*EPF504 06/07/2002
Text: Rumsfeld Says Time Is Right for New Security Department
(Official says DOD will work closely with new agency) (190)

U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says the new national security environment in which the United States finds itself dictates the need for a new cabinet-level Department of Homeland Security, whose major focus will be on protecting the United States from terrorism and similar threats.

Following is the text of Rumsfeld's remarks:

(begin text)

U.S. Department of Defense
June 6, 2002

SECRETARY RUMSFELD STATEMENT ON DEPT. OF HOMELAND SECURITY

The first task of the federal government is to provide for the national defense. Because of the new national security environment we face, it is clearly time for a Department of Homeland Security.

The times require new priorities, a need to act and a new sense of urgency.

Since the 2001 Quadrennial Defense Review, the Department of Defense has been refocusing our attention on the evolving new threats. Indeed, defense of our homeland has been our top priority.

We look forward to working with the newly proposed organization to do everything possible to provide for our country's national defense.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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