South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is set to address the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Friday morning as part of her confirmation process to become the next Secretary of Homeland Security. Noem's opening remarks focus on the critical need to secure the nation's borders and ensure the safety of Americans within their communities.
Noem highlights her rural roots and experience as a wife, mother, grandmother, farmer, rancher, businesswoman, and governor, emphasizing her commitment to serving and protecting the American people. She stresses the importance of securing the border and implementing a fair and lawful immigration system that reflects American values.
The governor's remarks underscore her leadership skills, pointing to her six years of experience leading South Dakota and overseeing various state initiatives, including cybersecurity, human trafficking, and disaster response.
Noem's focus on border security includes her deployment of National Guard troops to assist in border states and her pledge to provide necessary resources and support to law enforcement agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
In addition to border security, Noem addresses the need for resilience in the face of disasters, emphasizing the importance of swift and effective responses to protect lives and property. She also vows to prioritize cybersecurity, aiming to safeguard the nation's energy grids and financial systems from foreign adversaries and criminal actors.
If confirmed as Secretary of Homeland Security, Noem pledges to work collaboratively with Congress, the Department of Homeland Security, and public-private partnerships to fulfill the department's mission of ensuring the United States remains a beacon of freedom, safety, and security for future generations.
Noem's confirmation hearing comes at a critical time, with recent crises underscoring the importance of strong leadership in homeland security. Her comprehensive approach to border security, disaster response, and cybersecurity reflects her commitment to protecting the American people and upholding national security.
