Durbin Statement Regarding the Confirmation of Michael Chertoff as Homeland Security Secretary
DURBIN STATEMENT REGARDING THE CONFIRMATION OF MICHAEL CHERTOFF AS HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
[WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today made the following statement regarding the Senate's confirmation of Michael Chertoff to be U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security:
"I support the nomination of Michael Chertoff to lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security."
"Two weeks ago, Senator Obama and I met with Judge Chertoff to discuss several issues of concern to the State of Illinois and our constituents."
"Judge Chertoff agreed to look into a possible threat to our homeland security - the apparent ease with which an ordinary citizen can obtain an airline pilot's uniform. This threat was documented recently by a Chicago reporter at CLTV. While the reporter did not attempt to breach airport security in uniform, it is clear that he could have easily done so without being stopped. Such a stunt, were it carried out by an enemy of the United States, could have deadly consequences."
"I look forward to working with Judge Chertoff on a Microbial Risk Assessment Center, proposed by the University of Chicago, which would serve as a national clearinghouse to assess risks from anthrax, smallpox, plague and other bioterror threats."
"The City of Chicago has developed a state-of-the-art command center where personnel from the city's police, fire and rescue departments and representatives of Chicago's business community work together in one room to monitor the city and respond together to disasters if necessary. I believe this command center could serve as a national model and I have encouraged Judge Chertoff to examine its structure and successes."
"My decision to support Judge Chertoff's nomination today is the result of serious deliberation. I have concerns about the role he played in developing Administration policies while he served as the head of the U.S. Justice Department's criminal division, including his tangential involvement in efforts by some at the Department to legalize abusive interrogation tactics."
"Unlike many other Administration officials, however, Judge Chertoff has acknowledged that the government made mistakes in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. He has assured me that he opposes ethnic and religious profiling and that he is committed to treating all immigrants fairly. He has expressed his commitment to comply with all laws regarding the humane treatment of detainees."
"I take him at his word. I look forward to working with him to make America safer in ways that are consistent with our national values and heritage."
http://durbin.senate.gov/releases.cfm