Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) released the following statement on the nomination of Jeh Johnson as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security:

“I congratulate Jeh Johnson for his nomination as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and applaud his selection by the Obama Administration.  I commend Secretary Janet Napolitano for her years of service keeping our country safe and secure as well as the work of the men and women who stand on the front lines of homeland security every day.  Jeh Johnson brings years of experience and knowledge of national security and will make an excellent head of this essential Agency. 

As a lifelong resident of the border and a Congressman representing the largest inland port in the country, I know personally the importance of maintaining a secure border that fosters trade and legal immigration.  As former member of the Committee on Homeland Security and current member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I recognize the vital importance of ensuring that we continue to support the Agency that keeps our fight against terrorism nimble, effective, and cutting edge. 

I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to ensure that the confirmation process is a swift one, as we cannot allow our nation to remain without a strong leader stands at the helm of the Department of Homeland Security.”