February 15, 2005   SENATOR COLLINS’ STATEMENT ON SENATE APPROVAL OF NEW DHS SECRETARY MICHAEL CHERTOFF Senate approves 98 to 0   Washington, DC -- Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) today praised the new Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, following the Senate vote to approve his nomination. The Senate confirmed Secretary Chertoff by a vote of 98 to 0. “Judge Michael Chertoff is eminently qualified to lead the Department of Homeland Security,” said Senator Collins. “In his distinguished career, he has established a strong reputation as a tough prosecutor, and as a fierce defender of civil liberties.” Senator Collins added, “Having attained a life-long appointment at the pinnacle of his profession, Judge Chertoff has stepped forward to serve our nation in one of the most difficult jobs imaginable. As Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I look forward to working closely with Secretary Chertoff to ensure that everyone from the top officials at DHS to the local first responders on the front lines have the resources they need to help protect our communities and make America safer.” Among Secretary Chertoff’s first jobs as DHS Secretary will be to testify before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee regarding the Fiscal Year 2006 DHS budget request. The Committee is expected to hold a hearing on the DHS budget proposal shortly after the President’s Day recess. Senator Collins is the Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which has jurisdiction over DHS. ###   ###   Printable Version   « previous Press Release next Press Release »
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 340 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510