In addition to recommendations for the Homeland Security Department under the current administration, the National Academy of Public Administration also had some suggestions for what DHS should do after the inauguration. It said that under a new administration, the department should:
1. Conduct joint training and operational exercises with career and noncareer employees and an early comprehensive scenario exercise.
2. Fill the vacancies in the Federal Emergency Management Agency and deputy openings with career employees.
3. Work with Congress to consider making some political positions
into career roles.
Stability first, then change. Many experts say that sequence is essential to national security as the Homeland Security Department prepares for the transition to a new administration.
Many experts are concerned about the potential for a terrorist attack between now and several months after the inauguration.
In its recent report on DHS’ transition planning, the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) noted that terrorist incidents often coincide with presidential transitions. The 2001 attacks at the World Trade Center and Pentagon occurred less than a year after President Bush took office. Recent history in other countries also concerns observers because bombings in Madrid and London happened shortly before and after elections.
“Extended vacancies in political positions and changes in leadership in key DHS operating units — particularly when combined with terrorist motives to affect the outcome of the election or the success of the newly elected administration — could substantially increase the risk that a terrorist attack will be attempted in the United States,” the report states.
Some observers say the next president should overhaul DHS to make it function as an integrated organization rather than a collection of independent agencies. But as they wonder what Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Barack Obama (D-Ill.) have in mind for the department, most agree that stability, not change, should be the first priority.
Summer work The NAPA report, released in June, agrees with DHS that the department has been working on a plan for a smooth transition, but it identifies some heavy-lifting that the department must do during the coming months.
Congress requested the independent study to examine the department’s staffing structure to ensure that it would be ready for the transition. Lawmakers have expressed concern about DHS’ progress in planning for transition, in particular its staffing structure.
In May, after discussions between the White House and Congress, the Bush administration turned over hundreds of pages of transition planning documents requested by Democratic leaders of the House Homeland Security Committee. The administration is still crafting its final transition plan, which it will submit to Congress in October.
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