WASHINGTON-President Bush Tuesday nominated federal appeals court judge Michael Chertoff to be the next secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, the administration’s second try at replacing Tom Ridge as head of a massive bureaucracy that deals with wireless issues such as priority access, first responder communications, emergency warning, critical infrastructure protection and cybersecurity.
In addition to being a judge, Chertoff has been an assistant U.S. attorney general, a U.S. attorney for New Jersey, a federal prosecutor in New York City and a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice William Brennan. As such, Chertoff has been confirmed by the Senate three times.
Bush’s first choice for homeland security chief, former New York City police chief Bernard Kerik, withdrew his nomination last month after it was disclosed he allegedly employed an undocumented alien as a nanny.
“He’s faced countless challenging decisions and has helped to protect his fellow Americans while protecting their civil liberties,” said Bush. “I’m grateful that the Judge has agreed to bring his exceptional judgment and integrity to an urgent new responsibility. I’m confident that he will be a strong, effective leader for the Department of Homeland Security.”
The DHS was formed in the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks on U.S. soil.
“If confirmed as secretary, I will be proud to stand again with the men and women who form our front line against terror,” said Chertoff. “Their job is law enforcement and much more. They secure our ports and our airways, our borders and our buildings, our computers and our public utilities. They respond to natural and manmade disasters in our hours of greatest need.”
House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Christopher Cox (R-Calif.) called Chertoff an exceptional choice to lead DHS. “His experience in counterterrorism at Justice has prepared him well, and his capacity to quickly master other new areas of his responsibilities is boundless. He is the right choice at the right time to lead the Department of Homeland Security. I expect that the Senate will act swiftly to confirm his nomination.”
U.S. business also praised the Chertoff nomination.
“We must continue to make sure that the department continues to protect the nation while not stifling the American economy,” said Thomas Donohue, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “A continued partnership between the federal government and the business community is vital if we are to achieve the best results and heighten security.”
