Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano Tuesday announced the creation of a task force that will have 60 days to recommend changes to the nation's color-coded alert system.
"My goal is simple: to have the most effective system in place to inform the American people about threats to our country," Napolitano said.
Critics have said the five-color alert system, created in March 2002, is confusing and ineffective. The national threat level is now elevated, or yellow, but the threat level for all domestic and international aviation is set at high, or orange.
The 17-member task force will be led jointly by Frances Townsend, former homeland security adviser to President George W. Bush, and William Webster, a former federal judge who also headed the FBI and CIA. Members include David Bradley, owner of the Atlantic Media Co., the parent firm of CongressDaily and Government Executive.
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