Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano and Health and Human Services Secretary Sebelius issued the following statements regarding the World Health Organization’s decision to raise the pandemic threat level on the novel H1N1 virus.

Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano granted deferred action for two years to widows and widowers of U.S. citizens—as well as their unmarried children under 18 years old—who reside in the United States and who were married for less than two years prior to their spouse’s death.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano swore in 16 members of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) today during her first meeting with HSAC in Albuquerque, N.M.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, U.S. Department of Homeland Secretary Janet Napolitano and Director of National Drug Control Policy Gil Kerlikowske released President Obama's strategy to stem the flow of illegal drugs and their illicit proceeds across the Southwest border and reduce associated crime and violence in the region on June 5, 2009.

Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano announced the formation of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) Southwest Border Task Force, a diverse group of national security experts charged with examining the Department’s efforts along the U.S.-Mexico border and providing advice and recommendations directly to the Secretary.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced fiscal year 2009 Operation Stonegarden grants—totaling $60 million—for 13 border states and the Territory of Puerto Rico to enhance the capabilities of federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to jointly secure U.S. borders and territories on June 4, 2009.

Secretary Napolitano spoke at the Aspen Institute on June 3, 2009 in Washington, D.C., discussing homeland security challenges and progress, the Secretary's five missions, and three major strategies.

Secretary Napolitano toured the U.S. Secret Service James J. Rowley Training Center in Laurel, Md., June 2, 2009.

Secretary Napolitano will travel to Tucson, Ariz., and Albuquerque, N.M., and announce Operation Stonegarden grant awards, which consist of $60 million to enhance law enforcement preparedness and operational readiness along the border through improved cooperation and coordination between federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement.

Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano announced appointments for two key cybersecurity posts at the Department: Greg Schaffer as Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity and Communications (CS&C); and Bruce McConnell as Counselor to the National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) Deputy Under Secretary. Also, Deputy Under Secretary for NPPD Philip Reitinger will also serve as Director of the National Cybersecurity Center (NCSC).