Homeland Security Presidential Directive 20

Citation: Homeland Security Presidential Directive 20: National Continuity Policy (May 2007).

HSPD-20 (also NSPD-51) establishes a comprehensive national policy on the continuity of Federal Government structures and operations, and designates a single National Continuity Coordinator who is responsible for leading the development and implementation of Federal continuity policies. This policy: establishes National Essential Functions; prescribes continuity requirements for all executive departments and agencies; and provides guidance for state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, and private sector organizations.

This directive aims to ensure a comprehensive and integrated national continuity program that will enhance the credibility of the U.S. national security posture and enable a more rapid and effective response to and recovery from a national emergency.