Four GOP candidates are vying for leadership of the House Homeland Security Committee, a role that stands central to President Trump’s immigration agenda.
On Wednesday, Rep. Michael Guest (R-Miss.) announced his candidacy, joining Andrew Gerbarino (R-N.Y.), Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.), and Clay Higgins (R-La.).
A decision will be made by the Republican Executive Committee on Monday night to fill the position vacated by Rep. Mark Greene (R-Tenn.).
Senator Michael McCall (R-Texas), the senior member of the committee, commented, “Each candidate has their strengths.” He noted Guest’s background as a prosecutor, describing him as intelligent with a good temperament. McCall added that Gimenez shows great passion and that Higgins, who lives near the border, has unique insights into border challenges.
McCall also encouraged former New York Congressman and former committee chair Peter King to consider running, indicating the relevance of New York’s history with terrorism.
Gimenez is emphasizing the committee’s foundational role in addressing terrorism and other significant issues like disaster management. Guest, a former prosecutor and current chair of the House Ethics Committee, believes his extensive legal experience equips him well for this role. Higgins, formerly a police officer, also brings seniority to the table.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) suggested the process is somewhat competitive but fair.
The new committee leader will oversee the expansive Department of Homeland Security, which tackles immigration, cybersecurity, disaster preparedness, and transportation security, among other areas.
As the selection process heats up, both Higgins and Guest point to their extensive service on the committee as a valuable asset.
Guest has held various leadership positions, including vice-chairman. He has 25 years of prosecutorial experience, highlighting his collaboration with law enforcement in tackling issues the committee faces.
In a campaign pamphlet, Guest noted his role in starting the process against former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, suggesting that if selected, he could remain in the role for several Congress sessions. He outlined his vision for enhancing membership and prioritizing key Republican goals.
Guest’s plan also includes a “full stop” at the border and a commitment to maintaining pressure on Trump’s immigration policy, which also addresses cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities, especially relating to China.
Higgins has shared his qualifications with the steering committee, asserting his conservative values and years of committee involvement. He seeks to incorporate Trump’s executive orders into law, underscoring the importance of the committee’s work moving forward.
With nine years on the committee, Higgins insists, “This is my committee, and I’m committed to it,” despite potential resistance given Louisiana’s significant representation in House leadership.
Gimenez and Gerbarino, both in their third term, underscore their leadership experience in a broad array of committee matters, noting that it’s not unusual for a lawmaker in their third term to take on a leading role, as seen with Greene.
Gimenez, a former mayor, remarked on his responsibility for emergency preparedness in hurricane-prone regions, stating, “I have a track record, and they know who I am.” He has a history of supporting Trump’s border policies but has also disagreed on certain aspects.
He, along with other Florida Republicans, has urged reconsideration of ending protections for countries like Cuba and Venezuela, believing nuanced approaches are necessary rather than sweeping deportations. While critical of Biden’s immigration policies, he sees room for reform, articulated through his past experiences.
Garbarino emphasized the committee’s range of responsibilities that extend beyond just immigration, recalling its establishment post-9/11 when he emphasized that counter-terrorism remains crucial.
He pointed to recent U.S. actions impacting Iran and the resultant potential threats, advocating for enhanced communication between local law enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security.
While Garbarino acknowledges border challenges, he argues that cybersecurity is currently an even larger concern. As chair of the subcommittee on cybersecurity, he flagged the September 30 deadline for the Cyber Information Sharing Act as a pressing matter.
“We need to bolster partnerships between the government and private sector, ensuring effective communication and information sharing,” he concluded. “It’s vital that we turn our attention back to these challenges.”
