Thursday, March 1, 2018

President Trump issues vetting memorandum to improve U.S. security

In a non-fanfare way, #President Trump issued a memorandum, on Feb. 6th, directing the establishment of a National Vetting Center. It's goal will be to improve the way the United States Government coordinate and use intelligence and other information to identify individuals who present a threat to national security, homeland and border security, or would pose a threat to public safety. The National Vetting Center will be accountable to the oversight and guidance of a National Vetting Governance Board, and will follow the policies and procedures in agreement with the Constitution; Executive Order 12333 of December 4, 1981, and other applicable laws. 
 
Raising the bar
The Secretary of Homeland Security was put in charge of designating the director of the Center, who will manage the day-to-day operations. The Secretary of State and the Attorney General will appoint a senior official from each of their agencies to serve as deputy directors. The Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency are to work together and provide input on issues and solutions on how to best ensure and protect the United States from terrorist attacks and other public safety threats. 

Making sure the mission is right
Together the above agencies shall establish a Board, consisting of six senior executives. The Board is to provide guidance for the national #vetting enterprise and support activities of the Center in their efforts to achieve the mission of ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of the United States. The agencies have 180 days to carry out President Trump's memorandum and must submit a joint detail report to the President every 180 days of efforts achieved and/or implemented under the Presidents approval. Agencies participating in the Center are to use their own funds, with no inter-agency financing allowed.

Support of stronger vetting
Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen, praised President Trump's action to improve the vetting and screening of those that want to enter our country. Secretary Nielsen stated, The National Vetting Center will support DHS and the U.S. intelligence agencies with their need of real-time information and will play a critical role by providing a central place for them to stay on top of Intel and law enforcement data. The President's commitment to put in place tougher vetting and screening measures, an improved coordination of departments and a greater use of known intelligence means earlier detection of threats.

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