Presents an overview of the challenges and the processes in place to support homeland security efforts. Examines the wide variety of programs required for homeland security—in such disparate areas as counterterrorism, information security, border security, and counter-drug activities—and covers coordination at the federal, state, and local levels. Studies how decision makers at the various levels decide which of these programs should be funded; what programs should be supported and the scale of those programs; how these programs fit together and support the overall goal of homeland security; and how plans are translated into budgets.