Chairman Carper Holds Hearing to Examine Department of Homeland Security, United States Postal Service Board of Governors Nominations

WASHINGTON – Today, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) held a hearing on three critical nominations to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Board of Governors.

Sarah Saldaña is the nominee to be Assistant Secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement 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. The Assistant Secretary of ICE position has been without a presidentially appointed leader for 14 months.

“The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security has been without a presidentially appointed leader for 14 months – that is far too long, particularly considering the challenges we face along our borders. Thankfully, Sarah Saldaña has agreed to step up to the challenge,” said Chairman Carper. “Ms. Saldaña has been nominated to one of the most difficult positions in government – but she also comes highly recommended. Senator Cornyn of Texas introduced Ms. Saldaña today and praised her judgment, integrity and commitment to the rule of law. I thank him for making time to come before our Committee. Ms. Saldaña is a proven leader and a respected member of the law enforcement community, and I believe she has what it takes to take carry out the tremendous responsibilities that come with this role.”

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. He was also Vice President of Administration from 1996 to 2004, overseeing human resources and procurement for the entire Company. He also served as an Assistant US Attorney for the District of New Jersey from 1978 to 1985. 

“Given the challenges associated with melding 22 different agencies together into one cohesive department, the role of Under Secretary for Management at the Department of Homeland Security is an extremely important position,” said Chairman Carper. “We need strong leadership and extensive management experience to ensure that the Department continues making progress in those challenging areas. I believe Russell Deyo will provide precisely that kind of leadership and management. Mr. Deyo’s perspective from the private sector will be an invaluable asset to Secretary Johnson. I believe the Department and the American people are very fortunate that Mr. Deyo is willing to take on this assignment, 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. Mr. Barnett is Managing Partner of the Barnett Law Firm.

“Mickey Barnett’s nomination comes at a very challenging time for the Postal Service,” said Chairman Carper. “Mr. Barnett has served on the USPS Board of the Governors since 2006, and has proven himself capable and deserving of the role of Chairman. Mr. Barnett knows that Americans want a Postal Service that they can rely on, one that will take full advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead. I am confident 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. I urge my colleagues on the Committee and in the full Senate to support Mr. Barnett’s nomination, and move quickly to confirm all of the nominees to the Board, including the four who have already been considered and approved by this Committee. Congress holds the keys to the Postal Service’s future, and given its current financial challenges, we must act swiftly.”