Homeland Security Council

Body responsible for developing and implementing effective homeland security policies and coordinating the homeland security–related activities of U.S. executive departments and agencies. The Homeland Security Council was established by an executive order issued by President George W. Bush on October 8, 2001. The council has responsibility for advising and assisting the president in all matters pertaining to homeland security. Its members include the president, the vice president, treasury secretary, defense secretary, attorney general, health and human services secretary, transportation secretary, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, director of central intelligence, assistant to the president for homeland security, and any other offices of the executive branch that the president designates.

The Homeland Security Council meets at the president's direction, but during his absence, the vice president may preside over council meetings. The assistant to the president for homeland security is responsible—again, at the president's direction—for determining the agenda, ensuring the preparation of necessary papers, and recording council actions and presidential decisions.