The President's News Conference
02/16/2005
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu...
Yesterday I signed into law legislation to create the new Department of Homeland Security.
It will unite our efforts under one roof and behind one primary mission: to protect the American people from another terrorist attack.
I intend to nominate Governor Tom Ridge to serve as Secretary of the new Department of Homeland Security.
Achieving that goal is my highest and most urgent priority as President.