December 2nd, 2009, Fairfax, VA—Americans for Limited Government President Bill Wilson today praised Senators George Voinovich (R-OH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) for opposing Barack Obama’s nomination for Under Secretary for Management at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Rafael Borras.
In a letter dated November 23rd to Senate Majority Harry Reid, Senator Voinovich announced his intention to place a legislative hold on the nomination. Voinovich wrote that it was his “sincere hope” that the nomination be withdrawn altogether. Senator Collins also opposes Borras.
According to the letter, “After a careful review of Mr. Borras’ background, resume, and stated qualifications, I am not confident that he has the leadership and management experience necessary to manage an organization of 220,000 employees or oversee an approximately $50 billion operating budget.”
Said Wilson, “Senators Voinovich and Collins are acting responsibly to oppose Borras. The DHS Under Secretary for Management is too important a position vital to the security of the homeland to be filled with one who lacks the experience to manage hundreds of thousands of employees.”
Voinovich cited his lack of experience in the private and public sectors to qualify Borras to the position, where he would be responsible for “serving as the Chief Management Officer at DHS and principal advisor to the Secretary of Homeland Security on the management of DHS; overseeing budget, appropriations, expenditures of funds, accounting, and finance; managing procurement, personnel, and other resources; ensuring the security of personnel and resources; developing strategic management and annual performance plans; and identifying and tracking performance measures.”
According to the letter, Congress “required that the Under Secretary for Management have extensive level leadership and management experience, a demonstrated ability to manage large and complex organizations, and a proven record in achieving positive operational results.” Which, Voinovich writes, he lacks.
Wilson concluded, “This goes to the heart of the vetting process that the White House ought to be undertaking but is failing. Senators Voinovich and Collins are picking up the ball that is being dropped by Barack Obama, in opposing Borras to a post critical to the nation’s security—a post he does not even meet the basic, statutory qualifications for.”
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