April 2, 2008
Chamber Expands Mission of Homeland Security Division
National Security and Emergency Preparedness Division
Reflects Increased Role, Responsibilities
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today announced that the Homeland Security Division is expanding to the National Security and Emergency Preparedness Division in order to address the critical need for pre-planned and coordinated responses to natural disasters and global security issues.
"The growth of this division reflects the vital role the private sector plays in preventing, responding and recovering from a broad array of national security hazards," said Thomas J. Donohue, President and CEO of the Chamber. "This growth illustrates the increased need for coordination between all levels of government, businesses and community leaders to enhance our national security."
The Chamber's Homeland Security Division was established five years ago in the wake of 9/11 and the reorganization of 22 federal agencies into the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It ensures that the private sector input is a part of all DHS policies and decisions.
"In recent years the division broadened its mission to include export control modernization, National Guard and Reserve mobilization matters, Iraq reconstruction, partnering with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, cyber security and other non-traditional homeland security issues," Donohue said. It has also broadened its homeland-issue areas beyond DHS to include the military and other civilian agencies.
The National Security and Emergency Preparedness Division will develop and implement the Chamber's national security and emergency preparedness policies. The division - and its 145 Task Force members, which represent virtually every sector of the United States economy - concentrates on what must be done to enhance our nation's security without inhibiting its economic vitality.
The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.
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