Office of the Secretary
Department of Health and Human Services
Washington, D.C. 20201
November 20, 2002
To: All HHS Employees
The U.S. Congress last night, in a bipartisan majority vote,
gave final approval to President Bush's proposal to create
a new Department of Homeland Security. This historic action
means that legislation is on its way to the President's desk
for his signature, and our country will soon have a new
department with the primary mission of securing the
American homeland.
No doubt you have many questions about what this means for
you and other employees in the Department of Health and
Human Services. Here is what I can tell you right now:
a transition planning office to prepare for the establishment
of the new department was created by Executive Order in June.
A team of Federal employees, including representatives of our
department, has been developing plans to ensure a smooth and
effective transition upon Congressional action. Once the President
signs the legislation, there will be a 60-day period before the new
department is formally established. Agencies that will become part
of the Department of Homeland Security will transfer sometime
during a one-year transition period.
While the transition to the new department will undoubtedly
present new challenges, it also presents outstanding new opportunities.
From the beginning, the President has regarded this new department
as a critical component of our nation's efforts to protect itself
against terrorism, and he is committed to making it both an effective
part of our government and an excellent place to work for its
employees. A website has been set up specifically to provide
you with transition updates at www.dhs.gov/employees.
Let me close by again thanking you for your continued efforts
to protect America, your dedication, and your good work.
