Senate Committee Questions Troy Edgar on DHS Staffing, Data Access and FEMA Reforms

Troy Edgar, President Trump’s nominee to be deputy secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, told the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Oct. 12 that, if confirmed, he would focus on running DHS efficiently and supporting the secretary in carrying out the department’s border, immigration and national security missions.

The nomination hearing centered on workforce changes at DHS, questions about who has access to potentially sensitive department data, and proposed structural changes to agencies such as FEMA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The concerns, voiced primarily by Democratic committee members, focused on recent terminations and whether the department has analyzed how staffing changes affect mission readiness.

Edgar emphasized his management background and experience as DHS chief financial officer, saying he had previously overseen the department’s fiscal operations. “If confirmed, I will stay focused on supporting the secretary and ensuring that we are effectively and efficiently using the policies and resources provided to meet the president's goal on immigration, border and other national security missions of DHS,” Edgar said during his opening remarks.

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