Meaning: The quote refers to a decision made by the Secretary of Defense in 2002 to authorize support on a reimbursable basis to organizations that were once part of the Department of Justice and the Department of the Treasury, and are now components of the Department of Homeland Security. The quote is attributed to Solomon Ortiz, a former U.S. Representative from Texas who served in Congress for over 28 years.

The decision mentioned in the quote represents a significant aspect of interagency cooperation and collaboration within the U.S. government. It reflects the complex and interconnected nature of various government agencies and their roles in national security and law enforcement.

The authorization of support on a reimbursable basis indicates that the Department of Defense was willing to provide assistance to these organizations within the Department of Homeland Security, with the understanding that the costs incurred would be reimbursed. This demonstrates a practical approach to resource sharing and leveraging the capabilities of different agencies to fulfill their respective missions.

The specific context and details of the support provided, as well as the reasons behind the decision, are not explicitly mentioned in the quote. However, it is clear that the authorization was significant enough to be highlighted by Solomon Ortiz, indicating its relevance and potential impact on the operations of the organizations involved.

The decision to provide support from the Department of Defense to components of the Department of Homeland Security reflects the evolving nature of national security and the need for coordinated efforts across different agencies. This type of collaboration is crucial in addressing complex and evolving threats, such as those related to terrorism, border security, and emergency response.

Additionally, the decision may have been influenced by legislative and policy changes that reshaped the organizational structure and responsibilities of various government agencies in response to evolving security challenges. The establishment of the Department of Homeland Security itself in 2002 was a significant reorganization aimed at enhancing the coordination and effectiveness of efforts to protect the United States from security threats.

In conclusion, the quote by Solomon Ortiz reflects a notable decision made by the Secretary of Defense in 2002 to authorize support on a reimbursable basis to components of the Department of Homeland Security that were formerly part of the Department of Justice and the Department of the Treasury. This decision underscores the importance of interagency cooperation and resource sharing in addressing national security and law enforcement challenges. It also highlights the dynamic and interconnected nature of the U.S. government's efforts to protect the country and its citizens from diverse and evolving threats.