Daniel Akaka: “regrettably, I was detained at a Veterans' Affairs Committee business meeting which precluded my presence at an…”

“regrettably, I was detained at a Veterans' Affairs Committee business meeting which precluded my presence at an important nomination hearing before the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on two critical nominations for key positions within the Department of Homeland Security. The Senate has the responsibility to ensure that the best qualified and most able people serve our country. I ask unanimous consent that my statement for that hearing be included in the Record. There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: Thank you Chairman Collins. I wish to add my welcome to Mr. Baker, Ms. Myers, and their families and friends. You are both here because you wish to continue your careers in public service by serving as Assistant Secretaries in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These positions demand individuals who have demonstrated extensive executive level leadership and the ability to manage a sizable budget and diverse workforce. Mr. Baker, if confirmed, you will be the first DHS Assistant Secretary for Policy, and you will help define the role of the Office of Policy. Ms. Myers, you have been nominated to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement, an agency that is currently facing significant financial and human resource management challenges.…”