WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released a statement after the Senate conducted a cloture vote to confirm Alejandro Mayorkas as Secretary of Homeland Security:

“Though I was unable to vote on the nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas today, I would have voted to confirm Mr. Mayorkas as Secretary of Homeland Security. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting virtually with Mr. Mayorkas regarding his nomination, and we had a good discussion touching on many issues critical to Virginia – including the TPS and DACA programs that allow nearly 40,000 Virginians to live and work legally in the Commonwealth, and the H2B visa program that is essential to our seafood industry. 

“Given that our government is dealing with the largest cybersecurity breach in our nation’s history and a rise in domestic terrorism, it is critically important that the Department of Homeland Security have in place an experienced, capable and Senate-confirmed leader as soon as possible.”

Sen. Warner was unable to vote in the Senate today, as he is following recommended public health guidance regarding possible exposure to COVID-19 and quarantining at home.

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