He resigned from the NSC Staff in March 2003, retired from government service in April 2003, and served as national security advisor for the Kerry-Edwards campaign (2003–2004).

Beers's comments elicited widespread criticism from conservative observers such as Rush Limbaugh[5] and Karl Rove,[6] as well as a variety of right-wing blogs.

[7][failed verification] As Under Secretary, Beers directed the Department's efforts to reduce risks to physical, cyber and communications infrastructures.

[citation needed] NPPD collaborates with all levels of government, the private sector, non-government organizations, and international bodies to prevent, respond to, and mitigate threats to U.S. national security from acts of terrorism, natural disasters, and other catastrophic events.

[8] Beers served as Counselor to Secretary Janet Napolitano beginning on January 21, 2009, and continued in that capacity while directing the activities of NPPD.