Homeland Security

What legislation required DHS to undertake the QHSR?

To increase the surveillance, protection and detection of terrorist attacks in the United States and around the world President Bush proposed an act, "Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism". This became controversial because of the many legislative changes being influenced. The act was signed after modest musing which is now known as the Patriot Act of 2001. However the increased power of law enforcement agencies did not mean a comprehensive approach to an all hazards philosophy. The DHS was given an empirical analysis of the organizations and concepts which fell under the DHS's responsibilities. DHS would not have reorganized if it had not been for the wake of criticism left by its response capabilities to Hurricane Katrina. Not only did the public censure the preparedness and ability of DHS Congress followed its criticism passing the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act. This Act gave way to the first ever QHSR resulting in a new foundation, security, resilience, customs and exchange, for DHS to continue its mission.

Discuss the role of the federal agencies other than DHS in the HSE?

There are many other federal agencies which do not fall under the DHS. From the Department of Defense to the Environment Protection Agency which is responsible for the environment and human health. The Department of Education's secretary distributes grants as well as technical assistance supporting the planning and response to emergencies for schools. The DOD has a number of responsibilities ranging across the United States and abroad. The DOD secures the freedom of movement by sea, air, space ever cyberspace. When states capabilities are beleaguered from emergencies or a traumatic event aid is deployed by either the Secretary of Defense or the President. Safety and defense is not only implemented by law enforcement but also how the nation's food is cultivated collected and distributed. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also coordinates its efforts with the Food and Drug Administration ensuring agriculture policies are implemented. Many federal agencies operate under separate policies and creeds however the nation's fruitfulness is the underlining goal of them all.

Discuss the role of state and local governments in the HSE?

Certain grant programs allocate Federal homeland security grants to State and local governments fortifying the prevention and awareness to that regions potential ability. State officials implement mitigation planning referring to security threats, hazards and challenges. Responding to a disaster State officials orchestrate state resources appropriately. State officials take responsibility assembling additional resources from surrounding States which can be utilized. Many times State government officials execute a utilitarian response to enhance regional efforts before, during and after responding to a disaster. State officials are an important tool to respond and recover from incidents however local government officials are the forefront of authority. Their leadership governs local law enforcement, emergency medical services, fire and more to a large scope of hazards and emergencies. Similar to the way State officials manage the requirement of additional resources local leaders accumulate from adjacent jurisdictions including NGO's and the private sector. The ability for multiple local jurisdictions to bring their assets together has provided invaluable responding to fires, mass medical emergencies and environmental disasters. The Louisiana government requested resources for the after effects of Hurricane Katrina from Minnesota. Minnesota sent multiple National Guard units in response to the request enhancing response abilities to the disaster. State and local governments are cooperating together seemingly living up to Janet Napolitano's description of HSE, "The Federal, State, local... and private sector entities, as well as individual families and communities who share a common national interest in the safety and security on America and the American population".

What role doe the U.S. Constitution define for federal, state and local governments in the area of emergencies and public safety?

President Bush stated "my Administration has talked to literally thousands of people-governors and mayors, state legislators and Members of Congress, concerned citizens and foreign leaders, professors and soldiers, firefighters and police officers, doctors and scientists, airline pilots and farmers, business leaders and civic activists, journalists and veterans, and the victims and their families. We have listened carefully. This is a national strategy, not a federal strategy." Many years later national security was dubbed ever citizens responsibility to help the HSE. The federal government is accountable for the distribution of authority and assigning duties for domestic preparedness and response. Federal government as well as State, local, territorial and tribal governments have the role creating continuity plans and capabilities. Resources created and identified may be intergraded during an emergency. The federal government has created a kind of checklist to ensure quantize and or qualitive improvements have been established by state and local governments. The goal is to advance interoperability and prevent duplications and conflicting lines of authority. All levels of government have the role determining the needs of the public and ensuring critical functions as police, fire, emergency medical care, public schools, continue on a daily basis. The role of citizens are understands their position within their respective community and organization. Each individual must direct their energy being committed to local strategies and performing duties in a continuity environment. Individuals must prepare for emergency situations ensuring their families are taken care of. William Banks described the emphasis for joint actions and efforts as "the traditional government and civic responsibilities of civil defense, emergency response, law Enforcement, customs, border control and immigration." Some individuals have considered that an aggressive emergency response may intrude civil liberties. However many improvements have been emplaced in all levels of government the roles of individuals have created a system which works from the bottom up.

What were the first indications that terrorism might be something that the U.S. government had to deal with?

The given text states "before terrorism became an emerging threat in the 1990s". This is referring to the World Trade Center