During her confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Kristi Noem, the Republican governor of South Dakota, laid out her vision for the Department of Homeland Security. In front of the committee on Friday, she emphasized the need to restore trust in the DHS and other federal agencies responsible for national security. Noem expressed concern that the American people have lost faith in these institutions, particularly those tasked with border security.
“We have a significant responsibility to fulfill, and the American people expect us to secure our borders,” Noem stated. She stressed the importance of having defined borders for the identity and sovereignty of the nation.
Under the current administration, policies such as replacing the Remain in Mexico policy with catch-and-release and expanding Temporary Protected Status have led to more than 14 million illegal border crossings, according to reports from The Center Square. This figure includes approximately 2 million individuals labeled as “gotaways.” Noem criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the TPS program, accusing it of abuse and manipulation. She pledged to reinstate the Remain in Mexico policy immediately upon confirmation and vowed to shut down the CBP One app on her first day. This app, created under current DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, has been deemed illegal by some Republicans and reportedly enabled nearly a million migrants to secure U.S. work permits, as noted by ABC News.
Noem also highlighted the need for reform in the legal immigration process to create a fairer and more efficient system. She expressed a commitment to improving the legal pathways for immigrants, ensuring that the process is streamlined and equitable.
Another significant focus of Noem’s agenda is cybersecurity. She voiced concerns about the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) deviating from its core mission, particularly regarding its recent anti-misinformation efforts. She argued that such efforts pose a threat to Americans’ civil liberties and detract from the agency’s primary objective.
“CISA has strayed far from its mission, utilizing resources in unintended ways,” Noem asserted. She emphasized the need to refocus CISA on its original purpose, which is to support critical infrastructure. By making CISA “much more effective, smaller, [and] more nimble,” Noem believes the DHS can better protect the nation against cybersecurity threats, especially the increasing number of cyberattacks originating from China.
During the hearing, some Democratic lawmakers questioned Noem about the tendency among conservatives to quickly attribute domestic terrorism to foreign nationals in the U.S. illegally. This issue was highlighted when an American citizen committed an attack in New Orleans on New Year’s, and initial claims by Fox News wrongly identified the perpetrator as a migrant.
In response, Noem pledged to promote transparency and ensure that facts are accurately shared with the public. She assured the committee that she would work diligently to clarify situations and provide truthful information.
Republican lawmakers raised questions about the Secret Service and the handling of assassination attempts against former President Trump. Noem committed to collaborating with lawmakers to uncover the truth about these incidents and address any failures within the agency.
“I will work with you to obtain the information needed to understand what truly happened and to rectify any shortcomings,” she responded.
Throughout the hearing, Noem’s stance on various issues reflected her prioritization of border security, cybersecurity, and transparency. Her approach aimed to address the concerns of both lawmakers and the public, striving to restore confidence in the DHS and its mission to protect the nation.
Noem’s pledge to tackle domestic terrorism, border security, and cybersecurity aligns with her broader goals of restoring trust and ensuring national security. Her commitment to immediate policy changes, such as reinstating Remain in Mexico and shutting down the CBP One app, signals a decisive approach to addressing the challenges at the border.
In terms of cybersecurity, her focus on refocusing CISA’s efforts underscores her determination to protect civil liberties while enhancing the nation’s defenses against cyber threats. By streamlining CISA’s operations, Noem intends to create a more agile and effective agency capable of responding to the evolving landscape of cybersecurity risks.
The confirmation hearing provided a platform for Noem to articulate her vision for the DHS, emphasizing the need for reform and accountability. Her responses to lawmakers’ questions demonstrated a commitment to transparency and a willingness to work across party lines to achieve the department’s goals.
As Noem awaits confirmation, her proposed policies and priorities continue to generate discussion and debate. Her emphasis on border security, cybersecurity, and agency reform reflects a strategic approach to addressing the complex challenges facing the DHS.
The hearing served as a crucial step in the confirmation process, with Noem’s testimony offering insights into her leadership style and policy priorities. Her commitment to restoring trust and ensuring national security remains at the forefront of her agenda as she seeks to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
In summary, Kristi Noem’s confirmation hearing highlighted her focus on restoring trust in the DHS, securing the border, and enhancing cybersecurity while promoting transparency and accountability. Her policy proposals and commitment to reform signal a proactive approach to addressing the challenges facing the department and the nation.
As the confirmation process continues, Noem’s vision for the DHS and her proposed policies will be closely scrutinized by lawmakers and the public alike. Her leadership and commitment to national security will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the department and its mission to protect the United States.