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Democrats Are Already Hiring Lawyers to Investigate DHS
Democrats are preparing to investigate the Department of Homeland Security when they take control of Congress in January. Senator Maggie Hassan, expected to chair the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, has advertised roles focused on probing corruption and leading investigations, signalling that scrutiny of the department will be a priority.
The job listings seek an anti-corruption counsel with knowledge of conflict-of-interest and disclosure rules, as well as investigators and oversight counsel with experience in complex cases. Hassan has publicly challenged former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to testify under oath; her former aide Corey Lewandowski is under criminal investigation over alleged personal financial gain. House Democrats have also signalled interest in examining former officials and asked DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to preserve documents ahead of investigations.
In short
- Democrats are staffing up for investigations of DHS.
- Senate roles focus on corruption and oversight.
- House Democrats have demanded that DHS preserve documents.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Democrats can argue that rigorous oversight is Congress’s duty, particularly where allegations of conflicts of interest or personal financial gain involve senior officials. Hiring specialist lawyers and investigators may help establish facts, protect public funds and ensure that officials answer to lawmakers under oath.
The case against
Critics can argue that announcing investigative roles before control changes hands risks making oversight look politically driven, especially when the targets are associated with the opposing party. They may favour evidence-led inquiries with clear limits, warning that prolonged or selectively focused investigations could divert attention from DHS’s operational responsibilities and weaken public trust.
Explained simply
The Department of Homeland Security oversees areas including immigration enforcement, border security and emergency response. Congress monitors federal departments through committees, which can hold hearings, request records and investigate how public money and authority are used.
Senator Maggie Hassan is a Democrat who is expected to lead the Senate committee responsible for overseeing homeland security. Kristi Noem, who previously led DHS, and her former aide Corey Lewandowski have drawn attention from lawmakers; allegations and investigations concerning individuals do not by themselves establish wrongdoing.
The planned scrutiny matters because Congress can examine the department’s decisions and the conduct of officials, and may recommend changes or refer concerns to other authorities. Such investigations can also shape public understanding of how DHS is run and accountable.