Job Vacancies At DHS Said To Hurt U.S. Preparedness

[Torn_Scorned_Ignored]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/08/AR2007070801201.html

By Spencer S. Hsu
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, July 9, 2007; Page A01

The Bush administration has failed to fill roughly a quarter of the top leadership posts at the Department of Homeland Security, creating a "gaping hole" in the nation's preparedness for a terrorist attack or other threat, according to a congressional report to be released today.

As of May 1, Homeland Security had 138 vacancies among its top 575 positions, with the greatest voids reported in its policy, legal and intelligence sections, as well as in immigration agencies, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Coast Guard. The vacant slots include presidential, senior executive and other high-level appointments, according to the report by the majority staff of the House Homeland Security Committee.

"One of the continuing problems appears to be the over politicization of the top rank of Department management," concludes the report by the committee, chaired by Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.). "This could lead to heightened vulnerability to terrorist attack."

Of the 138 vacant positions, the DHS provided no explanation for 70, according to the House report. Seven others had tentative or pending appointees and 60 were under recruitment.

[napi21]

1. That same problem is in almost every Dept. NOBODY wants to work for

this admin anymore!

[Rick Myers]

2. Have no fear. We have the Cryptkeeper's GUT to keep us safe!

:grr: