Josh Hawley (r): Why not add “obstructionist asshole” to the list, it’s just one more thing, right?

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Alejandro Mayorkas, cabinet secretary, Confirmation hearings, Homeland Security, Joe Biden, Josh Hawley, missouri, obstructionist asshole, preening fool, U.S. Senate

Because you were too busy aiding and abetting sedition and insurrection less than two weeks ago, asshole.

Josh Hawley (r) [2016 file photo].

Senator Hawley Blocks Quick Consideration of President-Elect Biden’s Nominee for Homeland Security
Tuesday, January 19, 2021

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) released the following statement after placing a hold on a procedural move to bypass full committee consideration of Alejandro N. Mayorkas to be Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security:

“On Day 1 of his administration, President-elect Biden has said he plans to unveil an amnesty plan for 11 million immigrants in this nation illegally. This comes at a time when millions of American citizens remain out of work and a new migrant caravan has been attempting to reach the United States. Mr. 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. Just today, he declined to say he would enforce the laws Congress has already passed to secure the border wall system. Given this, I cannot consent to skip the standard vetting process and fast-track this nomination when so many questions remain unanswered.” [….]

What a putz.

Also today:

“…Sen. Portman, a top Republican from Ohio, said he thinks it’s critical Congress expedited the Homeland Security secretary confirmation hearing ‘because the job is so important…we have so many threats right now internal and external so I’m glad we were able to get started….'”

When Alejandro Mayorkas was nominated, almost two months ago:

Biden Harris Transition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 24, 2020

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by President-elect Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware

Good afternoon.

Today, I am pleased to announce nominations and staff for critical foreign policy and national security positions in my Administration.

It’s a team that will keep our country and our people safe and secure.

And it’s a team that reflects the fact that America is back.

Ready to lead the world, not retreat from it. Ready to confront our adversaries, not reject our allies. And ready to stand up for our values.

In fact, in calls from world leaders in the weeks since we won this election, I’ve been struck by how much they are looking forward to the United States reasserting its historic role as a global leader.

This team meets this moment.

They embody my core belief that America is strongest when it works with its allies.

Collectively, this team has secured some of the most defining national security and diplomatic achievements in recent memory — made possible through decades of experience working with our partners.

That’s how we truly keep America safe without engaging in needless military conflicts, and our adversaries in check and terrorists at bay.

It’s how we counter terrorism and extremism. Control this pandemic and future ones.

Deal with the climate crisis, nuclear proliferation, cyber threats and emerging technologies, the spread of authoritarianism, and so much more.

And while this team has unmatched experience and accomplishments, they also reflect the idea that we cannot meet these challenges with old thinking or unchanged habits.

[….]

As Secretary of Homeland Security, I nominate Alejandro Mayorkas.

This is one of the hardest jobs in government. The DHS Secretary needs to keep us safe from threats at home and from abroad.

And it’s a job that plays a critical role in fixing our broken immigration system.

After years of chaos, dysfunction, and absolute cruelty at DHS, I am proud to nominate an experienced leader who has been hailed by both Democrats and Republicans.

Ali, as he goes by, is a former U.S Attorney. Former Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Former DHS Deputy Secretary.

Helped implement DACA. Prevented attacks on the homeland. Enhanced our cybersecurity. Helped communities recover from natural disasters. Combatted Ebola and Zika.

And while DHS affects everyone, given its critical role in immigration matters, I am proud that for the first time ever, the Department will be led by an immigrant, a Latino, who knows that we are a nation of laws and values.

And one more thing — today is his birthday.

Happy birthday, Ali.

[….]

Joe Biden (D) [2020 file photo].

On December 3, 2020:

Biden Harris Transition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 3, 2020

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by Nominee for Secretary of Department of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas to the American Business Immigration Coalition

Josh [NOT Hawley], thank you very much for the warm welcome.

I had the pleasure of working with Josh when I served as the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Josh — quite frankly — proved the power of the public-private partnership, as he convened a wide array of business and other community leaders throughout Chicago to address with our agency the city’s and our country’s immigration needs and challenges. Thank you very much, Josh.

Good afternoon. I am honored to join you today.

For more than 200 years, our country’s bipartisan tradition of welcoming immigrants from around the world has kept us dynamic and entrepreneurial. It has strengthened our families — including my own — our communities, our economy, and our nation.

When I was very young, the United States provided my family a place of refuge. In 1960, my father moved us from Cuba to Miami because he did not want to raise us in a communist country. He believed in democracy, and he understood the perils and the challenges of living otherwise.

I am proud to have had the privilege of serving in the federal government for almost twenty years, to have had the opportunity to give back to the country that has given my family and me so very much.

Now, as Josh mentioned, I have been nominated to be the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, to help oversee the protection of all Americans, fulfilling our promise as a nation of immigrants and administering our immigration system with integrity, in a way that is humane and secure.

It is an honor to be nominated and entrusted by the president-elect to serve. I will work day and night to protect our security here at home and to fulfill the promise of our proudest traditions.

Today, our immigration system is badly broken — and we all know it. The cost of that broken system is incalculably high. It represents a profound toll not only on families seeking to contribute to our nation and forge their own American dream, but on our economic prosperity and our moral authority as well.

As President-elect Joe Biden takes office, he has committed to fixing this broken immigration system. He knows that will require working with members on both sides of the aisle to find solutions that reflect the values we as Americans all share.

He knows that our solutions must reflect the broad sweep and impact of immigration across issues and constituencies, because key sectors of our economy — from agriculture to technology, rely on immigration. And he knows that immigrants are a key driver of economic growth.

We must stop vilifying these communities. We must bring to an immediate end the inhumane and unjust treatment of immigrants. There is no more powerful and heartbreaking example of that inhumanity than the separation of children from their parents.

Immigrants have been essential to our communities’ ability to survive the current pandemic — serving our nation in vast numbers as health care workers, researchers, and scientists; as delivery drivers, care givers, and clerks; and in so many other critical roles — and they will be vital to our economic recovery from this crisis.

We can all agree that our country needs a modern immigration system to allow our economy to grow, while protecting the rights, wages, and working conditions of all workers.

A fair and orderly system that keeps our families together and our communities safe.

Because creating a new immigration system will help create jobs, raise wages, and grow our economy. Not just for immigrant communities, but for all our families across this great country.

Our history and the facts demonstrate that immigrants contribute to and are a fundamental part of our economy and our society.

But of course, this issue is about more than figures on a balance sheet. On the base of the Statue of Liberty, it is written: that “from her beacon-hand glows world-wide welcome.”

Immigration is a foundational part of who we are, and who we have always been as Americans, from our very earliest days. It is an issue especially ripe for bipartisan solutions, because it speaks to our common history as a people, and because it serves the interests of each of us to further that distinctly American tradition.

We are a nation built on the energy, aspirations, and ideas of immigrants and the generations that followed them. A Biden administration will center an immigration agenda that is humane, fair, strengthens our nation and its economy, and keeps our families and communities safe.

And we will roll up our sleeves, starting on day one, to fix what is broken, to keep families together, to build an immigration system that works for all of us.

Thanks very much for allowing me to be a part of this today.

###

Today:

Biden Harris Transition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2021

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:
Alejandro Mayorkas’ Senate Confirmation Hearing Shows Why We Need To Swiftly Confirm Him To Lead DHS & Protect Our Country

In the aftermath of the deadly attack on our Capitol, it’s more important now than ever to have tested leaders in key national security roles, and it’s critical that the Senate move swiftly to confirm Alejandro Mayorkas to lead the Department of Homeland Security so he can get to work protecting our country.

In today’s hearing, Maryorkas showed yet again that he is prepared and ready on day one to lead the Department of Homeland Security and play a key role in President-elect Biden’s administration in keeping the American people safe and confronting the threats we face at home and abroad.

Here’s what they’re saying about Mayorkas’ testimony:

Sen. Gary Peters: “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. 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. DHS Secretary-designate Alejandro Mayorkas demonstrated his strong expertise and qualifications for this role at his confirmation hearing this morning. I urge my colleagues to follow the precedent set by the confirmations of Secretary John Kelly and Secretary Janet Napolitano by consenting to hold a vote on Alejandro Mayorkas’ nomination on January 20th so he can begin working to safeguard our homeland security on day one of the Biden Administration.” [Statement, 01/19/21]

Sen. Jon Tester: “After the events of Jan. 6th, we have no time to waste,” Sen. Jon Tester says as he introduced Mayorkas to be Secretary of Homeland Security. [Tweet, 1/19/21]

Sen. Jon Tester via Senate Democrats: “He understands the challenges that this country faces, both from our foreign adversaries and now, more than ever, from our domestic ones.” [Tweet, 01/19/21]

Sen. Tom Carper: In addition to his many years of dedicated service at the Department of Homeland, @AliMayorkas also understands firsthand what it’s like for a family to come to the U.S. in search of refuge. He will be a tremendous leader at DHS. [Tweet, 01/19/21]

Sen. Tom Carper: .@AliMayorkas is an American success story. He fled Cuba at a young age with his family and came to the U.S. with the hope of living a better life. As an American citizen, Ali believes he has an obligation to give back and he’s given back time and time again. [Tweet, 01/19/21]

Sen. Dianne Feinstein: This morning I had the honor to introduce @AliMayorkas, @JoeBiden’s nominee to be Homeland Security Secretary. Given his stellar work in the Clinton and Obama administrations, I have full confidence that he’ll provide positive leadership to DHS. [Tweet, 01/19/21]

Sen. Dick Durbin: .@AliMayorkas is an exceptionally qualified nominee to run the Department of Homeland Security. He will restore integrity and decency at DHS and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support his nomination. [Tweet, 01/19/21]

Sen. Jacky Rosen: Pleased to hear President-elect Biden’s nominee to lead @DHSGov, @AliMayorkas, reiterate his support for Dreamers and TPS recipients, as well as comprehensive immigration reform at today’s @HSGAC hearing. I look forward to working with him to protect our immigrant communities. [Tweet, 01/19/21]

Sen. Ron Portman: Sen. Portman, a top Republican from Ohio, said he thinks it’s critical Congress expedited the Homeland Security secretary confirmation hearing “because the job is so important…we have so many threats right now internal and external so I’m glad we were able to get started.” [CNN, 01/19/21]

Latino Victory: As his confirmation hearings begin today, it shouldn’t be lost on anyone that @AliMayorkas could become the first Latino, first Cuban-American, and the first immigrant to lead the Department of Homeland Security. washingtonpost.com/national/aleja… [Tweet, 01/19/21]

Lou DeBaca: Having worked with @AliMayorkas at DOJ and since, I’ve seen the rigor and integrity he brings to tough security issues and his commitment to #EndTrafficking. Immediate confirmation by @HSGAC and the full Senate is critical for our national interest. [Tweet, 01/19/21]

Peter Vincent: Having worked with @AliMayorkas at DHS, I know he’s a leader of great integrity and one of the most knowledgeable homeland security experts in the country. We can’t afford delays in safeguarding the country. The @HSGAC and the full Senate must confirm him right away. [Tweet, 01/19/21]

Pedro Ribeiro: Having served with @AliMayorkas at DHS, he’s the kind of leader our country needs now more than ever! @HSGAC and the full Senate must confirm him immediately so he can get to work keeping our nation safe [Tweet, 01/19/21]

I can personally speak to @AliMayorkas management style, he’s a driver who expects the best from his staff and those around him, he’s also exceedingly respectful and fosters open dialogue among staff and encourages dissent. Ali will bring the major league leadership to @DHSgov [Tweet, 01/19/21]

Suzanne Spaulding: The Senate should move quickly to confirm @AliMayorkas as Sec of DHS. I worked with him and know he will be an outstanding leader who can rebuild trust in this important org and address the risks to our nation. This is urgent. No political posturing! [Tweet, 1/19/21]

Asian Americans Advancing Justice: Re-sharing our statement in support of Ali Mayorkas for @DHSgov Secretary. We urge the Senate to quickly confirm him so he can get to work in restarting our immigration system. advancingjustice-aajc.org/index.php/pres… [Tweet, 01/19/21]

Amna Nawaz: Mayorkas as passionate as we’ve seen him so far – sharing story of getting involved in case of Guatemalan orphan adoptions that were held up, setting up task force to address issues and fix it…says he’s kept close photo of child running through airport to meet adoptive family. [Tweet, 01/19/21]

Tal Kopan: Mayorkas, the nominee for DHS secretary, just correctly cited immigration law from memory, with specific wording, on asylum. This shouldn’t feel like news, but here we are. [Tweet, 01/19/21]

MSNBC: DHS sec. nominee Alejandro Mayorkas says the Capitol riot was “horrifying” and it “will not happen again” if he is confirmed. [Tweet, 01/19/21]

Adam Shaw: NEW: Biden’s pick for DHS, Alejandro Mayorkas, was just asked if he would recommend @ICEgov be defunded. “No,” he says. [Tweet, 01/19/21]

Jason Oxman: From ensuring immigration advances US innovation to building effective cybersecurity, strong @DHSgov leadership is key to US growth & security. @AliMayorkas has the experience & skills needed to lead this critical agency. @ITI_TechTweets urges the Senate to quickly confirm him. [Tweet, 01/19/21]

Rabbi Jonah Pesner: The US is a nation founded and strengthened by immigrants. As the Senate begins @AliMayorkas confirmation hearings to lead @DHSgov, we hope he will be guided by his experience as an immigrant and public servant as he rebuilds our broken immigration system. [Tweet, 01/19/21]

Priscilla Alvarez: “I think we need to address the push factor as the gravest challenge to irregular migration,” Mayorkas tells Sen. Hawley. The incoming administration is clearly focused on thinking about immigration big picture, not just at the US-Mexico border but regionally. [Tweet, 01/19/21]

SEIU: From leading the implementation of #DACA to enhancing our nation’s cybersecurity, @AliMayorkas has shown that he has the skills needed to lead the @DHSgov. [Tweet, 01/19/21]

Yes! @AliMayorkas could bring stability to the @DHSgov as secretary of Homeland Security. He is a proven leader who understands that living up to our nation’s values and protecting our nation’s security aren’t mutually exclusive. [Tweet, 01/19/21]

Unidos US: We applaud President-elect @JoeBiden’s historic appointment of the first Latino and Immigrant who will be ready on day one to head the @DHSgov. [Tweet, 01/19/21]

Washington Post: Mayorkas says cybersecurity will be ‘one of my highest priorities’

NPR: From Border Wall To Capitol Riot, Homeland Security Nominee Takes Senate Questions
After the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, however, there’s been increased pressure to get national security officials confirmed quickly to prevent any gap during the transfer of power … Most senators, however, seemed to have a favorable view of the nominee — several on both sides of the aisle telling him they looked forward to working with him in the new administration.

Associated Press: Biden’s nominees promise fresh approach on national security
Several senators said it was important to quickly confirm a new head of Homeland Security given the threats facing the nation from the pandemic, the massive SolarWinds cyber-hack that authorities suspect was carried out by Russia, and the rising threat of domestic extremists. “He understands the challenges that this country faces, both from our foreign adversaries and now more than ever from our domestic ones,” said Sen. Jon Tester, a Montana Democrat, in calling for confirmation.

Politico: Biden’s DHS pick vows to prevent future attacks on U.S. institutions
President-elect Joe Biden’s nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security pledged on Tuesday to do everything in his power to prevent attacks like the one that targeted the Capitol earlier this month. Alejandro Mayorkas, appearing before the Senate Homeland Security Committee for his confirmation hearing, addressed the recent insurrection head-on…

Reuters: Biden’s choice for U.S. homeland security chief pledges to confront ‘domestic extremism’
President-elect Joe Biden’s nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, said on Tuesday he would empower intelligence staff at the agency to gather information on extremist threats in “an apolitical, nonpartisan way” following a violent attack on the U.S. Congress.

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