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As with so many other government initiatives, Washington is spending billions of dollars
hoping that the outcome will equal the expense, but with little evidence that this is indeed the
result. This type of reckless spending and failure of leadership have amassed a national debt that
poses the most significant threat to our freedom and security as a nation. We are now indebted
to some of the very nations that are hostile to the basic values and principles that unite us as a
people.
To address the debt threat, Congress must address the other threats to our nation in a
fiscally responsible manner. This includes conducting oversight of federal agencies to ensure
they are protecting and not infringing upon the rights of the people and also spending taxpayer
dollars in the most efficient and effective manner possible.
This report is a comprehensive overview of oversight conducted over the past decade to
measure how well DHS is achieving its mission, operating its programs, spending taxpayer
funds, complying with the law, and respecting the boundaries established to limit the federal
government and protect the rights of law abiding U.S. citizens.
Created after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, DHS is the result of the largest
reorganization of government in more than a half century. Today, the Department’s spends
approximately $61 billion annually and employs more than 240,000 people. It includes many
different components, directorates, offices, and programs with a broad range of missions. This
report reviews each of DHS’s five main missions, where it is falling short with each, and provides
recommendations to make the Department more efficient and effective.
The analysis is based upon independent information and evidence as well as oversight
conducted by my office and other watchdogs. Where necessary, this report notes where
additional oversight is needed to improve transparency and understanding of DHS’s programs
and performance.
Based upon the available evidence, DHS is not successfully executing any of its five main
missions. Many of DHS’s programs, in fact, are ineffective and should be reconsidered. One of
the most significant challenges DHS faces is Congress. Parochial politics and overlapping
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