Which agency was incorporated into the new Department of Homeland Security after the September 11, 2001, attacks?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was incorporated into the newly established Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following the September 11, 2001, attacks. The formation of DHS aimed to consolidate various federal agencies that were responsible for protecting the nation from terrorist attacks and managing the response to disasters.

FEMA, which was already focused on disaster response and recovery efforts, was seen as a natural fit for inclusion in DHS because its mission aligns with the goals of enhancing national security and preparedness against both natural disasters and terrorist threats. The integration of FEMA allowed for a more coordinated federal response to emergencies, whether they originated from natural causes or were man-made.

In contrast, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are primarily focused on intelligence and law enforcement, respectively, rather than disaster management. Although they play critical roles in national security and counterterrorism efforts, they were not merged into DHS. The CIA primarily deals with foreign intelligence, while the FBI handles domestic investigations, making them less suited for integration with FEMA’s emergency management focus. Thus, FEMA's inclusion in DHS was a strategic move to enhance the government's ability to respond to a wider range of threats and crises effectively.