Kirstjen Nielsen, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security, has said she would help DHS implement a “holistic” approach to recruit border security and cybersecurity professionals if Congress approves her nomination, Federal News Radio reported Wednesday.
Nielsen told the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs during a meeting held Wednesday that she also aims to implement internal controls for hiring, retention and employee development efforts across DHS.
She added that DHS can address staffing and operational requirements through “a combination of both personnel and technology.”
Nielsen also vowed to study the needs for a physical barrier along the Southern border; protect against whistleblower retaliation; and work with the Justice Department and local governments to address radicalization in and outside U.S.
Nielsen currently serves as Trump’s deputy chief of staff and previously worked as chief of staff for former DHS Secretary John Kelly.