‘Safer, stronger and freer’: Border security will feature prominently in Noem’s Senate opening remarks

FIRST ON FOX: The security of the nation’s border will be very important Kristi Noem, the governor of South Dakota On Friday, she opened up about the remarks to Senate lawmakers as she works to block her confirmation as the country’s next homeland security secretary, Fox News Digital exclusively learned.

“Securing our homeland is a serious and sacred trust that must be pursued relentlessly and can never be taken for granted. Being safe within our borders is an American right, but Americans feel less safe than in decades. For the first time in 30 years, more than 40% of Americans are afraid to walk alone at night within a mile of their home,” Noem is expected to tell Homeland Security and the Government of the Senate. Affairs Committee Friday morning in his opening speech.

“President-elect Trump will change that.”

Fox News Digital exclusively obtained a copy of the South Dakota Republican’s opening statement, which will not only showcase Noem’s vision for a safe and secure nation, but will also highlight his rural roots and life in Mount Rushmore status.

“I am a wife, mother, grandmother, farmer, rancher, businesswoman and governor,” reads a copy of the statements. “I have spent my life in rural America. I understand what it means to work hard every day to build a better future for our children and our communities. I come before you today with a deep sense of responsibility and humility as nominated to lead the Department of Homeland Security and also a commitment to the more than 330 million Americans we will work to keep safe in their homes, their communities and their country.”

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President-elect Donald Trump announced NOem as his pick to lead DHS shortly after his decisive victory over Harris in November, pointing to his efforts to secure the southern border amid the immigration crisis under the Biden administration.

DHS oversees US Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and customs controlthe US Secret Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Noem’s opening remarks focused heavily on border security, including noting that she was the first governor to deploy National Guard troops to border states in 2022. Since then, repeatedly . deployed South Dakota National Guard troops on the southern Texas border to help curb illegal border crossings as part of Gov. Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star.

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, OCTOBER 4, 1927, THE MOMENT OF THE CREATION OF MOUNT RUSHMORE IN SOUTH DAKOTA BEGAN

“As a nation, we have the right and the responsibility to protect our borders against those who would do us harm. And we must create a fair and legal immigration system that is efficient and effective and that reflects our values. President Trump was elected with a clear mandate to achieve this mission. Two-thirds of Americans support his immigration and border policies, including most Hispanic Americans.”

“I was the first governor to send National Guard troops to Texas when they were overwhelmed by an unprecedented border crisis. If confirmed as secretary, I will ensure that our exceptional and extraordinary agents have ALL the tools, resources and support they need to carry out their mission effectively.The same goes for the outstanding men and women of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detention, Detention and Deportation Illegal immigrants off the streets and out of the country will help make American communities safe again.

Noem is also ready to tout her leadership skills in speaking engagements, including leading the state’s Mount Rushmore for the past six years, including overseeing thousands of state employees.

“I have led South Dakota for the past 6 years focusing every day on making our state safer, stronger and freer. I have focused every day on making the best decisions not only for now, but for to future generations I have overseen a state budget of more than $7 billion and a workforce of more than 13,000, including more than 7,000 who report to the governor such as cyber security, human trafficking, drug interdiction and natural disasters – the same challenges that so many of you here and the people you represent at home face.”

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Noem will join the Senate committee with a number of high-profile endorsements under his belt, including at least eight law enforcement groups and unions backing the South Dakota governor for DHS.

Crises have also erupted in the waning days of the Biden administration, including a terrorist attack shook New Orleans the first day of the New Year and the fires in the Los Angeles area. After the attack, Noem received the endorsement of Louisiana’s Republican governor, Jeff Landry, who warned that now is “no time to play games” as he called on Senate lawmakers to quickly confirm Noem. While the massive and historically Democratic firefighters union, the International Association of Firefighters, also backed Noem as the California wildfires raged earlier this month.

Noem is expected to note that, if confirmed, he will emphasize disaster resilience.

“I recognize that national security is not only about prevention but also about resilience. When disasters strike, as we know they will, the Department of Homeland Security must be prepared to respond quickly, efficiently and effectively to protect American lives and property As governor, I have worked with FEMA in response to a dozen natural disasters in South Dakota historic floods, tornadoesblizzards, forest fires, a right and even a global pandemic. As Secretary, I will improve our emergency preparedness and strengthen FEMA’s capabilities. We will ensure that no community is left behind and that life-saving services such as electricity and water are quickly restored,” he said.

She is also set to turn her attention to cybersecurity in the nation, vowing to prioritize protecting the nation’s energy grids and financial systems from “foreign adversaries and criminal actors.”

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“In the days ahead, we will have to think and plan bigger, faster and smarter. I fully recognize that we do not have all the answers in Washington. So I will take advantage of public-private partnerships and move forward on the state front. State-of-the-art technologies to protect our nation’s digital landscape.I have a proven track record of doing this at South Dakota this emerging threat, I will take this proactive approach if I have the opportunity to serve as secretary,” the copy of the statements states.

Noem has served as South Dakota’s governor since 2019, gaining national attention and praise from conservatives during the pandemic when her state avoided lockdown orders and mask mandates common to liberal states like California and New York.

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“I’m engaged to work with this committee, with Congress, and with the dedicated men and women of the Department of Homeland Security to accomplish our mission. Together, we can ensure that America remains a beacon of freedom, safety, and security for generations to come. Thank you for the opportunity and the honor of appearing before you today. I look forward to your questions. I look forward to earning your trust and hopefully your vote as we embark on this critical work together,” he is expected to say Friday morning.