Excellent: Sen. Hawley blocks quick consideration of Biden's Homeland Security nominee

Sen. Josh Hawley blocked quick consideration of President-elect Joe Biden's Homeland Security nominee, Alejandro Mayorkas, on Tuesday, leaving the third-largest federal department without confirmed leadership as it faces national security concerns, a pandemic and an incoming president prepared to roll out ambitious immigration plans.

Excellent: Sen. Hawley blocks quick consideration of Biden's Homeland Security nominee 210119152918-01-hawley-dec2020-medium-plus-169

Excellent: Sen. Hawley blocks quick consideration of Biden's Homeland Security nominee 210119152918-01-hawley-dec2020-medium-plus-169

The Missouri Republican's decision stemmed from an exchange with Mayorkas hours earlier during the nominee's confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security Committee.
"Mr. Mayorkas has not adequately explained how he will enforce federal law and secure the southern border given President-elect Biden's promise to roll back major enforcement and security measures," Hawley said in a statement.
"Just today, he declined to say he would enforce the laws Congress has already passed to secure the border wall system. Given this, I cannot consent to skip the standard vetting process and fast-track this nomination when so many questions remain unanswered," he continued.
Transportation Security Administration head David Pekoske is expected to temporarily take over as acting Homeland Security secretary when the Biden administration enters office Wednesday, according to Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Alexei Woltornist.
Under President Donald Trump, DHS has been rattled with consistent leadership turnover, including in the final weeks of his administration. Earlier this month, Chad Wolf stepped down from his post as acting secretary following intense scrutiny over the validity of his appointment.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Pete Gaynor assumed the role of acting DHS secretary, becoming the sixth secretary under the Trump administration. The department hasn't had a Senate-confirmed secretary since April 2019.
Gaynor told his workforce he would fill the job until "January 20 when President-elect Biden is inaugurated."
In a statement to CNN, Sean Savett, a Biden transition spokesperson, called Mayorkas "one of the most knowledgeable homeland security experts in the country."

.https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/19/politics/hawley-mayorkas-dhs/index.html

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Excellent: Sen. Hawley blocks quick consideration of Biden's Homeland Security nominee

Excellent: Sen. Hawley blocks quick consideration of Biden's Homeland Security nominee

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