Steve Neavling
ticklethewire.com
The Senate confirmed two key nomination on Monday – Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Frank Taylor to be DHS undersecretary for intelligence and analysis and Dr. Reggie Brothers to Homeland Security’s under secretary for Science and Technology, HSToday.us reports.
Brothers led oversight of the Department of Defense’s cyber portfolio as the former deputy assistant secretary of defense for research.
Taylor was formerly the coordinator for counter-terrorism and assistant secretary of state for diplomatic security.
“As I have consistently said, filling vacancies at DHS is essential to the continued success of this department, and today I thank the Senate for confirming President Obama’s nominees to two key leadership positions at the Department of Homeland Security,” DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson said.
Johnson added, “The Senate has shown a strong commitment to DHS leadership by confirming seven senior positions across the Department since December. This is important progress, and a priority we must continue to be focused on. Good management starts with strong leadership, and I am pleased to welcome the newest members of our leadership team, who will join an impressive group of individuals working every day to keep our country safe.”
“Dr. Brothers brings a breadth of hands-on technical experience to the Department of Homeland Security,” said House Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.). “His previous role overseeing the Department of Defense’s science and technology programs has prepared him well for his new role and has given him the experience and capability that the Department needs. I commend my Senate colleagues for their swift confirmation of his nomination, and I look forward to working with Dr. Brothers on his plans for the future of the Department’s science and technology initiatives.”
Carper also showed support for Taylor’s conformation.
“After more than 15 months without a Senate-confirmed leader, the office of Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis is being filled by a man whose experience equips him for the responsibility before him,” Carper said. “General Taylor brings to the Department of Homeland Security a 35-year career in the federal government, in critical areas such as counterterrorism and law enforcement. Rounding out his experience, for the past nine years, he has worked in the private sector to secure one of the largest companies in the world. I thank my Senate colleagues for their speedy confirmation of General Taylor, and I look forward to working with him on the Department’s vital intelligence and information-sharing mission.”
