The Principal Political and Primary Accountability Areas for Program Officers
The following are the principal political and primary accountability areas for program officers as outlined in the FY2012. First, institutional frameworks for counterterrorism and national security are being established. The assignment requires program officials to invest in methods to prevent the illicit acquisition, distribution, or use of radiological, chemical, or biological weapons within America’s borders. As a result, the FY2012 budget strives to upgrade vital infrastructure and improve access to critical resources for promoting this course. Furthermore, program administrators are responsible for seeking and providing critical leadership guidance and training to secure the borders (Franco & Sell, 2011).
Second, the FY2012 require the program administrators to implement crucial immigration reforms to prevent illegal entry of criminals or authorized persons. Particular focus is on finding and deporting criminals in accordance with the immigration reforms. Another essential requirement is to collaborate and offer appropriate facilitation to the economic and national security (Reese, 2012). The main consideration is that the departments should collectively contribute towards sustaining the economy by maximizing customs revenue collection, safeguarding marine infrastructure and coordinating enforcement of intellectual property protection. These responsibilities require substantial spending on the discretionary and mandatory areas such as the application of advanced imaging technology, explosive detection equipment, and recruitment of field security directors among others.
Agencies That Influence Budgetary Decisions for the Current and Future Budgets over the Next 5 Years
The principal agencies that influence the budgetary decisions for the current and future budgets are the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Defense (DOD). These agencies initiate and implement key infrastructural activities like the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center to provide the 24-hour cybersecurity protection. Other important programs over the next five years include revamping the Coast Guard Housing and Child Care, formulating National Incident Response Plan for disasters as well as coordinating the National Cybersecurity and Communication Integration Center (Reese, 2012). These initiatives require multi-stakeholder collaboration and substantial monetary allocation implying that the agencies shall influence major decisions.
References
Franco, C., & Sell, T. K. (2011). Federal agency biodefense funding, FY2011-FY2012. Biosecurity and bioterrorism: biodefense strategy, practice, and science, 9(2), 117-137.
Reese, S. (2012, April). Defining Homeland Security: Analysis and Congressional Considerations. Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.
