Cord Byrd: “So I salute her. Now that the nomination has been reported unanimously to the Senate by the Governmental Affairs…”

“So I salute her. Now that the nomination has been reported unanimously to the Senate by the Governmental Affairs Committee, it seems certain that Tom Ridge will be confirmed by an overwhelming margin to be the Nation's first Secretary of Homeland Security. And, while organizing 28 agencies--some say 22. I have heard that there are 28 agencies and offices--within a new Homeland Security Department will be a difficult task, to say the least, Senators seem to be confident that Governor Ridge is qualified to handle the job. I think that is the case. Governor Ridge appears to have the necessary qualities and experience to serve admirably as the first Secretary of Homeland Security. But I hope he understands that his new job responsibilities will involve more than just overseeing a new Department intended to protect our homeland. Despite the objections of some Senators, this new Homeland Security Department has been empowered with wide-ranging authorities, and its officers will have prime access to information about the American public. With that access comes the potential for abuse.”