[ banging gavel ] this hearing will come to order. Good morning. We are meeting today to consider the nomination of kirstjen m. Nielsen to be the next secretary of the United States in Homeland Security. I want to thank her, her family. Our senators making introductions later on. I 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 significantly reduce the 30year projected deficits that are currently expected to exceed over 100 trillion. Our enemies are on the rise. Russia continues to destabilize its neighbors and is partnering with iran to increase both countries influence in the middle east. The Iranian Nuclear agreement did modify irans behavior. For the worse. North Korea Remains determined to develop the cap
The nominee. I know this nielsen will introduce miss nielsen will is her family. America is facing enormous challenges. Trillions, over the no party is giving us assurances, and were looking at deficits in the horizon. Our enemies are on the rise, as russia destabilizes neighbors and partners with iran to control the middle east. We did modify korans behavior for the worst. Irans abilityy for the worst. North korea continues to develop nuclear weapons. Challenges that face the next secretary of the department of Homeland Security are equally daunting. We have recently experienced unprecedented destruction caused by hurricanes and wildfires. Fema and other budgets are already stretched in for these disasters. And use of the internet spreads, by socialats posed media acts of terrorism, hacking, and Cyber Attacks. This committee has gone through more than 20 hearings lead against the sad reality that our borders are more than secure far from secure. Illicit drugs flow virtually unabated,
Later on. Karen kelly, general kellys wife showing support for the nominee. I know this nielsen will introduce miss nielsen will is her family. America is facing enormous challenges. Trillions, over the no party is giving us assurances, and were looking at deficits in the horizon. Our enemies are on the rise, as russia destabilizes neighbors and partners with iran to control the middle east. We did modify korans behavior for the worst. Irans abilityy for the worst. North korea continues to develop nuclear weapons. Challenges that face the next secretary of the department of Homeland Security are equally daunting. We have recently experienced unprecedented destruction caused by hurricanes and wildfires. Fema and other budgets are already stretched in for these disasters. And use of the internet spreads, by socialats posed media acts of terrorism, hacking, and Cyber Attacks. This committee has gone through more than 20 hearings lead against the sad reality that our borders are more than
There must be whistleblower protection. Can you address how you feel about whistleblowers and retaliation within the department. I would be happy to. Should i be confirmed i would do everything in my power to make sure theres no retaliation. I feel whistleblowers are an important part of the way democracy functions and i was happily recently the president signed into law and other whistleblower due to efforts, but i believe within each department we need to ensure not only various environment of of trust and respect, but a safe place for voices to be heard. Its vital we understand concerns of employees. Let me also address contracting after disasters. We are all very worried about all of the americans. For the first time i believe, in my lifetime weve been unable to restore a sick living necessities to thousands of americans for weeks now. Im confident you will get other questions about puerto rico, but i want to hone in on contracting youve awarded more than 2 billion in contracts, tw
Good morning. We are here to consider the nomination of kiersten m nelson nielson be the secretary of Homeland Security. We would making introductions later on. Karen kelly, general kellys wife showing support for the nominee. I know this nielsen will introduce miss nielsen will is her family. America is facing enormous challenges. Trillions, over the no party is giving us assurances, and were looking at deficits in the horizon. Our enemies are on the rise, as russia destabilizes neighbors and partners with iran to control the middle east. We did modify korans behavior for the worst. Irans abilityy for the worst. North korea continues to develop nuclear weapons. Challenges that face the next secretary of the department of Homeland Security are equally daunting. We have recently experienced unprecedented destruction caused by hurricanes and wildfires. Fema and other budgets are already stretched in for these disasters. And use of the internet spreads, by socialats posed media acts of te