National Security Council

The National Security Council was established by the National Security Act of 1947 (PL 235 - 61 Stat. 496; U.S.C. 402), amended by the National Security Act Amendments of 1949 (63 Stat. 579; 50 U.S.C. 401 et seq.). Later in 1949, as part of the Reorganization Plan, the Council was placed in the Executive Office of the President.

The National Security Council funcioned as 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 function of the Council 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.

Office Head
Assistant to the President
Berger, Samuel (1997-2001)
Lake, Anthony (1993-1997)
Deputy Assistant to the President
Berger, Samuel (1993-1997)
Steinberg, James (1997-July 2000)
Rudman, Mara (1999-2001)
Kerrick, Donald (1996-1999) (August 2000-January 2001)
Soderberg, Nancy (1995-1996)

The Office of Foreign Policy Speechwriting drafted the public remarks of the President and the National Security Advisor on foreign affairs, including policy speeches, statements and ceremonial remarks.

The Office of Records Management consisted of two divisions: Access Management and Records Management. Access Management staff advised and assisted the President and the National Security Advisor by reviewing classified information generated at the White House by the President, the National Security Advisor or the President’s staff at the NSC for release in response to requests from researchers, historians and the general public. The Records Management staff assisted the President and the National Security Advisor by facilitating the movement of documents to and from the President, National Security Advisor, NSC staff and NSC Executive Secretary.