Who is responsible for federal response efforts and appointed by the president?

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for federal response efforts and is appointed by the president. This position holds a crucial role in coordinating and overseeing the country's response to various emergencies and disasters, including natural disasters and terrorist threats. The Secretary of DHS leads the federal government's efforts in ensuring national security, implementing disaster response strategies, and facilitating collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies during emergencies.

Additionally, this role involves working closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the DHS, which is directly responsible for coordinating disaster response and recovery efforts. The Secretary's overview ensures that resources, personnel, and strategic plans are in place to respond effectively to any incidents that may occur, reinforcing the vital leadership function that the Secretary serves during times of crisis.