Homeland Security chief agrees to testify before House committee, and it only took a subpoena threat

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen has finally agreed to appear before the House Homeland Security Committee March 6, and it only took a subpoena threat for it to happen. “We are giving the Secretary ample time to prepare for this appearance,” said chair Bennie Thompson. “She should be ready to defend the administration’s border security actions and its plans to improve its border security agenda going forward.”

Late last month, Thompson called Nielsen’s initial refusal to testify “unreasonable and unacceptable,” writing in a letter that “your attempt to use the President’s recent shutdown as an excuse not to testify before Congress prior to the impending shutdown is outrageous.” Nielsen’s spokesperson claimed that Thompson’s letter was “misleading,” but like Nielsen, he’s also a noted liar. Thompson then issued his subpoena threat.

While the hearing will focus on the broad issue of “border security,” Democrats will no doubt zero in on the administration’s barbaric “zero tolerance” policy, as well as numerous lies from Nielsen regarding the border. Nielsen has evaded any accountability under the Republican-led House. That changes now. “As Chairman of the Committee,” Thompson said, “I remain committed to the charge that securing the country should be based on intelligence and facts, and not pursuant to a campaign agenda.”