With the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and homeland security functions exempted from a three-year freeze on most federal spending beginning in fiscal year (FY) 2011, funding for homeland security purposes should remain strong and active.

President Barack Obama unveiled the freeze proposal in his State of the Union address last night. However, details of the freeze were revealed to the media by Rob Nabors, deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget, in a conference call with reporters on Tuesday, Jan. 26. In that press conference, Nabors stated that the freeze would not affect the departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Veterans Affairs or State.

The official details of the freeze won't be known until Monday when the full federal budget for FY 2011 is unveiled.

Nonetheless, Nabors was at pains to point out that the freeze will not be a flat, uniform, across-the-board measure. "While some programs will be down, other programs will be up," he stated. "And the way we've done those programs reflect the president's priorities and we believe the nation's priorities as well."

In the State of the Union speech, Obama announced that "Spending related to our national security, Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security will not be affected"--and homeland security is considered by this administration to be part of national security. Moreover, as Obama noted: "this freeze won't take effect until next year."

So, what does this mean for the homeland security community, both public and private?

• First, it's a recognition that homeland security is a core function of government, part of the "common defense" mentioned in the Preamble to the Constitution. It can't be weakened without weakening the very existence of the nation itself.
• Secondly, the administration will spend what it must to keep the homeland secure. That means that DHS is unlikely to face cuts in programs. While Secretary Janet Napolitano has made efforts to streamline operations and eliminate waste, chopping is unlikely.
• Third, the Christmas Day bombing attempt demonstrated that we continue to face an active threat environment. The earthquake in Haiti was a reminder that natural hazards can strike at any time. Preparedness, vigilance and response capability must remain vigorous, robust and fully funded and doing this falls squarely in the homeland security portfolio.

Shortcuts in homeland security funding could have catastrophic consequences. This president is fully aware of that, as demonstrated by the continuing fallout from the Christmas Day bombing attempt--and even the gatecrashing at the White House dinner. This is not an administration that is likely to open vulnerabilities by failing to support homeland security activities.

It is important to point out--as the president did--that the freeze will not take effect until FY 11. In the meantime, the rest of 2010 will be an active contracting year for DHS. (Detailed coverage of DHS contracting programs and opportunities will be appearing in the March issue of Homeland Security Today.)

The need for restraint in government spending is clear and the administration's efforts in this regard and in attempting to reinvigorate the overall economy are laudatory. Equally laudatory is the recognition of the key role played by homeland security and the need to keep it fully resourced and capable.