisis is worse than ever.

Last month, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported 230,678 illegal immigrant apprehensions — the highest monthly total in recorded history. Suspected terrorists are taking advantage of our open borders. CBP officials caught 98 criminals illegally entering our country through the southern border who are also on the FBI’s terrorist watchlist during fiscal year 2022 alone.

Clearly, the administration doesn’t have a plan to secure our border, given its recent legal plea to continue use of Title 42 authorities. These authorities, intended as temporary measure under a COVID-era public health order, allow for the immediate expulsion of illegal immigrants in most cases due to the pandemic emergency.

The Biden administration’s request to delay what was intended to be a temporary exception to the norm signals a lack of preparation ahead of the anticipated increase in illegal crossings that is expected once Title 42 is lifted.

But this isn’t just a “border” problem. If you think this isn’t impacting Americans across the country, think again.

President Biden’s failure to secure the southern border has resulted in a massive influx of deadly fentanyl that is ravaging communities in every state. More than 71,000 Americans died due to fentanyl overdose last year — nearly 195 people per day.

The fentanyl epidemic is hitting close to home too — recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that drug overdose deaths increased by 20% in Alabama last year.

The Biden administration’s dereliction of duty has emboldened drug cartels to evade law enforcement and target America’s youth by disguising fentanyl as rainbow candy to make it more appealing. Teachers and state education leaders are sounding the alarm as more Alabama students are falling prey to this deadly drug. Just two milligrams of fentanyl — the size of 10-15 grains of salt — is considered a lethal dose.

Law enforcement officials across the state are echoing warnings about the surge of fentanyl in their communities, including Jefferson County, where fentanyl overdose deaths jumped 66% in the last year.

The Mobile County Sherriff’s Office recently seized enough fentanyl to kill 1.5 million people during a bust on I-10 last month. Sadly, rural areas in Alabama aren’t immune to the fentanyl surge either. Law enforcement officials in Morgan County are among those with reported increases in fentanyl seizures.

I appreciate the efforts of our men and women in blue to crack down on drug trafficking, but they need support to get these deadly substances off our streets. That starts with leaders at the top taking an interest in solving the problem. And to solve the problem, you first need to understand it.

I recently visited the Del Rio sector of our southern border in Eagle Pass, Texas, to see the border crisis firsthand. Hundreds of people, including vulnerable women and children, cross the Rio Grande River at this point to enter our country on a daily basis.

SEE: ‘Huge problem’: Tuberville visits southern border, says crisis ‘getting worse’

During my visit, I met with CBP officials, including National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd and Del Rio Sector Chief Jason Owens — both of whom are doing the best job they can with few resources or support from DHS. During my visit, they relayed the hefty price tag of President Biden’s open border — just one new temporary processing facility for illegal immigrants in Eagle Pass is costing American taxpayers $14 million per month.

When experiencing a series of losses, it’s time for a new game plan. Lives are at stake, and it is past time to take action to secure our southern border. That is the only way to stop bad actors and deadly narcotics from coming into our country and putting American lives at risk.

It’s time to secure our southern border and enforce the immigration laws already in place. We can do this by giving our border agents the support and tools they need to address drug smuggling, human trafficking and illegal immigration. But we also must have every level of government – federal, state and local – working together to address this issue.

I call on President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Secretary Mayorkas to do the job they signed up to do — or find someone else who can.

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.

Casey Wardynski, retired U.S. Army colonel and Republican candidate for Alabama’s open fifth congressional district seat, is pushing to radically cut the size of government.

Wardynski, who served as the assistant secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs in the Trump administration, said one way to cut spending in Washington, D.C. was to dissolve unneeded bureaucracies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Wednesday on WVNN’s “The Yaffee Program,” Wardynski argued that the DHS needed to be disbanded and explained what should replace it.

“They need to really cut spending,” he argued, “and there’s a long list of organizations that could go away. They were added during the Great Society programs under President Johnson and then finished off by Jimmy Carter, and then there’s one more that George Bush created, to his discredit, and that was Homeland Security. So I’m thinking Housing and Urban Development, Department of Education, a big hunk of [Department of] Transportation, and certainly Homeland Security needs to be taken apart.”

The candidate said the overall department wasn’t needed for national security.

“This overhead thought of trying to latch together Border Patrol, ICE, ATF, Secret Service, FEMA,” he explained, “all these very disparate organizations they have nothing in common, and if you go to their headquarters the Coast Guard’s running it because they’re the only people accustomed to running anything large. Take them apart.”

Wardynski said the DHS was involved in some nefarious actions, especially when Trump was running for president.

“Homeland Security brought in a whole lot of spying on Americans,” he said. “We’ve got the Patriot Act that probably needs to be significantly cut or done away with. The FISA courts, I don’t see any accountability there for what went on with the FBI when they were spying on the president and General Flynn and the rest of them. They need to be really brought down a peg, and so that’s what I would do with Homeland Security.”

He also said DHS was not doing what needed to be done to secure the southern border.

“Frankly this is a group that’s not on board with border security,” he said. “I had a good friend at the Pentagon, he was the Assistant Secretary for Financial Management, he was originally at Homeland Security, he went down there to Mexico at the beginning of the Trump administration talking about the wall, and these career bureaucrats at Homeland Security said ‘oh don’t pay attention to him, there’s not going to be a wall we’re not building the wall.”

Wardynski argued that this was proof that DHS needed to be dissolved.

“We need to get rid of that bunch,” he declared. “They’re not on board with what America wants, and they’re a threat to liberty and freedom here at home.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” Weekdays 9-11am on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

A Disinformation Governance Board is being set up in the Department of Homeland Security to tell Americans what is and is not misinformation by having government employees decide which is which.

At this moment, the media and their Democrats have declared this an amazing and great thing, but this will change the minute they lose control of the government.

That is not misinformation.

Watch:

Dale Jackson is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9AM weekdays on WVNN and on Talk 99.5 from 10AM to noon.

Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf joined an Auburn University live stream on Thursday to discuss his agency’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Wolf’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the cabinet-level agency that oversees the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

As such, his department has faced unique challenges in recent weeks during the unprecedented situation of facing more than 50 active disaster declarations across all of America’s states, territories and Native American tribes.

Wolf said that FEMA had so far committed $5.8 billion in COVID-19 relief efforts, and is partnering with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on at least $50 billion more.
(more…)

Representative Mike Rogers (AL-03) is pushing back on Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s (D-NY) escalating calls to eliminate the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Appearing Thursday on FOX Business’ “Bulls and Bears,” Rogers was asked to respond to recent comments by Ocasio-Cortez that the formation of DHS was one of the George W. Bush administration’s “egregious mistakes” that needs to be undone.

The show host also reminded the audience that DHS was formed in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on U.S. soil.

“She’s different, I’ll give her that that,” Rogers remarked. (more…)

Some of the greatest sporting events in history have come down to the wire. Those bottom of the ninth, fourth and inches, double-overtime plays are what stand out in our memories as the greatest successes or the worst defeats in sports history.

Similarly, we here in Washington are entering our own home stretch of the 115th Congress. It has been a long year filled with many victories for the people of Alabama, but there is still work to be done.

Next year, the game will change completely. With Democrats taking control of the House, things will be different.
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As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, one of my jobs is to work alongside my colleagues to see that the government is funded on time each year.

It’s no secret that the process is far from perfect and Congress often falls short of executing this important responsibility in the way our founding fathers intended, but this year, I am glad to report that we have taken steps in the right direction.
(more…)

Yesterday was World Refugee Day, an annual observance created by the United Nations to “commemorate the strength, courage and perseverance of millions of refugees.” Here is what you should know about refugee and asylum policy in the United States.

What is a refugee?

The U.S. government defines “refugee” as any person who is outside any country of such person’s nationality or, in the case of a person having no nationality, is outside any country in which such person last habitually resided, and who is unable or unwilling to return to, and is unable or unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of, that country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
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According to The Hill, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) notified 21 states on Friday that Russia attempted to hack their election systems prior to the 2016 election. Alabama is one of those states.

In many of the cases, DHS only saw preparations for hacking, such as scanning for potential modes of attack. Since voting machines are not connected to the internet, the only systems vulnerable to attack would be those that house voter roles. However, there was no evidence discovered that suggests Russia altered votes or vote totals in any way.

Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill released a statement after being notified of the attempted hack.

“Over the course if the election season, the MS-ISAC’s (Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center) Albert network monitoring service identified scanning activity from suspicious IP addresses against 21 states. In Alabama, DHS and MS-ISAC observed suspicious traffic from IP addresses on Alabama state networks, but those IP addresses were thwarted from conducting any successful breach…This information shows Alabama’s system protections and preparations were successful in thwarting attempted hackers from breaching state networks and voting systems during the attacks.”

Other states included in the DHS report are California, Colorado, Florida, and Minnesota. DHS has not released a full list of the states that were affected. However, the intelligence community does not believe that any of these state’s vote totals were altered in any way to impact the outcome of the election.

Intelligence officials do believe that Russian hackers attacked the Democratic National Committee and other political officials in an attempt to influence the election. Documents obtained from these targets may have been leaked to the public to sway voter opinion of several candidates.

While state officials and lawmakers are relieved that the systems put in place to protect our election systems did just that, some question why it took DHS so long to notify the various states. Lawmakers acknowledge that we need to remain aware of the evolving threats to our national security and take appropriate action to thwart any cyberattack in the future.

“While it is encouraging that our efforts to protect Alabamians’ data have proven to be successful, we must remain vigilant and prepared for the constantly evolving threats to our voting systems and the integrity of those processes. We will utilize every resource available to ensure we are protecting the data of all Alabamians,” said Secretary Merrill.