Congressman John Carter (R-TX31), Chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, is issuing this statement regarding the resignation of the Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitano.

“Although I wish Secretary Napolitano well on her next endeavor, I am eager for the Obama Administration to select a new Secretary that will lead the Department of Homeland Security with foresight, common sense and with respect for the laws of the United States they swear to uphold.  The Department of Homeland Security is at a crossroads and we need a strong leader who will focus on the real security issues our country faces, such as the unpredictable threat of terrorism and the rapidly increasing threats to our cyber security. We also need a leader who will, above all else, strengthen and enforce security on our borders.  

Secretary Napolitano’s resignation gives the Obama Administration the opportunity to fill the position with a capable leader that will actually enforce the laws on the books, strengthen our border and work honestly and candidly with Congress. I urge President Obama to show the American people that he is committed to our nation’s security by nominating an effective leader of the Department of Homeland Security.  I spent 21 years as a Judge, ensuring the enforcement of our laws, often in difficult and high pressure situations. I urge whoever is chosen to replace Secretary Napolitano to give the same respect and deference to the rule of law that I have.

At this critical juncture, I am concerned with the state of leadership across DHS.  Come September, there will likely be a situation where we will have individuals serving in an ‘acting’ capacity for essential leadership posts across the Department, including: Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Inspector General, CBP Commissioner, Director of ICE, and USCIS Director.  I urge President Obama to make these nominations expeditiously in order to fill these posts with capable, vetted, non-partisan leadership as soon as possible to ensure the continued safety of the American people."