Transcripts For CSPAN3 Homeland Security Secretary Nomination 20171111

This hearing will come to order. Of course you will. Good morning. We are meeting today to consider the nomination of kristen m. Nielsen to be it next secretary of it United States department of Homeland Security. I want to welcome ms. Nielsen, her family. Id certainly want to call out mrs. Karen kelly. General kellys wife. Shes here also showing her support for the nominee. And i know ms. Nielsen will introduce her family in her Opening Statement. Americas facing enormous challenges. Our National Debt exceeds 20 trillion and theres no serious effort being made by either party to eliminate deficits expected to exceed over 1 trillion. Our enemies are on the rise. The Iranian Nuclear agreement did modify irans behavior for the worst. They remain determined to target with Nuclear Weapons and the threat of islamist terrorism has evolved, metasticized and spread all over the world, if the clnco our homeland. The challenges are equally daunting. We have just experienced unprecedented destruction caused by three hur had canes and multiple wild fires. Dhs and fema are already stretched thin, responding to these disasters. As the use of the internet spreads and increases, so do the threat posed by it social mediaf had if spired acts of terrorism. This committee has held more than 20 hearings laying out the sad reality that our borders are far from secure. Elicit drugs flow virtually unabated and we are more vulnerable than we should be to external forces. U unfortunately enemies from within may currently pose our greatest danger. Five years ago on august fifth 2012 evil struck in oak creek, wisconsin when six worshippers we senselessly slaughtered at a sikh temple. Since then the it has sickenly and depressingly grown. December 15th, 2012, 26 killed, two wounded at an Elementary School in sandy hook, connecticut. April 15th, 2013, three killed, 2 h 264 wounded in a bombing at the boston marathon. December 16th, 12 killed, eight wuned. April 2nd, three killed, 12 wounded. Five years after an Even Deadlier shooting that took 13 lives. April 13th, 2014, three killed at a Jewish Community center in overline park, kansas. May 23rd, six killed 14 wounded near it camps of the university of california. May 17th, 2015 nine killed, 18 wounded in the motorcycle fight, gang fight at a restaurant in waco, texas. June 17th, 2015, nine killed, one wounded at the Emmanuel Church in south carolina. July 15th, five killed, two wounded at a military recruiting center in chattanooga, tennessee. Nine killed, nine wounded at the Umpqua Community college in rosebering, oregon. Three killed, in my opinion wounded outside a clinic in colorado springs, colorado. December 2nd, 2015, 14 killed, 24 wounded at a Christmas Party in san bernardino, california. June 12th, 2016, 49 killed. At least 68 wounded at the Pulse Night Club in orlando, florida. If i ever killed near parking garage in dallas, texas. July 17th, 2016, three Police Officers killed and three more wounded at a Shopping Plaza in baton rouge, louisiana. January 6th, 2017, frooive kill six wounded at airport in fort lauderdale, florida. 58 killed, 546 wunlded at a music concert in las vegas, nevada. October 31st, 8 killed, 12 wounded along a bicycle path in new york city. November fifth, 2017 just this last sunday 26 killed and at least 20 wounded in the First Baptist church in southerland springs, texas. During that list i just called out the deaths of 262 americans. More than 1,000 wounded. Id like to just take a moment of silence to reflect and remember those victims and their families. Later sunday evening my 34yearold daughter asked me it questions were all asking ourselves. What is happening . Why is this happening . What can we do about it . Toes are the questions the next department of Homeland Security secretary will be asked to address. It will not be an easy task. The department of Homeland Security employs approximately 2 hn 40,000 people and manages a budget of 56 million. Its a department created by fusing 22 separate agencies with diverrerse missions. The result is a Department Struggling to use work force relative to other federal agencies. Fortunately when ms. Nielsen served under secretary kelly she witnessed first hand how quickly and dramatically morale can be improved. In my conversation with general kelly, he called ms. Nielsen a superstar. Hes also sent this committee a letter of indorsement. Weve also received a letter from former dhs secretary tom ridge, as well as a letter from 40 former white house and officials. Ms. Nielsen, i thank you for your past service and your willingness to serve again and look forward to your testimony. With that ill send it over to our Ranking Member. I appreciate this hearing and thank the nominee for her willingness to serve. To provide advice and consent for the president s nominee for senior positions in our government. On october 16th, President Trump nominated ms. Nielsen to lead the department of Homeland Security. Recent events have only reif had forced the need to have strong permanent leadership. American citizens in texas, florida, puerto rico and other regions have had had their lives and livelihoods upended by hurricanes. Our out west raging wild fires have forced thousands of families from their homes. Record breaking floods have ravaged communities across my home state of mopohad. And last week new york suffered the most deadly terror attack since 9 11. The American People come together and they crave leadership that brings it together. Brings us together. Dhs plays a Critical Role in insuring that federal government provides that leadership and supports that effort. If confirmed as secretary, ms. Nielsen will lead it Third Largest department in the federal government, over see over 240,000 employees and contractors and coordinate 22 separate components including immigration and customs enforcement, transportation security administration. The federal Emergency Management agency, the coast garuard and t secret service. While i was already aware of her work ethic as well as expertise in Cyber Security and preparedness. I appreciated the chance to bring other qualities in our meeting yesterday. My hope is today pfs hearing w expose some of the challenges. For example i look forward to learning how she plans to lead to capabilities, despite the cuts included in the president s budget. I want to know what steps shell take through our ports of if tree, despite of the failure to address it need for more port officers, Border Patrol officers that serve at our ports of entree. I would like to hear how ms. Nielsen will apply Lessons Learned to improve the oversight of dhs contracting practices in crisis situations. I also hope that ms. Nielsen will share her priorities for counteracting violent extreme and protecting our infrastructure from foreign actors. I want to learn about it Management Experience and philosophy that ms. Nielsen plans to bring to dhs. Its judgment, Management Experience and philosophy that she will have the most important duties. Because of course she will try to surround herself with Department Heads and other high ranking officials that will do the day to day operation of the department. No one that served has had had perfect knowledge of the depth and breadth of issues facing the department. I certainly think shes very knowledgeable and has great depth of the policies and issues facing the department. But it secretary must also have a leadership and Communications Skills to lead a complex and sprawling enterprise on day one. I hope ms. Nielsen will discuss her strategies for promoting collaboration in other federal partners. I also want to know how shell if sure that whistleblowers can come forward to the Inspector General to report waste, fraud and abuse wouithout fear of retaliation. I hope to receive the public commitment that dhs will comply with all members of this committee, including several of mine tat remain outstanding. Nielsens predecessor was willing to speak frankly, even with had his message would not be particularly well reseevled. It was the thing i found most qualifying of general kelly for the position tat he held and the position he currently holds. Under his leadership dhs was willing to answer requests from information from both it minority and majority and was far more responsive than many other departments. We have the ability to continue oversight of the department. And id like it department of Homeland Security is comprised of thousands of talented and dedicated americans who work every day to keep us safe. They develop and implement countersecurity policy, they defend our border, administer Immigration Laws, and Critical Infrastructure and execute Disaster Preparedness and response. We must insure they have what they need to succeed in their mission and i look forward to working with ms. Nielsen in that effort should be confirmed as the sikszxth secretary of homel security. We have two distinguished colleagues in support of ms. Nielsen. Im going to yield if its okay to senator rubio who hatds to answer the child tax credit. Senator rubio. Thank you. To the Ranking Member and members of the committee. Im honored to welcome a fellow flor idian as the president s nominee to be secretary of Homeland Security. She grew up in clear water and among her many professional experiences begain in the u. S. Senate where she served on the staff of former florida senator, connie mack and worked on foreign affairs. Issues these are not only important to our home state of florida but critical patters for the National Security of our country. She as a long and distinguished career that span more than two decades. She is an internationally recognized expert in resiliency and risk management, Cyber Security and an Emergency Management. We have before us a nominee to serve in this critical position to understand the wide range of Homeland Security related challenges and the ever evolving threat we american face including combatting elicit Drug Trafficking and insuring safe air travel. She recently served as the chief of staff under then secretary kelly and during that time i it opportunity to get to know her better on a number of Homeland Security issues. Id like to read a short excerpt from a letter from general kelly who could not be here with us because hes currently traveling with the president in asia. He wrote in part the following the too it committee. You have read of her accomplishments and polished resume. You have heard her accolades to success and duty. What truly setsz her apart is if teg rety and dedication to the men and women who risked their lives serving our great country every day. She is undoubtedly qualified to surv as the next secretary of Homeland Security and i emplore the committee for a safe and swift conformation. I ask that this be entered init to the hearing record. No objection. Aside from her impressive qualifications, i know her to be prepared to challenges and devoted to working with us here in congress to inhsure safe and secure homeland. I thank you to welcome this well qualified nominee and i hope they will quickly move forward with their nomination and that they will soon confirm her as the next secretary of Homeland Security. I thank you again. Senator portman. Thank you. I appreciate you giving me the privilege of being able to introduce the nominee today. Kristen nielsen, as was just said by my colleague, rubio. So kbaqualified for this job. We need have somebody with the experience and qualifications she has and we need that right now. I do want to take a moment to acknowledge acting secretary elaine duke for her service. She took over the duties at a challenging time. Kirsten is not a native ohioen like ms. Duke but im eke weal excited to introduce her. We served concurrently in the george w. Bush administration where she was a trusted hand as senior director for preparedness and response. I saw a decade ago a professional dedicated to Public Service in the mission of securing the homeland just as i see that today in her actions more recently at Homeland Security and at the white house and im delighted she is stepping forward to take on this responsibility. I appreciate the opportunity to sit down with her to hear about her priorities. It sounds like you all have done the same thing and its exciting. To have someone with her energy and enthusiasm. Work ethic was mentioned and her qualifications to do this. She has this hill experience we talked about a moment ago. She also has private sector expe experience. Most importantly perhaps, the first secretary nominee with previous experience at dhs. I think thats important given the serious challenges you described. With this experience from the transfirmative years and at it white house, her most recent roles, she will be the kind of capable leader we need in this ever evolving threat environment we find ourselves in. She proved herself in the early stages transition and saw first thand challenges of managing this diverse and sprawling agency and hes right, rarl it management challenge. Shes developed expertise in Homeland Security strategy, Cyber Security, transportation security, emergency resilience. She speaks regularly about it need for resilience. Mr. Chairman, you noted in your opening comments that Committee Received written introductions from secretaries ridge and chair toff. I know they regret 2345not bein here today but these leaders know what this job intills. I would like to briefly read a coup coup couple excerpts from their letters. Shes been involved in Critical Infrastructure profection from the earliest days. Having managed to day to day operations of the department. She has since served as Senior Deputy chief of staff, charged with the policy making process with t secretaries and deputy secretaries. Simply put she is ready to hit the ground runong day one. Thats from secretary ridge. She played a key role in leading the lessons ea s learne effort after katrina. Changing how we deal with response ever since. Sheez rar Homeland Security leader for our times. She understands the 21st century challenges of a borderless cyber domain and worked to address this risk to americas National Security and economic stability. She offers the credentials required in todays environment. Experience, expertise in Homeland Security policy and operations. And public and private sector experience in the Mission Space end quote. Mr. Chairman i echo those strong sentiments. I believe her work ethic and experience is what is needed now. I look forward to asking a few questions myself. I hope we can move this nomination quickly and out to senate so we can get her to work at a critical time. Thank you. Ms. Nielsen, it is the tradition to swear in witnesses. So if you can please stand and raise your right hand. Do you swear it testimony you will give before this committee will be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you god . Please be seated. Shes currently it Principal Deputy chief of staff to President Trump and prior to that staff to john kelly in Homeland Security. She served in senior director from 2004 to 2007. She hold as bachelors degree from school of Foreign Service and a jd from the University School of law. Thank you. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member mckaskal. It is an honor to appear before you today as you consider my nomination to lead the department of Homeland Security. Im humbled and grateful to the president for the trust he has placed in me to lead the great men and women of the department during such a critical time. I want to thank senator rubio and portman for their kind words and introductions. Thank you also to former secretaries for their statements. It was an honor to serve and work with them and i look forward to their continued partnership and stewardship of our Homeland Security inertprise. And i want to thank now chief of stat, general kelly for 46 years of Steadfast Service to our nation and allow me a moment to introduce the members of my family here with me today. My father, james, my sister, ashley. My aunt and uncle. And one of my cousins who managed to get here from germany. I would also like to thank mrs. Kelly for her support and for being here with me today. I was raised to believe in our country. And its founding principals and ideals to serve our country and appreciate and be thankful every day for the freedoms we how old dear as americans. Im beyond grateful to my family for it values they have if stilled in me and their unwavering love and support throughout my life. Thank you for your commitment and for travling so far to be here today. If confirmed, it will be the greatest honor to again work with and support the remarkable men and women of the department. I cant say enough about the incredible work of the people of dhs, many who put their lives on the line daily to if had sure the safety and security of our nation. Ive dedicated my career to working on Homeland Security issues. After working on Security Issues for senator connie mack, i practiced corporate transactional law, during which i learned how theyre effected by organizational structures and delineation of roles and responsibilities. My service in the executive branch began in 2002 at the transportation security administration. It was an honor to work along side it countless servients toi toing tackthal challenges we faced. I was subsequently commissioned by president bush to serve as a special assistant to the president of Homeland Security and as senior director for preparedness and response. I led the development of new National Strategies and policies. Articulating the roles in protecting our nation. During this time the nation experienced the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina along the gulf coast. Based on the lessons identified from that response, i red the updates and revisions to our recovery planning to strengthen our efforts moving to the future. I worked with congress to draft the post katrina reform act. As weve seen again during this years severe hurricane and wild fire season, d, had s play as crucial role in Disaster Preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery. Working closely with public and private sector partners. I have worked closely with all facets of our community andicide i be confirmed look forward to help hadding insure our nations resilience to terrorist attacks and other major emergencies. While each aspect of the departments mission is important and has been mentioned for are many. I believe one of the most significant for our nations future is Cyber Security and the overall resilience of our infrastructure. The scope and pace of control systems that run our Critical Infrastructure are continually inhad creasing with the tax growing ever more complaeex. Theyre constantly looking for ways to exploit our reliance on it systems. My Cyber Security experience has prepared me well for the multifaceted challenge that is increasing our resilience to Cyber Attacks. I look forward to working with experts at it department and within the inneragency and the private sector to address threats, protect our networks and essential functions and insure our nations interest in cyber space. I also the honor of serving as chief of staff under then secretary kelly. During that time i worked closely with state and local officials, cabinet secretaries, foreign partners and members of congress on all the issues that dhs faces. I had the opportunity to have strong dhs leadership and develop many of the key priorities and strategies. Our nation today is facing a complex Threat Landscape that is constantly evolving. The threats we face are too many and too varies to address them successfully alone. I understand the risks and resulting challenges the department is tarsked with resolving. Domestic and international from are had sectors to find solutions. If confirmed i pledge to continue the record of Exceptional Leadership that secretary kelly had had at dhs. I vow to you to work tirelessly to effectively execute each mission at the department. I will work every day to if had force our laws. Secure our borders, coasts and waterways and protect americans from dangerous criminals, Cyber Attacks and other threats facing our homeland. Together we will continue such efforts as those initiated through his unity of Effort Initiative to unite the department and remove unnecessary stove pipes. I also pledge to work every day to give the dedicated men and women of the department the support, tools and resources they need and deserve to carry out their difficult and often dangerous missions. Thank you are all again for the opportunity to appear before you today. Should i be confirmed, i look forward to partnering with each of you to protect and secure our homeland and i look forward to answering any of the committees questions. Thank you, ms. Nielsen. There are three questions the Committee Asks every nominee. Is there anything youre aware of in yourback grand that might present a conflict of interest . No. Do you know anything, personal or otherwise that would prevent you from fully discharging your responsibilities . No. To appear and tief before any dually constituted committee if confirmed . Without reservation. I will defer my questions until it end. But we have a request for second round of questions which im happy to accommodate. I also want to make sure those that dont stick around get a full hearing. So i will set the timer for seven minutes but im going to be very mindful of that and discipline that. So please, members, dont be asking questions to the very end. If you do, ill ask that she submit her answer for the record. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Iall do my best to stay in th seven minutes. I feel like theres an electric shock thats going to go through my body if i go over seven minutes. I know that you revised your questionnaire last night and i want to make sure we get that on the record. Youve gone through and clarified in the questionnaires both for the majority and it minority that you would comply without reservation for any request to apeerks peer, that you would without reservation to make any subordinate official to appear and testify. You agree without reservation to fully and promptly respond to any request for documents from any dually constituted committee of the congress if confirmed. You went on to do the same thing in the minority. I wanted to get that on the record. There was some confusion in your previous answers that you, like your predecessor, understand that you have a duty to respond to oversight requests whether from the majority or minority . Yes, maam. I want to read a note from your predecessor about the wall and it was as follows. Key quote is below. One second. It is unlikely that we will build a wall or physical barrier from sea to shining sea. Kelly testified to this committee. Were not going to build a wall where it doesnt make sense but well do something across the southwest border. Do you agree with general kelly in tat regard . Yes, maam. Whistleblowers. Im a big believer that there must be whistleblower protection. Can you briefly address how you feel about whistleblowers and protecting them within the department. Yes, id be happy to. Id do everything in my power to if had sure for is no retaliation. I feel that theyre a very important part of the way the democracy functions. I was happy that recently the president signed if to law another whistleblower act. Of course it was greatly due to the chairmans efforts. But i believe in each department we need to insure an inhad environment of trust and request but a safe place for voices to be heard. Its vital that we understand any concerns of employees. Let me also address contracting after disasters. We are all very worried about all it americans. For the first time i believe in my lifetime weve been unable to restore basic living necessities to thousands of americans for weeks now. Im confident youll get other questions about puerto rico. But i want to specifically hone in on contracting. Youve awarded more than 2 billion in contracts. Twice the amount the agency typically conducts in an entire year just since Hurricane Harvey struck. What circumstances do you think its appropriate to award nof had bid contracts and what could you do to prepare the agency with contracts that could slide if to place in the aftermath of a disaster . Thank you for the question. This is an area, should i be confirmed, that i would like to work with congress on. We need both flexibility and accountability and agility in these contracts. In some cases we need adjust it rule to get the needed supplies to the people but we have to make sure theres accountability and we have checks and balances and ifternal controls. So im not fully aware of every particular avenue that fema has perceived or pursued. But what we need to be aware of is innovation needs to be balanced with accountability. What im looking to hear is generally you have a bias against noncompete contracts. Its a very, very last resort in my opinion. If its life and death thats my point. What i hope that happens is you begin a comprehensive effort. We know the disasters are coming. We know there are going to be disasters, Natural Disasters across our country. I believe a lot of this is climate. Thats for another daiand another discussion. But in order to have standf had by contracts, that takes leadership from dhs and fema. Of course you got to do a nobid contract if you have nothing prepared for the moment where youve got to have thousands restoring electricity. I agree. I think we need to have better modeling and based on that we need to work with state, local and tribe tearial governments to have those in place predisaster. That is a more effective way to do that. You and i discussed yesterday one of my biggest concerns are our ports. My colleague to my left and several others are so concerned about t Public Health crisis that grips our nation in terms of the death toll from opioids. We know that a lot of this is coming in fact i think if we really do a close analysis, wed see more is coming in through it ports than across the order, especially fentanyl. And meanwhile we are adding more Border Protection agents on the border and we cant fill it positions we have and were cutting port officers where we desperately need more man power. Theyre thousands of folks short. Im quickly approaching where im going to get electric shock but i would like you to address and make a commitment that you will look at this in balance and address it that we are actually potentially over loading the Border Patrol and ignoring the ports. Senator, you have my commitment. I look forward,icide i be confirmed to understanding their operational needs on the border. As you know and we talked about its a combination of both personnel and technology. We also have to remember technology can serve as a multiplier if implemented correctly. We need to understand where and how it drugs are coming in and it best combination of resources to combat that. Look at that. Three seconds. For the record i only really threatened a light tap of the gavel. Senator, portman. First, thank you for your indulgance. I have questions to ask before you. First, welcome and again were delighted that youre stepping up to take on this incredibly important role. One of the things mentioned earlier was congressional oversight and for has been frustration in this committee over my tenure the last several years that we dont get the kind of responses we need to do ep c effective oversight. This is not a partisan issue and shouldnt be. Weve done some good work but it requires the administration to be responsive. I would say that it might be helpful for me to give you a specific example rather than talk generally about it. And it has to do with senator mchaskell talked about earlier. So were doing an investigation. Im not go took get into detail because we tend to keep those nonpublic. But were trying to get information from the front lines as to regard to looking at packages. We know fentanyl is the one killer in my state, ohio. Its synthetic and most of it comes from china and through the mail system. Private carriers have to provide this advanced electronic data. Postal service doesnt. Therefore traffickers use the postal service. We want to know how can we stop this poison from come figuing ir communities. And education, prevention, and recovery but we also know if we can stop it from coming in, it will save lives. So we want to interview it online people actually doing the inspection of packages at jfk, at your other sites where you have the post office bringing in overseas packages. Were told toes are two low level people you have to interview it supervisors. And we persist and they continue to say no. So we interview it supervisors. They dont have the information for us. In fact i will tell you even the supervisors, one of them refused to look at the emails to be able to provide us some responsive answers, which was frustrating. But you know what they told us . You need to talk to the online people. So dhs refuses to allow us to talk to the online people. We go to the supervisors as their request and supervisors say we dont have firsthand knowledge. You need to talk to folks on the line line. So thats a very specific realtime concern we have and i think if senator carper were here, hed echo my concerns. We dont want to go to subpoenas but we will. That you will work with us to enhance the responsiveness of the department. It is a big strauling department with a lot of layers. We want the commitment that you will work with this committee, which is a committee vested with the responsibility for providing oversight over dhs to respond to congressional inquiries. [ inaudible ] a Large Department with its large scope to be very clear with regard to transparency and oversight. I think those are keys to combat the threats required today. So you would have my commitment that any question you have we provide you information to do your job which in turn helps us to do our job. A message from the top is very important and colleagues on both sides of the aisle would appreciate that. On the issue of drugs coming into the country, most members of this exity have been involved in whats called the stop act. It simply says you have to have advanced electronic data. That helps Law Enforcement to stop some of the poison coming in and ive seen this at facilities, ups facilities or dhl facilities. Theres not that requirement through the postal service. It post should that was 15 years ago and even today the post office is pushing back. So what i would like to hear today from you is your commitment to getting this legislation through. Its very simple. Is t says it has to provide the same advanced data so your folks can identify the poison coming in and theyre very interested in having the legislation passed. They need this tool. The legislation has not moved in part and the commission that it president formed on opioids specifically recommended the stop act. Can you give us your commitment today you will support the stop act and help us to get this legislative fix on this one area completed so that we can begin to make progress keeping the supply out of these countries. And to make sure we can implement it effectively, working with the u. S. Post office and customs and Border Patrol to insure they have the resources and personnel they need to play their part. Thank you. So many other questions. I will, for the record ask questions with regard to the security and the faith community. I will also be asking questions about the management side. But again we appreciate it fact that you are here today as a nominee with your experience and background to be able to help during a critical time and mr. Chairman please note im yielding back 38 seconds. And ill note that i really a appr appreciate tat. Thank you for yielding back and ill utilize those 38 seconds. Just kidding. Thank you for being here and willing to serve. Assuming you will get confirmed, hopefully montana will be on your docket for places to visit so we can look at a number of things your Agency Impacts in Rural America and in the lines of Airport Security, the Law Enforcement reimbursement grants. So its a program to help Law Enforcement, local Law Enforcement agencies to secure local airports. I think rilts arreally import nlt program to let had the cat out of the bag. The administration would have eliminated this program through their budget. I think it puts a whole bunch of things he at risk by doing that. Terrorists tend to go the weakest link. My cracked staff tells me its still at risk by the administration. I want to know your view and then ill have a follow up. Thank you, sir. Should i be confirmed, its something i would want to look into. As you know theres a mix of ways they can work with state and local officials. The area surrounding the secure area is vulnerable. You can walk in without screening. So there is more that we need to do. Dhs can provide training. They can provide information. So what i would say is yes, you have my commitment. Theres a combination of resources that dhs needs to provide and work with state and local officials. I think in the end whether its called a Different Program or not but small Airport Security is just as important as big Airport Security. So i would hope youd fight hard for tat. Real id. Its an issue tat the senator from oklahoma and i have in common. I speak for myself. But never been a big fan. Theres a number of reasons why. I think we can get this pounded out but its going to require some visiting, bipartisan visiting to be able to make this work so we dont end up doing things like having a real id that costs the citizenry additional dollars. I need your commitment that youd be willing to work on this issue and it would be in a bipartisan manner to come together to get the solution because its been around as long as ive been here. So its a problem. Yes, sir. If im asking questions thats already been asked, forgive me. The president has been an advocate for a wall on the southern border. As you know i serve on the appropriations for Homeland Security number one, i assume youve been on it southern border . Yes. Wot your view on the wall and technology . Yes. First of are had i would like to if i could quote something senator said at the beginning. The president has stated as have my predecessors something i share. There is no need for a wall from sea to shining sea. What we need to do is work with the operators. Should i be confirmed i look forward to speaking with state and local officials to ifclude cbp to understand where we need some sort of physical barrier. Technology play as key part. Theres a lot we can do with technology. In a more Cost Effective way too i might add. There was a report due august 3rd on a comprehensive review on a plan for the border. And that may be wrun of the reasons we havent marked up that Homeland Security appropriations bill. One is could you see, assuming you get confirmed, put the gas on the pedal to get that. Because i think its really important that we dont back into the plan and we have a plan moving forward for the southern border. Yes, sir. I think the plan which i look forward i look forward to seeing should i be confirmed needs to be linked to any appropriation. Absolutely. I agree with you 100 . Do you have any plans, off the top of your head, you could use the last two minutes i have but i dont want you to, on Port Security, what needs to be done there . I think on Port Security what i would say is we need to continue to evolve with the times, everything from cybersecurity threats to additional more innovative ways when the threats are being is there any technology you know of right now the ports dont have that they need . Im aware of some additional screening equipment we are looking at piloting and using at the borders. Im not aware of the constraints a port environment might provide, certainly, we need the best and brightest both in terms of personnel and technology at the ports. Thank you very much. I would like toe chairman to note i yield back 1 13 seconds. This is fabulous. Thing we all appreciate it, by the way. Thank you, mr. Chairman, i wont disappoint you. You know whats coming a question on the northern border. The senator did. It was released after our bipartisan legislation, senator kelly ayotte and i cosponsored. Obviously when we look at the northern border its 500 miles with an historic partner in terms of canada. That doesnt mean we can ignore our northern border threat assessment. Dhs has already committed to me items such as improved facilitates, better recruitment and retention and Better Technology will be addressed in this strategy. That strategy is only a first step. The implementation of the strategy must be prioritized during the budget process and i will ask you a series of yes or no questions. Will you commit to pushing in the next dhs budget for sufficient funds to execute the northern border strategy including funds to begin improving facilities, recruitment and retention at remote and rural locations and Smart Investments in technology to improve domain awareness . Yes, i will. Will you commit to me the northern border will be a priority of yours if youre confirmed . It must be, yes. Thank you. In order to fully understand, montana and north dakota share a border. If you want to come to montana, well make it so you come to montana and north dakota at the same time. You will see that gap in Border Security that is particularly difficult in terms of recruitment and retention of staff, that wide open space north of wynott through the montana borders. Its important we get your commitment on the northern border issues. Another Program Within the department of Homeland Security ive taken a particular interest in is the countering violent extremism section. We havent heard a whole lot about it. When the chairman went through a number of those incidents, a number of those are really homemade lone wolf kinds of situations. We want to make sure we have relationships within the organization and within the communities to avoid radicalization. Will you commit to evaluating the cve program at dhs and reporting back to us in 90 days on your initial plans regarding the program, its goals and its grants and how you intend to prioritize the mission of this organization, which i think is a little at sea at the moment . Yes, i do. I think its critically important. I would just ask that you pay particular attention to that problem. I was struck by your Opening Statement, where you announced, as we all do, the principles that you believe in the principles of our founding documents and what constitutes our country. One of the great principles of our democracy is were a nation of laws. Over the last couple months we seem to find policies being announced in unconventional ways and policies being challenged in courts in ways that doesnt advance the goal of the administration, in fact, just delays the goal of the administration but yet we arent sure whos doing the policy and how we can effect seamless integration and implementation if dhs isnt involved. I want to give you an opportunity to respond to this question. If you are in fact confirmed, and you determine that a policy announced from the white house, not dhs, is in fact potentially illegal and goes beyond what dhs is able to do beyond the confines of law or regulation and not in the best interest of dhs or american public, will you take up and repeat the president s statement of congress and bend the law of regulation to fit the policy thats been stated or will you tell the president and the white house that he has proposed limitations on his power and otherwise is outside the bounds of law and regulation, beyond what is good for, in fact, the department . Thank you for the question, senator. I fully intend in all cases always at all times to fully comply with all laws. I will expect the same of any employee or member of dhs. I would answer your question, yes, i would definitely tell the president if i thought a particular policy violated any laws of our country. Perhaps more importantly it would be my intention to speak with him or white house staff to announcement of policy to make sure they understand operational con kraints, resource constraints and stakeholders that need to be part of the implementation. Over the last few months we had suspicion the right hand doesnt know what the left hand has been doing. You come from roles, chief of staff kinds of roles. Youre in a new role in this new job. Yes. That means you have to represent the constitution, you have to fulfill your constitutional obligations, and you have to be accountable to this committee. So i would appreciate ongoing dialogue and making sure that that commitment is actually carried forth. Thank you so much, and i would note that ive left 48 seconds on the clock. Duly noted. Senator peters. Thank you, mr. Chairman and miss nielsen. Thank you for being here before us today and your willingness to serve in this capacity. I want to thank you for the opportunity we had to meet in my office to discuss a lot of very specific issues related to the state of michigan and i appreciate that opportunity and if confirmed would look forward to the opportunity to work with you on those going forward. We have seen a number of hate crimes uptick in my state recently. Im afraid this administration has failed to give those incidents the full weight they deserve. Do you condemn White Nationalism and White Supremacy . Absolutely. Do you condemn antisemitism . Yes. Do you confirm islamophobia . Yes. I ask and you confirm your tone and rhetoric as the secretary will be extremely important for the men and women you lead as well as for all the American People. Let me turn to an incident in charlottesville, virginia. Do you agree the individual charged with the murder of Heather Heyer was a White National list or at a minimum guided by extremist ideology . Yes, as i understand it, that this is case. As potential leader of a massive and Diverse Workforce do you agree with the president s comments related to the charlottesville incident namely there were fine people on both sides . Sir, all i can say is what i believe and i would do if confirmed. That is i disavow any form of violence, antisemitic, white supremacist, radicalization, anyone who chooses to exspouse their semifinals through violence. I would do everything to work within my power with State Government and communities through awareness and provide the awareness sharing that enables them to to participate in such threats. We cannot tolerate it in the United States. In the aftermath of charlottesville, americans are urging americans to study White Nationalism violence and counter the cve programs nevertheless many of our nations leading civil rights and Community Groups including the american muslim communities believe the cve program has been focused disproportionately Law Enforcement outreach and flawed and counterproductive in many respects. Let me be clear, Law Enforcement should engage Community Leaders across the country, a very important element. This type of engagement should in some ways be coupled without cve efforts and ive heard this from folks in my state, the perception of mistrust, perceptions that are routinely exacerbated by divisive and very polarizing messaging coming out of the trump administration. My question is, what are your thoughts on reframing the dhs mission on focusing of engaging communities on a full rang of Government Programs and agencies for example integrating the departments of education and health and Human Services and others, if you could expand on your thoughts on dealing with this program. Yes, sir. I believe it requires the full weight and strength of the United States government. There are many different avenues we understand individuals either become radicalized or find themselves on a path towards violence. The short answer is yes, should i be confirmed i would work with other cabinets to utilize the information they have. I do believe the only way this works is to constructively and continually engage communities. We have to build that environment of trust and respect so they feel they can come forward in a safe way, not face retaliation and have alternatives to an otherwise violence path. If confirmed will you commit to studying this issue including americas ethnic and religious minorities . Absolutely, yes, sir. Appreciate that. As you know, secretary kelly visited my home state very early and met with the arab american community. I hope you would commit to visiting michigan as well given the concerns that have been expressed on a regular basis to me from that very large and vibrant and active community in the state of michigan. Yes, sir. Appreciate that. Acting secretary dukes said she would provide this committee with information related to the portion of dhs budget spent on domestic terrorism versus International Terrorism. Will you insure that happens if confirmed . Yes, i would. An ohio man was charged with murder following the charlottesville incident. The department of justice has also opened up an investigation. As you know, unlike International Terrorism there is currently no domestic terrorism statute on the books. Do you think legislation is required to address domestic terrorism . Sir, its a good question. Many americans in the wake of charlottesville were surprised to see there is no such crime as domestic terrorism. That doesnt mean the fbi and state and department of Law Enforcement dont have tools they need, should i be confirmed it would definitely be a conversation i would like to have early on with director ray and the attorney general to make sure we do have rules we need to prosecute such activity. Do you see any short falls youre concerned about . Not that i am aware of, no, sir but intend to study them. You do plan to review that . Yes, sir. I look forward to working with you as well to see what potentially may need to be done. Do you support laws and policies that allow police and other authorities to demand proof of vp and immigration status with their perception individuals may be undocumented . I do believe in enforcing the federal Immigration Laws of the United States and i defer to state and local law is would also comply with and have any employee i be confirmed who works with me comply with this as well. In your support a clarifying question, in your mind, what would constitute reasonable su suspicion and how would that differ from racial profiling . Its a good question. I would have to understand what the states would argue the difference would be. I would do that and happy to report back should i be confirmed or a question for the record. Very good. Thank you. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Good morning, miss nielsen and congratulations on your nomination. Thank you for meeting me in my office last week, i greatly appreciate it. Before i get to the first question, ill go with the chorus of states with a northern border we are looking for real attention to the northern border report and improvements we should be making on the northern border. I wanted to start today just on the issue of really our post caliphate strategy in combatting isis. As you pointed out as a former dhs chief of staff and Current White House chief of staff, youre familiar with the current challenges of the department and nature of the terrorist threat to our homeland. For the past several years, dhs has been leading addressing fighter flows and countries in isis battlefields in iraq and syria. Today, the socalled caliphate is crumbling with strongholds of isis and raqqa and those who joined could form as fbi former director comey said one that could seek to carry out attacks on foreign countries. In your response you alluded to steps you would take to address emergent threats and the next generation of terrorist threats. Id like you to specify what steps you would take if confirmed in the first 30 days from the terrorism . First, should i be confirmed i would speak in detail with the leadership from intel analysis and other parts of the department. But in general, i think we have to realize the threat has changed, as you describe. What we see now are more of an inspiration, less directed attacks but no more dangerous when theyre inspired. The other challenge we face with inspired attacks, were seeing throughout the world particularly in europe but unfortunately here as well as recent events in new york indicated the terrorist and would be terrorists and people inspired by terrorism use very common items. So i understand, because of our time constraints, what concrete actions would you take . One of the reasons you have broad support is because you are youve been there recently and youre ready to lead. Yes, maam. I would say awareness, outreach being sure our intel is a different model, a joint task forcelike mentality within the department to make sure were leveraging all the the different parts and be very clear prioritizing what the threat is to make sure were addressing todays threat and not the month before. Thank you. I will likely follow up with you on that a bit. I want to follow up on questions you heard about counterering violence extremism. You referenced in your answers that dhs must increase its capabilities to address terrorist exploitation of the internet social media for radicalization. You talked just now about the need to constructively and continually build up relationships. Can you tell us a little bit more how you would actually do that. Yes. As i understand dhs has been working with the social media providers, internet providers, something i would commit to continue. We need to in partnership find the terrorist substance on the internet and remove it. We know they are using it to inspire, in still propaganda, perhaps to cause confusion, as we have seen in other circumstances. The internet and social media are particularly vulnerable to such manipulations of information so we need to work in partnership to remove them. You also mentioned in our meeting in my office that the need to partner moms and imams. I want to get at what you meant by that. We heard and i think my ref reverence was different associations, nonprofit associations, ngos and partners we spoke to when i was at dhs suggested in their experience the best practice the best way to do the Community Outreach and increase awareness was to work in particular with those two groups of participants. Im sorry for interrupting. Time is short. Dhs has a unique office called the office of Community Partnerships that does exactly what youre talking and and what youve referenced in answers to a couple of questions now. While you were at dhs as chief of staff the number of personnel in that office was cut in half, the grants program was eliminated and the director of the office resigned. Whats more, in your first few days of dhs you rescinded previously awarded grants made to several organizations. Among the groups that had their grants rescinded was a group of white reformed supremists working to pull others out of the groups and the public Muslim Affairs council which has a track record of engaging the Muslim American community throughout the country on this kind of issue. Can you tell me the reason why you took these actions at dhs, specifically why did you rescind grants that had been carefully vetted and how does this harmonize with your desire to increase dhss capability to address exploitation of the internet. Yes, maam. The short answer was to make sure any grants distributed would in fact be effective. As you know, the awards were preawarded just prior to the new administration. What then secretary kelly did was put a hold on the award, final announcement of those grants and asked the office of Community Partnership to relook at the metrics so we could build the metrics in at the front end to insure any taxpayer money was successful. Track record was one of the considerations as well sorry no. Go ahead. The question is what has been done since. I would assume those metrics and vetting could have happened by now and its not my understanding we have issued more grants, meanwhile the office has been the personnel has been cut in half. It doesnt speak to a real desire or sense of urgency about that. Yes, i look forward should i be confirmed or just in general, i look forward to hearing about the results of the grants. They have been awarded, as you know. Its been four or five, six months depending on the grant. The metrics are in place and assessment and measurement will continue and im very hopeful we can find best practices we can then scale and work with this committee to ask for Additional Resources personnel we need to do just that. Its a vital part of what dhs does and we need to make sure to do it in a very effective way. Thank you. Thank you for your answer. Senator harris. Thank you. On september 5th, the administration announced it was ending dhaka. Prior to that date, were you part of any decision process to terminate daca . Correction daca. I was instrumental putting together the policy process at the white house and there were a series of meetings at various levels of government i either helped coordinate establishing a process. In some cases i participated as one of the deputy chiefs of staff. So you were part of the meeting that was held in the white house in the roosevelt room in late august that involved attorney general Jeff Sessions and white house senior advisor, Stephen Miller and dhs acting secretary at the time, elaine duke . I believe so, yes, maam. As you know, more than two months have passed since the administration decided to end the daca program for nearly 700,000 young people. During our meeting last week, when the issue of daca was raised, i was encouraged to hear you say you want to work on this. Absolutely. Daca recipients include hundreds of thousands of people work ing colleges and fortune 500 companies and serving in our military. Every day since that announcement was made and before they wake up terrified. Every night they wake up afraid there will be a knock on their door at midnight removing them from their home and tearing apart their family. Under these circumstances, do you agree legislation must be passed to protect these young people before the end of this calendar year . I believe we must and owe to it them to find a permanent solution. Its no way to expect anyone to live two months at a time. While Congress Works on this issue and hopefully we will be working in a bipartisan way, i have every hope that will happen, if confirmed will you commitment these young people will not be an enforcement priority while congress is working to fix this problem . Yes, maam. The government asked them to share personal information about themselves and family to qualify for daca. A frequent asked question available on the dhs website said their personal information would not be used for enforcement purposes. Two weeks ago i sent a letter with three other United States agencies to dhs asking it to keep its promise to these young people not to deport them. We have not received a response. If confirmed will you confirm this information will not be shared for foreign enforcement purposes . First, i will get you a response and secondly, i understand there are extraordinarily limited circumstances that involve National Public safety. To my knowledge, there are no other reasons or exceptions to enable that information to be shared for any enforcement purpose. If there are any i will commit to you to come talk to you about it and work out a solution together. Will you commit to this committee, if confirmed, you will make an interpretation that that information will not be shared for enforcement purposes, you will make that policy position clear to all members and employees of dhs . Absolutely. At a september 27th hearing i asked acting secretary duke to extend the october 5th renewal deadline for daca recipients. It did not happen. It has been reported roughly 21,000 recipients were not able to gather the documentation and 495 required as part of the filing before the deadline. If confirmed, will you reopen the application process and allow these individuals the opportunity to renew their status . I will commit to you to look into it. Im not familiar with the specific numbers but if there are extenuating circumstances we should take into consideration, i would look into those and talk with you further. I would urge you that part of the extenuating circumstances that should be taken into account is a National Survey that found 57 of americans say that right now they do not have the ability to pay 500 of an unexpected bill. Additionally there have been a number of Natural Disasters around the country including my own home state where americans have lost their entire belongings and paperwork and barely get through the day much less have the ability to compile extensive documentation and come wake up 495. I would urge you to prioritize that fact when you think of the extenuating circumstances. Yes, maam. On february 20th the dhs released a memo including seven factors for immigration enforce. During a meet the press, former secretary kelly stated just because youre in the United States illegally doesnt necessarily get you targeted. Im quoting him, it has to be Something Else and were operating moreorless at the other end of the spectrum, that is criminals, multiple convictions. Do you agree with that assessment . Yes. I agree we should prioritize criminals and any others in any way concerning from a National Security perspective. The definition of criminals is what . I would differ to you, but i would follow the law, whatever the law tells me a criminal is, that is what we would target and nothing less than that. In deference to me, i appreciate that, i would urge you to consider the definition of criminals to be people who have violated the law in terms of violations of the penal code and those are criminals opposed to people who are undocumented and in this country because of situations such as the dreamers, which is that they were brought here as Young Children and know no other home spent for this. Yes. The criminality i would be talking about with respect to enforcement priority is above and beyond the original illegal entry. It has been widely reported between january and september of this year i. C. E. Arrested three times more the people last year during the same period. If dhs is focused and confirmed under your leadership on true criminals, it is clear the front line officers have a different impression. If confirmed will you issue a written directive to the agents they prioritize enforcement activities in a way that targets criminals who pose a Public Safety effect and not daca or dreamers . Yes. I understand that to be the current policy. If theres any question about it, we will qualify. In particular, will you agree to issuing a written directive to the agents that this is policy of the agency . Yes. I would or if appropriate, acting director would. Senator langford. Thank you. Thank you for being here and your leadership in the past, what youre doing currently to serve the nation and your willingness to go through this process. This is not a fun process to go through and all the paperwork you have to do. Thanks for stepping up to take that leadership for us. Thanks. Let me ask you a series of questions, one of is a higher issue. Several employees within dhs takes well over the standard 100 days for higher, which is again way too long for federal hiring process. Customs and Border Patrol, 450 days to hire one agent. There was a request put in, in the past for an additional 100 Million Dollars to help things that process. That is on top of the 65 million put in place last year to help in the process. Thats 165 million to be able to improve a very broken process. My question for you is how do we get this fixed so it doesnt take 450 days to hire a person to help us in customs and Border Patrol and why does it take 165 million to fix the process . Its a very good question. I think hiring would be at the top of my priority list should i be confirmed. Senator heitkamp mentioned difficulties for the northern border, cybersecurity is another area we have difficulty not only hiring but retaining qualified people in the department. We need to look at it holistically. The system needs to keep up with the times, whether the way were advertising and allowing people to apply. Some of the websites where jobs are listed the links are bad. Some of this is low hanging fruit, if you will. From a holistic perspective we have to have the internal controls in place to insure not only on the hiring side but all the way through the cycle of development. Its something i would look into. Im not familiar with that. I serve on the Appropriations Committee and security. Im on both sides of this and something i track very carefully and something i think we can do less than 165 million to fix a broken process. At the end of the day we have to reform how were doing higher and what happens with higher. Senator tester brought it to you earlier, a request put in to the administration by august the 1st to get a comprehensive plan for Border Security. It needs to be northern and southern border. The first part of this is a discussion of the southern border. You already mentioned were not talking a wall from sea to shining sea, technology in some place, clear markings in some places and walls for others. We need to know the costs and strategy for southern border and same thing for northern border. For instance, theres a much higher number of aerial systems in the southern border than northern border. The northern border is more open than the southern border is and 2,000 miles longer. We want to get greater attention to the northern border and plan and figure out costs. The official costs that came to us was about 20 million a mile for the construction of the wall. 10 years ago we were building 650 miles of fence that exist currently, that was about 2. 5 million a mile. Im trying to figure out why the cost estimate has gone up 10 times in 10 years. We do have inflation but not that great. Thats an area we need greater clarity on, how we secure a border but doing with the taxpayers dollars in mind as well. Yes, sir, i look forward to working with you should i be confirmed. We have spoken before about the election Security Issues and facing with foreign actors trying to interfere not only with free speech but our election process itself. One of the things i raised when we spoke last was the length it took to notify states they were currently being probed by foreign actors. Thats much too long, around 14 months from when a state was probed by a foreign actor and being notified, hey, youre being probed. They have to notify them. Two main questions is clearances for state elected officials to have a rapid communication. The second thing, at the end of an election time it is an auditable election, work with states what their election is, the equipment, the role of the state but make sure the state at the end of the alaskan actually audit their election of the state can actually audit their election. I would assume the American People would assume of us will be done from now when theres large scale election again. Yes, sir. You have my commitment. When i went to vote this week in the Virginia Election i was quite concerned about the scanning machine and started asking all variety of questions what the security on the scanning machine was for the ballot. We all have to be very aware and work with state and locals. The role of dhs is to respond from requests to make sure they have the clearance to receive the information and offer supply chain all the way through to the dissemination of voter roles its protected. We dunn cantsy is important on the back end with ballots and whether its as done with the Highway Patrol we need to control the integrity of our electoral system. I agree. Let me bring up a couple things. I brought it to several folks, fema and leadership of dhs. We have a long standing Issue Congress determined in the 1990s, nonprofits were eligible for disaster age. It was redesign dollars to say it doesnt include houses of worship so church, synagogues or mosques arent able to get fema housing aid and often theyre the provider of clothes and supplies and they are determined as not nonprofits and i think it is something the Administration Means when it says not nonprofits that doesnt explain faithbased nonprofits especially after saying we cant ever photoa house of worship and tell them you cant participate in your government if you are faithbased. That gives an unfair decision with any house of worship saying, yes, you can participate in your government as long as you give up your faith first. Thats not something i will do. I wanted to bring up with senator tester, the real id issue and how we will settle for the states still in that zone of making decisions, need to be made as early as possible. The longer it takes the more difficult it is to arrange things around that. Thanks for your service. Senator hogan. Thanks for being here today. Again, congratulations on your nomination. Certainly look forward to working with you. Miss nielsen, what are the key steps in your opinion, securing the border and enforcing Immigration Law, what are the key metrics you will use to evaluate performance . I would say at the start metrics are vital. I dont think we can effectively and efficiently spend taxpayer money without them. We need to work with stakeholders and this committee and others to insure we have metrics indicative of performance. Lots of times not lots of times but sometimes metrics can be designed in such a way to be a compliance exercise. We need something that demonstrates the performance. Having said that the steps we need to take, we need to look at it as an innovative system. Its not just physical barriers, personal, training, working with state and locals j understanding a variety of things in special circumstances such as surge control or a Natural Disaster. I look forward to reading the border strategies i know dhs is finalizing, should i be confirmed at that time to work with you in more detail. I dont think it can work without appropriations perspective without metrics, they should be a transparent, measured and ones we can update if they prove not to be as useful. That includes youre enforcing Immigration Law within the country. Yes. When you talk about those metrics. Yes, sir. That needs to be understood not only by the dhs but the general public as well. I think some of my colleagues talked to you about the northern border. I want to emphasize northern border as well as southern border and the use of Unmanned Aircraft technology for Border Security. I think it provides us the capability as a force multiplier, to have the Situational Awareness and sensors of a variety of threats coming across our border, either something in the cpr perspective through people to elicit goods. Its a force multiplier and we should be looking at it, ways to integrate it. As in any new technology, look at vulnerabilities and securing it up front not the back end. You would support the use of Unmanned Technology on both the northern and southern border . If the operators and folks on the ground believe it can be useful, absolutely. What about defending against Unmanned Aircraft, whether that be at the border or even address it in terms of potential threats within the country . Thats the flip side. Thats where, in our use, we would have to at the front end, think about the vul neribilities they could provide or do us harm. Weve seen unmanned vehicle, small ones everything from improvised dispersal devices or biotox. There is work dhs is taking today on that. That is one we have to watch carefully and include in our planning to resourcing. It raises everything from privacy issues to a potential threat, as you said. At grand forks, north dakota, part of one of six test sites in the nation, were already working on some of those issues. We have a partnership between not only the test site but University School of aviation, one of the premier schools of aviation in the world with the u. S. Air force, with customs and Border Protection, 900 miles through the great lakes west of the montana border and Companies Like north grumman and predator and global hawk. This is an opportunity for us to work with dhs on usa. We talked about this in my office and i again ask for your attention to accomplish what were talking about with uas technology. Yes, you have my commitment. The other thing i wanted to talk about we saw this attack in new york city and a truck. Talk to me how do we prevent or do more to prevent those types of attacks, respond to them, but also in your opinion, we can address this radicalization, people radicalized overseas or here in this country. All three. How too we prevent, respond and address the radicalization . Yes, sir. On the protection front, dhs offers a variety of tools and resources with any soft target attack. Should i be confirmed its something i want to work with state and local Law Enforcement to insure theyre receiving what they need. This is everything from information sharing to vulnerability of soft targets and active shooter drills that jtf set forth with the fbi and insure they have the tools they need i would be working closely with the department of justice to make sure were offering everything we can from a federal government perspective. As to the radicalization issue, in my mind we have to look at it in two different points. The first point being why and how do or does an individual become radicalized within our country . What are they reading . What are they accessing, hearing, whatry they not reading or accessing or hearing to help them become radicalized. Once they are unradicalized, what can we do to help them see theres a better more productive way to express their views protected in this country but to do so in a nonviolent manner. Should i be confirmed i look forward to what Law Enforcement communities and Law Enforcement partners to participate in the best practices to raise awareness and eliminate this threat. That ability to network with all the other Law Enforcement agency, security agencies, not only local and state but federal level in such a huge part what you do. You referenced that. I think thats absolutely right. Thank you for your willingness to step up and serve in a very challenging important position. We appreciate it. Since you raised this issue i want to follow down the same path for continuity. One thing i was struck why in the recent new york terrorist attacks using a truck, apparently he read he howto manual on the internet that shows you what kind of truck gives you better maneuverability, two wheels on the back axle so you have a better chance of running over people. What is your understanding the lawfulness howto manual on the internet and what do you think we ought to do . We dont allow child pornography on the internet. Its illegal to download it. What should we do with that incite of violence on the internet . I think we need a serious discussion of the legislative branch and the values we hold dear enable others to speak freely within this country, having said that there is a point certain descriptions of weapons, we often jump into terrorists. You said the internet but there is something before that and we need that conversation to work with those who provide that information on the internet to provide it and remove to it determine its not appropriate. I want to work very closely with you as you explore that. This is a different kind of enemy. The old ways and tools arent working. Thank you for visiting with me earlier this month and senator maccaskill, glad to hav you back and that joe is on the mend. To take a short time what would you say are the root causes of hundreds of thousands of people trying to get out of el salvador to get in the United States . Yes, sir, its generally push and pull. What that means to me the conditions on the ground in some of these countries are such that the citizens believe they have a better opportunity if they go elsewhere. On that note, what i would do, should i be governor governor, a good job. We could throw that in here, too. Should i be confirmed, to continue to work in partnership with those governments. We have to increase the prosperity there. There are a variety of programs you and i discussed including the alliance for prosperity, to help the Community Find jobs, track the private sector and enable the community to be resilient in such a way it in and of itself provides an environment they want to stay. I feel very strongly our drug demand is an underlying cost of that push. Drug demand is like no others. Americans unfortunately have a higher not only death rate from it but use of Illegal Drugs in any other country. As you know, the controller Generals Office produces every other year something called high risk list and high risk ways of wasting money. One of the things they raised for the first him in high risk about four of years ago was the fact were spending a lot of money in this country trying to prepare for and fight against the rising oceans, rising level of to the shonns. The see sea level Climate Change everyday. Oceans are sinking and oceans going higher. Do you believe Climate Change has caused temperatures to rise the past 30 years or so and primarily caused by human beings . I do believe the climate is changing, i cant unequivocally state its caused by human beings. There are many contributions . Do you believe its caused primarily by human beings . I believe Climate Change exist but not from why not . Theres 200 nations gathered on this issue alone, 98 of our Scientists Say this is a problem and we are the root cause. If we sit there and say, its not really clear. Somethings happening here and i think it is clear. Ill go on to my next question. I enjoyed meeting with you. I think youre smart, i think youre wellspoken. I worry a lot about your leadership and your experience as a leader, your lack of experience. Ive been privileged to provide leadership in 23 years in the navy and privileged to be governor of delaware for eight years and hopefully i did leadership there. The idea of me taking on an agency with 240,000 employees scattered all over the world and leading them in the right direction would be daunting for me. Tom rich one of my closest friends, daunting for him. Janet napolitano, daunting for them. Why should we believe as smart as you are and wellspoken as you are someone as far as i know never led an organization of even 100 people much less 240,000, is ready to take on this responsibility this large now . Yes, sir. Id like to offer i have been privileged to have opportunities throughout my life professionally volunteering and other endeavors to lead and, to me, a big part of managing is to be very clear about mission, be very clear about rules and responsibilities, to empower those i work with, make sure they have the tools and resources they need. Many of the leadership skills that have brought me to this place are scalable. What i would do should i be confirmed is work with the operational components, ensure my expectations of them are very clear. I believe in accountability just as i hope you would hold me accountable, i will hold others accountable. I believe we should acknowledge successes. I would lead by leadership and transparency and team work and effort and work with the men and women of dhs to insure they not only have the tools they need but have the opportunity to audit and have internal controls and hold them accountable. You may have already taken this pledge today. Do you pledge to respond to our reasonable requests for information from the democrat and republican and majority members of this committee . Yes, you have my commitment. Talk to us about the possible reorganization of National Protection director mppd. Are you aware theres a fair amount of agreement between you and me, just talk about what your views are. Yes, sir. Its been said many times i will say it quickly, should i be confirmed i would very much appreciate an opportunity to work with you to change the name. It truly does confuse stakeholders. It eliminates some of the positive morale that comes from having a Clear Missions statement. Ill leave it at that. I know we talked about that and others talked with you extensively. Cyber is an operational mission. Other parts of Critical Infrastructure and resilience today are operational missions. Any reorganization should take that into consideration and find the best way to balance those who should be at headquarters in the National Capitol region and those in the field with the Critical Infrastructure of the state and local sector and tribal territorials sectors. I dont know we should do it for any reason other than the mission. As a democrat i quote Richard Nixon who said the only people who dont make mistakes are people who dont do anything. I make a lot of mistakes, i made a lot of mistakes in my life. Ive learned probably as much from my mistakes as things i learned well. Talk us to about your biggest mistakes and how you learned from them . A couple of my biggest mistakes in general, i would say, speaking i have learned to speak quickly, clearly and repetitively when i disagree with something that is being proposed, is the best cause of action, most effective way. I also have learned repeatedly through a variety of experiences that policy cannot be made in a vacuum. It must be informed by those operators and by operational environments. There are many times we all have had great ideas with policy hats on but theyre just not going to be implemented in a way that reaches the original intent. I would say resources go handinhand with any policies and strategies. Authorities must be looked at in terms of the best way to leverage them. There have been times i perhaps suggested a new authority was needed from a policy perspective only to find out upon further examination there was Authority Just needed to be differently leveraged. Doing that complete review before looking for Additional Authority is very important. Richard nixon would be pleased. Senator danes. Nice to hear you quoting Richard Nixon senator carper. I have other nixon quotes. Can you do an imitation . I was quoting john f. Kennedy this week, good bipartisan quotes. Miss nielsen, great to see you again. Thank you. Thank you for your service. Thank you for your willingness to continue serving our nation as our secretary of Homeland Security. Regarding leadership, i think its a fair question from senator carper. I will note that two prior secretary of Homeland Security both have stated that you are a leader for our times in a letter that was submitted to the committee, as well as a son of a u. S. Marine, a four star marine that sat right there not too long ago the fact that he put his full confidence in you to lead that organization working with him tells me a lot about his confidence in your leadership, and i have a lot of confidence in general kelly, secretary kelly, chief of staff kelly here picking great people to lead organizations. Im confident in your leadership abilities. Thank you. Miss nielsen, one of the greatest successes of this administration has been President Trump signaling the United States will enforce its laws. This has led to quantity final improvements at dhs and the leadership of general john kelly and secretary kelly with you as the chief of staff. Apprehension rates for illegal southwest border crossings have dropped nearly 30 yeartodate compared to last year. Some months have seen over a 60 reduction. Drug seizures have increased by many measures and morale has improved as well. In your prehearing question you stated Border Security was the highest priority from a risk perspective. As secretary, how will you maintain this positive trajectory weve already seen mitigating the risks and further securing our borders . Yes, sir, thank you. I would just offer, i think deterrence plays a key part here and partnership. When i was at dhs as chief of staff under secretary kelly we had the opportunity to travel and meet with government officials and our southern neighbors and to tell them publicly and speak directly to their people in some case, please dont take this dangerous journey. Its dangerous to you, dangerous to your children. You are putting the hands you are putting your life in the hands of those who have no other concern for you other than the money they can take from you trying to smuggle or traffic you across the border. I think the constant communications with partners is important and the part of deterrence i think general kelly was very successful at is making clear we will enforce our laws. Its vital we do so. We will do so should i be confirmed i intend to do so. We need that mix on the border you and i talked about, not just people and physical barriers, the technology and policies and procedures that enable us to quickly respond. Something seemingly as simple as a road along a piece of physical barrier enables us to monitor and respond should a threat be able to get past. Theres a variety of things we can do in conjunction with state and local governments i would plan on continuing. I appreciate, too, your comments on the humanitarian side we are enforcing the law what impact thats having on children, vulnerable young men and young women, those cyotes you mentioned. Yes. When we see a fourlegged coyote we have a certain response and im grateful to see the hard number supplements coming off the southern border through your leadership and more importantly the softer area helping young women and children otherwise vulnerable when theyre trying to make the crossing. We discussed, i spent 28 years in the private sector before i put a suit and tie on and came up to this hill, 12 years with a global Cloud Computing company. We faced cyb threats daily and delivers security for customers many fortune 500 dry snechbts you also have a background in cybersecurity. Recently, in columbia falls, montana, the School District was hacked from overseas. They were using this stolen data of children and faculty to make very violent and very direct threats. Crimes of this nature surpass the authorities and the resources of state and local Law Enforcement, and we were very grateful for and dependent upon resources coming from the federal government to get to the bottom of this threat. As the secretary of Homeland Security, if confirmed, youll lead the whole of the governments cyber efforts. How will you work to make our citizens and their personal information saver from these worldwide attacks . I thank you, sir. I did enjoy our extensive cyber conversation. Thank you for having that with me. I think when we look at information the threat has changed. I would, if i were sitting here, maybe even 10 years ago talk a confidentiality. Data breeches continue to this day. But what is more concerning is the ability of those who do us harm through the internet to change the integrity of the information. Through attacks to make it not available. It happened in the example that you gave, was they both were able to get in. Take the information, and then use it for a nefarious purpose. Different than the criminal data breeches we had been dealing with over the 15 years. Which still exist. We have morphed into a dangerous area. In particular the integrity of information whether were talking about control systems or your blood type. My blood type. I would like it to be correct. Should i have a need to go to the hospital. Ensuring that we have integrity of information, we have the resilience built in. Redundancy for key assets becomes vital. When i look at the way in which we have worked over the last 13 years, i think it has served us well to develop and create Partnership Within the private sector state and local government. What we need to do perhaps is the next step is look across sectors across regions. And look at the critical assets and pieces of information that we need to ensure were protected. In my view theres an enhanced federal role in the protection. Thank you. Im out of time. The concern i have about where this is headed is in the area of quantum computing. And the fact that our nation very likely may not be in the leadership position anymore in terms of that technology. Ability for others to break inkripgs. And that threat that is over the next hill here that is looming en closer. As we speak. I look forward to seeing you in montana. Yes, sir. I didnt get to chance to talk about the northern border. But we have one. And would love to take you to the northern part of the state. Thank you. My pleasure. I share your concern were not the leadership position in quantum computing. It represents a real threat. Thats something we need to keep our eye on. Well start a second round. I know that you were very involved in an after action report on katrina when you worked in the bush administration. If confirmed, will you commit to a public after action review of the federal government response to harvey, irma and maria . Yes, maam. I want to talk about Counter Terrorism in the budget. Theres pretty aggressive cuts. In the budget. While were increasing the funding for a border wall for immigrant detention and interyoor enforcement. Its severely cutting programs like the viper team. Which are essential in our airports. Cutting those teams from 31 down to eight. Also the urban Area Security initiative. Which is very important. To cities like new york. Where we saw the terrorist attack. Recently. The state Homeland Security program. State Emergency Management performance grant. Completely zeros out the Law Enforcement Reimbursement Program that also serves our nations airports. Zeros out the counter program. The complex coordinated terrorist attack program. The total is 582 million. Have been taken out of the programs. And let me ask you first, are yoi aware whether new york city relied on the Grant Programs in the response to the deadly attack that occurred there had recently . I dont have any doubt they did. I would love for the committee to get the information as to how many attacks in new york city have been prevented. Because they prevented a bunch of them. Because of this funding and what role did this funding play in their response to the recent attack . Do you know of any rational for cutting the viper team so significantly knowing whats gong on in airports across the world . As i understand it the determination was simple bouncing of risk. A variety of threats as you know that tsa faces in aviation and mer time and mass transit land. Is there met rilks that evaluated the risk o on more wall. Versus the viper team. Im not aware of the cost benefit analysis. Your predecessor admitted theres no cost benefit for the wall. None. Were getting ready to try o spend a billion dollars on something theres no cost benefit done. I would like you, you are really good at metrics. We were discussing it up here. I would like you to take a swing at the metrics of the programs being increased. In terms of real risk to the country. In terms of Homeland Security. Versus the program that are cut. Because thats what the analysis should be. It shouldnt be based on politics. It should be based on the metrics of risk. And if that has occurred. Its going to surprise me. If it has, i will be the first to admit what you were willing to admit. Im making a mistake by asserts this has been done on the basis of politics rather than risk. I look forward to getting back to me on that. Yes, maam. If i could offer quickly. It has to be risk based. We fail when we dont look at risk across the department. Theres other departments that pay a role. It has to be risk based. And kind of duck tails with the questioning of my colleague. And we all no one here wants you to do anything but prioritize. People who are in this country i illegally committing crimes. Theres no argument there. Theres no red shirt blue shirt. Theres no divide. Thats not what the resources are being used for. There are resources expended that i dont think the analysis occurred. Im particularly worried as it reltds to the funding that has really joined state and local Law Enforcement. With the federal responsibility of Homeland Security. The more we abandon those programs, that nit us together. The more vulnerable well be to an attack. I look forward to you getting back on that. Let me chime in on risk base. Theres another component of that. It has to be risk base and combined with either effective solutions. If theres an easy solution for something lower risk you have to concentrate on that. Its a two part formula. Senator harris. I join issue with senator on the points rabbit resources and just as a point of emphasis on enforcement priority. We discussed this earlier. The Previous Administration prioritized violent and serious crime. And any conduct that would pose a risk to National Security. Do you agree that should be the highest priority and lipted resources that is where the resources should go in terms of deportation and enforcement . Yes, maam. You maybe familiar with the case. October 24 a ten yearold girl was being rushed to a hospital in corpus christi. For an emergency gull bladder surgery. Customs officers stopped the ambulance and followed it to the hospital. Immediately after her surgery was over, she was arrested and taken away from her family. Current dhs policy prohibits enforcement action at or near sensitive locations such as hospitals, schools and churches. Unless prior approval is given or circumstances exist. Despite this, she was apprehended at a hospital after her surgery was over. If confirmed, do you commit to maintaining dhs policy as it relates to sensitive locations . I do. And should any further clarification beneeded i would ensure that occurs. In fact on that point. I appreciate you making that point. I would urge you to issue guidance to agencies. If confirmed that this policy exists and this type of thing shouldnt happen again. I would. And in conjunction with the commissioner and director. Thauk. In your questionnaire you state td as dhs chief of staff you have the jb of over seeing 240,000 staff. And had resourced and budget related Decision Making authority and responsibility for the office of the secretary. Last week, the dhs office of Inspector General issued the annual report on Major Management and performance challenges facing the department. The report reads quote. Dhs often fails to update and clarify guidance and policy ensure full and open communication. Between employees and management. Offer sufficient training. And reduce administrative burden. Our reports are complete with examples of unsufficient training to enable and enhance job performance. Have you read the report . I have. You probably aware that the inspected tor general issued a similar report last year . Yes. So the obvious point is there seems to have been no improvement since last year. Will you agree to report back to this committee within the first three months of what you have put in place to correct course and in particular emp sis the importance of training the employees of dhs and clearly communicating policy with them . I will. And also my other two big take aways from the report were the needed continue focus ob unity of effort and ensures we have internal control set by leadership. I would be happy to. Having had the experience of running a Law Enforcement agency of almost 5,000 people as attorney general of california, its clear to me on my peerngs that when you are running a large agency you cannot run it from the top down. It has to be from the bottom up. That means clear lir giving guidance and training in particular to the men of the good men and women who have the authority of the power and responsibility to enforce our laws. And there have been many nominees who sat in the chair who had varying levels of appreciation. Of that point. But i would like you to commit to this committee. That you will prioritize training and Clear Communication and guidance. To an agency of hundreds of thousands of people. Absolutely. June Senate Intelligence committee hearing. Assistant secretary or Cyber Security and communication asserted dhs was developing a policy to help states secure their election system. Just yesterday virginia, new jersey had elections. If confirmed what had is the time line particularly the deadline for establishing and implementing a policy. Yes. So as i as youre aware, then secretary johnson clarified in fact election infrastructure is considered Critical Infrastructure. And partnership model. The government coordinating counsel has been created. Since we spoke i have verified it in fact is in existence today. That works with the election commission. Third Party Certifiers at the request of state to ensure the infrastructure. And provide a variety of vulnerable assessment and other. So should i be confirmed i would very soon upon confirmation ensure we have reached out to all state ands territories to ensure they have what they need for elections. Are you giving yourself a time line or deadline to accomplish that . I will give myself one. Id like to make the deadline in conjunction with the state and local official. And would be happy to report to you. Thank you. It has been reported that the administration is moving forward on a policy that would lead to expe ditded removal of unaccompanied children. Who are arriving at the border having fled incredible violence. If confirmed, will you please share with my office any policy memo that the department is planning to implement affecting the process of unaccompanied minors. Yes. Are you aware of the Administration Policy shift in that regard . The expedited removal is limited in most cases to those who are from canada and mexico. So i understand theres an attempt to work with congress to ensure that when appropriate anybody who comes with an illegally entry can be here if they are appropriately in a situation where they need to be deported to do so in an expedited way to save them from being detained in the country. Im not familiar with particular policy papers or description. You are aware the unaccompanied minor issue as it has been playing out in the last few years is not about the children of mexico or canada. Its about Central American countries and in fact the five time murder capitals of the world. Yes, maam. Okay. So are you aware of a shift in the Administration Policy as it relates to those children . To anybody from other countries. That illegal enter. Including those children, yes. Whats the shift of the policy. I understand it and again should i be confirmed will dive into the papers and description. The concern is that right now the system is such due to a variety of factors that when somebody does come in illegally they are detained and sometimes quite a long period of time. Im running out of time. One more question. Are you do you agree with a policy that would expedite deportation of unaccompanied minors who are coming from the Central American countries . I believe in reuniting children with their family. If their families are not here are you saying you would deport children to reunite them with families who put the children in a process of fleeing violence and want those children to be safe and in the United States . In that case i would want to work with you to understand more about the implication. Thank you. Senator ill apologize for getting out of order. Its all fine. I appreciate it very much. I appreciate the chance to have a second round of questions. I just want to start by expressing my concern about your answer to one of senators carpers questions. About Climate Change. When you were in charge of our countrys security, when you are in charge of our response to Natural Disaster. You need to be able to rely on science and technology and consider and assess the science and technology that you are being advised with. And put it well before politics. What i heard in the answer was politics before science. And that concerns me. As governor of New Hampshire when we were dealing with Natural Disaster one of the first things we did was that the National Weather service on the phone advising us. What we were going to be dealing with. In dealing with security measures, i had to rely on engineers and technology about the power of certain kinds of responses to possible threat. So just consider this a concern expressed by me. If you are willing to dodge a question when 99 of the world scientists agree the primary cause of Climate Change is human activity, that concerns me about your qualification to take on this role. Could i just answer that. If i could . I was cut off. What i would have said is na not only do i think the climate is changing. Its vital we in response change our modelling, preparedness and responses. A direct effect on Natural Disaster. Of course it does. If you are unwilling to acknowledge the primary cause is Human Behavior you cannot change the model appropriately. What were looking for is people willing to acknowledge that there is a huge and incredibly well vetted review of science that tells us that Climate Change is primarily caused by human activity. And one of my concerns is many of the fellow should you be confirmed fellow cabinet members are also people who will not acknowledge the pri mire cause. Ochb often the people advising you in times of considerable Natural Disaster and threat. And theyre not willing to listen to science either. So im going to move onto the question that i wanted to ask. But just hope that you might educate yourself about what science says about Climate Change and the primary cause. I will review the science. Yes, maam. Our countrys safety does depend on that. Onto Election Security. I want to follow up on senator harris line of questioning. Because korlgt to a news report from early october, russians still have an open path to u. S. Elections. Dhs high level out reach teams known as the government coordinating counsel, are only just now reaching out to states to assess their elections cyber needs. And mr. Chairman id like to submit this article for the record. Without objection. Without objection. And it seems that you confirmed what the article said. Which is that dhs is only started to reach out to states chief election officials. Within the past few weeks. We are more than a year away fwr russias hack or the election. We had governor elections in two states yesterday. We are just months away from the 2018 election cycle. Why did it take so long for dhs to establish the government coordinating counsel . And what action did you take as dhs chair has been working with states for many months. 14, 15. The question is, as my understanding is it just started now to reach out to the chief election officer which issen a absolutely critical step. I dont believe that is correct. Respectfully in my understanding. When i was a dhs we ensured that following on the work that secretary johnson did, we established what is called a sub sector. Sub tekts sector coordinating council. Lt private sector side if you will. Also had government folks on it. Gcc is a specific sister part of the partnership model. That was recently stood up in conjunction with a commission that is really focussed on Third Party Certification of the infrastructure. Not the vulnerability not the monitoring. Which has been occurring since at least prior to january. Then i hope you will read the article and we will have further discussion about it. My concern is whether in fact Election Security is really a priority for this president. It must be. And did did you do anything in the white house to accelerate preparation to make sure that our cyber election cyber system were secure . Only from a policy perspective. I didnt have command or criminal or any asset at my disposal in my job. Yes, ep sure the policy process addressed risk we face today. Are you comfortable states will be able to defend against russias halking efforts in the 2018 cycle . I would like to be in a place where i can answer that in the affirmative. Should i be confirmed. I cant answer that know. I dont know. I hope so. That should be the goal. We should work and use everything we can to ensure that doesnt occur. So it is a priority of yours. Absolutely. The bedrock of the democracy is protected before the 2018 elections. Yes, maam. We have your commitment if necessary to ask for additional funding, to ask for Additional Resources to work with the states to ensure that when people go to the polls and remember that theres early voting in many states, they can be confident again that the election system in each and every state are secure . We must do it in partnership. Yes. Thank you. I would love to work with you and other members. The issue has been raised. In terms of the resilience models were using to design a hearing to look at that. One question i would certainly want to have on the table during that hearing is if we spend billions of dollars trying to address the science and this problem is what kind of bang for the buck do we get. Id love to work with you on designing a hearing to list that information. Let me start with my question down that same path. Last week we held a hearing with fe ma director. Who i do believe. Throughout the process including hearing the with the disaster he was faced with after 172 days on the job, obviously government learned a lot of lessons from katrina. One of my concerns, i had a poster produced by the Heritage Foundation showing the dramatic increase in the number of fe ma declared disasters. I am concerned about the moral hazard the reliance of state and local officials on the federal government to respond, but also to understand exactly what the risks are. Thats state and local responsibility. And i believe i think this is the question i have. You talk about the partnership model. Who really is primarily responsible for the response to Natural Disaster and whats fe ma and dhs role . Whats your understanding . Thank you, sir. Id like to answer two different ways. First i believe the primary responsibility is of the state and local government. Theyre on the ground they know the community. Upon request however, it is the role of the federal government to provide stance. That can be in the form of funding from the relief fund. That can be in the form of personnel and additional search capacity. It can be in training and exercises and other preparedness activity prehazard. In terms of the bang for the buck, i think we need to relook at it. Its not a question of eliminating what it is that we are providing over all. But ensuring were doing it in the right way in partnership with state and local government. Perhaps there are grants on the front end that can help them capacity build. Perhaps other ways in which we can distribute money after an event to ensure it is spent effectively and efficiently. It seems to me following disasters we have learned that different state and local governments are better prepared than others. Thats a an important assessment quite honestly that goes through to try and identify and maybe point out to states. Theres best practices in other states that you want to follow. Having been voed with katrina and the after action report, what were the lessons . Primary lessons, and what are the Lessons Learned from previous disasters that i believe set us up to respond and preplan from the last round of hurricanes. Over all what i would say is i think all of the major disasters have should be us given the size and scope that the plans have to be scaled and unfortunately as you hear in a dod and military construct, a plan rarely survives first contact. And the reason for that is because its always context yul. The unity of effort concept i bloef in. It needs to be presented in a way that all parties understand the role and responsibility. But also understand those roles and responsibilities could be different given the size and scope of the storm. Certainly we saw we need to do more ahead of time. We need to preposition more. We need to ensure the contracts that senator mentioned before were in place prior to an event. So we werent trying to contract last minute. The roles and responsibilities needed to be clear. When was it appropriate for the National Guard to be included . When was it appropriate for active duty forces to be utilized part of a Mission Assignment . A lot was learning the lesson that when something is that big and scope is that kploet, and the local government as you mention in this case was in kpas at a timed. Whats the additional federal role and how best can we support. We have had a number of questions about the wall. I would refer you as were designing the prototype. I was in israel and they responded with about 150 mile wall. 2. 9 million a mile. Pretty effective. We were together at the southern border in san diego. One thing i would struck by was the almost unanimous viewpoint of Immigration Judges. About how over time based on precedence often precedence decided by the ninth circuit. We have picked holes in the Immigration Laws that create the incent i have for illegal immigration. Im all for better barriers where needed. I think we need to address the incentive created in our law. In precedence. Can you speak to that issue. Yes, sir. Its something that i have had the pleasure of speaking about in a various capacity. With the attorney general. And other state and local Law Enforcement such as though in san diego. The law has to be clear for us to be able to enforce it. For to serve as a deterrent. The more that unfortunately there are picking away if you will either through discretion or through application or through backlog or through the lack of Immigration Judges, we disable ours from not only enforcing the law but getting the effect of the law. I look forward to looking to having the conversation with the attorney general. Understanding the need for Immigration Judges to quickly and enforce the law on that part of the system. And work with state and local to see whats working and not working at their level. I look forward to working with you. Were trying to solve the issue of dreamers. From my standpoint the humane thing is stop the flow of chirp coming in from. Stop incent vising them to take the dangerous journey. And subject themselves to horrors. I want to thank you for your past service and willingness to serve. This confirmation process is not particularly fun. And as former secretary as well as i said my Opening Statement you are agreeing to step in the position with a very daunting task. This year you have shown yours knowledgeable. You have rel vent experience. And very qualified for the position. I thank you for your willingness to serve. The nomine who made Financial Disclosure submitted by the committee. Without objection the information will be made part of the hearing record with the exception of the financial data. Which are on file and available in the office. The hearing record will remain open until noon tomorrow. November 9 through the submission of statements and question for the record. The members wish to steph response from the questions prior to a vote they must submit questions for the record by 5 00 p. M. Today. Had this hearing is adjourned. [ inaudible conversations ] in honor of vert rans day. Vice president mike pence will be in Arlington National cemetery to lay a wreath of the tomb of the p known. Watch live coverage starting on cspan. On saturday, watch the wisconsin book festival. Starting at noon eastern. Featuring best selling historian. A and. On the fall out from the closing of a gm plant in wisconsin. Winning journalist will discuss how National Security agencies established espionage rings at american universities. And journalist looks at the lives of moi Migrant Workers in the United States. Watch the wisconsin book festival. Saturday starting at noon eastern. On cspan 2 book tv. Heres a look at next weeks house floor debate on tax reform. And work starting monday on the Senate Tax Reform proposal. Covers