"Establishing a Department of Homeland Security is a major step toward securing our homeland against future terrorist threats," said Senator Collins. "Now, we must proceed with getting a management structure in place, and organizing and funding the department. As incoming Chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee, which has jurisdiction over the creation of the new department and will continue to oversee its operations, I am eager to get to work on this critical assignment."
The Governmental Affairs Committee is expected to conduct confirmation hearings for the Secretary of Homeland Security as well as other Presidential-appointed positions within the department. Senator Collins expects to conduct oversight hearings on the creation of the new Department of Homeland Security during the coming year.