Ernst Meets with Secretary of Homeland Security Nominee General John Kelly

Statement

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) today met with President-elect Trump's Secretary of Homeland Security nominee, retired General John Kelly.

Following the meeting, Senator Ernst issued this statement:

"I had a great conversation with General Kelly this morning about a number of issues critical to Iowans.

"In particular, I stressed the urgent need to pursue Sarah's Law, legislation to honor Sarah Root, an Iowan who was killed nearly a year ago by a drunk driver in the country illegally. The problems with the current administration's enforcement priorities and lack of engagement with victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants is completely unacceptable. It is my hope that the new administration will work with Congress to implement this legislation.

"Additionally, I underscored my increasing concerns over the rise of ISIS in Latin America, which I previously expressed to President Obama. We must not turn a blind eye to this emerging threat and the potential for international terror groups to exploit smuggling routes used by drug cartels. As the former Commander of the United States Southern Command, I sought assurances from General Kelly that the new administration would lead where this current administration has failed.

"I am grateful for the thoughtful, productive dialogue today, and I look forward to continuing to thoroughly vet General Kelly for this position in the Senate."

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