Committee Approves Critical Leadership for Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors

WASHINGTON – Today, the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved three critical nominations to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Board of Governors. The three nominees were ordered reported favorably en bloc by vote.

Sarah Saldaña is the nominee to be Assistant Secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Department of Homeland Security. Ms. Saldaña has been a United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas since 2011; prior to that position, she was the Deputy Criminal Chief for the Fraud and Public Corruption section within the same office.

“Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been without a presidentially appointed leader for 16 months – that is far too long, particularly considering the challenges we face along our borders,” said Chairman Carper. “Sarah Saldaña will provide the leadership our country needs in this critically important and particularly challenging position. Ms. Saldaña is a respected member of the law enforcement community who comes highly recommended, with bipartisan support. Thankfully, Ms. Saldaña has graciously stepped up to the plate to assume this demanding appointment. I urge my colleagues to act swiftly and approve her nomination.”

Russell Deyo is the nominee for Under Secretary for Management at the Department of Homeland Security. Mr. Deyo retired from Johnson & Johnson in 2012 after 27 years of service, during which he held a number of positions, including Vice President, General Counsel, and member of the Executive Committee.

“Given the challenges associated with fusing 22 separate agencies into one cohesive department, the Under Secretary for Management at the Department of Homeland Security is an enormously important position,” said Chairman Carper. “Russell Deyo has extensive management experience and will enable the Department to continue making progress in challenging areas. Mr. Deyo’s perspective from the private sector will be an important asset to Secretary Johnson as he works to unify the Department and continue its critical mission. I believe the Department and the American people have a lot to gain from Mr. Deyo and I urge my colleagues to support his nomination to this important role.”

Mickey Barnett is the nominee to be a Governor of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors. Mr. Barnett was first appointed to the USPS Board of Governors in 2006 and currently serves as Chairman of the Board.

“Mickey Barnett’s nomination comes at a very challenging time for the Postal Service,” said Chairman Carper, “but in adversity lies opportunity. Mr. Barnett knows that Americans want a Postal Service they can rely on, one that will take full advantage of the countless opportunities that lie ahead. I am confident that, if confirmed, Mr. Barnett will continue to work diligently with the other members of the Board as they work towards a brighter future for the Postal Service. Congress holds the keys to the Postal Service’s future, but the Board of Governors serve a vital role in setting the direction of this large organization – I urge my colleagues in the full Senate to support Mr. Barnett’s continued service on the Board.”

All three nominations now move to the Senate floor.