The Establishment of the Homeland Security Program

Janet Napolitano is the U.S. secretary of Homeland Security, as of March 2010.

The Homeland Security program is the organization created to reduce the vulnerability of the United States to terrorist attacks and to investigate potential threats. It has been acting as a single body since 2001. Before that, its role was spread among 40 different departments with different jurisdictions.

Before the Sept. 11 Attacks

The government acknowledged that more precision was necessary in the fight against terror.

Prior to Sept. 11, Homeland Security activities were disorganized. The funding of those activities was spread among 2,000 congressional appropriations accounts. This was characterized by critics as an outdated approach -- even before the attacks of Sept. 11, the U.S. government was considering reforms so the nation could respond to threats more efficiently and accurately.

Steps Toward Establishment

New security measures were proposed to protect the U.S. homeland.

In March 2001, the Homeland Security program was under consideration. A report on the security services in the country revealed irregularities and deficiency of coordination among the 40 different agencies responsible for investigating domestic terrorism threats. Procedural, organizational and legislative changes were proposed in the creation of a new agency to meet the requirements of an improved safety program.

Establishment of the Homeland Security Program

The new Homeland Security Office is situated in the White House

Eleven days after the Sept. 11 attacks, President George W. Bush declared that he would establish a united and coordinated national security body within the White House. In October 2001, Bush signed executive orders creating the new Homeland Security office. Congress later passed the Homeland Security Act of 2002, establishing a new Cabinet-level agency. The material and organizational preparations, as well as the time needed to enact the new legislation, resulted in further delays. The Homeland Security Department was officially opened in 2003.

Main Objectives and Initiatives

After its establishment, the new organization issued a statement regarding its functions and main objectives. The statement outlined that the organization would counter any terrorism threats made against the people of the United States. Furthermore, it would monitor potential terrorism development and would closely investigate the threats from biological, radiological or other chemical weapons. Additionally, the Homeland Security Department would track suspicious activities and would require disclosure of any information relevant to terrorism activity to ensure the safety of the American people.

References

• "Brief Documentary History of the Department of Homeland Security"; Homeland Security History Office; 2008
• Department of Homeland Security: FY 2007 Homeland Security Grant Program