NCJ Number
190355
Journal
Homeland Security Dated: May 2001 Pages: 1-7
Date Published
May 2001
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article provides an assessment of the homeland defense activities of numerous commissions and think tank organizations in 2001.
Abstract
The term homeland defense was first used in the 1997 Report of the National Defense Panel, and is generally the preferred term in the civilian community. Congress has defined homeland security to be “the protection of the territory, critical infrastructures and citizens of the United States by Federal, State and local government entities from the threat of use of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, cyber, or conventional weapons by military or other means.” Technology is changing the international security equation and America is becoming more vulnerable to attack. As a result, numerous commissions and think tanks have developed a growing consensus on critical yet challenging issues. The Gilmore Commission issued a report highlighting increasing concern with agricultural terrorism. The Commission called for an integrated national strategy with clearly identified priorities; an appointment of a single Federal official to assume responsibility for responding to terrorism; a reorganization of Congressional committees to provide more efficiency in Federal efforts; more emphasis on planning, training, and research and development; and an improved system for information management. The Bremer Commission recommended efforts to improve coordination between law enforcement and intelligence communities, and a strategy for attacking the financial bases of terrorist organizations. The Hart-Rudman Commission called for making homeland security a number one priority, creating a new independent agency reflecting this goal, making homeland security a primary mission of the National Guard, and the establishment of a special body to deal with homeland security issues. Think tank organizations have concluded that there is a real threat of biological and cyber warfare, and the country is not prepared to deter, prevent, or respond to these threats. The requirements to improve preparation include a national strategy, national leadership, reorganization within the Federal executive branch and Congressional committees; and more training and exercises between Federal, State, and local governments. Two major pieces of legislation that have been introduced are H.R. 158 which implements the creation of the National Homeland Security Agency, and H.R. 1292, requiring the President to develop a strategy for homeland security. 22 endnotes