Gov. Kristi Noem unscathed in Senate confirmation hearing to be Homeland Security secretary

Republican and Democratic senators say national security a bipartisan issue that should focus on protecting Americans

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem breezed through her Senate confirmation hearing Friday, vowing to follow the laws created by Congress and to uphold the U.S. Constitution.

She also vowed to help President-elect Donal Trump make a 180-degree turn on the last four years of border policy.

Noem’s hearing was largely an exercise in bipartisanship, with both Democratic and Republican committee members expressing the need for both political parties to work together to keep the United States safe. That tone was set by the ranking Democratic member on the committee, Michigan Sen. Gary Peters.

“Let’s move away from this toxic political environment that we have in the country and celebrate what’s great about our county in the spirit of brining the American people together,” he said.

Noem's feud with South Dakota tribes continues to soften as Trump White House nears