The Department of Homeland Security begins operations two months after the passage of the Homeland Security Act of 2002. President George W. Bush appointed Tom Ridge, the former Governor of Pennsylvania, to be its first secretary. Employing more than 200,000 Americans, the department is the third largest Cabinet department.
Year
2003
Date of Event
Enjoy our work? Help us keep going.
Now in its 75th year, American Heritage relies on contributions from readers like you to survive. You can support this magazine of trusted historical writing and the volunteers that sustain it by donating today.
