WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), a member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, released the following statement on the nomination of Kristi Noem to Secretary of Homeland Security.
“Both in our private meeting, during questioning before the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and in follow-up questions sent to her, Governor Noem refused to answer questions or provide the details needed for me to support her nomination.
“In light of President Trump’s executive orders that will threaten the livelihood of countless Arizonans—especially the ending of birthright citizenship—I am not confident Governor Noem will carry out her duties in a way that respects the rule of law.
“I am committed to working in the Senate to address border security and immigration reform, but doing so requires effective leadership at the Department of Homeland Security who understands the full scope of the Department and the legal boundaries that are in place to protect American citizens.
“Because of her lack of clarity on these issues, I cannot support her nomination.”