00:00Mr. President, in just a little over a year since taking office, the Trump administration
00:06and the Department of Homeland Security have completely broken trust with the American
00:12people.
00:14In the last year, President Trump has made sweeping cuts to programs and personnel at
00:20the department, undermining key missions from counterterrorism and cybersecurity protections
00:27to assistance following national disasters.
00:31These actions are putting the safety and the security of Americans at risk at a time when
00:37many of the threats the department was created to address, like terrorism and cyberattacks
00:43are on the rise because of the President's war in Iran.
00:48These cuts to critical national security missions have all been at the expense of the Trump administration's
00:54singular focus on indiscriminate immigration enforcement that has led to serious disruptions
01:00in communities all across our country.
01:04It was only two months ago when the country watched in horror as two U.S. citizens, Alex
01:10Preddy and Renee Goode, were killed by Homeland Security law enforcement officers.
01:16We saw with our own eyes how officers have routinely deployed tear gas and pepper spray against Americans
01:23who were simply exercising their First Amendment rights.
01:28Secretary Noem's leadership at the department has been a disaster, and Americans want to see
01:33a course correction.
01:35But I'm not convinced that one change in leadership is enough to right the ship.
01:41President Trump and advisers like Stephen Miller are continuing to drive so much of the chaos
01:47at the Department of Homeland Security.
01:49When the President nominated Senator Mullen to lead the department, I came into the process
01:55with an open mind.
01:57However, I do not believe that he is the right person for the job.
02:02We need a secretary who has a clear understanding of the department's many different missions,
02:08and a keen awareness of the challenges that the department faces.
02:12We need a secretary who is a steady leader, who won't rush to judgment without having all
02:17the facts, and who won't add fuel to the fire when there is a crisis.
02:23At a time when political violence is rising, we need a secretary who will condemn violence,
02:29not encourage it.
02:32And we need a secretary who can be trusted to be transparent and open with information
02:37to both Congress and the American people.
02:40Especially, especially when an emergency strikes.
02:44Unfortunately, I have not seen the nominee exhibit these desperately needed characteristics
02:49in his confirmation process.
02:52And I urge President Trump to reassess his administration's prior record and nominate someone who will help
03:00return the department's focus to all of its critical national security missions.
03:06We need someone who will be more than just another rubber stamp.
03:09We need someone who will be thoughtful, deliberate, and work to restore the trust of the department.
03:16Therefore, I will be voting no, and I urge all of my colleagues to do the same.
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