Overview

This lesson will discuss in detail the transition from the White House Office of Homeland Security to the establishment of the federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS). You will read the account from Governor Ridge reflecting upon his early days at the White House and the numerous issues that confronted him and the nation after the 9/11 attacks. We will review and discuss his involvement in the yearlong congressional debate and the controversial issues surrounding that debate that led to the creation of the new department. You will hear the personal recollections of how the department was created by Admiral James Loy, former Deputy Secretary of DHS from 2003-2006.

We will also discuss the issuance of Homeland Security Presidential Directives, commonly referred to as HSPDs. The directives were specifically designed to record and communicate presidential decisions concerning the homeland security policies of the United States.

Finally, the lesson will provide an in-depth review and analysis of the DHS organization: its roles, responsibilities, and critical mission areas. You will better understand how 22 separate federal entities were created/merged into what became the Department of Homeland Security.

Lesson Objectives

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to do the following:

• Better understand the components of DHS: their various functions and missions.
• Discuss the role of Homeland Security Presidential Directives and several other legislative mandates.

Lesson Readings & Activities

By the end of this lesson, make sure you have completed the readings and activities found in the Course Schedule.