History of Department of Homeland Security

Coordinating Public Agencies

Prior to September 11, 2001, homeland security activities were split between 40 agencies and funded with approximately 2,000 separate appropriations accounts. The U.S. Commission on National Security / 21st Century met in February 2001. The commission recommended major changes in agencies and procedures. The establishment of a National Homeland Security Agency was included in these recommendations.

Homeland Security Agency Proposed

In March 2001, Representative Thornberry of Texas proposed a bill to create the National Homeland Security Agency and combine national security agencies. These agencies included FEMA, the Border Patrol and Customs.

Establishment of the Department

President George W. Bush issued Executive Order 13228 that established the Office of Homeland Security (OHS) and the Homeland Security Council (HSC) on October 8, 2001. OHS was created to coordinate efforts of local, federal and state authorities at stopping terrorism. HSC consisted of Cabinet members to advise the President on homeland security matters.

Secretary Tom Ridge

President Bush signed Public Law 107-296 on November 25, 2002 establishing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The department went into operation on January 24, 2003. Governor Tom Ridge of Pennsylvania served as the first Secretary.

Secretary Michael Chertoff

Michael Chertoff assumed responsibility as Secretary on February 15, 2005. Secretary Chertoff instigated reorganization based on input from action teams within the department, and public and private partners in national security.

In 2006, as part of the Post-Katrina Reform Act, direction of FEMA was delegated to DHS and FEMA was reorganized.

In January 2008, a new office was established in DHS for cyber security.

Strategic Plan 2008-2013

A Strategic Plan for 2008-2013 was developed under the leadership of Secretary Chertoff. The creators of the plan recognized the costs of constant protection for every citizen from every possible threat. The costs would affect the economy, personal freedom and the citizens' way of life. The plan indicates the need for responsibility for security to be shared by Congress, federal agencies, local and state agencies, the American people, the private sector and international partners.

Secretary Napolitano

Under the administration of President Barak Obama, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano was appointed the third secretary of DHS. Secretary Napolitano has emphasized partnerships between local, state and federal authorities with a goal of detecting threats quickly. Another of the Secretary's missions has been dealing with criminal immigrants.

The White House

President Obama released the National Security Strategy on May 10, 2010. The plan calls for close cooperation of the federal government with the private sector, local governments and state governments for prevention, mitigation and response to threats to the homeland. The plan calls for investment in response and recovery capabilities.

References

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security: A Brief Documentary History of the Department of Homeland Security: 2001-2008
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security: One Team, One Mission, Securing Our Homeland
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security: About Secretary Janet Napolitano
• The White House: Homeland Security

Resources

• USA.gov: Department of Homeland Security