CAPITOL UPDATE #5 – February 6, 2025

What does the Secretary of the Treasury do?

As the chief financial officer of the Federal Government, the Treasury Secretary is the top advisor on economic and fiscal policy.  The Treasury Department oversees the US Mint and the Internal Revenue Service, among other agencies.

What does the Secretary of Defense do?

Lead 1.3 million active-duty service members, including soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines, among a total of 3.4 million personnel worldwide.  Responsible for overseeing any use of the military on domestic soil.  The secretary of defense is second only to the president in the military’s chain of command; would manage the Pentagon, craft national defense policy, and coordinate intelligence – via the Defense Intelligence Agency – with the National Security Council.

What does the Secretary of Transportation do?

The secretary of transportation oversees the nation’s complex federal network of highways and railroads, as well as pipelines, aviation and trucking regulation.

What does the Secretary of the Interior do?

The Interior Department manages about 75% of all federal land – about 507 million acres – and runs programs relating to the United States’ indigenous population.

What does the Secretary of State do?

The advisor on foreign policy and international relations, oversee a global network of embassies and consulates, and nearly 80,000 employees dedicated to the nation’s diplomacy.

What does the CIA do?

Oversees the nation’s largest foreign spy agency.  The CIA collects and analyzes intelligence, collects covert paramilitary operations, counterterrorism and offensive cyber operations.

What does the EPA do?

The EPA enforces the Federal Clean Air and Clean Water Acts and other environmental statutes.  It also conducts environmental assessments, research and education.

What does the Director of Homeland Security do?

This department is responsible for a broad range of domestic security concerns, with a mandate that includes anti-terrorism, border security and immigration, as well as disaster-prevention and management.