NDIA, PSC endorse Nielsen for the next Homeland Security secretary
Gwengoat
Arlington, VA – Kirstjen Nielsen’s breadth of experience and qualifications make her ideally suited to be the next Department of Homeland Security secretary, the National Defense Industrial Association and Professional Services Council said in a Nov. 1 letter to the Senate, recommending prompt approval of Nielsen’s nomination.
“We are pleased the administration has nominated such a highly qualified candidate, with the wealth of policy and leadership experience in the department and expertise in cybersecurity needed at this time,” said the letter from the two Arlington, Va., based groups. It was signed by retired Air Force Gen. Hawk Carlisle, NDIA’s president and CEO, and David J. Berteau, PSC’s president and CEO.
Nielsen’s experiences “will foster strong government-industry collaboration and enable her to address the significant challenges that DHS faces," the letter said.
“Our memberships play a crucial role in homeland security as a component of our nation’s critical infrastructure and as providers of goods and services supporting DHS’ missions,” said the letter to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. NDIA’s membership includes more than 1,600 companies and more than 80,000 people; PSC’s membership includes more than 400 companies.
Because threats and challenges have emerged and evolved over the last decade, “we are heartened by Ms. Nielsen’s expertise in cybersecurity, and consider her nomination a strong commitment from the administration to improving the resiliency of private and federal cyber infrastructure,” the associations’ executives stated.
President Trump nominated Nielsen Oct. 12 for the position, citing her immense experience in homeland security policy and emergency management. She is currently principal deputy chief of staff to White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, and had served as DHS chief of staff during Kelly’s tenure as Homeland Security secretary.
Nielsen’s confirmation hearing with the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee is set for Wednesday, Nov. 8.