The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee yesterday quickly and unanimously approved Jeh Johnson, the Obama administration’s nominee to be the next Secretary of Homeland Security.
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| Jeh Johnson Photo: Paul, Weiss |
Johnson’s nomination must still be confirmed by the full Senate following yesterday’s voice vote by the committee.
Johnson last week told the committee during his confirmation hearing that his immediate priority at the Department of Homeland Security, if confirmed, is to fill a number of key leadership vacancies. He also said that there are several management issues, including the audits of the department’s financial management that will have his attention.
If confirmed, Johnson will succeed Janet Napolitano, who left the department earlier this fall to run the University of California system.
Johnson, who has served previously as the top lawyer for the Air Force and then later for the Defense Department, is expected to be confirmed by the Senate.
“If confirmed by the full Senate, Mr. Johnson will be met with the dual challenge of combating threats to our nation while also working to further strengthen management at the department’s components,” Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), chairman of the committee, said in a statement. “This is no easy task, but I am confident that we have a nominee who is up to the challenge.”