TSDM-9 The President, National Security Council, and the Interagency Source: NWC Faculty

1. TSDM-9 The President, National Security Council, and the Interagency Source: NWC Faculty

2. Session Objectives • Understand the role of the President in shaping and implementing the national security agenda. • Comprehend the other players within the executive branch who shape and implement the national security agenda. • Describe the general interagency structures and processes of the federal government. • Identify the authorities and roles of the key federal departments and agencies with respect to national security policy. NWC/TSDM Dr. Coty Keller

3. The National Security Council The National Security Council (NSC) is the President's principal forum for considering national security and foreign policy matters with his senior national security advisors and cabinet officials. Since its inception under President Truman, the Council's function has been to advise and assist the President on national security and foreign policies. The Council also serves as the President's principal arm for coordinating these policies among various government agencies. [source: White House website, 2010] NWC/TSDM Dr. Coty Keller

4. Chairman President Non Statutory Members National Security Advisor Deputy National Security Advisor (Secretary) Secretary of Homeland Security Chief of Staff to the President (COS) Sec Treasury Attorney General US Ambassador to the United Nations White House Counsel (invited) Secretary of Commerce U.S. Trade Representative Asst to President for Economic Policy Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors Asst to President for Homeland Security or Counter-Terrorism Director of the Office of Science and Technology Dir, OMB* [*=others as approp] National Security Council (NSC) The senior interagency forum for consideration and coordination of national security policy • Statutory Members • - Vice President • - Secretary of State • Secretary of Defense • Secretary of Energy Statutory Advisors - CJCS - DNI NWC/TSDM Dr. Coty Keller

5. NSC & Policymaking Process • NSC FUNCTIONS • The President’s principal forum for considering national security and foreign policy matters • Advises the President with respect to integration of domestic, foreign, and military policies • Assesses and appraises the objectives, commitments, and risks of the U.S. and addresses these in the National Security Strategy • NSA FUNCTIONS • “Honest broker” / coordinator for the NSC process. Assures issues are clearly presented to the President; that all reasonable options along with analysis are brought to his attention; and that the views of the other presidential advisors are accurately conveyed • Provides advice from the President’s vantage point. Has no institutional ties • Monitors policy implementation • Keeps the President informed • Plays a key role in crisis management • NSC STAFF • Direct support to the President in crisis management • Liaison with foreign governments • Support for negotiations in Presidential summits • Articulation of the President’s policies to other departments and, at times, to the U.S. public (through the National Security Advisor) • Coordination of summit meetings and overseas travel by the President • Support to the President during telephone conversations with foreign leaders • Coordination of the interagency policy process and policy implementation follow-up NWC/TSDM Dr. Coty Keller

6. NSA Donilon Career History: National Security Adviser (since January 2009-October 2010); Member of Barack Obama's transition team for the State Department Review; Senior Aide, Sen. Joseph Biden's Presidential Campaign; Senate Majority's National Security Advisory Group (2005 to 2007) Hometown: Providence, R.I. Alma Mater: Catholic University, B.A., 1977; University of Virginia, J.D., 1985 Spouse: Catherine Russell • Democratic party insider (close ties to Biden) • Lawyer (counsel for Fannie Mae) • Ran the deputies’ group during Jones’ tenure (he was the deputy NSA) NWC/TSDM Dr. Coty Keller