Congressional Research Service on 'Defining Homeland Security'

Defining Homeland Security: Analysis and Congressional Considerations

The Congressional Research Service has released a report entitled, 'Defining Homeland Security: Analysis and Congressional Considerations'. In an update to an April 3, 2012 report under the same title, the author states that a single definition for "homeland security" still does not exist ten years after 9/11. The absence of a single definition has had an impact on the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) role and performance. From the report's 'Analysis and Considerations': "At the national level, there does not appear to be an attempt to align definitions and missions among disparate federal entities. DHS is, however, attempting to align its definition and missions, but does not prioritize its missions; there is no clarity in the national strategies of federal, state, and local roles and responsibilities; and, potentially, funding is driving priorities rather than priorities driving the funding."

read more