Department of Homeland Security Refines Priorities in Order to Clarify Future Issues of Security

Last week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a detailed testimony -- submitted by Secretary Chertoff -- regarding the past and future state of the department. Chertoff noted significant changes occurring in the department's overall direction. While once considered in a state of "transition," the department now enjoys a more focused perspective of branch objectives, security control procedures and overall mission. Chertoff asserted, "Six years after September 11, 2001, we are moving beyond operating as an organization in transition to a department diligently working to protect our borders and critical infrastructure, prevent dangerous people and goods from entering our country, and recover from natural disasters effectively."

Though still developing each year, Chertoff asserted that the agency had achieved many successes and, more significantly, raised the awareness and security of both the nation and the average American. In order to bring this objective to reality, the department had to design the entire layout of an effective infrastructure, including corporate management, information sharing, cultural preparedness, security control policies and procedures, and more. In his testimony, Chertoff spoke of the department's growth over time: "The department has made tremendous progress in achieving effective control of the border, screening passengers, protecting critical infrastructure, responding to emergencies, and enforcing our immigration laws."

As Chertoff looked ahead to the many challenges still left to face, he made an appeal to hard-working and dedicated homeland security professionals at all levels. The department, seeking an increased budget for the 2008 fiscal year, recognized the part every individual plays in fortifying the nation's security, saying, "[We] need to be disciplined in our use of resources as we build a department ready to meet future challenges seamlessly with state and local leadership, first responders, the private sector, our international partners, and most certainly, the public."

Chertoff's report comes just months after President Bush made his own statement about the department's evolution in structure and purpose over time. Both parties believe the burgeoning agency has made considerable progress since its launch.  President Bush noted, "Since September 11, 2001, our concept of securing the homeland has evolved, adapting to new realities and threats."

President Bush outlined a National Strategy for Homeland Security, which highlighted key elements to strengthening the country's level of security.  As mentioned many times before, President Bush emphasized the need for cultural preparedness. In his statement, he stressed how the nation's security was dependent on the entire nation's wakefulness in both times of ease and need, saying: "Our entire Nation shares common responsibilities in homeland security.  In order to help prepare the Nation to carry out these responsibilities, we will continue to foster a Culture of Preparedness that permeates all levels of society -- from individual citizens, businesses, and non-profit organizations to Federal, State, local, and Tribal government officials and authorities."

As part of this ongoing effort to bolster national security, the Department of Homeland Security has established five fundamental goals to securing America. These goals include: 1. Protect our nation from dangerous people, 2. Protect our nation from dangerous goods, 3. Protect Critical Infrastructure, 4. Build a nimble, effective emergency response system and a culture of preparedness, and 5. Strengthen and Unify DHS Operations and Management.  The DHS announced these key objectives in 2007 and, in this recent report, renewed its commitment to fulfilling them.

After opening remarks, Chertoff's testimony shifted toward a focus on the department's request for increased budgetary funds for the upcoming 2009 year. The new budget request, submitted by President Bush, reached an approximate 50.5 billion dollars.  This figure represents a 7 percent increase from the 2008 fiscal year.

Sources:

Department of Homeland Security. (2008). Testimony of Secretary Chertoff, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security, "FY 2009 Budget Request." Retrieved February 19, 2008, fromhttp://www.dhs.gov/xnews/testimony/testimony_1203008767192.shtm

The White House. (2008). Protecting the homeland. Retrieved February 20, 2008, from http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/homeland/