The bipartisan leaders of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Wednesday urged President Trump Donald John TrumpFederal prosecutor speaks out, says Barr 'has brought shame' on Justice Dept. Former Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick MORE to fill multiple top leadership vacancies at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), citing concerns around the ability of the agency to function.

Committee Chairman Ron Johnson Ronald (Ron) Harold JohnsonThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Trump previews SCOTUS nominee as 'totally brilliant' The Hill's 12:30 Report: Ginsburg lies in repose CHC leaders urge Senate to oppose Chad Wolf nomination MORE (R-Wis.) and Ranking Member Gary Peters Gary Charles PetersHillicon Valley: Subpoenas for Facebook, Google and Twitter on the cards | Wray rebuffs mail-in voting conspiracies | Reps. raise mass surveillance concerns Postmaster general says postal service can't return mail-sorting machines The Hill's Campaign Report: Trump faces backlash after not committing to peaceful transition of power MORE (D-Mich.) sent a letter to Trump highlighting the need for Senate-confirmed leaders for the agency, in particular citing the need for a permanent secretary, which DHS has lacked since the departure of former Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen Kirstjen Michele NielsenMore than million in DHS contracts awarded to firm of acting secretary's wife: report DHS IG won't investigate after watchdog said Wolf, Cuccinelli appointments violated law Appeals court sides with Trump over drawdown of immigrant protections MORE in April.

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“The Department of Homeland Security needs qualified, principled leaders to successfully carry out its many vital national security functions – which include securing our nation’s borders, preparing for and responding to disasters, protecting critical infrastructure, defending against cyber threats, and addressing the evolving threat of domestic terrorism,” the senators wrote.

Currently, seven of the 18 DHS offices that require a Senate-confirmed leader are vacant with no nominee put forward, with many positions being filled by individuals in an “acting” capacity. These include DHS secretary, DHS deputy secretary, the administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Johnson and Peters warned that “this widespread use of temporary leadership—individuals who, though perhaps qualified, do not serve with the imprimatur of having been confirmed by the Senate—makes it more difficult for the Department to achieve its long-term strategic objectives.”

Concern over department leadership has been an ongoing issue, as many leaders of DHS agencies have stepped down over the course of the Trump administration.

Trump announced last week that DHS undersecretary Chad WolfChad WolfSchiff to subpoena top DHS official, alleges whistleblower deposition is being stonewalled The Hill's 12:30 Report: Ginsburg lies in repose Amnesty International USA calls for halt on Chad Wolf nomination MORE will take over as acting secretary this week when current Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan steps down.

Wolf is set to be the fifth person to serve as DHS secretary, in an acting or permanent capacity, since Trump took office.

House Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson Bennie Gordon ThompsonUnderwood takes over as chair of House cybersecurity panel House panel pans ICE detention medical care, oversight Senate to hold nomination hearing for Wolf next week MORE (D-Miss.) last week voiced concerns about Wolf's qualifications for the post, arguing it "points to the dysfunction that has plagued DHS since the first days of the Trump Administration."

During a Senate Homeland Security Committee business meeting earlier on Wednesday, there was also some discussion of a potential second letter being sent to Trump signed by every committee member in order to further pressure Trump to nominate individuals for DHS positions.