In her opening remarks to the Senate, Governor Noem emphasized the importance of securing the border for the safety, strength, and freedom of the state.

Gov. Kristi Noem's first priority in her confirmation speech to Senate lawmakers on Friday will be securing the nation's border, according to Planet Chronicle Digital's exclusive report.

On Friday morning, Noem is expected to address the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and emphasize the importance of securing our homeland as a serious, sacred trust that must be relentlessly pursued. She will also highlight the fact that Americans feel less safe than they have in decades, with more than 40% of them afraid to walk alone at night within a mile of their home.

"President-Elect Trump is going to change that."

Noem's opening statement, exclusively obtained by Planet Chronicle Digital, will highlight her vision for a secure nation while emphasizing her rural roots and life in South Dakota.

"As a wife, mother, grandmother, farmer, rancher, businesswoman, and governor, I have spent my life in rural America and understand the importance of hard work to build a better future for our children and communities. Today, I stand before you as the nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security with a deep sense of responsibility and humility. My commitment is to serve and protect the more than 330 million Americans, ensuring their safety and security in their homes, communities, and country."

After winning the election in November, President-elect Donald Trump named NOem as his choice to lead DHS, highlighting her work to safeguard the southern border during the immigration crisis under the Biden administration.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) manages several key agencies in the United States, including Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Secret Service, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Noem's remarks during her opening address emphasized the importance of securing the border. She was the first governor to send National Guard troops to border states in 2022. Since then, she has repeatedly deployed South Dakota National Guard troops to Texas to aid in Gov. Abbott's Operation Lone Star, which aims to reduce illegal border crossings.

"We, as a nation, have the right and responsibility to safeguard our borders from those who intend to harm us. Additionally, we must establish a fair and lawful immigration system that is efficient and effective, and that aligns with our values. President Trump was elected with a clear mandate to accomplish this task. Two-thirds of Americans support his immigration and border policies, including a majority of Hispanic Americans."

As the first Governor to send National Guard troops to Texas during an unprecedented border crisis, I understand the importance of providing exceptional, extraordinary agents with the necessary tools, resources, and support to carry out their mission effectively. If confirmed as Secretary, I will ensure that the outstanding men and women of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have everything they need to apprehend, detain, and deport illegal immigrants. By getting criminal aliens off the streets and out of the country, we can make American communities safer once again. The bravery and dedication of the Border Patrol and ICE are unmatched, and I will restore dignity to their work.

Noem will highlight her leadership abilities in her remarks, specifically mentioning her six-year tenure as governor of South Dakota, where she managed thousands of state employees.

"Over the past 6 years, I have been the Governor of South Dakota, with a daily focus on ensuring the safety, strength, and freedom of our state. I have made decisions that not only benefit the present but also the future generations. As the leader of a state with a budget of over $7 billion and a workforce of more than 13,000, including over 7,000 reporting to the Governor, I have addressed critical issues such as cybersecurity, human trafficking, drug interdiction, and natural disasters, which are challenges faced by many of you here and the people you represent back home."

The South Dakota governor, Noem, will be joining the Senate committee with a significant number of high-profile endorsements, including at least eight police groups and unions supporting her for DHS.

In the waning days of the Biden administration, crises have emerged, including a terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day and raging fires in Los Angeles. Following the attack, Noem received an endorsement from Republican Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, who urged swift confirmation of Noem by Senate lawmakers. Meanwhile, the historically Democrat firefighter union, the International Association of Firefighters, endorsed Noem as the wildfires raged in California earlier this month.

Noem is expected to emphasize resiliency in the face of disaster if confirmed.

Recognizing that homeland security involves not only prevention but also resilience, the Department of Homeland Security must be prepared to respond swiftly, efficiently, and effectively to protect the lives and property of Americans in the event of disasters. As governor, I have worked with FEMA in response to a dozen natural disasters in South Dakota, including historic floods, tornados, blizzards, wildfires, a derecho, and even a global pandemic. As Secretary, I will enhance our emergency preparedness and strengthen FEMA's capabilities to ensure that no community is left behind and that life-saving services like electricity and water are quickly restored.

She intends to focus on cybersecurity in the country, pledging to safeguard the nation's energy grids and financial systems from "foreign adversaries and criminal actors."

To safeguard our nation's digital landscape, we must think, plan, and act bigger, faster, and smarter in the coming days. While I understand that Washington does not have all the answers, I will utilize public-private partnerships and cutting-edge technologies to protect our digital landscape. I have a successful track record of doing this in South Dakota, where I helped make Dakota State University a global leader in cybersecurity education. If given the chance to serve as Secretary, I will continue to take a proactive approach to this emerging threat.

Since 2019, Noem has been South Dakota's governor and has received recognition from conservatives for her handling of the pandemic, which involved avoiding lockdowns and mask mandates like those implemented in liberal states such as California and New York.

On Friday morning, she will say, "I am dedicated to working with this committee, Congress, and the Department of Homeland Security to fulfill our mission. Together, we can ensure that the United States remains a beacon of freedom, safety, and security for generations to come. Thank you for the opportunity and honor to appear before you today. I look forward to your questions. I hope to earn your trust and, hopefully, your vote as we embark on this critical work together."