Statement of Senator Susan M. Collins on the Nomination of the Honorable Julie L. Myers to be Assistant Secretary, Department of Homeland Security

Statement

Statement of Senator Susan M. Collins on the Nomination of the Honorable Julie L. Myers
to be Assistant Secretary, Department of Homeland Security

Assistant Secretary Julie Myers has served for more than a year and a half as a recess appointee. As the Committee takes up the nomination of Ms. Myers a second time, we now have a record of her on-the-job performance at ICE that provides additional evidence upon which to judge her qualifications.

When Ms. Myers's nomination was pending before the Committee in 2005, I supported her
nomination based on her years of law enforcement experience and because she had the confidence of Secretary Chertoff. She also had critical support of law enforcement groups, such as the Fraternal Order of Police and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association. But I understood those who expressed concern about whether she had adequate managerial
experience.

As the Committee considers her nomination again, Ms. Myers has compiled a record demonstrating her managerial skill. In particular, I would note the strong support that was shown for Ms. Myers during extensive pre-hearing interviews by Committee staff. Key personnel at ICE and the DHS Inspector General's Office praised her efforts at ICE, highlighting her work ethic and her managerial skills. Her peers at the Department also support her. She continues to enjoy the support of law enforcement groups such as the Baltimore County

Police and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association. Accordingly, I will again support Ms. Myers nomination.

ICE does face huge challenges: The United States has an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants within its borders. Immigration and Customs Enforcement plays a vital role in coordinating interior enforcement of immigration laws with border security efforts. It must combat the use of fraudulent documents and practices to obtain visas and other immigration benefits; and detain and remove illegal immigrants. ICE also must conduct complex investigations of drug and alien smuggling networks that can provide funds for terrorist
organizations and avenues for terrorists to enter our country.

To accomplish its mission, ICE must forge effective partnerships with state and local law
enforcement. ICE stands on the front line in strong opposition to numerous threats to our nation.

Ms. Myers has shown that she appreciates the importance of meeting these challenges, and can effectively direct ICE's limited resources toward them. I urge my colleagues to support her
nomination.

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