Home President Bush Welcomes Agencies to Homeland Security Department ARLINGTON, Va., February 28, 2003 - Saying that America is really grateful to the people who work day and night to protect the Nation, President Bush welcomed more than 20 Federal agencies to the Department of Homeland Security during ceremonies conducted at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center here on February 28. “[March 1] marks a historic day for our Government and for our country,” explained the President. “Around 170,000 people from more than 20 federal agencies will officially join the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS), creating a more effective, organized, and united defense of our homeland. Every member of this new department accepts an essential mission to prevent another terrorist attack. Yours is a vital and important step in reorganizing our Government to meet the threats of a new era as we continue the work of securing this country.” The President said the agencies joining the department – including the nearly 100 members of the National Communications System -- retain their longstanding responsibilities. “Each agency, with its own proud and honored tradition, will also gain a new mandate and must adopt a new mind set,” said President Bush. “We created this Cabinet department in a time of war. And every professional in the department of Homeland Security plays a valuable role in winning the first war of the 21st century.” Acknowledging that there is no such thing as “perfect security,” the President told the audience of nearly 400 Federal workers that he is determined to do everything in his power to defeat this enemy and to defend our people against the hidden network of cold-blooded killers. “The world changed on September the 11th, 2001,” said President Bush. “We learned that a threat that gathers on the other side of the earth can strike our own cities and kill our own citizens. It's an important lesson; one we must never forget. Oceans no longer protect America from the dangers of this world. We're protected by daily vigilance at home. And we will be protected by resolute and decisive action against threats abroad.” The President detailed the tasks the new department will handle in protecting the homeland. The department is charged with analyzing the vulnerabilities of the Nation's critical infrastructure, from dams to banks to seaports, and will move quickly to take protective action. In meeting this responsibility, the President said DHS would partner with the new Terrorism Threat Integration Center that will integrate and analyze all threat information collected domestically and abroad in a single location. When fully operational, the President said the center will fully house a database of known and suspected terrorists that officials across this country will be able to access and to act upon. The President is also tasking DHS with strengthening the country’s defenses against cyber-terrorism and the even greater dangers of biological, chemical or nuclear weapons. To tackle this tasking, the President nominated Dr. Charles McQuerry to establish a science and technology directorate within the department to develop and deploy the technologies for detecting weapons of mass destruction. “As these technologies are deployed, border inspectors will have better tools to intercept dangerous materials before they enter our country,” said President Bush. “Emergency services personnel will be able to identify biological or chemical weapons and agents so they can use the most effective decontamination methods available.” Saying that America’s enemies can strike anywhere in the country, the President said DHS would also promote cooperation between Washington and state and local governments. “Through the Homeland Security Advisory System, we have created a unified process for alerting Government officials and the public of current threats,” said the President. “We're also providing more information about suspected terrorists to state and local law enforcement agencies. And with this new department, state and local officials will now have a single point of contact to help them address the needs of the local area.” Another concern is safeguarding border and transportation systems. Acknowledging that September 11th taught the Nation that terrorists will try to use the country’s openness, the President said the department is working to understand and correct vulnerabilities, and to know who's coming in and who's going out of the country. To strengthen that effort, the President said the Transportation Security Administration is assigning thousands of air marshals to commercial flights and deploying more than 50,000 newly trained airport screeners. “TSA is also screening all checked luggage at our airports -- up from 5 percent before September the 11th, 2001,” he said. Four different organizations that patrol and enforce laws at the borders will be integrated into a new Bureau of Customs and Border Protection. “This bureau will unify border inspection and enforcement functions,” said the President, “so that legitimate visitors and goods can enter the United States, while giving us better tools to help deny entry to terrorists, drug traffickers and dangerous materials.” Over the past 18 months, the President said the Nation has significantly enhanced the national stockpile of critical drugs, vaccines and other medical supplies. He said supplies from this stockpile can be delivered wherever they are needed, anywhere in this country, within 12 hours. He also said the country has provided more than $900 million in support to help state and local responders and emergency managers prepare for terrorist attacks. President Bush concluded that the Nation has great
challenges in securing the homeland, has that is has even greater advantages.
“We've got people like you all who serve with skill and, frankly,
don't get enough credit for the work you do,” he said. “We've
got brave and honorable men and women serving in our military, including
the Coast Guard, ready to accomplish any mission they are given. And
they will do so with courage and skill and honor. Above all, we have
the courage and character of the American people who are resolved to
prevent further attacks on our homeland.”
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