Sen. Wyden blocks DHS appointee in beef over NET Guard program

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said he will block a President Bush-appointee to the Department of Homeland Security until the administration implements a 2002 law to create teams of high-tech volunteers that would help communities repair communications networks compromised by attacks or natural disasters.
“More than 30 months ago, prior to his confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff told me in my office that if confirmed he would move expeditiously to implement the National Emergency Technology Guard-NET Guard-program. Unfortunately, Secretary Chertoff has failed to honor this pledge,” said Wyden, who co-sponsored the legislation along with former Sen. George Allen (R-Va.).
The program was prompted by feedback from communications and technology firms that told Wyden they wanted to help New York City following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists strikes, but could not because there no system in place. NET Guard was authorized within the Homeland Security Act of 2002.
“DHS has utterly failed to make any visible progress in implementing this critical program. DHS’s failure to act in this critical area is inexcusable,” said Wyden.
As such, the nomination of Dennis Schrader to the post of deputy administrator for national preparedness at DHS is now on hold.
“It is unfortunate and unnecessary that the senator elected to pursue yet another hold on a senior department official,” said Russ Knocke, a DHS spokesman. Knocke said the DHS has been working with Wyden’s staff on efforts to get NET Guard off the ground and has made “some important progress.”
Wyden earlier this year put a hold on Bush-nominee Julie Myers for another top DHS position, but the Senate ultimately confirmed her.