‘Safer, stronger and freer’: Securing the border looms large in NOM’s opening speech to Senate

First on Fox: Securing the Nation’s Borders South Dakota Gov. Kristy Noem is working to lock down her confirmation as the nation’s next Homeland Security secretary during Friday’s opening remarks to Senate lawmakers, Fox News Digital has learned.

“Protecting our homeland is a difficult, sacred trust, one that must be constantly pursued and never taken for granted. It is an American right to be safe within our borders, but Americans feel less safe than they have in decades. For the first time in 30 years, more than 40% of Americans feel safe at home.” They are afraid to walk alone at night for miles,” Noem is expected to tell the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in her opening statement on Friday morning. .

“President-elect Trump is going to change that.”

Fox News Digital has exclusively obtained a transcript of the South Dakota Republican’s opening statement, which not only outlines Noem’s vision for a safe and secure nation, but also highlights her rural roots and her life on Mount Rushmore State.

“I am a wife, mother, grandmother, farmer, rancher, business woman and ruler,” reads a copy of the comment. “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. Today I come before you as a candidate to lead the Department of Homeland Security and more than 330 million Americans to keep them safe and secure in their homes, communities and It is our commitment to protect them in their country.

Ahead of the Senate confirmation hearing, the displaced tribes raised on NOM

President-elect Donald Trump announced in November that he would nominate NOem after his decisive victory over Harris, citing her efforts to secure the southern border amid the immigration crisis under the Biden administration.

DHS oversees US Customs and Border Protection; Immigration and Customs Enforcementthe US Secret Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Naomi’s inaugural address focused on securing the border, including announcing that she would be the first governor to deploy National Guard troops to border states in 2022. Since then, South Dakota National Guard troops have repeatedly deployed along the southern border of Texas to deter illegal border crossings. Crossings like Governor Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star.

On this day in history, October 4, 1927, Mount Rushmore’s era of creation began in South Dakota.

“As a nation, we have the right and responsibility to protect our borders from those who harm us. And we must create a fair and legal immigration system that is efficient, effective, and our values. President Trump was elected to accomplish this mission. Two-thirds of Americans support immigration and border policies, including the majority of Hispanic Americans.”

“I was the first governor to send National Guard troops to Texas as they grappled with an unprecedented border crisis. If confirmed as secretary, I will ensure the tools, resources and support our special agents need to carry out their missions effectively. I owe it to the men and women of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The commitment is the same to get refugees off the streets and out of the country It helps keep American communities safe.

Noem was prepared to cite her leadership skills in the comments, including overseeing thousands of civil servants and running Rushmore State over the past six years.

“As I lead South Dakota for the past 6 years, I have focused every day on making our state safe, strong and free. Every day to make better decisions, not just for now, but for generations to come.” I have overseen the budget of over 7,000 state employees and over 13,000 state employees, including reporting to the governor. Human trafficking, drug entanglement and natural disasters – the same challenges that many of you here and the people you represent at home face.

What you need to know about Trump’s nominee to lead DHS, Christie Noem

NOM joins a Senate committee with high-profile endorsements, including at least eight police groups and unions, behind South Dakota’s DHS governor.

The waning days of the Biden administration have also seen crises, including the terrorist attack that rocked New Orleans early in the new year and the fires that raged in the Los Angeles area. Following the attack, NOM received a standing ovation from Republican Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who warned that now was “no time to play,” while Senate lawmakers called for swift confirmation of NOM. The giant and historic Democrat Firefighters Association, the International Association of Firefighters, endorsed NOM earlier this month as the California wildfires ignited for the first time.

If Noem is confirmed, she is expected to emphasize his resilience in times of disaster.

“I recognize that homeland security is not only about prevention, but also about resilience. When disasters strike, as we know them, the Department of Homeland Security must be ready to respond quickly, efficiently and effectively to protect American lives and property. I worked with FEMA in response to the natural disasters that occurred in South Dakota. Historical floods, hurricaneshurricanes, wildfires, droughts and even global pandemics. As Secretary, I will enhance our emergency preparedness and strengthen FEMA’s capacity. “We will ensure that no community is left behind and that life-saving services like electricity and water are quickly restored,” he said.

She is set to turn her attention to the country’s cybersecurity, saying she will prioritize protecting the country’s energy grids and financial systems from “foreign adversaries and criminals.”

GOV KRISTI NOEM REFLECTS ON TRUMP WIN, SAYS DEMOCRATS ‘TRY TO PUT WOMEN IN A BOX’

“In the coming days, we must think and plan big, fast and smart. I fully recognize that we in Washington do not have all the answers. Therefore, I will work with public-private partnerships, and the determination, state- to protect our nation’s digital landscape. If given the opportunity to serve as secretary, I have helped make him a leader, he will take this proactive approach,” a transcript of his remarks states.

Noam has served as South Dakota’s governor since 2019, gaining national attention and praise as her state enacted shutdown orders and masks common in liberal states like California and New York during the outbreak.

Click here to access the FOX NEWS app

“I am committed to working with this committee, with Congress, and with the men and women of the Department of Homeland Security to accomplish our mission. Together, we can ensure that the United States continues to be a beacon of freedom, safety, and security. Thank you for the opportunity and honor to appear before you today, Generations, Friday morning.”