One Quarter of Top Jobs at DHS Unfilled

The House Committee on Homeland Security on Monday released a report that shed some light on the ramshackle condition of the Department of Homeland Security, that august agency charged with protecting America from ruthless terrorist killers. It seems that nearly 25 percent of the top positions at DHS -- jobs that might require critical decision making -- are unfilled. What's more, the people working at DHS are largely political appointees, meaning the department could be in for a rocky transition when the Bush administration leaves office.

From the report:

"The gaping hole in Department executive resources is a homeland security issue that must be addressed and rectified immediately....Nearly one quarter of senior officials that the Department requires to conduct its business and protect our communities are absent. Because of the Department of Homeland Security’s unique mission, this void directly impairs our homeland security and our readiness."

Read the full report here (.pdf). The Post has more here.