Dept. of Homeland Security

Headquarters: 3801 Nebraska Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20528

Financials: $40 billion operating budget proposed for fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2005.

Mission: Prevent and deter terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. Respond to all threats and hazards. Admit lawful immigrants and visitors. Promote the safe and secure flow of commerce.

Chief Executive: Secretary Tom Ridge

Baseline Goals:

  • Protect the lives of 293 million Americans as well as those of the 24 million foreigners who visit the U.S. each year.
  • Defend the 3.5 million square miles of U.S. soil, including its 25 million business and 116 million housing units.
  • Secure the free flow of goods and services-imports last year totaled $1.5 trillion while exports were just over $1 trillion.
  • Tie all 180,000 employees into an around-the-clock information-sharing network.