President Barack Obama officially nominated Jeh Johnson, Pentagon lawyer and former federal prosecutor, as secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, USA TODAY reported.
Johnson "understands that this country is worth protecting," the president said on Friday, "not because of what we build or what we own, but because of who we are."
He previously served as general counsel for the Defense Department and provided advice on the use of unnamed drones, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and repeal of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.
Johnson, whose first name is pronounced "Jay," also assisted on the 2011 raid in Pakistan that killed Osama bin Laden.
In July, former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced she would be stepping down from her position and pursue an offer with the University of California.
Some Republicans have criticized Obama's nomination of Johnson, who previously raised funds for the president during his campaign.
Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas said Obama "has tapped one of his former New York fundraisers. We need someone who knows how to secure the border, not dial for dollars," as he discussed a lack of border security between U.S. and Mexico.
"The president is selecting Johnson because he is one of the most highly qualified and respected national security leaders, having served as the senior lawyer for the largest government agency in the world," a senior official from the Obama administration said.
"By advising the president and two secretaries of defense, he was at the center of the development of some of the most sensitive and important national security policies and strategies during the first term."
Johnson is a 1979 graduate of Morehouse College and received his law degree from Columbia in 1982. He is currently a partner at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, LLP.
