Homeland Security Watch

January 24, 2009

Deputy DHS Secretary Named

Filed under: General Homeland Security,Intelligence and Info-Sharing — by Jonah Czerwinski on January 24, 2009

President Obama nominated Jane Holl Lute on Friday to be Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, serving under newly confirmed Secretary Napolitano. This is a terrific appointment. Dr. Lute is from the UN and is likely bringing a great appreciation for the potential DHS has for leadership on the international scene.

New S2 at DHS

In her most recent post as United Nations Assistant Secretary-General she has experience overseeing the deployment of tens of thousands of peacekeepers. Coordinating efforts to build sustainable peace in countries emerging from conflict probably includes mission demands not unlike those required after a homeland security crisis.

But does she know Washington? Well, she served under two presidents on the NSC. Eartlier she directed the Carnegie Commission on Preventing Deadly Conflict and was a senior fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center here in DC. She’s also an Army vet who served in Operation Desert Storm.

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Comment by Sherri

January 25, 2009 @ 11:00 am

Excellent pick in my opinion. I was initially baffled by the Napolitano nomination and admit that I still do not completely “get it” but easily and enthusiastically “get” the Lute nomination. She holds solid and diverse professional experience which will hopefully allow her to be a strong catalyst for the needed organizational and operational changes at the Department.

And yes, 18 million qualified cracks and counting…..

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Comment by William R. Cumming

January 25, 2009 @ 11:35 am

As the oldest and richest democracy in the world perhaps Ms.Lute will help the US to retain democracy (actually a republic) here and explain our actions to the rest of the world and even within the Executive Branch and DHS. After all if WE (the citizens and government of the US) don’t get Homeland Security right (and Homeland Defense) chances are the rest of the world will just militarize what should be a totally civilian function domestically. Geat appointment since no shortage of brain power.

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Comment by William R. Cumming

January 27, 2009 @ 7:16 pm

I should have added about Ms. Lute that as one of the foremost logisticians in the US perhaps if DHS is the key domestic crisis response Executive Branch organization she will be able to upgrade the logistics systems that underly adequate response to truly catastrophic situations. Key portions of the Defense Production Act of 1950 are also housed in DHS/FEMA allowing priority for emergency preparedness resources is some circumstances. See E.O. 12919 issued June 1994. That statute should be retitled the National Resources Production Act and totally reworked for the 21st Century. Jurisdiction over it should leave the Banking Committees and be transferred to the Homeland Security Committees in both Senate and House. After all the big one (earthquake) or WMD event might require the largest domestic and international logistics effort ever. Could be the right woman in the right place at the right time. Efforts to update the current DPA delegation from the President have not been given the adequate priority they should have been given over the last two administrations. Perhaps OBAMA can get it done with Lute’s help.

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Pingback by DHS Undertakes “Efficiency Initiative” | Homeland Security Watch

February 18, 2009 @ 8:44 am

[...] nominee Jane Holl Lute is being brought on for her “wealth of operational management experience,” according to the S1, [...]

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