
The Department of Homeland Security has paused a next-generation biological threat detection program pending a capabilities assessment, says the official that oversees the department’s efforts to counter weapons of mass destruction. The hold on the Biodefense in the 21st Century (BD21) effort was directed in June by the DHS under secretary for management, Gary Rasicot, acting assistant secretary of the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Office told a Senate panel in mid-July. He said the program’s milestones are on…