The United States faces numerous threats to our homeland, and we need a leader at the helm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to protecting American values, sovereignty, and security. In our view, South Dakota Governor Kristi L. Noem is that leader. Her record of leadership, belief in the rule of law, and commitment to public safety led the South Dakota State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police to endorse Governor Noem for her re-election campaign in 2022. Today, the National FOP unequivocally endorses her nomination, and we urge the Senate to act with all deliberate speed to confirm her.
Under Noem's leadership, South Dakota has flourished as one of the nation's safest states. She has proven to be a reliable partner of law enforcement in general and the FOP in particular. Her approach to homeland security will center on defending our nation’s borders, securing our cyber infrastructure, and combating both domestic and international terrorism. The crisis at the southern border needs immediate attention, and Governor Noem is committed to fully addressing the issues there and supporting measures that prevent illegal immigration and safeguard American communities. As DHS secretary, she would bring the same resolute approach to immigration enforcement that she has shown as governor, working with law enforcement and federal agencies to restore order at the border.
DHS requires a leader like Noem who can effectively collaborate with state governors, law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and Congress to address the security threats we face. She has worked with leaders across the political spectrum to enact effective policies, and her understanding of the intricate balance between state and federal power would be an asset in coordinating efforts between local, state, and federal agencies to turn the tide on the fentanyl epidemic and secure our borders.
In the face of rising threats from foreign adversaries, Noem would bring a sharp focus to securing America’s critical infrastructure, particularly in the areas of cyber security and technological innovation. She will prioritize the defense of our digital systems from malicious attacks, ensuring that our information networks remain secure from espionage and interference. With the increasing reliance on technology, this forward-thinking approach to cybersecurity is vital to securing America's future.
Kristi Noem's vision for homeland security goes beyond just a strong defense against external threats; it also includes making sure that our communities are safe, that law enforcement is properly equipped, and that our nation prevails against all of the challenges facing us today. Her leadership as governor has proven that she understands the importance of both proactive defense and the protection of American freedoms. It is time for a leader who understands the threats we face, the importance of securing our borders, and the necessity of preserving liberty. Kristi Noem is the right choice to lead the charge in protecting the homeland. The Senate should confirm her immediately.
Patrick Yoes is the national president of the Fraternal Order of Police. Founded in 1915, the FOP is the largest law enforcement labor organization in the United States, with more than 377,000 members. With national offices in Nashville, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C., the FOP is committed to improving the working conditions of law enforcement officers and the safety of those served through education, legislation, information, community involvement, and employee representation.
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