Secretary Chertoff, DC Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Md. Governor Martin O’Malley and Va. Governor Timothy M. Kaine met December 23, 2008 at Secret Service headquarters to discuss security planning and implementation for the 56th Presidential Inauguration.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on December 22, 2008 that it will designate Malta as a Visa Waiver Program country on December 30, 2008. Maltese nationals will be able to travel visa-free to the United States effective December 30th.

The Department of Homeland Security's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) David Norquist will leave the department after more than two years of managing one of the most complex financial management organizations in the federal government.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff 2008 End of the Year Remarks at Georgetown University on December 18, 2008.

The Department's end-of-2008 accomplishments and success in protecting the nation from dangerous people and goods, securing the nation’s critical infrastructure, strengthening emergency preparedness and response and unifying department operations.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff delivered remarks on cybersecurity at the Cyber Strategic Inquiry 2008 in Washington, D.C. on December 18, 2008.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that it is expanding the categories of non-U.S. citizens required to provide digital fingerprints and a photograph upon entry to the United States through the US VISIT program on December 18, 2008.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today opened the application period for approximately $48.6 million under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 Driver’s License Security Grant Program. These grants support state efforts to prevent terrorism and reduce fraud by improving the reliability and accuracy of identification documents that state governments issue.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) Ombudsman Michael Dougherty issued a study and recommendations on naturalization oath ceremonies on December 16, 2008.

The Department of Homeland Security opened the application period for approximately $34 million under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) Grant Program on December 16, 2008. These grants are intended to improve state, local and tribal emergency management and preparedness capabilities by supporting flexible, sustainable, secure and interoperable Emergency Operations Centers.

With the new year approaching, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Ready Campaign is reminding Americans to Resolve to be Ready in 2009. Resolve to be Ready is a nationwide effort designed to encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the new year.

General Douglas O’Dell, President George W. Bush’s federal coordinator for Gulf Coast rebuilding, strongly emphasized the importance of businesses developing continuity of operations plans, or COOP plans, now before a disaster. In keynote remarks at the Louisiana Technology Council “Business Continuity: Planning Your Survival Kit” event, O’Dell noted the importance of technology specialists in developing and carrying out such plans.

Secretary Chertoff spoke on the need to secure cyberspace, and to protect our nation's cyber-systems and infrastructure, whether it be government, military, or civilian government on December 10, 2008 at the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association meeting at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C.

General Douglas O'Dell, Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, said President Bush and his Administration have laid a solid foundation for rebuilding New Orleans and the greater Gulf Coast with aid that totals more than $126 billion. Local leaders are at the helm of the rebuilding, leading the effort in addressing affordable housing needs.

Secretary Michael Chertoff participated in blogger roundtable dicussing the State and Future of DHS on Tuesday, December 9, 2008.

General Douglas O'Dell, Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, helped U.S. Secretary Housing and Urban Development, Steve Preston, and other local officials and stakeholders break ground for the new Columbia Citi Residences at Bayou District in New Orleans, calling it a sign of good rebuilding progress.

The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate released the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) today, recommending Manhattan, Kan., as the preferred site for the state-of the-art, high-security laboratory facility to study foreign animal and zoonotic (transferable from animal to human) diseases that can impact livestock.

Secretary Chertoff spoke on the state of homeland security at Kean University in Union, New Jersey, on December 4, 2008.

General Douglas O'Dell, Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, commended the local private sector and nonprofit leaders for their work to address the local need for affordable housing. He then urged them to redouble their efforts and continue working to increase affordable housing to meet the need in the Calcasieu area.

Remarks by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on incident management at Johns Hopkins University on Wednesday, December 3, 2008.

General Douglas O'Dell, federal coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, today told a group of homeland security experts, foundation representatives and congressional staff during a roundtable discussion that significant progress in rebuilding efforts in New Orleans is largely due to the hard work and collaborative efforts of local leaders. The Aspen Institute hosted the roundtable discussion, which was one of several conducted around the country on homeland security and natural disaster preparedness.

Secretary Chertoff's remarks at the Christian Science Monitor breakfast on December 3, 2008 highlighted President Bush’s legacy on homeland security and provided an update on the state of the Department and transition efforts.