December 4, 2008

Washington, D.C.—Congressman Christopher P. Carney issued the following statement on President-elect Obama’s National Security Team:

"I am very impressed with the national security team President-elect Obama has assembled. Obama understands that politics ends at the shoreline and put together a bipartisan group that includes the current Defense Secretary Robert Gates. Asking Gates to stay on is a commitment to continuity that will serve the nation well. Secretary Gates and I have spoken about our country's ability to fight the War on Terror and we agree that only a prudent mix of both our "hard" power and "soft" power will enable us to prevail against an enemy so full of hate. I believe Gates' defense team will compliment the diplomatic team soon to be led by Hillary Clinton. Both Gates and Clinton understand the nuances necessary to protect our national interests in these very volatile times."

"As Chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight, I look forward to working with incoming DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano. I believe she shares my steadfast concerns about illegal immigration and making sure our border patrol agents have the resources and manpower they need to effectively secure our borders. In addition, I believe that Gov. Napolitano will bring her expertise to shape and organize the Dept. of Homeland Security, which has been too long mired in a bureaucratic reorganization. DHS needs and will receive  strong leadership and effective management Janet Napolitano.".

 "Dr. Susan Rice, a long-time veteran of national security matters, will help re-establish our national interests at the U.N. The fact that Obama will give Cabinet-level status to the U.N. Ambassador indicates just how focused his administration will be in reengaging with the rest of the world. General Jim Jones is the first ever member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to be named the National Security Advisor. His selection underscores the importance of a military perspective to Obama. As Attorney General, Eric Holder will be a clear departure from Alberto Gonzales."

 "As someone that has spent the better part of his adult life involved in our nation's security, I could not be more impressed with the team Obama presented."