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March 01, 2023

Thompson Marks 20th Anniversary of the Creation of the Department of Homeland Security

(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the below statement marking the 20th Anniversary of the creation of the Department of Homeland Security.  After the September 11 attacks, the Department was created by Congress with passage of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, uniting 22 agencies under a single department.

“Today, I join President Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas in commemorating the anniversary of the creation of the Department. Twenty years ago, Congress boldly came together, in bipartisan fashion, to reorganize the Federal government to ensure another attack like September 11 never happens again. It is my sincere hope that this bipartisanship can continue well into the future.

“In the past two decades, the mission of the Department has expanded greatly – and now must focus on evolving threats including domestic terrorism, cyber threats, and global warming. Today should also be a day to recognize and thank the 240,000 employees of the Department who work tirelessly – around the clock – to keep the nation safe and secure. They simply do not get enough thanks.

“Lastly, it has been an honor to have spent the last twenty years as a member of the Congressional committee that has oversight jurisdiction of the Department and, year after year, works to improve it.”

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