United States Government Publishing Office publisher pbl distributor dst United States Government Accountability Office author aut Government Organization text government publication eng GAOREPORTS Legislative Agency Publications gao legislative 2010-08-12 U.S. Government Printing Office 2001-11-07 monographic deposited born digital GA 1.13:GAO-02-160T https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-GAO-02-160T P0b002ee180375ecd f:d02160t DGPO 2010-08-12 2011-03-28 GAOREPORTS-GAO-02-160T machine generated eng fdlp REPORT GAOREPORTS-GAO-02-160T GAO-02-160T Defense capabilities Emergency preparedness Safety Strategic planning Terrorism Testimony A02416 According to U.S. intelligence assessments, the United States now confronts a range of diffuse threats that put increased destructive power into the hands of small states, groups, and individuals and threaten our values and way of life. These threats range from incidents of terrorism and attacks on critical infrastructure to cyber attacks, the potential use of weapons of mass destruction, and the spread of infectious diseases. A framework to address these challenges will require leadership with to develop and implement a homeland security strategy in coordination with all relevant partners, as well as the ability to marshal and direct the necessary resources. The recent establishment of the Office of Homeland Security is a good first step, but a series of questions must be addressed regarding how this office will be structured, what authority its Director will have, and how this effort can be institutionalized and sustained over time. While homeland security is an urgent and vital national priority, the U.S. should recognize the range of challenges facing our government in other areas not as visible or urgent. As the country responds to these urgent priorities of today and the enduring long-term requirements related to homeland security, the nation still must address short-term and long-term fiscal challenges that were present before September 11, 2001, and that remain today. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-GAO-02-160T/html/GAOREPORTS-GAO-02-160T.htm GAO-02-160T https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-GAO-02-160T Testimony GAO-02-160T; Homeland Security: Challenges and Strategies in Addressing Short- and Long-Term National Needs; Defense capabilities Emergency preparedness Safety Strategic planning Terrorism