Homeland Security replaces head of troubled border program

[The Straight Story]

Homeland Security replaces head of troubled border program
By Chris Strohm CongressDaily September 23, 2008

After coming under heavy congressional fire for technical problems and cost overruns surrounding efforts to build virtual fencing along the nation's borders, the Homeland Security Department has replaced the official in charge of the multibillion-dollar program, CongressDaily has learned.

Sources on and off the Hill said they hope the removal of Gregory Giddens as chief of the Secure Border Initiative will breathe new life into the troubled program.

The most problem-plagued program that Giddens managed was SBInet, which is focused on using both technology and traditional fencing to secure the nation's borders.

For congressional aides, the likelihood Giddens would be removed became clearer when the department stopped sending him to Capitol Hill to testify about SBInet and instead sent top Customs and Border Protection officials.

"Given the problems with the program and the spotlight on it I don't think you'll find a lot of people surprised about them pulling Greg," a congressional aide said. "The program has suffered public blows and they want a fresh start, particularly as they transition it to the next president."

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