counter-terrorism structure. The review recommended that the president merge the staff supporting the Homeland Security Council with the staff supporting the National Security Council.[3][4] On May 26, 2009, Barack Obama signed the recommendation to merge the Homeland Security Council and National Security Council staffs into one National Security Staff. On February 10, 2014, President Obama renamed the National Security Staff the National Security Council (NSC) staff.[5]
Policymakers and observers have debated whether the HSC staff should remain an independent entity within the White House or merged with the NSC staff.[6] The HSC and NSC continue to exist by statute as independent councils of leadership advising the president.[7]
Mission
The Homeland Security Council is responsible for assessing the objectives, commitments, and risks of the United States, and for making recommendations to the president with respect to homeland security policy.
Structure
The HSC was similar to its
Cabinet members and senior White House officials whose departments have principal interests in homeland security policy-making. During the Bush administration, the council was chaired by the Homeland Security Advisor. The Joint Chiefs of Staff consist of the primary military advisers to the Homeland Security Council, as well as the National Security Council.[8]
Due to the recommendations implemented by Obama, the Homeland Security Council and the National Security Council now have combined staff, the National Security Staff (NSS).
While similar in name, the
Executive Office of the President
, drawing staff from across federal agencies and under the direct control of the president.
Membership
Structure of the United States Homeland Security Council (current)