1978: NOAA announces gender-neutral hurricane naming system
Federal News Network presents a daily update of important moments in the history of the U.S. government.
The Office of Homeland Security was founded on Oct. 8, 2001, less than one month after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. President George W. Bush announced the creation of a new office to “develop and coordinate the implementation of a comprehensive national strategy to secure the United States from terrorist threats or attacks.” Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge assumed the role of director and, despite concerns about adding to the federal bureaucracy and dramatically re-organizing the security state, Congress officially voted to make the office a cabinet-level department in November 2002. The Department of Homeland Security eventually absorbed no fewer than 22 agencies into its fold. It is now one of the largest organs of the federal government, charged with preventing terror attacks, managing border security, immigration and customs, disaster relief and prevention, and other related tasks.
Copyright © 2025 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
