The President's highest priority is to keep the American people safe. He is committed to ensuring the United States is true to our values and ideals while also protecting the American people. The President is committed to securing the homeland against 21st century threats by preventing terrorist attacks and other threats against our homeland, preparing .
The Committee on Homeland Security was established in 2002 to provide Congressional oversight for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and better protect the American people against a possible terrorist attack. In 2005, the House of Representatives granted the Committee on Homeland Security permanent status; that same year, U.S. Rep. Peter T. King (NY), was named Chairman of the Committee. Under Chairman King's leadership, Committee Republicans passed several landmark pieces of bipartisan homeland security legislation, including the SAFE Port Act, Chemical Plant Security legislation, and FEMA reform. King served as Ranking Member during the 110th and 111th Congresses before returning as Chairman for the 112th Congress.