Janet A. Napolitano, United States Secretary of Homeland Security addressed a packed crowd at the Council on Foreign Relations this morning in New York. Her speech entitled: Common Threat, Collective Response: Protecting Against Terrorist Attacks in a Networked World, underscored that America is still vulnerable and we must continue to "comprehend and anticipate the range of new threats, including nuclear, chemical and biological." She highlighted the greater use by insurgent groups around the world of these types of deadly weapons.
Napolitano also said under the Obama Administration, DHS (Department of Homeland Security) also prioritizes protecting the borders from immigration which she stated may also include terrorists trying to get into the country.
"We have to develop a global environment for security. We have to engage the American people in our collective efforts. "
She underlined getting greater support from American citizens and to promote airline passenger vigilance aids in building a "culture of preparedness". Napolitano said that 85 percent of our critical assets are owned by the private sector--and their knowledge of technical assistance can greatly help secure infrastructure. She said better training of local law enforcement is a major part of her workplan in the coming months --stating local law enforcement could work together to analyze and provide intelligence. She also cited the importance in maintaining international partners to broker agreements with allies on monitoring baggage and cargo and to forge agreements to combat serious crime in partnership with the Department of Justice.
"We are a nation of families. Think of us as a hub. We have to strengthen our own networks and build on our international partnerships" she said.
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