Homeland Security

Homeland Security Announces Restructuring

By PBS News Hour

Saying last week's deadly London bombings were "sobering and jarring reminders of the threats we now face," Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff unveiled an overhaul aimed at improving the nation's anti-terrorism and disaster preparedness.

Chertoff Confirmed As Homeland Security Chief

By PBS News Hour

The Senate unanimously confirmed federal judge Michael Chertoff as the nation's next Homeland Security secretary Tuesday, despite wrangling over whether he had any connection to a Justice Department memo on the treatment of terror suspects.

President Picks Federal Judge to Lead Homeland Security

By PBS News Hour

President George W. Bush tapped federal Judge Michael Chertoff Tuesday to head the Department of Homeland Security, replacing outgoing Secretary Tom Ridge.

Former N.Y.C. Police Commissioner Named Homeland Security Head

By PBS News Hour

President Bush on Friday nominated Bernard Kerik, New York City police commissioner during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to replace Tom Ridge.

U.S. Lowers National Terror Alert Level to ‘Elevated’

By PBS News Hour

Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge announced Friday that the U.S. terror alert level is being reduced from "high" to "elevated," although some heightened security measures will remain in place.

Ridge Approved to Head Homeland Security Department

The U.S. Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved current Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge to head the new cabinet-level Homeland Security Department, set to open on Friday.

President Signs Homeland Security Bill

President Bush on Monday signed into law a bill creating a new Department of Homeland Security, sparking the largest government reorganization since the birth of the Defense Department in 1947.

Senate Passes Homeland Security Bill

The U.S. Senate voted 90 to 9 to pass President Bush's homeland security bill Tuesday evening, creating the third largest department in the federal government.

House Passes Homeland Security Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a compromise version of President Bush's Homeland Security bill in a 299 to 129 vote late Wednesday.

Senate Homeland Security Bill Denies President Labor Powers

A bipartisan Senate compromise on proposed legislation to create the new Department of Homeland Security denies President Bush the labor management authority he has called for, setting the stage for a potential presidential veto of the final bill.