George W. Bush

In the following viewpoint, originally given as a speech before the U.S. House of Representatives in June 2002, President George W. Bush outlines his plan for creating the Department of Homeland Security. Bush argues that the existing loose structure of government agencies created in the 1940s to respond to the Cold War is insufficient for addressing new terrorist threats. He claims that the new department—which will consolidate many agencies into one central department—will minimize duplication of efforts, improve coordination between agencies, and take advantage of advances in technology and management techniques. The bill creating the new department was signed into law in November 2002.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Bush, what would be the department’s four main divisions?
2. How...