Homeland Security nominee says no need for full U.S.-Mexico border wall [View all]
Source: Reuters
NOVEMBER 8, 2017 / 2:07 PM / UPDATED AN HOUR AGO
Mica Rosenberg
(Reuters) - Donald Trumps nominee to head the Department of Homeland Security told a U.S. Senate committee on Wednesday there was no need to build a wall on the Mexican border from sea to shining sea in remarks that contrasted with the presidents campaign pledge.
Kirstjen Nielsen repeated at her confirmation hearing what her predecessor, John Kelly, had said about the project. Kelly, Nielsens former boss, stepped down as head of the department this year to be Trumps chief of staff. Building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border was one of Trumps central campaign promises but so far only prototypes have been built as funding remains in question.
Nielsen, 45, served as Kellys deputy in the White House and before that as his chief of staff when he was secretary of homeland security in the opening months of Trumps presidency.
In response to questions from senators on the Homeland Security Committee, Nielsen said she would work with state and local actors on the ground to find the best solutions for border security, including increasing the use of technology such as unmanned surveillance aircraft.
Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-dhs/homeland-security-nominee-says-no-need-for-full-u-s-mexico-border-wall-idUSKBN1D82UN