U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, today released the following statement in response to the Administration’s plan to reorganize the White House staff to coordinate homeland security policy:
“The President is entitled to considerable deference on the organization and structure of his White House staff. I remain concerned, however, that the new structure may dilute the focus of the Homeland Security Advisor and create confusion among the merged staff who will now serve both the National Security Advisor and Homeland Security Advisor. To coordinate homeland security matters across the federal government and with our partners in state and local governments and the private sector requires sustained and dedicated attention. Only time will tell whether this new structure can maintain the necessary focus and improve our nation’s ability to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the threats we confront.”