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Tag Archives: Homeland Security

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

19 Tuesday Jan 2021

Posted by Michael Bersin in Josh Hawley, US Senate

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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.

###

Josh Hawley (r), you’re a preening fool, at the very least. You’ve had plenty of time for consideration.

“The most dangerous place to stand in Washington D.C. is any place between Senator Josh Hawley and a live microphone” – Charles P. Pierce

Previously:

Senator Claire McCaskill (D) – town hall in Warrensburg – Press Q and A – August 17, 2017 (August 17, 2017)

What passes for a flatbed truck at “…Yale, I think, or Harvard, one of those, one of those fancy ones…” (August 16, 2018)

Josh Hawley (r): throwing shit against the wall to see if anything sticks (December 30, 2020)

Josh Hawley (r): ladders and rakes (December 30, 2020)

Ladder Climbing 101: by the book (December 31, 2020)

Burning bridges (December 31, 2020)

Sedition, sedition…sedition (January 2, 2021)

What it is, is sedition… (January 3, 2021)

If you can’t stand the heat, trample people on your way to a live mic (January 3, 2021)

Nothing much going on. Why do you ask? (January 3, 2021)

The third Senator from Virginia (January 5, 2021)

Fascist pig (January 6, 2021)

What hath Josh Hawley (r) wrought? (January 6, 2021)

Josh Hawley (r): Dumbass (January 7, 2021)

Sedition is bad for business (January 11, 2021)

HCR 10 and HCR 11 (January 12, 2021)

Josh Hawley (r): “I no mye misoori constitutents our reely stoopit.” (January 14, 2021)

Ignite (January 15, 2021)

Campaign Finance: Dayam (January 16, 2021)

Penrose on Politics: Taps Closed to Insurrectionists (January 17, 2021)

Reps. Graves (r), Hartzler (r), Luetkemeyer (r), Wagner (r): “No” on Homeland Security

04 Wednesday Mar 2015

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Ann Wagner, Blaine Luetkemeyer, Congress, Homeland Security, missouri, Todd Graves, Vicky Hartzler

The vote today to finally approve funding for Homeland Security through September 30, 2015:

FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 109

     H R 240      YEA-AND-NAY      3-Mar-2015      3:14 PM

     QUESTION:  On Motion to Recede and Concur in the Senate Amendment

     BILL TITLE: Making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and for other purposes

—- YEAS    257 —

Clay

Cleaver

—- NAYS    167 —

Graves (MO)

Hartzler

Luetkemeyer

Wagner

—- NOT VOTING    9 —

Long

Smith (MO)

Previously:

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): Were you there? (February 28, 2015)

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): Were you there?

28 Saturday Feb 2015

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

4th Congressional District, Congress, funding, Homeland Security, Jim White, missouri, Vicky Hartzler, vote

This morning:

Jim White ‏@JW_for_Congress

Time for a change. This congress is not working. Government should govern. 7:25 AM – 28 Feb 2015

You got that right.

Last night the U.S. House of Representatives settled on a voting on a measure to continue funding Homeland Security for one more week. You read that right. One more week.

[….]

One Hundred Fourteenth Congress

of the

United States of America


AT THE FIRST SESSION

[….]

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS.

   The Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2015 (Public Law 113-164; 128 Stat. 1867) is amended by striking the date specified in section 106(3) and inserting `March 6, 2015′.

[….]

[emphasis in original

One week. They get to play this game next week, too. The vote:

FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 106

[….]

     H R 33      2/3 RECORDED VOTE      27-Feb-2015      9:59 PM

     QUESTION:  On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Concur in the Senate Amendment

—- AYES    357 —

Clay

Cleaver

Graves (MO)

Luetkemeyer

Smith (MO)

Wagner

—- NOES    60 —

—- NOT VOTING    15 —

Hartzler

Long

[emphasis added]

Not Voting? Why?

Image

Cheney the Interrogator

21 Sunday Apr 2013

Tags

Barack Obama, Boston Marathon Bombing, Cartoons of Barack Obama, Cartoons of Dick Cheney, Dick Cheney, Enhanced Interrogation, Homeland Security, Political Cartoons, Terrorism, war on terror

Posted by Michael Bersin | Filed under Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

White House Conference Call: Homeland Security Sec. Janet Napolitano – media Q and A

14 Saturday Aug 2010

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

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Tags

conference call, Homeland Security, immigration reform, Janet Napolitano, Q and A, southwest border, White House

This afternoon Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano held a conference call to discuss the President’s signing of the Southwest Border Security legislation into law. This is the media question and answer session after Secretary Napolitano’s opening remarks:

Previously: White House Conference Call: Homeland Security Sec. Janet Napolitano on the border security bill

…Question: Uh, good afternoon Secretary Napolitano. Uh, I have a, a two prong question for you, both related to the funding for this legislation. Uh, the first one is that, uh, this relies on the rescission of a hundred million dollars from SBINet and I know the President, uh, that was part of his original request, but will that in anyway, uh, take away from border security or, or any way divert from, from the efforts that are a part of this bill?

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano: No. Uh, we had proposed that. It had included in the original ask by the President. Uh, after doing an analysis of, of, uh, whether that would have any, uh, uh, any uh [inaudible] impact…

…Question: I see. And, and my second question is this, the, the funding, uh, as I understand, about five hundred fifty million that comes from H1Bs and L visas, is that a dependable source of funding? Because my understanding is that some of these companies, uh, that will bear the burden of these fees, uh, could do things that would remove them from this pool of target companies that are the, the funding source of this bill. So, uh, can the Department of Homeland Security depend on this, uh, as a reliable source of funding?

Secretary Napolitano: Uh, uh, we believe so. Uh, the Senate and the House obviously believe so.  And the CBP believes so because they, uh, issued an analysis that, uh, affirmed this source of funding.

[….]

Question: Um, I just had a couple quick questions specifically on the, um, forward operating bases. Can you just tell me a little bit more about what those are and have you decided where they’re gonna go? And then just on the overarching, I know you somewhat addressed this in the, um, in the White House briefing, but, um, having been here for a number of years watching, uh, immigration reform and, uh, both the politics and the admin, administrative stuff being done it, it, it seems that’s all that ever has been done in, in the past decade is enforcement. And once again, President Obama has promised, um, immigration reform, uh, comprehensive immigration reform that includes legalization but, what’s come instead is, um, enforcement. Um, I’m just kind of wondering why anyone who has supported the President, uh, in the past would, should support him any longer if he was unable to deliver on this.

Secretary Napolitano: Well, to, on the forward operating base [inaudible] it is exactly, uh, what the name implies. It is a, a, uh, a facility, uh, that will enable Border Patrol agents and, uh, some of their support to be located physically at the border as opposed to, uh, [inaudible] from the border where they have to drive to the border, um, and we have, we’ve got several options for those. We have not yet determined where those are going to be. With respect to your second point I just think it’s inaccurate all the way around. Uh, first of all, uh, the President has done everything, uh, uh, presidentially possible, uh, to affirm his desire for a comprehensive immigration reform bill, uh, that would address enforcement but also address, uh, worker [inaudible]  and also address, uh, those illegally in the country and how they, uh, get right with the law and earn, earn the right to, uh, seek the privilege of citizenship. And so, uh, he has, uh, met with, uh, Republican and Democratic leadership. Uh, he’s called them personally. He has, uh, issued, uh, a public, uh, affirmation of the framework that was endorsed by, uh, Senator Schumer and Graham. He’s given a major address at American University. Uh, so he continues to, uh, have this at the top of, uh, the agenda and moving forward. But as you know, and as I said in the White House briefing, he, he can’t introduce, I mean, he can’t pass a bill, I mean. And the Democrats alone cannot pass a bill, they need sixty. And they’re gonna need Republicans, uh, who are willing to, uh, get to the table and really deal with this, uh, major national issue.

[….]

Question: Secretary, first off, I was wondering if you could just tell us how the one thousand Border Patrol agents will be dispersed, as far as you know, state by state. And also, a second question, that Texas Governor Rick Perry on Monday gave the President a letter with some, uh, some of his own ideas on how to secure the border. Have you read that letter? And if so, will it have any kind of impact on, on how you’ll be moving forward with the border security issues?

Secretary Napolitano: I have not personally read that letter. I, I, I have read some of the governor’s comments in, in the, in the open press. Uh, but I will tell you, look, we’re not just gonna throw money at the border. Uh, this is all designed to be mission specific. We know exactly, for example, uh, what the National Guard that we’re sending down there are going to do, where they’re going to be. Uh, with respect to the new agents, uh, that are funded in this bill, uh, it takes on average eight months from the time of hire to get a new agent trained, located, and on the ground. And we will put those agents where we think the needs are greatest. Uh, where the needs, uh, and, and that will [inaudible] time as you know. Uh, and so, uh, we will want to be flexible and we want, we will want to put our resources where, uh, the needs, uh, the needs are manifest.

[….]

Question: Good, good morning, Secretary. Good afternoon, I guess, there. I did want to follow up on something you talked about, uh, your seventeen years in public service including here as governor. And you, you perennially made an issue of State Criminal Alien Assistance Program funding. And [inaudible] wondering, since you were speaking for the administration, why hasn’t the administration asked for full funding for this the same as you did when you were Arizona governor?

Secretary Napolitano: Well, as you know, SCAAP is, uh, is, uh, funded through the Department of Justice, not the Department of Homeland Security. Uh, uh, but, uh, I think the administration has chosen to support states in a, in a number of other ways. For example, uh, by providing more, uh, what’s called Stone Guard monies for state and local law enforcement. That’s, that’s money that they can use for overtime, to hire new folks, uh, to help pay for, uh, vehicles and equipment that they need for law enforcement, Um, so, uh, those monies have been made available. Uh, more, uh, or COPS funding that, uh, localities can draw down, uh, particularly locales, uh, on the border. Uh, our grant guidance, uh, this year, uh, uh, part of it will be, uh, to support Fusion Centers and Fusion Centers, uh, are very important in places like the bor, like the border. So, from a DHS perspective, since we don’t have SCAAP in our, uh, in our bailiwick, uh, I can’t respond to that, uh, uh, question, but I can say we have looked for many other ways to support state and local law enforcement.

[….]

Question: Uh, Secretary, the question that I had was specific to New Mexico. Um, I know there’s been a lot of, uh, focus on Arizona and now some focus on Texas. Um, in terms of the assets and how they’re allocated, uh, throughout the states I know that you can’t specifically say exactly how much is, uh, going where, but what does this mean for New Mexico on the grand scope of things?

Secretary Napolitano: Uh, well, uh, thank you, uh, well, what it means is, is that, uh, we will continue to, to put resources in New Mexico, uh, uh, to deal with th
e situation there. It is a somewhat different situation, just plain old numbers wise, uh, than you have in Arizona and Texas and so the resources we deploy, uh, there will reflect that. But they will all be designed to make sure we have a safe and secure border, uh, throughout, uh, the southwest, uh, for all, all of the four border states, California, Arizona, New Mexico, and, and Texas. Uh, I say that, um, as someone who actually grew up in New Mexico, so, uh, just as I keep a special eye on Arizona as the former governor, I have a lot of personal experience with New Mexico as well.

[….]

Question: Uh, Madam Secretary, back to Governor Perry, uh, you said that the, uh, uh, the border’s no place for, for politics. Uh, uh, when you said that did, were you personally referring to Governor Perry? Do you believe he’s politicizing the border and his constant criticism of, uh, of, uh, your administration’s efforts?

Secretary Napolitano: Yeah, uh, no I was not specifically referring to Governor Perry. I know Governor Perry and, and I’ve worked with him for a number of years. Uh, we, we were fellow border governors, uh, together. Uh, uh, I do believe that the border, whether you’re dealing with it, uh, back here in Washington, D.C. or out, uh, in the southwest, uh, needs to be addressed for what it is. It’s a, an important, uh, area for the country, lots of trade and commerce [inaudible] those ports. Uh, you’ve got those huge ports, uh, in Texas, for example the, uh, through which a tremendous amount of trade needs to pass and they’re responsible for a number of jobs, uh, in the United States. Uh, and then you’ve got to protect the area between the ports and you’ve got to have interior enforcement, so it’s a whole system of manpower, technology, infrastructure to have in place. And this administration, quite frankly, has put more resources in the southwest border in all of those categories than has ever been put there before in, in United States history.

[….]

Question: Good afternoon, Secretary. Have you personally spoken with Senators McCain or Kyl  here in your home state about the prospect of immigration reform and what do they say to you?

Secretary Napolitano: Uh, I, I met with both of them, but I would say it has been, uh, uh, probably some time ago, so I think you, it would not be, uh, correct to say that the, the three of us are in a constant dialog about that.

[….]

Question: Uh, yes, Madam Secretary, uh, the governor of Virginia has offered to, uh, have Virginia State Police be deputized to enforce federal immigration law in the commonwealth. Uh, I have done some, uh, interviews with some people in, for example, Hanover County, where they say they can’t, uh, harvest the tomato crops without immigrant labor, both legal and illegal. Is the administration open to the governor’s offer to, uh, deputize our state police to enforce immigration law?

Secretary Napolitano: Well, I, I think, uh, uh, ICE is currently, uh, reviewing nine separate juris, there are nine jurisdictions that have, uh, current applications in. They’re called 287G agreements. Uh, uh, deputization would not I think be the right word. It’s where, uh, certain mem, uh, a certain number of state police or local police are trained in immigration enforcement and work, uh, either in jails, uh, or in task force settings with federal agents. Uh, and we have, uh, uh, really, uh, uh, reformed that program to be, to, uh, uh, to be what it needs to be and to have the kind of accountability it needs to have. So, Virginia’s application is pending and ICE will review it. Uh, I’m not sure how that relates to the second part of your question, which is the lack of agricultural workers, uh, except to say that that is something we hear all over the United States. Uh, uh, indeed, uh, uh, uh, you, you hear it in border states and in states, uh, uh, like Washington, uh, in terms of, uh, picking the apple crop, in Washington State, and that all goes to demonstrating the need for overall immigration reform.

[….]

Question: Good afternoon, Secretary. Well, um, my question is twofold and I’m curious whether the new money will give the, uh, department a new opportunity to work clo, more closely with the individual police departments along the border. There continue to be these anecdotes of the Zetas moving into Texas and to some Texas ranches and I’m curious how that’s been responded to. And then also, whether the, um, the department is going to deal any differently with the issue of whether Mexico, now talking seriously about legalizing drugs, showing some fatigue on the drug war and how will the, the response be different to them?

Secretary Napolitano: Well, uh, uh, because we continue to augment and put resources at the border, uh, because some of them are going to be used for intelligence gathering and analysis, uh, they will be working, uh, on some of those issues like the Zetas, uh, uh, and working with institutions like EPIC for example, uh, to make sure that resources are focused where they need to. We don’t want those, uh, large organizations, uh, infiltrating, uh, even more into the United States. Again, a safe and secure border zone all the way from San Diego to Brownsville. Uh, and different cartels, uh, claim turf or jurisdiction over different parts of the border, so we’re very conscious of that, uh, and we’re going to keep working to, to prevent that from occurring.

[….]

White House Conference Call: Homeland Security Sec. Janet Napolitano on the border security bill

13 Friday Aug 2010

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

conference call, Homeland Security, immigration reform, Janet Napolitano, southwest border, White House

This afternoon Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano held a conference call to discuss the President’s signing of the Southwest Border Security legislation into law:

….Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano: Thank you and, and thank you all for participating on the call. Uh, I was pleased to be with the President earlier today as he signed the bill providing six hundred million dollars and additional resources to further strengthen security along the southwest border. Uh, I’d like to particularly applaud the Congress for acting in a bipartisan manner, uh, and taking quick action on this bill, uh, particular Senators Schumer and McCaskill, and of course Senator Reid and Speaker Pelosi.

Uh, this legislation adds permanent resources to bolster, uh, security along the southwest border, supporting efforts to, uh, cut down on, uh, transnational criminal organizations and to reduce the trafficking of people, drugs, currency, and weapons. [inaudible] is important in two respects. First, it adds new resources to the border, but second it makes permanent many of the assets that we have been surging along the southwest border, uh, since basically march of two thousand and nine.

Uh, now, uh, let me just pause there for a moment. I have, uh, been working on the border on border related issues for seventeen years as a public servant, as the U.S. Attorney for Arizona, as the Attorney General of Arizona and as the two-term Governor of Arizona. Uh, I believe firmly that the border is not a political or partisan issue. And it shouldn’t be. It’s a matter of national security in which everyone has a stake. So, uh, on that score, even before this bill was signed, or indeed, even before the President made his formal request for these monies, uh, the administration had already devoted more resources to the southwest border than ever before in United States history.

Uh, these efforts have made a difference. Seizures are up and rose across the board last year. Uh, apprehensions or illegal crossings are down. Uh, for the first time ever we’re screening one hundred percent of southbound rail. Uh, criminal alien removals are at an all time high. We’ve added more technology, manpower, and resources than ever before. This is a systematic long term effort to defeat the cartels, uh, who continue to try to exploit the border. And the administration is dedicated to a long term systematic approach. Uh, that’s one of the reasons why the President ordered the National Guard to the border and why he asked Congress for the supplemental funding that he was pleased to sign today.

Now, what’s in the bill? Uh, bill provides funding for another one thousand, uh, border patrol agents. It contains sixty-eight million dollars for customs and border protection officers at ports of entry, uh, who facilitate legal trafficking, uh, or legal traffic, excuse me, and the interdiction of contraband. It allows, uh, ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to hire more than two hundred special agents. Uh, they’ll be doing investigations and many will be doing, uh, intelligence analysis. Uh, it provides two more unmanned aircraft systems and has money for tactical communications technology. What does that mean? It means that agents along the border who can’t use cell phones because of the remoteness of the border, uh, will have updated and improved technology to communicate with each other.  Uh, there’s also a hundred and ninety-six million dollars in the bill for the Department of Justice, uh, to surge federal law enforcement agents like DEA and ATF, uh, to add prosecutors, to add immigration judges, and to support detention and incarceration, uh, of, uh, illegal immigrants who are, uh, seized and incarcerated in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security’s enforcement efforts. Uh, there’s also money in the bill to, uh, construct twp forward operating bases, uh, for improved border enforcement.

So, uh, clearly this bill is a, uh, really a, a terrific, uh, tool in our multi, uh, faceted toolbox of enforcement efforts and resources along the southwest border. Uh, and as I have said many times before it’s enforcement that is layered. It includes manpower, technology, and infrastructure. Uh, and it’s enforcement that needs to be constant, uh, along the border, the entire expanse of it, all the way from San Diego to Brownsville, Texas. Uh, this bill will enable us to sustain that and to maintain that, uh, and that is, uh, so very, very important.

Uh, so with that let me, uh, stop and, uh, and open it up for questions….

The President’s June 22, 20010 request [pdf].

McCaskill Gets New Subcommittee

29 Thursday Jan 2009

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Claire McCaskill, Homeland Security, Joe Lieberman, missouri

Claire McCaskill will get to chair a new subcommittee under the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (chaired by everybody’s favorite, Joe Lieberman). This subcommittee, the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Contract Oversight, will be responsible for overseeing all federal contracting. Quite the plum for McCaskill, who will be able to draw on her previous experience as auditor.

Press release below the fold in full.


January 29, 2009  

LIEBERMAN ANNOUNCES NEW HSGAC SUBCOMMITTEE

MCCASKILL TO GET CONTRACTING GAVEL

WASHINGTON – Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., Thursday announced he is creating a new, ad hoc subcommittee to oversee federal contracting. Committee Member Senator Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., will chair the new Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Contracting Oversight.

“Management of federal contracts is one of the greatest operational challenges facing the federal government,” Lieberman said. “Spending on federal contracts rose to an astounding $532 billion last year. And for years the Government Accountability Office has listed government contracting on its list of programs at high risk of waste, fraud, abuse, mismanagement, or in need of comprehensive reform. This is a problem area that needs as much oversight as we can possibly muster.

“So, to more fully address the array of problems with federal contracting, I am establishing this new subcommittee with pride and great expectations. With her background as a prosecutor and state auditor, Senator McCaskill has unique investigative experience that will be crucial for this new subcommittee. I am certain that she will approach her new responsibilities with unmatched vigor to improve the value of all the taxpayer dollars devoted to federal contracting.”

McCaskill said: “Last year we made major strides in contracting accountability by establishing the Wartime Contracting Commission, and while I look forward to those investigations, we all know that outrageous contracting abuses occur in every facet of government. I can’t wait to get to work saving huge money for taxpayers. They deserve it.”

HSGAC has had a longstanding interest in reducing waste, fraud, and abuse in the area of federal contracting. The Committee has held numerous hearings on contracting problems within the Department of Homeland Security, waste in Iraq and Afghanistan reconstruction programs, problems created by private contractors in war zones, and the rapid increase, government-wide, in contracting for goods and services.

In the 110th Congress, the Committee marked up major contracting legislation introduced by Ranking Member Susan Collins, R-Me., and Lieberman, and co-sponsored by McCaskill. Many of the measure’s provisions were enacted in 2008 and 2009 as provisions of Defense authorization legislation.  

###  

Senator Claire McCaskill (D) voted to keep Joe Lieberman as chair of Homeland Security

19 Wednesday Nov 2008

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ 26 Comments

Tags

chairmanship, Claire McCaskill, Homeland Security, Joe Lieberman, missouri, Senate

I called Senator Claire McCaskill’s office in Washington today to ask if she had voted to retain Joe Lieberman as chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. I was able to leave a message with Maria Speiser, Senator McCaskill’s press secretary. After a short round of telephone tag I was able to speak with Ms. Speiser.

I asked her how Senator McCaskill voted. Ms. Speiser replied that she had voted for Senator Lieberman. She added that her reason for doing so was to follow the lead of President-elect Obama – moving past the election and working together because there are a lot of challenges.

I asked – given Senator Lieberman’s previous lack of oversight hearings – if Senator McCaskill thought he would change his ways and if she was confident that he had done a good job as chair. Ms. Speiser replied that Senator McCaskill always encouraged oversight. Claire McCaskill is a member of the Homeland Security committee.

Finally, I asked how Senator McCaskill would explain retaining Senator Lieberman as chair to those in the grassroots who worked to elect Obama, all while Senator Lieberman did the opposite. Ms. Speiser replied that Senator McCaskill had worked hard [to elect Obama], too. Senator McCaskill’s view was that the election was over and we needed to move forward. Ms. Speiser added that President-elect Obama had also encouraged this view among senators.

Inquiring minds want to know…

18 Tuesday Nov 2008

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Claire McCaskill, Homeland Security, Joe Lieberman, Senate

…Senator McCaskill, were you one of the thirteen?

Lieberman Retains Chairmanship By 42-13 Margin

It’s Official: Lieberman Won

Lieberman Survives on 42 to 13 Vote

I hope so. Especially since oversight is so important to you.

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