Pelosi Statement on the Nomination of Jeh Johnson to be Secretary of Homeland Security

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after President Obama announced he will nominate attorney Jeh Johnson to succeed Secretary Janet Napolitano as the head the Department of Homeland Security:

"As public servants, we have no greater responsibility than protecting and preserving the security of the American people. In nominating Mr. Jeh Johnson as the Secretary of Homeland Security, President Obama has chosen a highly qualified leader and an honest broker who will continue to put the safety and well-being of our country first.

"The nephew of one of our nation's courageous Tuskegee Airmen, Mr. Johnson has carried on his family's tradition of fighting prejudice on the frontlines. As the chief lawyer at the Pentagon, he not only co-led reviewing and authoring a report that helped build public support for the repeal of ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell' in 2010, he took a hands-on approach to ensuring the repeal's implementation. A trusted senior advisor on our country's defense for nearly seven years, he was a critical member of the President's counterterrorism team who helped build some of the most important national security policies and strategies during the President's first term. As we look to the future, House Democrats look forward to working with him to pass comprehensive immigration reform and to ensure more humane enforcement of our immigration laws.

"From counterterrorism to disaster relief efforts, Mr. Johnson has proven to be stalwart of interagency cooperation to keep our communities safe. He will bring a renewed energy and steadfast resolve to protecting America and promoting a more just, more equal, and more perfect union."

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