Homeland Security Act of 2002

The Homeland Security Act of 2002 was signed into law on November 25, 2002 (Pub. L. 107-296) in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The Act brought together approximately 22 separate federal agencies to establish the Department of Homeland Security and sets forth the primary missions of the Department. The Act has been amended over 30 times since its original passage.

Title I - Department of Homeland Security

Sec. 101. Executive Department; Mission

(a) Establishment. - "There is established a Department of Homeland Security, as an executive department of the United States within the meaning of title 5, United States Code.

(b) Mission

(1) In General. - The primary mission of the Department is to

(A) prevent terrorist attacks within the United States;

(B) reduce the vulnerability of the United States to terrorism; and

(C) minimize the damage, and assist in the recovery, from terrorist attacks that do occur within the United States."

From the Homeland Security Act of 2002

Read the entire text of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (PDF, 187 pages - 526 KB).