Jeh Johnson Confirmed as Head of Homeland Security

He will be the first African American to head DHS

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Carolyn Kaster / AP

Jeh Johnson

With a vote of 78-16, the Senate confirmed Jeh Johnson as head of the Department of Homeland Security on Monday. The former Pentagon attorney will oversee policies such as national security, immigration, disaster response and transportation, Politico reports.

Johnson was nominated to replace Janet Napolitano in October, which was cleared by a voice-vote of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Republican Senators John McCain of Arizona and Rand Paul of Kentucky requested that their votes be registered as “no.” During his hearing, McCain and other republicans on the committee wanted answers and information on immigration and border security prior to his approval.

As a general counsel at the Department of Defense, Johnson provided legal approval for military operations approved by the President and Secretary of Defense. He is also credited with authorizing the report that led to the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

[Politico]