STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL JOHN ASHCROFT
REGARDING THE PASSAGE OF THE HOMELAND SECURITY ACT

"I applaud the passage of the Homeland Security Act and the President's leadership on this important legislation. I look forward to working with the new Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security. The creation of the Department of Homeland Security begins a new era of cooperation and coordination in the nation's homeland defense. The President's plan will allow us to better continue our efforts to work together to identify and assess threats to our homeland, match these threats to our vulnerabilities, and act to insure the safety and security of the American people."

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