WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Wednesday, November 20, 2002, United States Secret Service Director Brian L. Stafford issued the following statement on the passage of the bill to create the new Department of Homeland Security:
"This is truly a historic time for the Secret Service. We are pleased that both the President and the Congress have recognized the invaluable contributions the Secret Service has made and will continue to make to the defense of our homeland. Our role within the new department provides our agency with a platform to continue our excellence in protecting our Nation’s highest elected leaders and preserving the integrity of our financial and critical infrastructures.
As the Secret Service enters one of the most exciting and challenging eras in our agency’s 137-year history, we look forward to working with the new Secretary of Homeland Security to achieve the success that is so vital to our country."