priorities for homeland security. Is the current organizational structure and strategy for DHS adequate to meet the broader range of challenges and threats over the next decade?
Background: DHS is comprised of 22 departments and agencies, and four main directorates: Border and Transportation Security, Emergency Preparedness, Science and Technology, and Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection. Since DHS was established, it has faced a broader range of challenges. This includes natural disasters such as the global pandemic, hurricanes, wildfires, widespread cyberattacks, domestic terrorism, and the expansion of transnational criminal activities. These are examples of threats and hazards that are central to homeland security. The most recent are non-military threats like election interference and disinformation which are increasingly important and will continue to be a priority even after the 2020 election. In addition, climate change is gradually impacting U.S. critical infrastructure and prosperity.
