Michael Chertoff Department Quotations

The department intends to build an integrated border security system.

We've certainly learned a lot of lessons from Katrina, from Rita. Rita was better than Katrina. We're doing a better job planning. We're closer - more closely aligned with the Department of Defense. These things would be positive things if we were to have another attack.

Employers and workers alike should be on notice that the status quo has changed ... these enforcement actions demonstrate that this department has no patience for employers who tolerate or perpetuate a shadow economy.

Our department must drive improvement with a sense of urgency. . . . We as a department must be nimble and decisive, ... We will be straightforward. If something goes wrong, we will not only acknowledge it, we will correct it.

As you know, the president has established the 'White House Task Force on Hurricane Katrina Response.' He will meet with us tomorrow to launch this effort. The Department of Homeland Security, along with other Departments, will be part of the task force and will assist the administration with its response to Hurricane Katrina,

The world is not going to stop moving because we are very focused on Katrina. Part of the responsibility of the Department of Homeland Security is to deal with all hazards, everything that's out there, and to continue to be able to keep our eye on everything that may happen in the future,

By the end of this year our department anticipates issuing a new inexpensive secure travel card for land border crossings.

The Department of Defense took 40 years to get where it got.