The Homeland Security Act (HSA) of 2002 created the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an executive department of the United States. The HSA consolidated component agencies, including FEMA, into DHS. The Secretary of Homeland Security is the head of DHS and has direction, authority, and control over it. All of the functions of the officers, employees, and organizational units of DHS are vested in the Secretary. The mission of DHS includes preventing terrorist attacks within the United States, reducing America's vulnerability to terrorism, and minimizing the damage and recovering from attacks that do occur. PKEMRA amended the HSA with respect to the organizational structure, authorities, and responsibilities of FEMA and the FEMA Administrator.