WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Alejandro Mayorkas' Senate Confirmation Hearing Shows Why We Need To Swiftly Confirm Him To Lead DHS & Protect Our Country

In the aftermath of the deadly attack on our Capitol, it's more important now than ever to have tested leaders in key national security roles, and it's critical that the Senate move swiftly to confirm Alejandro Mayorkas to lead the Department of Homeland Security so he can get to work protecting our country. 

In today's hearing, Maryorkas showed yet again that he is prepared and ready on day one to lead the Department of Homeland Security and play a key role in President-elect Biden's administration in keeping the American people safe and confronting the threats we face at home and abroad.

Here's what they're saying about Mayorkas' testimony:

Sen. Gary Peters: "Our nation is facing unprecedented crises and threats to American national security, from the devastating Coronavirus pandemic to massive cyber breaches across government and the private sector – and as we have seen too clearly in recent weeks – rising domestic terrorism and anti-government violence. The Department of Homeland Security is the lead agency charged with combatting these threats and more, and it needs qualified, Senate-confirmed leadership in place immediately. DHS Secretary-designate Alejandro Mayorkas demonstrated his strong expertise and qualifications for this role at his confirmation hearing this morning. I urge my colleagues to follow the precedent set by the confirmations of Secretary John Kelly and Secretary Janet Napolitano by consenting to hold a vote on Alejandro Mayorkas' nomination on January 20th so he can begin working to safeguard our homeland security on day one of the Biden Administration." [Statement, 01/19/21]

Sen. Jon Tester: "After the events of Jan. 6th, we have no time to waste," Sen. Jon Tester says as he introduced Mayorkas to be Secretary of Homeland Security. [Tweet, 1/19/21]

Sen. Jon Tester via Senate Democrats: "He understands the challenges that this country faces, both from our foreign adversaries and now, more than ever, from our domestic ones." [Tweet, 01/19/21] 

Sen. Tom Carper: In addition to his many years of dedicated service at the Department of Homeland, @AliMayorkas also understands firsthand what it's like for a family to come to the U.S. in search of refuge. He will be a tremendous leader at DHS. [Tweet, 01/19/21] 

Sen. Tom Carper: .@AliMayorkas is an American success story. He fled Cuba at a young age with his family and came to the U.S. with the hope of living a better life. As an American citizen, Ali believes he has an obligation to give back and he's given back time and time again. [Tweet, 01/19/21] 

Sen. Dianne Feinstein: This morning I had the honor to introduce @AliMayorkas, @JoeBiden's nominee to be Homeland Security Secretary. Given his stellar work in the Clinton and Obama administrations, I have full confidence that he'll provide positive leadership to DHS. [Tweet, 01/19/21] 

Sen. Dick Durbin: .@AliMayorkas is an exceptionally qualified nominee to run the Department of Homeland Security. He will restore integrity and decency at DHS and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support his nomination. [Tweet, 01/19/21]

Sen. Jacky Rosen: Pleased to hear President-elect Biden's nominee to lead @DHSGov, @AliMayorkas, reiterate his support for Dreamers and TPS recipients, as well as comprehensive immigration reform at today's @HSGAC hearing. I look forward to working with him to protect our immigrant communities. [Tweet, 01/19/21] 

Sen. Ron Portman: Sen. Portman, a top Republican from Ohio, said he thinks it's critical Congress expedited the Homeland Security secretary confirmation hearing "because the job is so important...we have so many threats right now internal and external so I'm glad we were able to get started." [CNN, 01/19/21] 

Latino Victory: As his confirmation hearings begin today, it shouldn't be lost on anyone that @AliMayorkas could become the first Latino, first Cuban-American, and the first immigrant to lead the Department of Homeland Security. washingtonpost.com/national/aleja…  [Tweet, 01/19/21]

Lou DeBaca: Having worked with @AliMayorkas at DOJ and since, I've seen the rigor and integrity he brings to tough security issues and his commitment to #EndTrafficking.  Immediate confirmation by @HSGAC and the full Senate is critical for our national interest. [Tweet, 01/19/21] 

Peter Vincent: Having worked with @AliMayorkas at DHS, I know he's a leader of great integrity and one of the most knowledgeable homeland security experts in the country. We can't afford delays in safeguarding the country. The @HSGAC and the full Senate must confirm him right away. [Tweet, 01/19/21] 

Pedro Ribeiro: Having served with @AliMayorkas at DHS, he's the kind of leader our country needs now more than ever! @HSGAC and the full Senate must confirm him immediately so he can get to work keeping our nation safe [Tweet, 01/19/21] 

I can personally speak to @AliMayorkas management style, he's a driver who expects the best from his staff and those around him, he's also exceedingly respectful and fosters open dialogue among staff and encourages dissent. Ali will bring the major league leadership to @DHSgov [Tweet, 01/19/21] 

Suzanne Spaulding: The Senate should move quickly to confirm @AliMayorkas as Sec of DHS. I worked with him and know he will be an outstanding leader who can rebuild trust in this important org and address the risks to our nation. This is urgent. No political posturing! [Tweet, 1/19/21]

Asian Americans Advancing Justice: Re-sharing our statement in support of Ali Mayorkas for @DHSgov Secretary. We urge the Senate to quickly confirm him so he can get to work in restarting our immigration system. advancingjustice-aajc.org/index.php/pres…  [Tweet, 01/19/21]

Amna Nawaz: Mayorkas as passionate as we've seen him so far - sharing story of getting involved in case of Guatemalan orphan adoptions that were held up, setting up task force to address issues and fix it...says he's kept close photo of child running through airport to meet adoptive family. [Tweet, 01/19/21] 

Tal Kopan: Mayorkas, the nominee for DHS secretary, just correctly cited immigration law from memory, with specific wording, on asylum. This shouldn't feel like news, but here we are. [Tweet, 01/19/21] 

MSNBC: DHS sec. nominee Alejandro Mayorkas says the Capitol riot was "horrifying" and it "will not happen again" if he is confirmed. [Tweet, 01/19/21]

Adam Shaw: NEW: Biden's pick for DHS, Alejandro Mayorkas, was just asked if he would recommend @ICEgov be defunded. "No," he says. [Tweet, 01/19/21] 

Jason Oxman: From ensuring immigration advances US innovation to building effective cybersecurity, strong @DHSgov leadership is key to US growth & security. @AliMayorkas has the experience & skills needed to lead this critical agency. @ITI_TechTweets urges the Senate to quickly confirm him. [Tweet, 01/19/21] 

Rabbi Jonah Pesner: The US is a nation founded and strengthened by immigrants. As the Senate begins @AliMayorkas confirmation hearings to lead @DHSgov, we hope he will be guided by his experience as an immigrant and public servant as he rebuilds our broken immigration system. [Tweet, 01/19/21] 

Priscilla Alvarez: "I think we need to address the push factor as the gravest challenge to irregular migration," Mayorkas tells Sen. Hawley. The incoming administration is clearly focused on thinking about immigration big picture, not just at the US-Mexico border but regionally. [Tweet, 01/19/21] 

SEIU: From leading the implementation of #DACA to enhancing our nation's cybersecurity, @AliMayorkas has shown that he has the skills needed to lead the @DHSgov. [Tweet, 01/19/21] 

Yes! @AliMayorkas could bring stability to the @DHSgov as secretary of Homeland Security. He is a proven leader who understands that living up to our nation's values and protecting our nation's security aren't mutually exclusive. [Tweet, 01/19/21]

Unidos US: We applaud President-elect @JoeBiden's historic appointment of the first Latino and Immigrant who will be ready on day one to head the @DHSgov. [Tweet, 01/19/21] 

Washington Post: Mayorkas says cybersecurity will be 'one of my highest priorities'

NPR: From Border Wall To Capitol Riot, Homeland Security Nominee Takes Senate Questions
After the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, however, there's been increased pressure to get national security officials confirmed quickly to prevent any gap during the transfer of power … Most senators, however, seemed to have a favorable view of the nominee — several on both sides of the aisle telling him they looked forward to working with him in the new administration.

Associated Press: Biden's nominees promise fresh approach on national security
Several senators said it was important to quickly confirm a new head of Homeland Security given the threats facing the nation from the pandemic, the massive SolarWinds cyber-hack that authorities suspect was carried out by Russia, and the rising threat of domestic extremists. "He understands the challenges that this country faces, both from our foreign adversaries and now more than ever from our domestic ones," said Sen. Jon Tester, a Montana Democrat, in calling for confirmation. 

Politico: Biden's DHS pick vows to prevent future attacks on U.S. institutions
President-elect Joe Biden's nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security pledged on Tuesday to do everything in his power to prevent attacks like the one that targeted the Capitol earlier this month. Alejandro Mayorkas, appearing before the Senate Homeland Security Committee for his confirmation hearing, addressed the recent insurrection head-on…

Reuters: Biden's choice for U.S. homeland security chief pledges to confront 'domestic extremism'
President-elect Joe Biden's nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, said on Tuesday he would empower intelligence staff at the agency to gather information on extremist threats in "an apolitical, nonpartisan way" following a violent attack on the U.S. Congress.