Dear Chairman Peters and Ranking Member Portman:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the nomination and urges the swift confirmation of Robert Silvers to be the next Under Secretary of Strategy, Policy, and Plans for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). His previous experience in the Department as the Assistant Secretary for Cyber, Infrastructure, Risk, and Resilience, his proven track record of working with multiple stakeholders, and his extensive knowledge of the DHS enterprise uniquely qualify him for this position.
Mr. Silvers has led a range of DHS-wide cybersecurity and supply chain risk management priorities through government service and within the private sector. He knows the importance and value in public-private sector collaboration to counter ransomware, combat nation-state espionage, and leverage the authorities and resources of the DHS. These partnerships allow companies to harden their cyber defenses and strengthen supply chain resilience.
As DHS Deputy Chief of Staff during the Obama Administration, Mr. Silvers played a crucial role by supporting the Global Entry and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) preclearance programs. This knowledge and experience would be vital as DHS leverages its resources to support and revitalize critical sectors of our economy, including travel and tourism, hotels and hospitality, and transportation. Mr. Silvers is well equipped to work with the Chamber and its state and local partners to reduce barriers and support the rebound in business and leisure travel.
In addition, Mr. Silvers would play a critical role in ensuring that cargo and shipping will safely and efficiently proceed to destinations through trade facilitation priorities established in the Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans, and executed by CBP and the U.S. Coast Guard.
The Chamber supports the nomination of Mr. Silvers, and we thank the committee for scheduling the May 27 hearing.
Sincerely,
Christopher D. Roberti
cc: Members of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
