U.S. Chamber Congratulates Napolitano on Appointment to Head DHS

Chamber Committed to Public-Private Partnerships to Pursue National Infrastructure Protection and Resilience Goals

WASHINGTON, DC–-The U.S. Chamber of Commerce congratulates Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano on her recent appointment to Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

"Given her experience as state attorney general and her executive experience tackling sensitive issues, like border security, Governor Napolitano will complement the Obama Administration's pragmatic approach to policy and politics," said Ann M. Beauchesne, the U.S. Chamber's vice president of National Security and Emergency Preparedness.

"The business community has made significant strides to ensure the security and resiliency of its own facilities and systems and looks forward to working with Governor Napolitano to secure the nation's critical infrastructures – a signature priority of the Chamber and its members," she said.

"Together, through public-private partnerships, businesses and government – at all levels – have worked to build trust and have pursued national critical infrastructure protection and resilience goals," Beauchesne said. "This cooperation is seen in the increased preparedness for pandemic influenza outbreaks and better prepared defenses from cyber threats and vulnerabilities."

The U.S. Chamber welcomed the release of a recent National Infrastructure Advisory Council report recommending that business leaders and the Obama Administration work toward building partnerships across the board and invites Governor Napolitano to join the Chamber in having this important and timely discussion.

Randel Johnson, the U.S. Chamber's vice president of Labor, Immigration and Employee Benefits, said, "I am optimistic about the future because Governor Napolitano has a keen understanding of immigration matters and a reputation for common sense policymaking."

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region. The U.S. Chamber National Security Task Force is comprised of more than 125 businesses, associations, and chambers representing the 18 critical infrastructure sectors.

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