Washington, DC - Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) today chaired a hearing of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to consider the President’s nomination of Judge Michael Chertoff as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Senator Collins’ Committee has jurisdiction over DHS and must approve the President’s nominee in order for him to progress to the full Senate for confirmation. Senator Collins reminded the Committee about the threat our nation continues to face from terrorism. She also expressed her view that it is important for a DHS Secretary to strengthen border and port security without unnecessarily inhibiting the free flow of people or commerce, ensure adequate funding for first responders, foster strong relationships with state and local law enforcement, and improve management functions at DHS. Senator Collins addressed concerns that were recently raised in the media, about Judge Chertoff’s prior involvement in legal discussions about the interrogation of suspects and witnesses who are detained in the war on terror. Senator Collins asked, “In hindsight, after an investigation of the strategy that the Department of Justice used post 9/11… were there problems in how long it took to clear detainees, in treatment of detainees, and in access to counsel?" Judge Chertoff responded, “Yes," citing a need for better training of government personnel in anti-terrorism efforts. “I believe that we cannot live in liberty without security, but we would not want to live in security without liberty. So we need both of those to fashion the architecture of our civilization going forward," he said. Senator Collins also questioned Judge Chertoff about improving port security, saying, “This is an area that I do believe has not received the attention it deserves, nor the funding that is needed." She pointed out that Maine’s ports, including New England’s largest port in terms of tonnage, still have significant needs in terms of port security. She also relayed a concerns expressed by the Director of the Port of Portland that there is not enough flexibility in the allocation of resources. Chertoff responded by agreeing that more flexibility is needed and that funding must not be devoted solely to aviation security. Senator Collins’ Committee is expected to vote on the nomination of Judge Chertoff to be DHS Secretary early next week. Senator Collins’ and Judge Chertoff’s prepared statements are available at: http://www.hsgac.senate.gov/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Hearings.Detail&HearingID=211
Source: U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
