Senators to weigh suggested merger of homeland security agencies
Chair of key committee says DHS must make 'significant changes.'
Two key senators said Thursday they are evaluating a recommendation to merge two of the Homeland Security Department's law enforcement agencies.
The department's inspector general has completed a report recommending that the bureaus of Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement be merged. Government Executive reported on the IG's investigation and recommendation in September.
Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., said in a joint statement that the report reveals problems at both agencies.
The two senators, who lead the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, requested the IG investigation. They have both expressed concern about the bureaus' ability to carry out their missions.
DHS could not be immediately reached for comment Thursday.
Collins said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff should be given more time to make structural changes at the agencies. Collins added, however, that the committee will consider legislation next year to merge the agencies if "significant changes are not made in a reasonable amount of time."