Statement by OPM Director Kay Coles James on Passage of Legislation Creating the Department of Homeland Security

Today, Americans can rest a little easier knowing that their government has taken a critical step forward in protecting our nation and keeping our families safe at home now and in the future. The significance of this historic response cannot be overstated. With Congress' passage of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, we have demonstrated our nation's resolve to meet head-on the challenge thrown down on September 11th with definitive action to protect America and preserve our cherished freedoms.

From the time President George W. Bush first proposed creating the new Department of Homeland Security, we have been clear that we envisioned an open process allowing employees, through their unions and professional organizations, to have significant input shaping the personnel systems for the Department. That process has worked to produce an outstanding bill that enjoys wide support in Washington, is understood by Americans, and is being welcomed enthusiastically across the country. It preserves basic civil service principles and the sanctity of the merit system and veterans' preference, and protects federal employees from prohibited personnel actions. It will help the hard-working, patriotic public servants charged with safeguarding our nation to do their difficult jobs even better. It brings this federal team together in one cohesive agency with a clear focus and mission: protecting America. Importantly, the Congress has given the President and the new Secretary of Homeland Security the agility needed to get the right people to the right place at the right time.

OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.