Susan Collins: “I will beg the indulgence of the Presiding Officer as I outline for my colleagues who were not here last evening his…”

“I will beg the indulgence of the Presiding Officer as I outline for my colleagues who were not here last evening his qualifications for this important post. Last Wednesday, the Senate voted unanimously to confirm Tom Ridge to be the first Secretary of Homeland Security. Today, I am confident that the Senate will unanimously confirm Gordon England to be Secretary Ridge's Deputy at his side at the helm of this critical new Department. The Department of Homeland Security opened its doors last Friday. Together, Secretary Ridge and Deputy Secretary England make a formidable team to chart the new Department on a course to protecting our Nation from the threat of terrorist attacks. As President Bush has said: Our enemy is smart and resolute, [but] we are smarter and more resolute. Part of our resolve must be to place the best possible leaders in charge of the new Department of Homeland Security. Gordon England is such a leader.”