Senate Confirms Jeh Johnson as DHS Secretary

WASHINGTON – Today, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) lauded the Senate confirmation of Jeh Johnson as the Secretary of Homeland Security. The Senate confirmed Mr. Johnson by a vote of 78 to 16. He is the fourth Secretary of the Department, which was established in March 2003. Chairman Carper released the following statement after Mr. Johnson’s confirmation:

“As we all know, the President has asked Jeh Johnson to take on a difficult and demanding job,” said Chairman Carper. “Fortunately, for our nation, he is a strong leader and well-prepared to face the challenges that await him. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for quickly confirming this critical nomination. He brings experience from the public and private sectors, as well as an impeccable character. He served as the top lawyer for both the Air Force and the entire Department of Defense. There, he was a major player in the management team that ran the Defense Department, where he provided key advice to two exceptional Defense Secretaries – Bob Gates and Leon Panetta – giving him invaluable experience for the huge task to which he has been nominated. I appreciate his willingness to serve the people of this country and look forward to working with him in his new role.”

Chairman Carper spoke on the Senate floor in support of Mr. Johnson’s nomination earlier today. To watch his floor speech, click here. To read a copy of his remarks, as prepared for delivery, click here.

In November, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee held the nomination hearing on Jeh Johnson.

Mr. Johnson has received bipartisan support and letters from a number of prominent former government officials, including former DHS Secretaries Tom Ridge, Michael Chertoff and Janet Napolitano, former DoD Secretaries Robert Gates and Leon Panetta, former Attorney General Michael Mukasey, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, former Homeland Security Advisor for President George W. Bush, Frances Townsend, and several law enforcement groups. Click here to read the letters.

Mr. Johnson’s career has included both private practice and distinguished public service, including serving as Assistant United States Attorney from the Southern District of New York, General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force, and General Counsel of the Department of Defense.