The directorate participated in less than 10 such exercises last year and even fewer so far this year, according to internal Homeland Security documents. The Department of Homeland Security did not send a protective detail to the NCAA Final Four in Minnesota this year. Homeland Security also has halted work to update a formal “strategic, integrated” assessment of chemical, biological and nuclear-related risks. “You keep the country safe by empowering state and local first responders who are out and about 24/7, 365 [days a year],” said one former Homeland Security official. The unspent funds reflect indecision surrounding the shifted priorities and staff departures, current and former Homeland Security officials said.

Source: Los Angeles Times July 18, 2019 12:08 UTC