[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 198 (Tuesday, December 22, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S13782-S13783]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     NOMINATION OF ERROLL SOUTHERS

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, it is only fitting that during this 
travel-heavy holiday season, we urge our colleagues on the other side 
of the aisle to work with us in confirming the nomination of Erroll 
Southers as Assistant Secretary for the Transportation Security 
Administration.
  The Transportation Security Administration is tasked with ensuring 
the security and safety of travelers using our transportation network. 
Most often associated with security at airports, TSA responsibilities 
also include highway, rail, port, bus, and mass transit security. The 
agency grew out of the aftermath of 9/11, a somber reminder of the need 
for vigilant attention to transportation security.
  Erroll Southers is the chief of homeland security and intelligence 
for the Los Angeles International Airport police force. He is ready for 
this job. He has nearly three decades working in public safety, 
homeland security, and intelligence. Chief Southers has worked as a 
Santa Monica police officer, special agent for the Federal Bureau of 
Investigation, and as a top officer with the Los Angeles International 
Airport, assisting in the management of the largest U.S. airport police 
force.
  Unfortunately, without Chief Southers in the position he has been 
nominated to, TSA is without the leadership necessary to move forward. 
The President nominated Chief Southers in September, and the nomination 
has been reported favorably to the Senate by both the Homeland Security 
and Commerce Committees, it is being held up by Senate Republicans.
  At the same time Senate Republicans are insisting on expanding the 
role and responsibility of TSA by requiring guns to be allowed on 
Amtrak, they block and delay the permanent leadership necessary to 
implement these new policies.
  And what is the justification for delaying Chief Southers' 
confirmation? It is not his qualifications, his past actions or 
experience. These are generally accepted to be outstanding. No, it is 
instead an unreasonable demand that he predetermine if TSA employees 
should be allowed to form unions. Instead of bending to political 
pressure, Chief Southers has taken the stance that this decision should 
be made with the input of all stakeholders, using

[[Page S13783]]

good information, to find the best solution that does not jeopardize 
safety and security.
  The Senate must move past these disagreements and provide the 
administration with the leadership agencies need to implement 
congressionally mandated duties. Chief Southers is an excellent 
candidate to lead the Transportation Security Administration, and he 
should be in place at the agency today. In the midst of the heaviest 
travel period of the year, it is irresponsible that the Senate has left 
this post unfilled. I urge my colleagues to support the confirmation of 
Chief Southers.

                          ____________________