The decision by the Republican of Missouri stemmed from an altercation with Mayorkas hours earlier during the ratification of the nominee before the Senate Homeland Security Committee.
“Mr Mayorkas has not adequately explained how he will apply federal law and secure the southern border, given President-elect Biden’s promise to withdraw the most important enforcement and security measures,” Hawley said in a statement.
“Just today he did not want to say that he would apply the laws that Congress has already passed to secure the boundary wall system. Given that, I can not agree to skip the standard process and expedite this nomination if so many questions remain unanswered. , “he continues.
According to David Alexis Woltornist, spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, David Pekoske, head of the Transportation Security Administration, will temporarily take over as acting secretary of homeland security.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Pete Gaynor accepted the role of acting DHS secretary and became the sixth secretary under the Trump administration. Since April 2019, the department has not had a secretary confirmed by the Senate.
Gaynor has told his staff that he will fill the job until “January 20, when President-elect Biden is inaugurated.”
In a statement to CNN, Sean Savett, a Biden transition spokesman, called Mayorkas “one of the most knowledgeable experts on homeland security in the country.”
“The Senate held quick confirmation votes for the nominated DHS secretary in 2009 and 2017 so they could start on day one with good reason,” Savett said. “Senator Hawley’s threat to disrupt historical practice and try to keep this vital position vacant is dangerous, especially in this time of overlapping crises when there is no moment to waste.”
Hawley questioned Mayorkas on Tuesday about funds appropriated for the U.S.-Mexico border wall and whether it is expected to be spent, in light of Biden’s pledge to stop wall construction.
While Mayorkas committed himself to keeping Biden’s promise, he insisted he would do so “in accordance with the laws we follow.”
“Senator … if I can strike at the fundamental point that I believe you are inquiring, that is, I will follow the law and carry out my responsibilities, I would have the privilege of serving as Secretary of Homeland Security. ? And the answer is yes, I will follow the law, ‘said Mayorkas, adding that he will have to understand’ what the law offers regarding the obligation of funds to build the boundary wall and see what the opportunities are for such to cease obligations. if the law does allow it and act accordingly. ‘
‘Our country is facing unprecedented crises and threats to US national security, from the devastating Coronavirus pandemic to massive cyber-intrusions in government and the private sector – and as we have seen too clearly in recent weeks – increasing domestic terrorism and anti-terrorism. Government The Department of Homeland Security is the main agency charged with combating these threats and more, and it must have immediately qualified, Senate-confirmed leadership in place, ‘said Democratic Senator Gary Peters of Michigan, the rank of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. , said in a statement, urging his colleagues to confirm Mayorkas.
Sen. Chris Murphy said Tuesday that Hawley’s decision endangers the country’s security.
“I mean, you know, all he can do is delay the nomination and put the country’s security risk in place, especially at a time when domestic terrorists are planning another attack on this country,” the Connecticut Democrat said. when Phil Mattingly of CNN asked for his response. against Hawley’s objection.
Murphy continues: “But Senator Hawley and his crowd are pretty clear that they put their political interests above the security interests of the country and that, of course, that does not change.”
This story has been updated to note that David Pekoske, head of the transport safety administration, is expected to act temporarily as acting secretary of homeland security.
CNN’s Geneva Sands, Phil Mattingly and Ali Zaslav contributed to this report.