Homeland Security Act of 2002

The Homeland Security Act (HSA) of 2002 (Pub. L.107–296 (text)(PDF), 116 Stat.2135, enacted November 25, 2002) was an act of Congress, introduced in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, that established the Department of Homeland Security and reorganized the US federal government. The HSA was cosponsored by 118 members of Congress. The act passed the U.S. Senate by a vote of 90–9, with one senator not voting. It was signed into law by President George W. Bush in November 2002.

The HSA also established the secretary of homeland security as a cabinet-level position. The HSA imposed the largest federal government reorganization since the Department of Defense was created via the National Security Act of 1947 (as amended in 1949). It also includes many of the organizations under which the powers of the USA PATRIOT Act are exercised.