How to Improve Oversight of Homeland Security

A letter to the editor of the New York Times

This letter originally appeared here: https://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/14/opinion/how-to-improve-oversight-of-homeland-security.html

To the Editor:

Former Gov. Thomas H. Kean and former Representative Lee H. Hamilton make a compelling case for reform of the current structure of Congressional oversight of the Department of Homeland Security (“Homeland Confusion,” Op-Ed, Sept. 11). As they and others have correctly noted, the current system in which scores of Congressional committees and subcommittees claim oversight does little or nothing to advance the department’s important mission, promote accountability to the American people or ensure effective and efficient use of taxpayer resources.

To the contrary, we have witnessed firsthand the harm that the multiplicity of even well-intentioned oversight can cause. Inconsistent mandates and guidance, not to mention the time required for leaders to interact with committees, divert valuable attention and resources from the department’s core mission of protecting the American people.

Consolidation of the department’s oversight under one Senate and one House committee — as exists for the Justice and Defense Departments — would reduce duplication and inefficiencies, while strengthening Congress’s ability to perform its oversight function by promoting a deeper understanding of homeland security programs among Congressional members and staff.

It might also result in passage of a Department of Homeland Security authorization bill — something that Congress has been unable to do since the department was created in 2003 — and provide the department with the valuable policy guidance and direction that comes with such a law.

Bottom line: The mission of the Department of Homeland Security is too important to allow Congressional turf wars to interfere with it.

GUS P. COLDEBELLA
IVAN K. FONG
Washington, Sept. 11, 2013

The writers were acting general counsel and general counsel, respectively, for the Department of Homeland Security under Presidents Bush and Obama.