U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security today praised the selections that President-elect Barack Obama made to lead his national security team:

“Led by Senator Hillary Clinton, I am confident that President-elect Obama’s security team has the strength and experience to usher in a new era of stability abroad and safety at home.

“Given the horrific act of terror that unfolded in Mumbai last week, continued instability in the Middle East and America’s involvement in two wars, the security challenges that confront America are clear.  They command urgent action and sensible policy solutions.

“The team that President-elect Obama assembled brings together some of America’s greatest diplomats, military commanders, law enforcement officials, executive officers and homeland security experts.  Equally important, the President-elect has put politics aside and boldly called on independent-minded leaders to best advise him on America’s national and homeland security policies.

“As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I especially look forward to working closely with Governor Napolitano to mitigate security vulnerabilities in New Jersey and throughout the New York metropolitan region.  The Department of Homeland Security has struggled with administrative problems, low morale, and high personnel turnover.  Governor Napolitano holds the type of proven executive leadership that DHS needs to perform more effectively during these trying times.  In addition, as the leader of a border state, Governor Napolitano knows as well as anybody that real homeland security begins on our streets and in our communities.” 

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