Homeland Security Watch

The Department of Homeland Security today announced the appointment of Donald H. Kent Jr. as the new Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs at DHS. (The position does not require Senate confirmation). From the press release by Sec. Chertoff:

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Donald H. Kent Jr. as Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security. Don has been an integral part of the department’s outreach to Capitol Hill for the past three years as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs, and is well deserving of this important promotion.

Since joining the department in January of 2004, Don has been a strong advocate and highly respected representative for the department on the Hill, ensuring close coordination with members and staff on both sides of the aisle. He has played an invaluable role in guiding department officials through Senate confirmations, Hill briefings, and congressional testimony, including my own, as well as relentlessly championing our priority issues. He is a valued counselor on homeland security policy and legislative strategy.

Prior to joining the department, Don was a key member of former Assistant Majority Leader Don Nickles’ staff, where he served as director of transportation policy as well as having coordinated policy and legislative development on various homeland security issues. Don is a graduate of Roanoke College in Virginia, and resides in Alexandria, Va.