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About the Office of Legislative Affairs

The Office of Legislative Affairs serves as primary liaison to members of Congress and their staffs. The office responds to inquiries from Congress; notifies Congress about Department initiatives, policies, and programs; and keeps other governmental bodies informed concerning Homeland Security measures that affect their operations and Department actions in jointly undertaken security endeavors.

Mission

The Office of Legislative Affairs enhances the ability of the Department to prevent, protect against and respond to threats and hazards to the nation, as well as to ensure safe and secure borders, by providing timely information about Homeland Security and national security issues to members of Congress, the White House and Executive Branch, and to other federal agencies and governmental entities.

Leadership and Organization

View the Office of Legislative Affairs Organizational Chart (PDF - 1 page, 105 KB)

The Office of Legislative Affairs is headed by Assistant Secretary Nelson Peacock.

Other Leadership

  • Michael Stroud, Deputy Assistant Secretary - U.S. House of Representatives

  • Leslie Gross-Davis, Deputy Assistant Secretary - U.S. Senate

  • Chief of Staff Alexandra Veitch

  • Director Edward "Ted" Lovett
    Area of Responsibility: Border Security, Immigration

  • Director Jerald "Jay" Harper
    Area of Responsibility: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Transportation Security Administration

  • Director Coleman Mehta
    Area of Responsibility: National Protection and Programs Directorate, National Cybersecurity Center

  • Director Eddie Gleason
    Area of Responsibility: U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Secret Service, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

  • Director Connie LaRossa
    Area of Responsibility: Office of Intelligence and Analysis, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office

  • Director Melissa Mann
    Area of Responsibility: Science and Technology Directorate, Office of Health Affairs

  • Director Jeffrey T. Readinger
    Area of Responsibility: Management Directorate, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business, Privacy Office, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Office, Military Advisor to the Secretary

  • Director for Support Operations Therese Boyd
    Area of Responsibility: Non-Legislative Administration

By mail or phone:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Office of Legislative Affairs
Mail Stop 0150
Washington, D.C. 20528

Phone: 202-447-5890
Fax: 202-447-5437

By e-mail:
CongresstoDHS@hq.dhs.gov - If you are a member of Congress or with a Congressional Office and wish to only get a letter to the Secretary’s Office please e-mail this address.

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