WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senate Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Susan Collins (R-ME) commented today on her committee’s votes to approve two nominations for the Department of Homeland Security and the nomination for deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Collins’ committee reported out the nominations today.
The committee approved two Department of Homeland Security nominations—Joe D. Whitley to be General Counsel and Penrose C. Albright to be Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Plans, Programs, and Budget.
“There are many complicated and important legal issues related to the new Department of Homeland Security. The General Counsel must be someone who possesses the strong leadership skills, legal background, and experience to take on these challenges successfully. Joe Whitley is well qualified for these far-reaching responsibilities,” said Collins.
She added, “Similarly, I am confident in Parney Albright’s ability to enhance the Science and Technology Directorate’s effort to secure our communities. I look forward to working closely with him as he helps to identify, research, and develop products and services to prevent and respond to any future terrorist threats.”
The committee also approved the nomination of Joel Kaplan as Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
“As Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Joel Kaplan will have many tasks, but probably one of the most important will be helping the President build a federal budget that is fiscally responsible and responsive to the needs of the American people,” said Collins. “I am very pleased that he has agreed to the President’s request to serve in this position.”