30 December 2008

[Federal Register: December 30, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 250)]
[Notices]               
[Page 79894-79895]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr30de08-98]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

[Docket No. DHS-2008-0200]

 
Homeland Security Advisory Council

AGENCY: The Office of Policy, DHS.

ACTION: Committee Management; Notice of Closed Federal Advisory 
Committee Meeting.

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SUMMARY: The Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) will meet on 
January 12, 2009 in Washington, DC. The meeting will be closed to the 
public.

DATE: The HSAC will meet on Monday, January 12, 2009 from 12:30 p.m. to 
2:30 p.m. EST.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at DHS Headquarters at the Nebraska 
Avenue Complex, Washington, DC, 20528. Requests to have written 
material distributed to each member of the committee prior to the 
meeting should reach the contact person at the address below by January 
6, 2009. Send written material to Homeland Security Advisory Council, 
245 Murray Lane, SW., Mailstop 0850, Washington DC, 20528. Comments 
must be identified by DHS-2008-0200 and may be submitted by one of the 
following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     E-mail: hsac@dhs.gov. Include the docket number in the 
subject line of the message.
     Fax: (202) 282-9207.
     Mail: Homeland Security Advisory Council, Department of 
Homeland Security, Mailstop 0850, 245 Murray Lane, SW., Washington, DC 
20528.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the words 
``Department of Homeland Security'' and the docket number for this 
action. Comments received will be posted without alteration at http://
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments received by the HSAC, go to http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Homeland Security Advisory Council, 
Washington, DC 20528, (202) 447-3135, HSAC@dhs.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice of this meeting is given under the 
Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. (Pub. L. 92-463). The 
HSAC provides independent advice to the Secretary of the Department of 
Homeland Security to aide in the creation and implementation of 
critical and actionable policies and capabilities across the spectrum 
of homeland security operations. The HSAC periodically reports, as 
requested, to the Secretary, on such matters. The HSAC serves as the 
Secretary's primary advisory body with the goal of providing strategic, 
timely and actionable advice.
    The HSAC will meet for the purpose of receiving briefings and 
updates from Secretary Chertoff on the current status of the DHS 
administration transition, a threat assessment and intelligence 
briefing focused on the transition period, and the upcoming National 
Special Security Event, the inauguration of President Elect Obama. The 
Secretary will also brief the members on successes, challenges and 
vulnerabilities affecting the Department's mission. The briefings will 
include information on sensitive homeland procedures and the 
capabilities of the Department of Homeland Security Components.
    Basis for Closure: In accordance with Section 10(d) of the Federal 
Advisory

[[Page 79895]]

Committee Act, it has been determined that this HSAC meeting concerns 
matters that ``disclose investigative techniques and procedures'' under 
25 U.S.C. 552b(c)(7)(E) and are ``likely to significantly frustrate 
implementation of a proposed agency action'' within the meaning of 5 
U.S.C. 552b(c)(9)(B) and that, accordingly, the meeting will be closed 
to the public.
    Discussion of ongoing investigations with Department of Homeland 
Security enforcement Components and outside law enforcement partners 
fall within the meaning of 5 U.S.C 552b(7)(E) insofar as they will 
``disclose investigative techniques and procedures.'' Additionally, 
release of information presented during the briefings and the nature of 
the discussion could lead to premature disclosure of information on 
Department of Homeland Security actions that would be ``likely to 
significantly frustrate implementation of a proposed agency action.''

    Dated: December 19, 2008.
Stewart Baker,
Assistant Secretary, Office of Policy.
[FR Doc. E8-30983 Filed 12-29-08; 8:45 am]

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