Senate to Hold Rare Weekend Session for Noem’s DHS Confirmation

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate will hold a rare weekend session to vote on the confirmation of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as President Donald Trump‘s nominee for Secretary of Homeland Security. The move comes after Democrats blocked earlier attempts to fast-track the confirmation process, prompting Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., to push for extended sessions.

“Do we want a vote on these folks on Tuesday or vote on them on Friday, Saturday and Sunday? Because that’s what we’re going to do,” Thune said earlier this week. “This can be easy or this can be hard.”

Noem, who has been a vocal supporter of Trump’s immigration policies, faced scrutiny during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The Department of Homeland Security oversees critical national security and immigration issues, making her confirmation a priority for the Trump administration as it seeks to address the crisis at the southern border.

During her hearing, Noem emphasized the need for secure borders and addressed concerns about her qualifications to lead the massive federal agency. “We will ensure that our borders are secure,” she said, “and we’re addressing all threats that may come in from any direction.”

However, Noem’s confirmation has sparked debate over the economic impact of her potential policies. South Dakota, with a 1.9% unemployment rate, relies heavily on migrant labor for industries such as agriculture and construction. Critics argue that her hardline stance on immigration could harm the state’s economy.

“If strict enforcement comes into play, we’re going to drown in our own red meat,” said Ray Epp, a hog farmer and former Yankton County commissioner. “There’d be a crash.”

Noem’s nomination is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to fill key Cabinet positions quickly. Several nominees remain unconfirmed after the president’s first week in office, but Thune has vowed to expedite the process. “I will continue to ensure that the Senate works as quickly as possible to get President Trump’s team in place,” he said.