Skip Navigation
Home Information Sharing & Analysis Prevention & Protection Preparedness & Response Research Commerce & Trade Travel Security & Procedures Immigration
About the Department Open for Business Press Room
Current National Threat Level is elevated

The threat level in the airline sector is High or Orange. Read more.

Homeland Security 5 Year Anniversary 2003 - 2008, One Team, One Mission Securing the Homeland

Ridge Confirmed as Secretary of DHS

Release Date: 01/23/03 00:00:00

On January 22, Tom Ridge, of Pennsylvania, was confirmed, 94-0, by the U.S. Senate as the first Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

During the confirmation hearing, Mr. Ridge emphasized the efforts of federal and local governments during the past 16 months in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks, stating, "America is undoubtedly safer and better prepared today than on September 10, 2001." Ridge cited the increase in cargo and air passenger inspections, and coordination among law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

This page was last modified on 01/23/03 00:00:00