Letter to The Honorable Gene L. Dodaro, Acting Comptroller General of the United States, U.S. Government Accountability Office

Letter

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July 10, 2008

The Honorable Gene L. Dodaro
Acting Comptroller General of the United States
U.S. Government Accountability Office
441 G Street N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20548

Dear Comptroller General Dodaro:

We write to request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) undertake a study of actions taken by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to coordinate an effective federal effort to address northern border security issues in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The United States' northern border's length and varying terrain create a unique security situation. The challenges of securing that border are vast and complex, and involve the ongoing work and coordination of multiple components within DHS as well as other federal agencies. In addition, coordination with Canadian authorities has provided intelligence and law enforcement operational assistance to target smuggling of dangerous items and people. Coordination efforts within and across federal agencies are needed to help mitigate security issues along the northern border, including those addressed by personnel, technology, infrastructure, and air and marine assets. DHS reports continued efforts to integrate its northern border security operations as well as efforts to establish critical partnerships with other federal agencies and Canadian law enforcement and border security agencies to address northern border security issues. However, the status and outcomes of these integration and coordination efforts are unclear.

In light of this, we request that GAO conduct a review of DHS' policies and practices to coordinate an effective federal effort to address northern border security issues and address the following questions:

1. What action has DHS taken to integrate its northern border security operations among its component agencies, and what have been the benefits of these actions?

2. How has DHS coordinated with other federal agencies and Canadian law enforcement and border security officials to address northern border security issues, and how has coordination provided benefits?

3. What are the factors that facilitate or hinder federal agency coordination?

We look forward to working with your office on the timing, scope, sequencing, and reporting of this requested study.