DHS Recognizes New Manufacturing Sector Council
The Department of Homeland Security has formally recognized creation of the new Critical Manufacturing Sector Coordinating Council (CMSCC). The CMSCC includes companies such as automakers, heavy equipment manufacturers, and steel producers. "Because of the unique operating and supply-chain challenges faced by manufacturers, we determined that a new sector council would best address the needs of companies that did not fit precisely within the original 17-sector structure," said DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff. "Critical manufacturers are important members of our national team that will help us develop plans and exchange information in order to achieve our common security goals in this vital sector."
In 2003, Homeland Security Presidential Directive-7 (HSPD-7) established a national policy for identifying and protecting critical infrastructure and key resources. At that time, the directive identified 17 economic, industrial, and essential service sectors, but authorized the Secretary of Homeland Security to evaluate the need for new sectors as necessary. Following HSPD-7, the DHS secretary, with the support of the heads of key departments and agencies, issued the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP) to provide a framework for accomplishing the mission of protecting critical infrastructure and key resources.
The NIPP identified the individual sector coordinating councils (SCCs) as the principal forums for owners and operators of each of the 17 critical infrastructure and key resource sectors to work in partnership with government on a wide range of prevention, protection, and risk reduction activities and issues. Following the publication of the NIPP, DHS recognized 17 self-organized SCCs, one representing each of the 17 sectors. Specific membership varies by sector, reflecting the unique composition of each. The Critical Manufacturing Sector was designated as the 18th sector in April 2008 and is the first sector to be recognized through the exercise of the secretary's authority.
"U.S. manufacturers are responsible for creating essential products, contributing billions of dollars to the economy and providing over one million American jobs," said Richard A. Douglas, global security chief for the United States Steel Corporation and chair of the CMSCC. "We are grateful for DHS' recognition and look forward to working together in strengthening the manufacturing sector’s ability to be prepared and resilient against the threats of terrorism and all-hazard emergencies." The current CMSCC membership includes:
- ArcelorMittal USA
- Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc.
- Caterpillar Inc.
- Chrysler LLC
- Deere & Company
- Ford Motor Company
- General Motors
- Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
- Kohler Company
- Navistar International Corporation
- United States Steel Corporation
For more information on NIPP sector coordinating councils, go to www.dhs.gov/index.shtm< p="">