Decision on homeland security centers draws interest on Hill
Members of Congress have not failed to see the opportunities inherent for their districts in the mandate the Homeland Security Department has to create “centers of excellence” for security. The mandate in the law that created the department last year states that there must be at least one such center, but Charles McQueary, Homeland Security undersecretary for science and technology, told a House subcommittee on Wednesday that he is “sure it will be more than one.” Several members asked about the process for selecting universities and touted the universities in their districts. McQueary said the decision had not been made yet. He said he is consulting with the National Science Foundation and with key university and science associations for their recommendations. He assured one member seeking consideration for historically minority universities that “consideration will be given to all schools.” Full Story