The Homeland Security Act Of 2002 - 1562 Words

The Homeland security act of 2002, was a major reconstruction of civil services in the United States of America, which had not happened since the passing of the Civil Service Reform act of 1978 (Brook King, 2007). Over the period of 24 years, minor modifications of civil service reform were established. The events that took place during the September 11 terrorist attacks would once more restructure the United States civil services. George H W Bush proclaimed in his state of the union address, on January 29, 2002, â€Å"Our first priority must always be the security of our nation† (American Rhetoric Online Speech Bank, 2002, para. 28). In addition, Bush stated later in his speech, â€Å"America is no longer protected by vast oceans. We are†¦show more content†¦The Acts effective date was set 60 days after the date of enactment, which established the DHS in early 2003 (H.R. Res. 5005, 2002). The newly established Department primary mission is to prevent terrori st attacks, reduce the vulnerability of the United States, and minimize damages caused by terrorist attacks (H.R. Res. 5005, 2002). Accomplishment of the mission was through coalescing 22 federal agencies together, under the management of one department. An established chain of command leaves the Secretary of the DHS, overall in charge of the whole department. The secretary of the DHS, Appointed by the President, is the head of the department. The president appoints the secretary with the consent of the senate (H.R. Res. 5005, 2002). After the appointment of the secretary, the secretary takes complete control of the department. The secretary delegates the functions of the department established by the act. In addition, can enter into agreements with other executive agencies and ensure the systems and databases are compatible with the other entities of the department (H.R. Res. 5005, 2002). The secretary also has the authority to make contracts, grants, and cooperation agreements between other federal and non-federal agencies to combat terrorism (H.R. Res. 5005, 2002). The secretary has the responsibility to access, and advocate, the resources need by state and local governments that is to implement the