First on FOX News: Border security will feature prominently in South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s opening remarks Friday to senators working to confirm her confirmation as the next Secretary of Homeland Security, FOX News Digital exclusively learned.
“Ensuring the security of our homeland is a serious and sacred trust that must be relentlessly pursued and can never be taken for granted. Although it is America’s right to be secure within our borders, , Americans have become safer in recent decades. For the first time in 30 years, “In recent years, more than 40% of Americans are afraid to walk alone at night within one mile of their home,” Noem told the Senate Homeland Security panel Friday morning. – He is scheduled to speak at the opening remarks of the Government Affairs Committee.
“President-elect Trump is going to change that.”
Fox News Digital exclusively obtained a copy of the South Dakota Republican’s opening statement. The statement will not only showcase Noem’s vision for a safe and secure nation, but also highlight her rural roots and life in the Mount Rushmore State.
“I am a wife, mother, grandmother, farmer, rancher, businesswoman, and governor,” a copy of the statement reads. “I have spent my life in rural America. I understand what it means to work hard every day to build a better future for our children and our communities. I am a candidate for leadership today. “I come before you with deep responsibility and humility as a citizen of the United States.” And it is also a commitment to the more than 330 million Americans who are committed to keeping their homes, communities, and country safe. I will continue to work hard for this purpose. ”
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South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem speaks before former president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump takes to the stage at the Buckeye Values PAC rally in Vandalia, Ohio, on March 16, 2024. (Kamil Krzazynski/AFP via Getty Images)
Immediately after President-elect Donald Trump’s decisive victory over Harris in November, he announced his nomination of Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security, and she will be tasked with securing the southern border amid the migrant crisis under the Biden administration. He pointed out the efforts of
Former President Donald Trump speaks at a rally in Uniondale, New York, Wednesday, September 18, 2024. (Julia Bonavita/Fox News Digital)
DHS oversees U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Secret Intelligence Service, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Noem’s opening remarks focused on border security, noting that she was the first governor to deploy the National Guard to border states in 2022. Since then, she has repeatedly deployed the South Dakota National Guard to the southern Texas border to deter illegal border crossings. The crossing as part of Gov. Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star.
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Republican South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem speaks from the podium. (John Rau)
“As a nation, we have the right and responsibility to protect our borders from those who seek to harm us. And we have a right and responsibility to protect our borders from those who seek to harm us. We must create a fair and legal immigration system. President Trump was elected with a clear mission to accomplish this mission: Two-thirds of Americans support his immigration and border policies, including Americans. ”
“I was the first governor to deploy the National Guard at a time when Texas was overwhelmed by an unprecedented border crisis. If approved by the Secretary, we would provide the tools our extraordinary, extraordinary agents need. “The effective execution of their mission depends on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which is responsible for arresting, detaining, and deporting aliens who commit crimes. This also applies to my commitment to great employees. The nation’s efforts will help make American communities safe again. The courage and dedication of Border Patrol and ICE is unparalleled, and I will restore the dignity of their work,” a copy of her remarks reads.
The South Dakota State Capitol photographed in Pierre, South Dakota. (Education Images/Universal Images Group, Getty Images)
In her remarks, Noem also plans to tout her leadership skills, which include leading the state at Mount Rushmore for the past six years, including overseeing thousands of state employees.
“For the past six years, I have led South Dakota with a daily focus on making South Dakota safer, stronger and freer. I have focused every day on making decisions. He oversees a state budget of more than $7 billion and more than 13,000 state employees, more than 7,000 of whom report directly to the governor, and works on critical issues such as cybersecurity, human trafficking, drug prohibition, and natural disasters. Disaster – the same challenges that many of you here and the people you represent back home are facing.”
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Noem will join the Senate committee with a number of high-profile endorsements, including at least eight police groups and unions supporting DHS in support of South Dakota’s governor.
Even in the waning days of the Biden administration, crises erupted, including the terrorist attacks that rocked New Orleans early in the new year and the raging fires in the Los Angeles area. After the attack, Noem received support from Republican Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, who warned that now was “no time to play around” and urged senators to quickly remove Noem. I called for approval. The International Association of Firefighters, a historically large and Democratic firefighters union, also endorsed Noem when the California wildfires first broke out earlier this month.
Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump attends a town hall moderated by South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center and Fairgrounds in Oaks, Pennsylvania on October 14, 2024. (Photo by Jim Watson/AFP) (Photo by Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images) (Getty Images)
Noem is expected to point out that if approved, she would emphasize resilience in the face of disaster.
“I recognize that Homeland Security is not only about prevention but also resilience. When disaster strikes, as we know, the Department of Homeland Security protects the lives and property of Americans. As Governor, I have worked with FEMA to respond to more than a dozen natural disasters in South Dakota. These include historic floods, tornadoes, blizzards, wildfires, and even global disasters. As Secretary, I will strengthen emergency preparedness and strengthen FEMA’s capacity to ensure no community is left behind and to quickly restore lifesaving services like electricity and water.” she stated.
He also plans to turn his attention to domestic cybersecurity, vowing to prioritize protecting the country’s energy grid and financial system from “foreign adversaries and criminals.”
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“In the coming days, we must think and plan bigger, faster and smarter. We must fully understand that we in Washington do not have all the answers. Therefore, I will leverage public-private partnerships to advance state-of-the-art state policies.” We have a proven track record of doing this, allowing us to become a world leader in cybersecurity education. “I will take this proactive approach if given the opportunity to serve as Secretary,” a copy of his remarks reads.
Sunrise light shines on the U.S. Capitol dome Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, as the 119th Congress begins Friday. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc, via Getty Images)
Noem has served as South Dakota’s governor since 2019, drawing national attention and conservatives during the pandemic as the state avoided lockdown orders and mask mandates common in liberal states such as California and New York. It received praise from the crowd.
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“I am committed to working with the dedicated people of this committee, Congress, and the Department of Homeland Security to accomplish our mission. Together, we will ensure that America is free, secure, and safe. We can ensure that we continue to be a beacon of safety.”I am grateful for the opportunity and honor to stand before you today, and I look forward to earning your trust in this important work.” she is hopeful. I say Friday morning.
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