Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute addressed the progress DHS has made since its creation in 2003, the challenges that confront the department, the department’s success in implementing the recommendations of the Government Accountability Office’s biennial High Risk Series Update and the work that must be undertaken to more efficiently secure the safety of the nation’s citizens.

In her written testimony to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, the deputy secretary laid out the department’s mission and the constituent parts of what is termed the “homeland security enterprise.”

“The DHS mission is clear: create a safe, secure, and resilient place where the American way of life can thrive. In order to meet that mission, DHS must do the following:

• Prevent terrorism and enhance security;
• Secure and manage our borders;
• Enforce and administer our immigration laws;
• Safeguard and secure cyberspace; and
• Ensure resilience to disasters.

 We do not do this alone. While DHS plays a central role in the effort to ensure the safety of our nation, we rely heavily on our partners in homeland security, including our partners at the federal level; our state, local, tribal, and territorial governmental partners; nongovernmental organizations like faith-based, and nonprofit groups and private sector industry; and most importantly, individuals, families, and communities, who continue to be our greatest assets and the key to our success. Together we form the homeland security enterprise and through continued partnership, we leverage our shared capabilities to secure America.”