U.S. Department of Homeland Security/July 2005 Revamp

In a July 13, 2005 press release, DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff announced a major revamp of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. [1]

Chertoff "announced a six-point agenda for the Department of Homeland Security designed to ensure that the Department’s policies, operations, and structures are aligned in the best way to address the potential threats – both present and future – that face our nation," to include:

• Increase overall preparedness, particularly for catastrophic events;
• Create better transportation security systems to move people and cargo more securely and efficiently;
• Strengthen border security and interior enforcement and reform immigration processes;
• Enhance information sharing with our partners;
• Improve DHS financial management, human resource development, procurement and information technology; and
• Realign the DHS organization to maximize mission performance.

Related Links

• Michelle Malkin, "Special Report: Shake-Up at DHS," Part I, May 11, 2005, and Part II, July 13, 2005.
• Press Release: "Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff Announces Six-Point Agenda for Department of Homeland Security," DHS, July 13, 2005.
• John Leyden, "Lawyer pegged for key role in Homeland Security revamp," The Register (UK), July 14, 2005.
• Jonathan Krim, "IT Experts Laud DHS Nominee. Position May Bolster U.S. Cyber-Security," Washington Post, July 15, 2005.
• W. David Stephenson, "DHS reorganization: welcomed cybersecurity emphasis. Will it work?" Stephenson Strategies, July 15, 2005.
• Katherine McIntire Peters, "DHS policy shop may reshape agency priorities," GovExec.com, July 20, 2005: Stewart A. Baker's "testimony in December 2003 before the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States', known as the 9/11 Commission, offers insight into the priorities he might bring to Homeland Security. ... In particular, he detailed how inadequate technology tools and undue privacy concerns prevented law enforcement and intelligence personnel in August 2001 from finding two known terrorists living openly in San Diego under their own names. The two, Khalid al-Mihdhar and Mawaf al-Hazmi, flew American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon on Sept. 11."