Effective January 12, 2009, travelers from all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries are now required to obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to traveling to the United States. This requirement applies to all eligible citizens or nationals traveling under the VWP.

Under Secretary Charles Allen's testimony before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on lessons from the Mumbai terrorist attacks on January 8, 2009.

General Douglas O'Dell, Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding called the groundbreaking at the C.J. Peete Housing Development to be rebuilt as a multi-income community a significant step in restoring housing in New Orleans. O'Dell commended the local government, the Housing Authority of New Orleans, U.S. Secretary Housing and Urban Development, Steve Preston, and the New Orleans Neighborhood Collaborative for their commitment to work together for the good of the people on this project.