The Department of Homeland Security is the lead agency charged with combatting these threats and more, and it needs qualified, Senate-confirmed leadership in place immediately,” Democratic Sen. “Our nation is facing unprecedented crises and threats to American national security, from the devastating Coronavirus pandemic to massive cyber breaches across government and the private sector – and as we have seen too clearly in recent weeks – rising domestic terrorism and anti-government violence. DHS is also playing a leading role in securing the US Capitol for the inauguration and is involved in responding to the coronavirus pandemic.
But the department’s mission extends beyond immigration. A US official previously told CNN that some contracts can be modified. The government has long-standing authority to terminate contracts, though it comes at a cost, according to contracting experts. “Senator … if I may strike at the fundamental point that I believe you are inquiring of, which is, will I follow the law and the execution of my responsibilities should I have the privilege of serving as the secretary of Homeland Security? And the answer is yes, I will follow the law,” Mayorkas said, adding that he would need to understand “what the law provides with respect to the obligation of funds to construct the border wall and see what the opportunities are to discontinue any such obligations if in fact the law permits and act accordingly.”īiden to propose sweeping immigration bill on first day in office While Mayorkas committed to following through with Biden’s promise, he maintained he’d do so “in adherence to the laws that guide us.” Hawley questioned Mayorkas on Tuesday about funds appropriated for the US-Mexico border wall and whether they would be spent as intended, in light of Biden’s pledge to halt wall construction. “Senator Hawley’s threat to disrupt historical practice and try to leave this vital position vacant is dangerous, especially in this time of overlapping crises when there is not a moment to waste.” “The Senate held swift confirmation votes for the DHS Secretary nominee in 20 in order for them to start on day one for good reason,” Savett said. Read: Excerpts from Biden's DHS pick Alejandro Mayorkas' opening statement Nominated Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas participates as US President-elect Joe Biden speaks during cabinet announcement event in Wilmington, Delaware, on November 24, 2020. In a statement to CNN, Sean Savett, a Biden transition spokesperson, called Mayorkas “one of the most knowledgeable homeland security experts in the country.” Gaynor told his workforce he would fill the job until “January 20 when President-elect Biden is inaugurated.” The department hasn’t had a Senate-confirmed secretary since April 2019. Earlier this month, Chad Wolf stepped down from his post as acting secretary following intense scrutiny over the validity of his appointment.įederal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Pete Gaynor assumed the role of acting DHS secretary, becoming the sixth secretary under the Trump administration.
Under President Donald Trump, DHS has been rattled with consistent leadership turnover, including in the final weeks of his administration. Transportation Security Administration head David Pekoske is expected to temporarily take over as acting Homeland Security secretary when the Biden administration enters office Wednesday, according to Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Alexei Woltornist.
Given this, I cannot consent to skip the standard vetting process and fast-track this nomination when so many questions remain unanswered,” he continued. “Just today, he declined to say he would enforce the laws Congress has already passed to secure the border wall system. Mayorkas has not adequately explained how he will enforce federal law and secure the southern border given President-elect Biden’s promise to roll back major enforcement and security measures,” Hawley said in a statement. The Missouri Republican’s decision stemmed from an exchange with Mayorkas hours earlier during the nominee’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security Committee. Josh Hawley (R-MO) asks questions during a Senate hearing.
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