The National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) is a component within the United States Department of Homeland Security. NPPD's goal is to advance the Department's national security mission by reducing and eliminating threats to the Nation’s critical physical and cyber infrastructure. The NPPD is led by the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for National Protection and Programs, who is appointed by the President of the United States with confirmation by the United States Senate. The current Under Secretary is Suzanne E. Spaulding.