The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
QUEST FOR SECURITY
Eleven days after the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on America, President George W. Bush established the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The agency was created to streamline governmental entities in the fight against terrorism in all its forms.
CREATING DHS
The attack resulted in one of the largest government reorganizations in U.S. history. Here’s a look at how the government reacted to the attack and created the Department of Homeland Security.
SEPT. 11
• America attacked
• Department of Defense begins combat air patrols over U.S. cities.
• Department of Transportation grounds all U.S. private aircraft.
• FEMA activates Federal Response Plan.
• U.S. Customs goes to Level 1 alert at all border ports of entry.
• Health and Human Services activates the first National Disaster Medical System.
• Nuclear Regulatory Commission elevates all nuclear power plants to the highest level of security.
• FEMA deploys National Urban Search and Rescue Response team.
• FEMA deploys U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assist debris removal.
SEPT. 12
• Federal Aviation Administration allows limited reopening of the nation’s commercial airspace.
SEPT. 13
• Departments of Justice and Treasury deploy marshals, border patrol and customs officials to provide a larger police presence at reopening airports.
SEPT. 14
• President proclaims a national emergency.
• President orders ready reserves of armed forces to active duty.
• FBI releases list of 19 suspected terrorists.
SEPT. 17
• Attorney general directs the establishment of 94 antiterrorism task forces.
SEPT. 18
• President signs authorization for Use of Military Force bill.
• President authorizes additional disaster funding for New York.
SEPT. 20
• President addresses Congress, announces creation of the Office of Homeland Security and appointment of Gov. Tom Ridge as director.
LATER
• With the passage of the Homeland Security Act by Congress in November 2002, the Department of Homeland Security formally came into being as a Cabinet-level department to further coordinate and unify national homeland security efforts, opening its doors on March 1, 2003.