Gov. Mike Dunleavy sign a letter with 21 other state governors in calling for a swift confirmation of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to serve as President-elect Donald Trump’s Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
“Her leadership as Governor of South Dakota and deep understanding of the challenges facing our nation qualify her to lead this critical department at a pivotal time in our nation’s history,” the governor’s stated.
“Governor Noem has demonstrated a deep commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting our borders, and ensuring the safety and security of the American people. She has taken decisive action to address the Biden border crisis, as the first Governor to deploy state resources, including sending the South Dakota National Guard to assist with border security operations in Texas,” the letter notes. “It is clear she recognizes the border crisis as a national issue with far-reaching implications for public safety, human trafficking, economic stability, and national security.”
Dated Dec. 13, the letter was sent to incoming U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, current Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and incoming Chairman on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Rand Paul.
“In addition to her efforts on border security, Governor Noem has demonstrated exceptional leadership in tackling broader homeland security challenges,” the governors note. “Her record includes a strong focus on disaster preparedness and response, imposing limited and constitutional measures, training and supporting of law enforcement, and historic investments in cybersecurity. All of these are integral to the mission of DHS.”
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The governors praised Noem for how she addressed significant disasters over the past six years, as well as her decision to not shut down South Dakota when the coronavirus spread through the country.
“Governor Noem’s leadership boosted the state’s economy which allowed significant investments to strengthen public infrastructure, making her home state more resilient to future natural disasters and cybersecurity threats,” the letter adds. “After a tumultuous period of national security issues during the Biden Administration, the Department of Homeland Security requires a leader with experience, vision, and the courage to act decisively in the face of adversity.”
In addition to Dunleavy, the letter was signed by Governors Sarah Sanders (AR), Brian Kemp (GA), Brad Little (ID), Eric Holcomb (IN), Kim Reynolds (IA), Jeff Landry (LA), Tate Reeves (MI), Mike Parson (MO), Greg Gianforte (MT), Jim Pillen (NE), Chris Sununu (NH), Doug Burgum (ND), Mike DeWine (OH), Kevin Stitt (OK), Henry Dargan McMaster (SC), Bill Lee (TN), Greg Abbot (TX), Spencer Cox (UT), Glenn Youngkin (VA), Jim Justice (WV) and Mark Gordon (WY).
