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The Missouri Republican’s decision stemmed from an exchange with Mayorkas hours earlier during the candidate’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security Committee.
“Mr. Mayorkas has not sufficiently explained how he will enforce federal law and secure the southern border given President-elect Biden’s pledge to reverse key enforcement and security measures,” Hawley said in a statement.
“Even today, he declined to say he would enforce the laws Congress has already passed to secure the border wall system. In view of this, I cannot consent to skip the standard verification process and expedite this appointment when so many questions remain unanswered, ”he continued.
In a statement to CNN, Sean Savett, a spokesperson for Biden’s transition, called Mayorkas “one of the most knowledgeable homeland security experts in the country.”
“The Senate held quick confirmation votes for the DHS secretary candidate in 2009 and 2017 so they could start on day one for good reason,” Savett said. “Senator Hawley’s threat to disrupt historic practice and try to vacate this vital position is dangerous, especially in this time of overlapping crises where there is not a moment to lose.
Hawley asked Mayorkas on Tuesday about the funds allocated for the US-Mexico border wall and whether they would be spent as planned, in light of Biden’s pledge to stop construction of the wall.
While Mayorkas vowed to follow through on Biden’s promise, he argued he would do so “within the laws that guide us.”
“Senator … if I can strike at the fundamental point that I believe you are wondering, namely, will I follow the law and carry out my responsibilities should I have the privilege of serving as secretary Internal Security? And the answer is yes, I will follow the law, “Mayorkas said, adding that he would need to understand” what the law provides regarding the obligation of funds to build the border wall and see what the possibilities are to end these obligations, if in fact the law allows it and act accordingly. “
“Our nation is facing unprecedented crises and threats to US national security, from the devastating coronavirus pandemic to massive cyber breaches within government and the private sector – and as we have seen all too clearly these recent weeks – increase in national terrorism and anti-government The Department of Homeland Security is the lead agency in addressing these and other threats, and it needs qualified and confirmed leadership by the Senate immediately, ”said Democratic Senator Gary Peters of Michigan, a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, said in a statement, urging his colleagues to confirm Mayorkas.
Senator Chris Murphy said on Tuesday Hawley’s decision endangered “the security of the country.”
“I mean, you know, all he can do is slow down the nomination and put the country at risk for security, especially as the domestic terrorists prepare another attack on this nation,” said the Connecticut Democrat when CNN’s Phil Mattingly asked for his reaction. to Hawley’s objection.
Murphy continued, “But Senator Hawley and his crowd are pretty clear that they are putting their political interests ahead of the country’s security interests and that obviously does not change.
Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator Pete Gaynor took on the role of acting secretary of DHS, becoming the sixth secretary under the Trump administration. The ministry has not had a secretary confirmed by the Senate since April 2019.
Gaynor first told his employees he would hold the position until “January 20, when President-elect Biden will be inaugurated.” It is not known if he will remain in post in the meantime.
This story has been updated with the backlash from Democrats.
CNN’s Phil Mattingly and Ali Zaslav contributed to this report.
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