USDA to Lose Agency to Homeland Security.

June 7, 2002

Under the President's plan, announced live on national television last night, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will be moved to a new Cabinet level Department of Homeland Security.

APHIS will be part of the Division on Border and Transportation Security, which would be designed to create "one face at the border". This division will also include the Immigration and Naturalization Service, Customs, the Coast Guard, and the Transportation Security Administration.

Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman says the decision by President Bush to create the Department of Homeland Security is a "bold and visionary move that will better coordinate and protect our country against potential threats." A cabinet level department will "continue to bolster America's homeland security coordination, planning, response and management." Veneman added, "While we have a strong system of protections at our borders and ports of entry that helps prevent the entry of pests and diseases entering our country, in this new age of threats, it is critical that we enhance the protection of America's food and agriculture supply."

It is expected that Congress will act quickly on the President's proposal. However, it probably will not be enacted before October.