*Administration of Barack H. Obama, 2009 *

**Statement on the White House Organization for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism **

*May 26, 2009 *

As President, my highest priority is the safety and security of the American people. That is why, in February, I issued a Presidential Study Directive to look at how the White House should be organized to deal with the critical issues of homeland security and counterterrorism. I have carefully reviewed the findings and recommendations of that study, and am announcing a new approach which will strengthen our security and the safety of our citizens. These decisions reflect the fundamental truth that the challenges of the 21st Century are increasingly unconventional and transnational, and therefore demand a response that effectively integrates all aspects of American power.

Key decisions that I have made include:

The United States faces a wide array of challenges to its security, and the White House must be organized to effectively and efficiently leverage the tremendous talent and expertise of the dedicated Americans who work within it. The creation of the National Security Staff and the other recommendations from the study that I have approved will help to keep our country safe and our Homeland secure.

NOTE: An original was not available for verification of the content of this statement.

*Categories:* Statements by the President : Homeland security and counterterrorism, White House organization.

*Subjects:* Arms and munitions : Weapons of mass destruction; Defense and national security : Global Engagement Directorate; Defense and national security : Potential terrorist attacks, preparedness efforts; Diseases : Global influenza outbreak; Homeland Security Council; Natural disasters : Potential natural disasters, preparedness efforts; Security Council, National; Terrorism : Counterterrorism efforts; Terrorism : Global threat; White House Office : Assistants to the President :: Homeland Security and Counterterrorism; White House Office : Assistants to the President :: National Security Adviser; White House Office : National Security Staff.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD200900403.