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Federal Protective Service and Federal Facility Security To Be Focus of Hearing

Washington, DC, May 19, 2014 | Justin Harclerode (202) 225-9446
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The Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee, chaired by U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta (R-PA), will hold a hearing this week on the Federal Protective Service and improving the security of Federal facilities.

Federal buildings and facilities have long been targets for terrorism and individuals wanting to do harm.  Threats include a range of potential actions, including explosives, active shooters, and aviation attacks.  While a number of past incidents at federal facilities have not been at those for which FPS is responsible for securing, they are clear indicators that federal facilities and buildings are proven targets and demonstrate the need to ensure there is appropriate security at federal buildings and facilities to protect employees and visitors. 

The purpose of this hearing is to not only identify the current challenges faced by the FPS and federal agencies in securing federal facilities and buildings, but to examine possible solutions and the potential implications, costs, and impacts they may have on security at federal facilities. 

The hearing, entitled “Examining the Federal Protective Service: Are Federal Facilities Secure?” is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 in 2167 Rayburn House Office Building.

Witness list:

  • Mr. Mark L. Goldstein, Director, Physical Infrastructure, U.S. Government Accountability Office
  • Mr. L. Eric Patterson, Director, Federal Protective Service, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • Mr. David L. Wright, President, AFGE Local 918
  • Mr. Stephen Amitay, Esq., Executive Director and General Counsel, National Association of Security Companies 

    • More information about the hearing, including testimony, additional background information, and link to live webcast, will be posted here as it becomes available. 

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