“Chairman Lieberman, Ranking Member Collins and members of the Committee: Good morning.

“Usually, these days, it seems like mayors and other executives come before Congress asking for something.  Today, I’m pleased to actually be bringing you something instead:  The President’s sterling nominee for Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security: Jane Holl Lute.

“With more than 30 years of experience – ranging from the highest levels of government to the heart of international conflict – Jane has a deep understanding of what it takes to secure our homeland and protect us against terrorism.

“I’ve long known of Jane’s reputation, and have come to know Jane personally in recent years.  During that time, it’s become abundantly clear to me that she is a dedicated public servant, a skilled manager, and a visionary thinker. She is precisely the kind of leader we need at the Department of Homeland Security. 

“I’m sure Jane’s background is well-known to this Committee.  She began her public service career as an officer in the United States Army, and was deployed to the Gulf during Operation Desert Storm, where she served on Central Command staff. She went on to serve two Presidents at the National Security Council and, more recently, served as the Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations.

“At United Nations Peacekeeping, Jane ran operational support for the second-largest deployed military presence in the world.  She led and developed the most significant reform and realignment of UN headquarters operations since the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations was established in 1992. She consolidated business practices and strengthened existing structures to meet field demands that have quintupled over the past decade.  She also effectively managed the growth of United Nations Peacekeeping from a $1.8 billion to a nearly $8 billion operation.

“I realize that some have questioned the effectiveness of the United Nations; but to me, there is no question about the competence, leadership, and judgment of Jane Holl Lute.

“Jane brings to this job a lifetime of experience confronting the issues at the core of the Department’s mission.  She has managed crisis and emergency support operations in some of the most difficult and dangerous places in the world – including Sudan, Timor, Congo, and the war in Lebanon.  There is no doubt that she will bring to the Department a deep and broad understanding of what it takes to effectively prepare for, and rapidly respond to, emergencies and contingencies of all kinds.  

“And that is of particular concern to the citizens of New York, who have experienced the pain and devastation of terrorism firsthand. Every day we depend on a strong line of defense involving Homeland Security, the Coast Guard, Customs, and Immigration – and a strong partnership between federal and local government.  We simply cannot afford to let our guard down – and with Jane as part of the executive team, I am confident that we won’t.

“Mr. Chairman, members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to share my unconditional support for this phenomenally talented nominee. 

“As mayor of New York, I know what it takes to manage a crisis –  and I’m confident that Jane has what it takes to serve this country well. She is a lifelong public servant, a strong and tested leader and she knows how to get things done. 

“I am extremely proud and deeply supportive of the President’s nomination of her for this critical position.  Thank you.”