With 62 votes in favor and 37 againstThe U.S. Senate today confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen as the new Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In her new position, she will be in charge of several government agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Nielsen, 45, is a lawyer and cybersecurity expert who previously worked for DHS as chief of staff for Gen. John Kelly, who led the agency from January until July of this year.
Kelly, who left DHS to become White House chief of staff, recommended Nielsen to replace him in the post, which has been held on an interim basis by Elaine Duke.
Nielsen also worked at the Transportation and Security Administration (TSA), a sub-agency of DHS, during the presidency of George W. Bush (2001-2009).
English 
Español