Premise:
"This is because the permitting activities might become the time-limiting steps."
Hypothesis: The permitting activities could become time-limiting steps.

yes

Premise:
"Moreover, there must be a system to identify homeland security funds across the wide range of existing budget accounts and program activities."
Hypothesis: The system in place doesn't do an adequate job of identifying the funds when it comes to the existing accounts.

it is not possible to tell

Premise:
"you know well in California too i've got a friend that lives out there and uh she's got a little two three bedroom house with a garage a double car garage and it's costing her a thousand dollars a month"
Hypothesis: The woman's friend lives in California and has a three bedroom house.
it is not possible to tell