IG: CIO needs stronger role

The Homeland Security Department's Inspector General said a stronger role is needed for the department's CIO.

The inspector general's August report said the CIO, currently Steve Cooper, lacks the resources and clout to strategically manage DHS systems. The report said the department would benefit by repositioning the CIO to report to DHS' deputy secretary and giving him control over IT investment decisions

The department's authorization bill could change the CIO's authority. The bill is on hold because Congress is in recess until Sept. 7, and because President Bush asked for changes to respond to recommendations by the 9/11 Commission.