FEB. 26
Terrorist bomb explodes in underground parking garage at New York City's World Trade Center.
Hart-Rudman Commission forms to review future national security needs in light of new threats.
Hart-Rudman Commission recommends creating a national homeland security agency.
SEPT. 11
Terrorists attack World Trade Center and Pentagon.
SEPT. 20
President Bush announces creation of the Office of Homeland Security.
OCT. 8
Executive Order 13228 establishes OHS, headed by Gov. Tom Ridge.
OCT. 11
Sens. Joseph Lieberman and Arlen Specter propose creation of a Cabinet-level Department of Homeland Security.
OCT. 26
JUNE 6
President Bush signs the USA Patriot Act into law, which grants sweeping new powers to both domestic law enforcement and international intelligence agencies to fight terrorism.
Bush announces proposal to create a Department of Homeland Security.
NOV. 25
JAN. 24
Bush signs the Homeland Security Act of 2002, establishing DHS.
Ridge sworn in as first secretary of DHS.
MAY 1
Terrorist Threat Integration Center begins operations.
JUNE 24
House passes the first Homeland Security Appropriations bill, approving $29.4 billion.
SEPT. 2
JAN. 5
DHS announces the "One Face at the Border" initiative to consolidate three inspections at the border into one.
DHS launches US-Visit program at 115 airports and at cruise ship terminals in 14 seaports.
JAN. 28
DHS unveils the National Cyber Alert System.