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Senate committee opens confirmation hearing for Kristi Noem to lead DHS
Summary
The Senate committee held a confirmation hearing for Governor Kristi Noem to be Secretary of Homeland Security. Members across the aisle pressed her on border security, cybersecurity, disaster response and agency transparency; Noem pledged to prioritize border enforcement, rein in perceived mission creep and work with Congress.
The Senate committee convened a confirmation hearing on Jan. 17, 2025, to consider Governor Kristi Noem's nomination to serve as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Chairman Paul opened the session saying, "The hearing to consider the nomination of Kristi Noem to be secretary of the department of homeland security will now come to order." Governor Noem delivered an opening statement outlining priorities including border security, cybersecurity and disaster response and said she was "honored to appear before all of you today as the nominee for the Secretary of Homeland Security."
The hearing featured sustained questioning on a range of DHS responsibilities. Ranking Member Peters and other senators pressed Noem on staffing and resources for the northern border and on countering homegrown violent extremism; Majority Leader John Thune and Senator Kramer offered introductions supporting the nominee. Senators on both sides repeatedly raised transparency and data access for congressional oversight as a central concern.
Noem described her executive experience as governor — citing management of a $7 billion state budget and more than 13,000 state employees — and framed DHS priorities as securing the border and strengthening cybersecurity and FEMA response: "We must be vigilant and proactive and innovative to protect the homeland," she said. She also pledged cooperation with the committee on oversight and with governors on state-federal coordination.
The session included specific operational commitments from Noem: she said she would work to restore what she characterized as mission focus at DHS components, prioritize border enforcement, seek stronger cybersecurity coordination and support reforms at the Secret Service. Several senators asked about programs created under the previous administration — including the CBP One phone app, mass parole programs and a now-controversial disinformation board — and Noem said she would move to end or change those programs if confirmed.
The hearing will remain open for written submissions and additional questions; senators signaled continued oversight interest on CISA, FEMA, Secret Service reforms and data transparency. The committee scheduled further business around the nomination and other matters later in the day.
