National secur it y

Reinforce Homeland Security

Our homeland is more secure. But, we must continue to learn and adapt to evolving threats and hazards. 

We are better able to guard against terrorism—the core responsibility of homeland security—as well as 

illicit networks and other threats and hazards due to improved information sharing, aviation and border 

security, and international cooperation. We have emphasized community-based efforts and local law 

enforcement programs to counter homegrown violent extremism and protect vulnerable individuals 

from extremist ideologies that could lead them to join conflicts overseas or carry out attacks here at 

home. Through risk-based approaches, we have countered terrorism and transnational organized crime 

in ways that enhance commerce, travel, and tourism and, most fundamentally, preserve our civil liber-

ties. We are more responsive and resilient when prevention fails or disaster strikes as witnessed with the 

Boston Marathon bombings and Hurricane Sandy.

The essential services that underpin American society must remain secure and functioning in the face of 

diverse threats and hazards. Therefore, we take a Whole of Community approach, bringing together all 

elements of our society—individuals, local communities, the private and non-profit sectors, faith-based 

organizations, and all levels of government—to make sure America is resilient in the face of adversity. 

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II.  SECURITY

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We are working with the owners and operators of our Nation’s critical cyber and physical infrastructure 

across every sector—financial, energy, transportation, health, information technology, and more—to 

decrease vulnerabilities and increase resilience. We are partnering with states and local communities 

to better plan for, absorb, recover from, and adapt to adverse events brought about by the compound-

ing effects of climate change. We will also continue to enhance pandemic preparedness at home and 

address the threat arising from new drug-resistant microbes and biological agents.