US Senate Confirms Kristi Noem As Homeland Security Secretary, To Advance Trump’s Immigration Priorities

<p>The US Senate confirmed Kristi Noem as the Secretary of Homeland Security on Saturday, appointing the South Dakota governor to lead a critical agency in charge of national security and US President Donald Trump&rsquo;s immigration policies. Noem's confirmation follows her continued support from Republicans and a divided stance from Democrats.</p> <p>Noem, who is in her second term as governor, has been a staunch ally of US President Trump and received significant backing from the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which voted 13-2 to advance her nomination, news agency AP reported. Republicans, who hold a majority of votes, have expressed confidence in her ability to lead efforts in border security and immigration enforcement.</p> <p>&ldquo;Fixing this crisis and restoring respect for the rule of law is one of President Trump and Republicans&rsquo; top priorities,&rdquo; said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., on Friday, as per AP. &ldquo;And it&rsquo;s going to require a decisive and committed leader at the Department of Homeland Security. I believe Kristi has everything it takes to undertake this task.&rdquo;</p> <p>However, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York opposed Noem&rsquo;s confirmation, AP's report stated. He criticised her stance on border enforcement, stating, &ldquo;bipartisan solutions to fix the mess at our border,&rdquo; adding that Noem &ldquo;seems headed in the wrong direction.&rdquo;</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://ift.tt/nSPZp4L"> Hamas Releases 4 Israeli Female Soldiers. IDF Shares Videos Of Their Return And Families' Joyous Reactions</a></strong></p> <h3><strong>Department Of Homeland Security Oversees Border Protection, Immigration And Customs Enforcement</strong></h3> <p>Noem will oversee several crucial agencies under the Department of Homeland Security, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Citizenship and Immigration Services. The department also handles airline security, dignitary protection, and disaster response, which will see major changes under Trump&rsquo;s administration.</p> <p>One significant change being planned is the involvement of the military in immigration enforcement and a revamp of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. These changes could bring Noem under the spotlight as Trump continues his visits to recent disaster sites, including those in North Carolina and California, as per AP.</p> <p>During her Senate hearing, Noem was asked by Democratic senators about her stance on delivering disaster aid, particularly if US President Trump were to instruct her otherwise. While she did not commit to defying the president, Noem assured lawmakers, &ldquo;I will deliver the programs according to the law and that it will be done with no political bias.&rdquo;</p> <p>Six individuals served as Homeland Security Secretary during Trump&rsquo;s first four years in office, highlighting the department's frequent leadership changes. Noem, who previously held South Dakota&rsquo;s lone U.S. House seat before becoming governor in 2019, has become a prominent figure in the GOP due to her close ties with Trump. At one point, she was even considered as a potential running mate for him.</p> <p>However, her political career faced setbacks, particularly after the release of her book, which included a controversial account of her killing her hunting dog and a false claim of meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.</p>

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