DHS Nominee Says Filling Agency Vacancies Would be an 'Immediate Priority'
Secretary of Homeland Security nominee Jeh Johnson told the Senate Homeland Security Committee Nov. 13 that his "immediate priority" after confirmation would be to fill key department leadership positions that remain vacant. DHS has vacancies in about 40 percent of…
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its top leadership positions, including the department's deputy secretary and CBP commissioner. Rafael Borras is the acting deputy secretary and Rand Beers is acting DHS secretary until the Senate confirms a permanent replacement; former DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano resigned in September (see 13091006). Committee Chairman Tom Carper, D-Del., said part of the onus is also on the Senate to confirm President Barack Obama's nominees for DHS positions. "We've got to help you get that team around you," he told Johnson. Obama has nominated Gil Kerlikowske to permanently take over as CBP commissioner (see 13080219) and nominated U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Alejandro Mayorkas as deputy DHS secretary. Kerlikowske would need approval from the Senate Finance Committee.