President Barack Obama is all set to nominate Pentagon lawyer Jeh Johnson to head Homeland Security.
Obama's decision to opt for Johnson as the new secretary of the Department of Homeland Security is motivated by the fact that Johnson is not only highly qualified, but also among the most "respected national security leaders."
Johnson's nomination comes close on the heels of Obama's nomination of Janet Yellen as Federal Reserve Vice Chair to head the U.S. central bank last week.
"The president is selecting Johnson because he is one (of) the most highly qualified and respected national security leaders, having served as the senior lawyer for the largest government agency in the world," the official said, per Reuters. "By advising the president and two secretaries of defense, he was at the center of the development of some of the most sensitive and important national security policies and strategies during the first term."
According to reports, Obama will announce the nomination on Friday, October 18 at 2 p.m. at a ceremony in the White House.
Johnson, who became famous for his "don't ask, don't tell" policy, which debars gays and lesbians from serving openly in the U.S. military, is currently a partner at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton &Garrison, LLP.
"Jeh Johnson had a distinguished career at the Pentagon where he has grappled with the challenges of protecting national security while respecting human rights and upholding American ideals," said Elisa Massimino, head of Human Rights First, in a statement.
Johnson, according to the White House, is a key figure in Obama's "counterterrorism circle."
"As a senior member of my management team at the Pentagon, Jeh worked on every major issue affecting America's security, including border security, counterterrorism, and cyber security," said former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta in a statement. "I urge the Senate to act quickly to confirm him."
If his nomination is accepted, Johnson, who is of African-American descent, will bring additional racial diversity to Obama's cabinet.
