General Douglas O'Dell, federal coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, today told a group of homeland security experts, foundation representatives and congressional staff during a roundtable discussion that significant progress in rebuilding efforts in New Orleans is largely due to the hard work and collaborative efforts of local leaders. The Aspen Institute hosted the roundtable discussion, which was one of several conducted around the country on homeland security and natural disaster preparedness.

Secretary Chertoff's remarks at the Christian Science Monitor breakfast on December 3, 2008 highlighted President Bush’s legacy on homeland security and provided an update on the state of the Department and transition efforts.

Secretary Chertoff gave a statement on the resignation of Jock Scharfen, acting director for US Citizenship and Immigration Services

Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on the designation of Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano as Homeland Security Secretary on December 1, 2008.