Wednesday, March 18, 2026

GOP North Carolina senator lifts holds on DHS nominees after FEMA funds approved for his state

Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) has announced that he will be lifting his remaining holds on President Trump’s nominees to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This decision comes after the department approved disaster recovery funds for his state, North Carolina. Budd had previously placed holds on two nominees, Sean Plankey and Pedro Allende, who were nominated for important positions within the department.

In a statement released on Friday, Senator Budd expressed his satisfaction with the department’s decision to approve the disaster recovery funds for North Carolina. He stated, “I am pleased to announce that I will be lifting my holds on President Trump’s nominees to the Department of Homeland Security. This decision comes after the department approved much-needed disaster recovery funds for my state, which has been severely affected by recent natural disasters.”

The disaster recovery funds, which were approved by the DHS, will provide much-needed relief to the people of North Carolina who have been struggling to recover from the devastating effects of hurricanes and other natural disasters. The state has been hit hard in recent years, with Hurricane Florence causing widespread damage and destruction in 2018, followed by Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

Senator Budd’s decision to lift his holds on the nominees is a positive step towards ensuring that the DHS has the necessary leadership in place to effectively handle such disasters in the future. The two nominees, Sean Plankey and Pedro Allende, are highly qualified individuals who will bring valuable expertise and experience to their respective roles within the department.

Sean Plankey, who was nominated to be the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, has a strong background in cybersecurity and has previously served in various roles within the DHS. His expertise will be crucial in protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure from cyber threats.

Pedro Allende, who was nominated to be the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Partnership and Engagement, has a wealth of experience in emergency management and disaster response. His leadership will be vital in coordinating with state and local authorities to ensure a swift and effective response to future disasters.

Senator Budd’s decision to lift his holds on these nominees is a testament to his commitment to serving the people of North Carolina. He has always been a strong advocate for his state and has worked tirelessly to ensure that their needs are met. By lifting his holds, he has shown that he is willing to put aside political differences and work towards the greater good of his constituents.

In conclusion, Senator Ted Budd’s decision to lift his holds on President Trump’s nominees to the Department of Homeland Security is a positive development for both North Carolina and the nation as a whole. The approval of disaster recovery funds for the state is a much-needed relief for its citizens, and the confirmation of these highly qualified nominees will ensure that the DHS is well-equipped to handle any future disasters. Senator Budd’s actions serve as an example of bipartisan cooperation and a commitment to serving the best interests of the American people.

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