Airport Alert: Senate Approves Confirmation of Alejandro Mayorkas to Serve As DHS Secretary
February 2, 2021
On a 56 to 43 vote, the United States Senate just approved the nomination of Alejandro (Ali) Mayorkas to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security. The Department has not had a confirmed Secretary since April 2019. All four previously confirmed DHS Secretaries had urged the Senate to promptly confirm Mayorkas, noting his previous leadership roles at DHS and qualifications for the job. His nomination was approved by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on January 26 by a 7 to 4 vote.
Following the favorable confirmation vote, AAAE President and CEO, Todd Hauptli stated:
"Today Secretary Mayorkas assumes one of the hardest jobs in government, but his impact will be felt immediately. We are grateful that his call to service remains so strong and look forward to continuing our many years of partnership with this committed, compassionate, and wise leader."
AAAE President & CEO Todd Hauptli quickly congratulated Secretary Mayorkas and outlined areas in which airports and the Department could work together, including on:
For more details, here is a link to the full text of the letter from Hauptli to Secretary Mayorkas, which outlined these key priorities.
On a 56 to 43 vote, the United States Senate just approved the nomination of Alejandro (Ali) Mayorkas to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security. The Department has not had a confirmed Secretary since April 2019. All four previously confirmed DHS Secretaries had urged the Senate to promptly confirm Mayorkas, noting his previous leadership roles at DHS and qualifications for the job. His nomination was approved by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on January 26 by a 7 to 4 vote.
Following the favorable confirmation vote, AAAE President and CEO, Todd Hauptli stated:
"Today Secretary Mayorkas assumes one of the hardest jobs in government, but his impact will be felt immediately. We are grateful that his call to service remains so strong and look forward to continuing our many years of partnership with this committed, compassionate, and wise leader."
AAAE President & CEO Todd Hauptli quickly congratulated Secretary Mayorkas and outlined areas in which airports and the Department could work together, including on:
- COVID-19 response and recovery efforts to safeguard public health and restore confidence in air travel while being mindful of the financial impact federal mandates may have on airports;
- insider threat strategies to address the evolving threat while continuing a multi-layered approach with appropriate roles and responsibilities for TSA, air carriers, and airport operators;
- innovation and technology solutions to speed the deployment of enhanced technologies, processes, and procedures in airports nationwide; and
- a REAL ID deadline extension.
For more details, here is a link to the full text of the letter from Hauptli to Secretary Mayorkas, which outlined these key priorities.
