Homeland Defense -
Which Government Agencies are Responsible?

After the September 11 tragedies, many federal government agencies are tasked with aggressively reasserting their role in upholding homeland defense. The complete agency list remains classified; however, the following is a list of some of those agencies and their homeland defense responsibilities. Links to further agency information regarding homeland security are also included.

Department of Homeland Security
The National Strategy for Homeland Security and the Homeland Security Act of 2002 served to mobilize and organize our nation to secure the homeland from terrorist attacks. This exceedingly complex mission requires a focused effort from our entire society if we are to be successful. To this end, one primary reason for the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security was to provide the unifying core for the vast national network of organizations and institutions involved in efforts to secure our nation. In order to better do this and to provide guidance to the 180,000 DHS men and women who work every day on this important task, the Department developed its own high-level strategic plan. The vision and mission statements, strategic goals and objectives provide the framework guiding the actions that make up the daily operations of the department.
Department of Homeland Security
The White House: Homeland Security

Department of Defense
The Department of Defense is responsible for planning, coordinating and executing all military activities that are intended to eliminate the terrorist network and to find Osama bin Laden, the known leader of the Al-Qaeda terrorist network.
DefenseLINK: U.S. Department of Defense

Department of Justice
Agencies within the Department of Justice maintain homeland defense by directly responding to the attacking faction and attempting to dismantle the strength of that faction. For example, in response to September 11, the Drug Enforcement Agency has struck the Afghan opium trade in an effort to cease cash flow into those markets swiftly and effectively. Other bureaus within the Department of Justice include the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the U.S. Marshals Service.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
FBI's Most Wanted Terrorists: Usama Bin Laden
United States Marshals Service: General Overview
United States Marshals Service: Special Operations and Programs

Intelligence Community
Government organizations including the National Security Agency and the Central Intelligence Agency are tasked with managing foreign intelligence. NSA seizes and decodes foreign communications, and the CIA arranges spy infiltration of foreign governments and organizations. The tasks of both of these agencies are of the most classified nature.
The United States Intelligence Community

Department of Energy
For hundreds of years, biological pathogens have been used on battlefields and by terrorists. For example, anthrax-containing packages and materials have been sent to media and political figures in the United States, possibly as part of an ongoing terrorist attack. Because of the potential for loss of life, the Department's many research laboratories focusing on the chemical and biological defense program are finding ways to stop this threat. Researchers in the program concentrate on the whole spectrum of chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons. They work with other national laboratories, universities, small businesses, and manufacturers to develop detection devices, train international border guards in stopping the smuggling of key weapons components, and create decontamination devices.
U.S. Department of Energy: Energy and National Security
Chemical and Biological Defense Programs

Federal Emergency Management Agency
As part of the tireless effort to support those who are effected most immediately by an emergency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, is responsible for providing resources to local rescue personnel and is tasked with maintaining the nation's emergency response system.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

Department of State
A highly strategic anti-terrorist directive requires smooth communications with foreign governments. The Department of State maintains this integral job. This agency, aptly headed by Secretary of State Colin Powell determines policy about how America should deal with terrorism.
U.S. Department of State: United Against Terrorism

Department of Treasury
The American people have heard about the freezing of Al-Qaeda bank balances. This is a calculated attempt to deprive the terrorist network of any and all assets. The Department of Treasury monitors and exacts this fiscal retaliation.
U.S. Department of Treasury: Frequently Asked Questions About the War on Terrorism

Department of Transportation
The DOT, particularly the Federal Aviation Administration, remains under intense scrutiny. With the September 11 terrorist attacks, the November 12th American Airlines crash of Flight 587, destination Dominican Republic, and subsequent "flight-scares", the American public demands ramped-up security. It is the responsibility of the Department of Transportation to protect and amend, if necessary, the infrastructure of the agency. Indeed, in response to the Transportation Security Act signed into legislature on November 19th, a brand new agency was born - the Transportation Security Administration.
National Transportation Library

Department of Health and Human Services
The Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for the well being of all Americans. To that end, this agency houses the bureau for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. This bureau identifies outbreaks of disease including the Anthrax detection following the September 11 attacks. Not only is the CDC responsible for discovery of such affronts to national security but also must provide tracking systems, treatment options and protection plans.
CDC: Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response

Nuclear Regulatory Commission
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission contributes to homeland defense by ensuring robust security of each site under its control. The perceived vulnerability of these government sites in the changed environment of post September 11 could produce intense fear among Americans. Therefore, continuous monitoring of these sites, maximized security and communication with the Intelligence Community are the baseline objectives for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in keeping Americans safe and their confidence high.
Nuclear Security in the Post-September 11 Environment

Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency has tremendous responsibility at the terrorist attack sites. They measure and monitor the chemicals emitted from the explosions and than confirm or deny safety of re-entry into the sites and surrounding areas.
EPA Response to September 11

Department of Agriculture
The heartiness and safety of the American food source contributes to the American way of life. The Department of Agriculture, or the USDA, is tasked with protecting that source. After the September 11 events, President Bush requested $45 million to strengthen biosecurity measures at USDA. USDA inspectors remain on heightened alert at ports of entry and in food processing plants. Security has been stepped up at appropriate USDA facilities in order to ensure the protection of America's food supply and agriculture against pests and disease of any kind.
USDA: Keeping Food & Agriculture Safe