Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Homeland Security and Government Reform Committee, said he is worried that [DHS General Counsel John] Mitnick could be dismissed. Johnson is preparing a letter to the administration advising “against even considering getting rid of the counsel.”



Johnson emphasized that Mitnick was a consensus pick, having been confirmed unanimously to the job.

“You need management in the department and particularly a counsel that will shoot straight,” Johnson said. “I just think the current counsel is a good person and we want to make sure he stays on the job.”

He said [acting Homeland Security secretary Kevin] McAleenan is facing a job that is an “almost impossible task for anybody.”

“And it’s not getting any easier whatsoever,” Johnson said. “But right now, I’ve got a great deal of confidence in the commissioner.”