Domestic Security

House Nears Vote on Homeland Security Blueprint
July 26, 2002 -- Congressmen Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), members of the House Select Committee on Homeland Security, discuss the House's homeland security debate.

July 26, 2002 -- Update: The House of Representatives moved closer to passing legislation creating a new Department of Homeland Security, the largest government reorganization in decades.

The vote comes despite continuing disagreements between Congress and President Bush over a labor rights issue within the new Cabinet-level department.

House Committee Considers Homeland Defense Plan
July 19, 2002 -- Update: A special House committee, led by House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas), nears a vote on a bill that adopts most of President Bush's ideas for a new Department of Homeland Security.

Democrats on the divided House Select Committee on Homeland Security complained that Army largely ignored their concerns about the largest government reorganization in 50 years.

July 19, 2002 -- RealAudio: Ray Suarez reports on the House committee's debate.

Former Senators Consider the President's Defense Proposal
July 17, 2002 -- As members of Congress consider President Bush's plan for a Department of Homeland Defense, Gary Hart and Warren Rudman, two former senators who have studied America's ability to combat terrorism, offer their assessments of the president's proposal.

Pres. Bush Details Homeland Security Plan
July 16, 2002 -- Sens. Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.) and Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.), And Reps. Deborah Pryce (R-Ohio) and Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) debate the president's homeland security proposal.

July 16, 2002 -- Update: President Bush unveils his long-awaited national homeland security strategy Tuesday with a Rose Garden speech and meetings with key members of Congress. | The full text of the president's speech.

U.S. Tightens Security Ahead of July Fourth
July 3, 2002 -- Update: U.S. homeland security officials and agents plan to monitor some 2000 July Fourth celebrations in one of the largest security efforts since the September 11th attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.

FBI Warns of Possible Attacks Using Fuel Tanker Trucks
June 21, 2002 -- Update: The Federal Bureau of Investigation warned local authorities to watch out for terrorists who could use fuel tanker trucks as weapons to attack Jewish neighborhoods, schools, and synagogues.

The advisory was sent out to all local police agencies and was based on uncorroborated reports from detained al-Qaida and Taliban fighters held at the U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay.

Still a Threat? Assessing the Capabilities of Al-Qaida
June 11, 2002 -- The arrest of a man accused of plotting a "dirty bomb" attack on the U.S. has raised questions about the state of al-Qaida, the terrorist organization led by Osama bin Laden.

Three terrorism and security experts discuss al-Qaida operations nine months after its deadly attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon outside Washington.

Chief of Staff Card on Domestic Security
June 7, 2002 -- White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card discusses the president's plan for a new homeland security Cabinet post.

Pres. Bush Calls for a Major U.S. Security Reorganization
June 5, 2002 -- Text | RealAudio: President Bush's address on Homeland Security.

June 5, 2002 -- Update: Citing a continued "titanic struggle against terror", President Bush calls on Congress to join him in creating a new Cabinet-level agency to spearhead U.S. Homeland security efforts.

Justice Department Unveils New Visa Regulations
June 5, 2002 -- RealAudio: The Justice Department announced a new registration system that will require thousands of Muslim and Middle Eastern visa holders to be fingerprinted, photographed and to provide contact information upon arrival in the U.S.

The National Security Entry-Exit Registration System "will expand substantially America's scrutiny of those foreign visitors who may pose a national security concern and enter our country," Attorney General John Ashcroft said.

FBI Releases Threat Against NYC; U.S. Issues Terrorism Report
May 21, 2002 -- Local officials discuss how to respond to recent warnings of future terrorist attacks.

May 21, 2002 -- Update: As the State Department released its latest survey of international terrorism, the FBI warned of possible terrorist plots against sites in New York City.

The warning came after the FBI received information about general threats to New York City. The intelligence apparently came from detainees being held since attacks on September 11.

U.S. Warns Future Terrorist Attacks "Inevitable"
May 20, 2002 -- Update: Vice President Dick Cheney and the FBI director stepped up their warnings that further attacks on U.S. targets both domestically and abroad are inevitable.

"I think that the prospects of a future attack on the U.S. are almost a certainty," Cheney said on "Fox News Sunday." "It could happen tomorrow, it could happen next week, it could happen next year, but they will keep trying. And we have to be prepared."

May 20, 2002 -- Four editorial page editors discuss the latest warnings of future terrorist attacks and the White House handling of pre-9/11 threats.

FBI Warns of Threats Against Northeast Banks
April 19, 2002 -- Update: The FBI issues a warning saying unsubstantiated information suggested terrorists were considering attacks against U.S. banks in the Northeast.

U.S. Introduces Modified Terrorist Alert System
March 12, 2002 -- Update: The U.S. announces the creation of the "homeland security advisory system", a color-coded method for ranking the severity of terrorist threats.

FBI Warns of Possible Attack
Feb. 12, 2002 -- The FBI issued a new alert late Monday evening warning of a possible terrorist plot against the U.S. And its interests.
Feb. 12, 2002 -- RealAudio: The latest about the FBI's terrorism alert issued last night. | More information and photographs of the suspects available on the FBI's Web site.

Detainees Provided Valuable Info, May Have Prevented Attacks
Feb. 8, 2002 -- RealAudio: Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says Taliban and al-Qaida detainees at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba have provided some information that may have helped to prevent more terrorist attacks.

Airports Work to Improve Security
Jan. 24, 2002 -- Two of the planes hijacked in the Sept. 11 attacks originated from Boston's Logan Airport. As the nation's airports move to implement new, more stringent safety guidelines, the NewsHour reports on the changes at Logan.

Jan. 17, 2002 -- Ray Suarez explores whether airports will meet new security guidelines by tomorrow's deadline with the chief of the new federal agency in charge of overseeing airline security, John Magaw.

Alleged "Shoe Bomber" Pleads Not Guilty to Terrorism Charges
Jan. 18, 2002 -- Richard Reid, the man U.S. officials allege attempted to destroy an airliner with explosives in his shoes, pleaded not guilty today to nine counts, including attempted murder. Reid was apprehended by a flight attendant and subdued by passengers when he allegedly tried to ignite explosives in his shoes on a Paris to Miami flight Dec. 22.

Jan. 16, 2002 -- RealAudio: Attorney General Ashcroft announces Reid's indictment.
Dec. 28, 2001 -- A Wall Street Journal reporter examines Richard Reid's background.

Ridge Renews Terror Warning, Tells Americans to be on Alert
Dec. 3, 2001 -- RealAudio: Homeland Security chief Tom Ridge today warned that the U.S. had received credible information that a terrorist attack could occur in the near future.

Ashcroft Announces Investigation Incentive for Non-Citizens
Nov. 29, 2001 -- RealAudio: Attorney General John Ashcroft announces that immigrants can trade "useful and reliable information" on terrorism for citizenship, other incentives.

President Bush Signs Sweeping Aviation Security Measure
Nov. 19, 2001 -- President Bush Monday signed a bill making 28,000 airport baggage screeners federal employees for at least the next three years. After that time, airports can opt for a return to private screeners. The bill also aims for 100 percent bag inspection and widespread use of explosive detection systems.
RealAudio: President Bush announces he has just signed the new aviation security bill.
Nov. 16, 2001 -- Update: After weeks of debate, the Congress approved a compromise aviation security bill and sent it to the president for his signature.

Ashcroft Announces a Division of INS Duties
Nov. 14, 2001 -- RealAudio: Attorney General Ashcroft and INS Commissioner James Ziglar announce the immigration agency will be split into two: a Bureau of Immigration Enforcement and Bureau of Immigration Services.

More National Guard to Patrol Airports
Nov. 9, 2001 -- RealAudio: President Bush announces the government will expand the number of National Guard troops deployed at airports.

President Bush Addresses Nation, Urges Continued Resolve
Nov. 8, 2001 -- President Bush urged Americans to protect the nation against future terrorist attacks by volunteering in their communities and watching for suspicious activity.
Nov. 8, 2001 -- Text | RealAudio: The president's remarks.

Ridge Discusses Diplomacy, Alerts
Nov. 7, 2001 -- RealAudio: Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge and White House Spokesman Ari Fleischer discuss President Bush's diplomatic efforts and the continuing state of alert in the U.S.

Authorities Bolster Security Near Major Bridges after Threat
Nov. 2, 2001 -- RealAudio: The NewsHour reports on the threat to West Coast suspension bridges and the nation's nuclear plants.
Nov. 2, 2001 -- Update: Attorney General John Ashcroft defends yesterday's advisory warning of possible terrorist attacks on the West Coast.
Nov. 2, 2001 -- RealAudio: Homeland security chief Tom Ridge and the FBI director discuss new terrorism warnings in Calif. and the anthrax threat.

U.S. Moves to Crackdown on Visa Abuses
Oct. 27, 2001 -- Update: Attorney General John Ashcroft today announced a list of 46 alleged terrorist groups whose members and supporters will be barred from entering the U.S.
Oct. 27, 2001 -- RealAudio: Attorney general's press conference.

House, Senate Work on Compromise Aviation Security Bill
Nov. 2, 2001 -- Update: The House passes an aviation security bill with key differences from an earlier Senate proposal.
Oct. 31, 2001 -- RealAudio: Congressmen John Mica, R-Fl. discusses the proposed aviation security bill.
Oct. 31, 2001 -- Update: The House readies itself for Thursday's aviation security vote.
Oct. 27, 2001 -- RealAudio | Text: The president calls on Congress to approve an airline security bill without federalizing passenger and baggage screeners.

U.S. Issues New Terrorism Alert
Oct. 30, 2001 -- Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge said Tuesday U.S. citizens should be on alert, but should continue to go about their normal lives. His comments came after Attorney General John Ashcroft on Monday announced the government had received "credible threats" of possible terrorist activity in the next few days.
Oct. 30, 2001 -- Local police officials discuss how they are responding to Monday's warning.
Oct. 30, 2001 -- RealAudio: White House spokesman Ari Fleischer takes reporters' questions on the terrorism alert.
Oct. 30, 2001 -- RealAudio: Homeland Security Director Ridge on the terrorism warning.
Oct. 29, 2001 -- RealAudio: Attorney General Ashcroft and FBI Director Robert Mueller announce the alert.

President Urges Congress Not to Federalize Airport Security Workers
Oct. 27, 2001 -- In his weekly radio address, President Bush called on Congress to approve an airline security bill without a proposal that would make all passenger and baggage screeners federal employees.
Oct. 27, 2001 -- RealAudio | Text: The president's radio address.

President Bush Signs Anti-Terrorism Bill
Oct. 26, 2001 -- Four civil liberties and counter-terrorism experts debate the potential impact of the newly signed anti-terrorism law.
Oct. 26, 2001 -- RealAudio | Text: President Bush signs anti-terrorism legislation, saying it will protect America's interests without infringing on civil liberties.
Oct. 26, 2001 -- RealAudio: Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge discusses the anti-terrorism bill.
Oct. 25, 2001 -- Update: Senate votes overwhelmingly to send a sweeping anti-terrorism bill to the president.
Oct. 25, 2001 -- RealAudio: Attorney General Ashcroft delivers a speech on wielding the new anti-terrorism legislation to crack down on suspected terrorists.

Officials Consider Homeland Security Efforts
Oct. 23, 2001 -- Four counter-terrorism experts assess White House efforts to prepare for and combat future terrorist attacks.

Vice President Dick Cheney on the Anthrax Cases, War on Terrorism
Oct. 12, 2001 -- Part I: Possible links between the anthrax cases and Sept. 11 attacks and the possible scope of future terrorist acts.
Oct. 12, 2001 -- Part II: His absence from Washington, more on al-Qaida and America's lost sense of invulnerability.
Oct. 12, 2001 -- Part III: How decisions are made in the White House and how the military strikes in Afghanistan are proceeding.

Senate Adopts Aviation Security, Anti-Terrorism Bills
Oct. 12, 2001 -- Update: The Senate has approved major aviation security and anti-terrorism legislation in an attempt to prevent future attacks.

Attorney General Ashcroft: "Use Caution"
Oct. 12, 2001 -- RealAudio: The attorney general updates the investigation into the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, and tells Americans to use extra caution.

President Updates the War on Terrorism, Urges Americans to "Return to Normal"
Oct. 11, 2001 -- RealAudio | Text: President Bush opens the news conference with a general update of the situation.
Oct. 11, 2001 -- RealAudio | Text: New terror threats, whether Afghanistan will become a quagmire and the hunt for Osama bin Laden.
Oct. 11, 2001 -- RealAudio | Text: The width of America's war against terrorism, efforts to end the al-Qaida network and Americans' unease.
Oct. 11, 2001 -- RealAudio | Text: Nation-building in Afghanistan, relations with Russia and a new effort to help Afghan children.
Oct. 11, 2001 -- Tom Oliphant and David Brooks discuss the key points of the president's news conference.

FBI Warns More Attacks May Come in the "Next Several Days"
Oct. 11, 2001 -- Update: The FBI warns local police to be on the highest alert and asks all Americans to be wary of suspicious activity.

President Bush Tells Congress to Keep Secrets
Oct. 10, 2001 -- Four congressmen discuss recent changes in how the White House shares confidential information with Congress and the public.
Oct. 9, 2001 -- RealAudio: President Bush warns members of Congress it is "unacceptable" to leak sensitive information.

Head of U.S. Homeland Security Sworn In
Oct. 8, 2001 -- With strikes underway and a new director of U.S. Homeland Security in place, how safe is the U.S. from further terrorist acts?
Oct. 8, 2001 -- RealAudio | Text: President Bush and former Gov. Tom Ridge discuss efforts to protect the U.S. From future terrorist attacks.
Oct. 8, 2001 -- Update: Following the strikes on Afghan targets, sites throughout the U.S. have increased security precautions.

The First Day of Operations Comes to a Close
Oct. 7, 2001 -- RealAudio: Mark Shields, David Brooks, Haynes Johnson and Doris Kearns Goodwin offer final thoughts on the first day of America's war against terrorism.
Oct. 7, 2001 -- RealAudio: Sens. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) and John Edwards (D-N.C.) discuss Congressional support for the war and concerns on the home-front.

Ashcroft Urges Swift Passage of Anti-Terrorism Bill
Oct. 3, 2001 --Update: The Attorney General expresses frustration that Congress has not adopted a sweeping new anti-terrorism proposal.

President Bush Announces Limited Reopening of Reagan Airport
Oct. 2, 2001 -- A report on government and industry efforts to make flying safer.
Oct. 2, 2001 -- Update: Reagan National Airport, the last major airport to remain closed since the attacks, will resume limited operations Thursday.
Oct. 2, 2001 -- Text: The president's comments at Reagan National.

What's Next?
Oct. 1, 2001 --RealAudio: Robert MacNeil gets the perspectives of three New York Times columnists: editorial page editor Gail Collins and columnists William Safire and Frank Rich.

Bioterrorism Threats
Oct. 1, 2001 --Two experts who were part of the U.N. weapons inspection team in Iraq assess the risk of a biological attack on the U.S.

Airline Security Overhaul
Sept. 27, 2001 -- Experts discuss President Bush's new airline security proposals.
Sept. 27, 2001 -- Update: President Bush announces a plan to tighten airport security.
Sept. 27, 2001 -- Text | RealAudio: The president's remarks at O'Hare International Airport.
Sept. 27, 2001 -- RealAudio: Defense Secretary Rumsfeld announces two generals have the authority to down hijacked U.S. planes in emergencies.

The Uncertain Future of Reagan National Airport
Sept. 25, 2001 -- Located within miles of key sites in the nation's capital, the fate of Reagan National Airport remains in doubt due to security concerns.

U.S. Airlines: The Troubled Skies
Sept. 22, 2001 -- Update: The president says he will sign a $15 billion aid package to help the airlines.
Sept. 19, 2001 -- Update: American and United Airlines to lay off 20,000 workers apiece.
Sept. 18, 2001 -- RealAudio: Secretary Mineta discusses his talks with airline companies.
Sept. 16, 2001 -- Transportation Secretary Mineta discusses what's next for the U.S. airline industry.

Ashcroft Widens Investigation Powers, Scope
Sept. 19, 2001 -- Update: The U.S. has broadened its investigation to include all major cities and expanded its power to detain immigrants suspected of crimes.

Improving Airport Security
Sept. 16, 2001 -- RealAudio: Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta has named a task force to find ways to increase security at airports.

Preparing for War
Sept. 16, 2001 -- RealAudio: Attorney General John Ashcroft says the U.S. will "do everything we can to disrupt" terrorist groups' activities.

President Bush: "We're at War"
Sept. 15, 2001 -- RealAudio: A full report on Saturday's developments.
Sept. 15, 2001 -- Text: The president calls on the country to prepare for action.
Sept. 15, 2001 -- Text | RealAudio: The president tells the nation he is planning "a comprehensive assault on terrorism."

FAA to Allow Limited Flights
Sept. 12, 2001 -- Update: The FAA says it will allow flights redirected during Tuesday's attacks to continue to their original destinations.

Congress Standing Firm
Sept. 12, 2001 -- RealAudio: Kwame Holman reports from Washington, on presidential and Congressional reaction.
Sept. 12, 2001 -- Text: A joint House - Senate resolution condemns the terrorist attacks.

President Bush's Statement and Reaction
Sept. 11, 2001 -- President Bush calls the attacks against New York and Washington "evil, despicable acts."
Sept. 11, 2001 -- What are the next steps the U.S. should take after the attacks?

Discussing the Attacks
Sept. 11, 2001 -- Three experts on changes in airline security.
Sept. 11, 2001 -- RealAudio: Aviation experts on security in the air.

The Bush Administration, Congress React
Sept. 11, 2001 -- 7:30 p.m. RealAudio: House Speaker Dennis Hastert and Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle say Congress will reconvene despite the attacks.
Sept. 11, 2001 -- 7:15 p.m. RealAudio: Attorney General Ashcroft condemns the terrorist attacks.
Sept. 11, 2001 -- 7 p.m. RealAudio: Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld with his department's reaction.
Sept. 11, 2001 -- 4 p.m. RealAudio: Presidential Adviser Karen Hughes outlines administration response to the attacks.
Sept. 11, 2001 -- 1 p.m. RealAudio | Text: The president speaks from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana at around 1 p.m. Eastern time.
Sept. 11, 2001 -- 9 a.m. Text: The president's brief address shortly after 9 a.m. Eastern time.

Situation in the Air
Sept. 11, 2001 -- The entire air traffic system in the United States has been shut down as the U.S. reacts to terrorist attacks.