Crapo Statement at CBP Commissioner Nomination Hearing
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at a hearing to consider the nomination of Rodney Scott to be U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner.
As prepared for delivery:
“Today, we will hear from Rodney Scott, who is nominated to serve as Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection—or CBP.
“Mr. Scott, congratulations on your nomination, and thank you for your willingness to serve.
“Mr. Scott’s twenty-nine years of service at the U.S. Border Patrol provides him with the hands-on experience to oversee one the world’s largest—and most important—law enforcement agencies.
“The men and women of CBP are on the frontlines of keeping America safe while ensuring lawful commerce and travel still move efficiently.
“The CBP has a broad, challenging mission of countering terrorism; combatting transnational crime; securing the border, facilitating lawful trade and protecting revenue; and facilitating lawful travel.
“Consequently, CBP needs strong and committed leadership to ensure it can fulfill its dual responsibilities of allowing law-abiding travelers and businesses to get on their way while combatting grave threats to our security, such as the cartels smuggling fentanyl and other contraband into the United States.
“Mr. Scott’s extensive background experience makes him more than fit to lead such a sprawling agency.
“Mr. Scott has served on the front lines as Chief Patrol Agent with the Border Patrol, but has also gained valuable experience at CBP headquarters.
“In 2005, he served as an Assistant Chief within the Office of the CBP Commissioner’s Office of Anti-terrorism.
“In 2019, he served as the Acting Deputy Chief of the U.S Border Patrol, and went on to become Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol the following year.
“President Trump rightfully prioritizes border security and recognizes the need for effective leadership at CBP. Mr. Scott is highly qualified for the job at hand, and the President made an excellent choice in nominating him for this position.
“Mr. Scott understands what makes CBP effective, including the strong partnerships it will need with various federal agencies and Congress. If confirmed, I have no doubt he will be able to hit the ground running.
“Thank you again for your willingness to return to government, and I look forward to working with you, if confirmed.
“Before I turn it over to the Ranking Member, I am going to enter a document into the record. Last Wednesday, Homeland Security was requested to provide further information regarding the 2010 death of Mr. Hernandez Rojas, who died at the San Ysidro Port of Entry and the actions of Mr. Scott—who served at Sector Headquarters in San Diego.
“Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem responded to the request and cited official investigations and statutes to note that Mr. Scott’s ministerial work following the death—including authorizing a subpoena to request medical records that were provided to the San Diego police department—was in accordance with his duties, the law and professional standards.”
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