What was one of the first charges of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)?

One of the first charges of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was to develop a National Response Plan (NRP). This plan outlines the strategies and actions that federal, state, and local authorities should take in response to various incidents, including natural disasters and terrorist attacks. The establishment of the NRP was a crucial step in unifying the emergency response system across different levels of government, ensuring that there is a coordinated approach to managing emergencies and disasters. The NRP also serves as a guideline for federal agencies to follow in their response efforts, making it a foundational element of the DHS's mission to enhance the nation's preparedness and response capabilities.

In contrast, while prioritizing threats, completing threat assessments, and increasing airline security are important aspects of homeland security, they came about as part of the broader efforts that followed the establishment of DHS and the NRP. The NRP was a proactive step taken to systematize and strengthen the country's ability to respond to a wide range of threats and emergencies.