Full Senate Votes 78-16 In Favor Of The Nominee

There's a new leader at the top of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The U.S. Senate on Monday confirmed Jeh Johnson (pictured) as the forth Secretary of the department, which was established in March, 2003.

The Senate confirmed Mr. Johnson by a vote of 78 to 16.

“As we all know, the President has asked Jeh Johnson to take on a difficult and demanding job,” said Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-DE) in a  statement posted on the committee website. “Fortunately, for our nation, he is a strong leader and well-prepared to face the challenges that await him. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for quickly confirming this critical nomination. He brings experience from the public and private sectors, as well as an impeccable character. He served as the top lawyer for both the Air Force and the entire Department of Defense. There, he was a major player in the management team that ran the Defense Department, where he provided key advice to two exceptional Defense Secretaries – Bob Gates and Leon Panetta – giving him invaluable experience for the huge task to which he has been nominated. I appreciate his willingness to serve the people of this country and look forward to working with him in his new role.”
 
In November, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee held the nomination hearing on Jeh Johnson.
 
Mr. Johnson has received bipartisan support and letters from a number of prominent former government officials, including former DHS Secretaries Tom Ridge, Michael Chertoff and Janet Napolitano, former DoD Secretaries Robert Gates and Leon Panetta, former Attorney General Michael Mukasey, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, former Homeland Security Advisor for President George W. Bush, Frances Townsend, and several law enforcement groups. Click here to read the letters.
 
Mr. Johnson’s career has included both private practice and distinguished public service, including serving as Assistant United States Attorney from the Southern District of New York, General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force, and General Counsel of the Department of Defense.

“Jeh Johnson is a dedicated public servant who shares the U.S. airline industry’s commitment to maintaining the safest aviation system in the world and will be a strong advocate for the continued security of U.S. travelers at home and abroad,” said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio. “We congratulate Secretary Johnson on his confirmation and look forward to continuing our collaborative partnership with DHS under his leadership.”

FMI: www.hsgac.senate.gov, www.airlines.org