[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 19 (Monday, May 14, 2001)]
[Pages 718-719]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Domestic Preparedness Against Weapons of Mass Destruction

May 8, 2001

    Protecting America's homeland and citizens from the threat of 
weapons of mass destruction is one of our Nation's important national 
security challenges. Today, more nations possess chemical, biological, 
or nuclear weapons than ever before. Still others seek to join them. 
Most troubling of all, the list of these countries includes some of the 
world's least responsible states--states for whom terror and blackmail 
are a way of life. Some non-state terrorist groups have also 
demonstrated an interest in acquiring weapons of mass destruction.
    Against this backdrop, it is clear that the threat of chemical, 
biological, or nuclear weapons being used against the United States--
while not immediate--is very real. That is why our Nation actively seeks 
to deny chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons to those seeking to 
acquire them. That is why, together with our allies, we seek to deter 
anyone who would contemplate their use. And that is also why we must 
ensure that our Nation is prepared to defend against the harm they can 
inflict.
    Should our efforts to reduce the threat to our country from weapons 
of mass destruction be less than fully successful, prudence dictates 
that the United States be fully prepared to deal effectively with the 
consequences of such a weapon being used here on our soil.
    Today, numerous Federal departments and agencies have programs to 
deal with the consequences of a potential use of a chemical, biological, 
radiological, or nuclear weapon in the United States. Many of these 
Federal programs offer training, planning, and assistance to State and 
local governments. But to maximize their effectiveness, these efforts 
need to be seamlessly integrated, harmonious, and comprehensive.

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    Therefore, I have asked Vice President Cheney to oversee the 
development of a coordinated national effort so that we may do the very 
best possible job of protecting our people from catastrophic harm. I 
have also asked Joe Allbaugh, the Director of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency, to create an Office of National Preparedness. This 
Office will be responsible for implementing the results of those parts 
of the national effort overseen by Vice President Cheney that deal with 
consequence management. Specifically, it will coordinate all Federal 
programs dealing with weapons of mass destruction consequence management 
within the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services, Justice, 
and Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and other Federal 
agencies. The Office of National Preparedness will work closely with 
State and local governments to ensure their planning, training, and 
equipment needs are addressed. FEMA will also work closely with the 
Department of Justice, in its lead role for crisis management, to ensure 
that all facets of our response to the threat from weapons of mass 
destruction are coordinated and cohesive. I will periodically chair a 
meeting of the National Security Council to review these efforts.
    No governmental responsibility is more fundamental than protecting 
the physical safety of our Nation and its citizens. In today's world, 
this obligation includes protection against the use of weapons of mass 
destruction. I look forward to working closely with Congress so that 
together we can meet this challenge.