UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20250


November 20, 2002


TO: All USDA Employees
FROM: Secretary Ann M. Veneman

Last night, the U.S. Congress, in a bipartisan majority vote, gave final
approval to President Bush's proposal to create a new Department of
Homeland Security. This historic action means that legislation is headed
to the President's desk for his signature, and our country will soon have a
new department with the primary mission of securing the American homeland.

You may have questions about what this means for you and other colleagues
at USDA. In June, a planning office was created by Executive Order to
prepare for the transition and the establishment of the new department. A
team of federal employees, including representatives from USDA, has been
developing plans to ensure a smooth and effective transition following
congressional action. Once the President signs the legislation, there will
be a 60-day period before the new department is formally established. All
federal agencies that will become part of the Department of Homeland
Security will formally move at some point during a one-year transition
period.

While the transition to the new department will present new challenges for
all of us in federal service, it also presents outstanding new
opportunities. From the beginning, the President has regarded this new
department as a critical component of our nation's efforts to protect
itself against terrorism. The President is committed to making the
Department of Homeland Security both an effective part of our government
and an excellent place for employees to work. A website has been set up
specifically to provide us all with transition updates. You can find this
information at www.dhs.gov/employees . In addition, feel free to direct
questions to your human resources representative. He or she will be able
to share additional information as soon as it is available.

Let me close by again thanking you for your continued efforts to protect
America. The current security of our homeland depends on your continued
dedication, commitment and work.