Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano, FBI Associate Deputy Director Kevin Perkins and National Counterterrorism Center Director Matthew Olsen update the Senate Homeland Security Committee on the current threats to the nation's homeland security and how agencies would respond to them, if need be.
The three witnesses are expected to testify about the progress made on various counterterrorism initiatives, including programs to stop terrorists like the 9/11 hijackers from acting in the United States. The hearing may also look at the organizations technological inadequacies, resource deficiencies and challenges to inter-agency coordination.
Last week, top officials at the DHS testified on the status of various homeland security programs before House committees. That hearing also focused on visa security after the Christmas Day bombing incident exposed gaps in Customs and Border Protection Agency's program for screening international passport visa applications.
The hearing will be led by Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Ranking Member Susan Collins (R-ME).