The chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security says President Obama could help move immigration reform through the House if he picks a new Homeland Security chief who has credibility on law-and-order issues.
Rep. Michael T. McCaul, Texas Republican, told “Fox News Sunday” that the president should choose a replacement for the resigning Secretary Janet A. Napolitano who would ease concerns about border security.
“I think there’s a real opportunity here to get a real leader in who can work with House Republicans on security issues, on enforcement issues, and someone who will garner the respect of the Congress. Right now there’s a real problem with that.”
The Dallas congressman suggested retired Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen, who oversaw the federal response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, as a candidate who would be welcomed by Republicans.
Ms. Napolitano announced Friday she is leaving the administration in August to head the University of California system.
• David Eldridge can be reached at deldridge@washingtontimes.com.
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