The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
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.