Washington, DC – Following the announcement today that the President is nominating former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik as the new Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Senator Susan Collins released the following statement. Senator Collins is the Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which oversees DHS. The current DHS Secretary, Tom Ridge, announced his resignation earlier this week.
Kerick contacted Senator Collins by telephone this morning. The following is Senator Collins’ statement:
“Bernie Kerik is a strong candidate for this important post. He knows first hand the challenges this country faces in guarding against terrorist attacks. He demonstrated strong leadership and courage in guiding New York’s police force through the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. No one understands better than Mr. Kerick the needs of our first responders, those who are on the front lines in the event of a terrorist attack. He stepped up to the plate to continue fighting the war on terrorism overseas by training the first Iraqi police forces in the new Iraq.
“My Committee will conduct confirmation hearings on the President’s nominee as expeditiously as possible.”