Position: Secretary - Homeland Security

The secretary is the civilian head of the Department of Homeland Security, and is primarily responsible for the integration of 22 different agencies all working to protect Americans and defend the U.S. within its borders. The secretary works with more than 180,000 employees from these agencies in order to strengthen U.S. borders, provide intelligence analysis and infrastructure protection, improve the use of science and technology to counter weapons of mass destruction, create a comprehensive response and recovery division. The director of homeland defense develops and coordinates a comprehensive national strategy to strengthen the U.S. against terrorist threats or attacks. The secretary is an important advisor to the president and works closely with other governmental agencies.

Type of Appointment/Position: Presidential with Senate confirmation    

Nominations so far:

Nominee	Rating
Richard Clarke
James Lee Witt
Rear Adm. Donald J. Guter (USN-Ret.)
Gary Hart
Dennis Kucinich
Colin Powell
David Cole
Morris Dees
Roger Cressey
Jessica Stern

Administer homeland security with the understanding that abandoning civil liberties or the Bill of Rights will not make us safe;

Support directing resources to areas where the need is greatest. Homeland security funds are not for pork projects;

Remember that international exchange, visits from foreign scholars and students promote international understanding and a safer world;

Put more resources into public health, a vital part of our security infrastructure.