New Cabinet Position?

Just recently, Tom Ridge was given a cabinet level position as head of the Department of Homeland Security. My question is, though it seems as though it is a good idea, how much of an impact will this make on the US as a country. It was set up in order to protect the country itself, and from what I can tell it's been doing its job, but is it necessary to keep as a full time position? My thought is that if it benefits the people of the country then keep it, and I believe it does that in giving the American people the idea "hey, they have a department that focuses on the protection of this country".

The position reorganizes many different departments under one heading - FBI, NSA, INS etc. Eventually, this is supposed to streamline information and make the process of protecting the boarders more efficient.