WASHINGTON, D.C.- Representative Loretta Sanchez, Vice Chair of the Homeland Security Committee, and Chairwoman on the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism issued the following statement on the selection of Governor Janet Napolitano as Homeland Security Secretary.

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"As the Vice Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security, I've had long-term concerns with the Homeland Security Department's lack of leadership, disorganization, and low morale amongst the employees. It is imperative that our next Homeland Security Secretary possess the executive experience this agency desperately needs, along with a solid understanding of our nation's security needs.  

"Governor Janet Napolitano has this executive experience and brings a proven record of leadership to the job. As a border governor, Governor Napolitano has spent years implementing policies to secure our borders and control the egress and ingress of goods and people that cross our borders everyday.  

"I'm pleased that President-elect Obama has selected Governor Napolitano to be our nation's next Homeland Security Secretary, and congratulate her on the appointment. I look forward to working with her on improving our nation's homeland security in the coming months and years."