With the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, a single department is now charged with securing the nation. Secretary Ridge has forged unprecedented partnerships across the private sector and state and local governments and improved information sharing. Programs for FY 2005 include enhancing ongoing surveillance programs for human health, hospitals, vaccine, food supply, state and local preparedness, and environmental monitoring—and integrate them into one comprehensive system. The President’s FY 2005 budget for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection to secure the vast critical infrastructure requested an increase in funding in the amount of $864.6 million. Firefighters, police and medical personnel must have the tools they need.

The National Enterprise encompasses federal, state, local and private sector components. To be successful, all aspects of the enterprise must function seamlessly. Secretary Ridge will discuss the Nation’s accomplishments in the 18 months since the Department of Homeland Security was established.