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The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release

Statement by the President on Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano's Announcement

I want to thank Secretary Napolitano for her outstanding work on behalf of the American people over the last four years.  At the Department of Homeland Security, Janet’s portfolio has included some of the toughest challenges facing our country.  She’s worked around the clock to respond to natural disasters, from the Joplin tornado to Hurricane Sandy, helping Americans recover and rebuild. Since day one, Janet has led my administration’s effort to secure our borders, deploying a historic number of resources, while also taking steps to make our immigration system fairer and more consistent with our values.  And the American people are safer and more secure thanks to Janet’s leadership in protecting our homeland against terrorist attacks. I’ve come to rely on Janet’s judgment and advice, but I’ve also come to value her friendship.  And as she begins a new chapter in a remarkable career of public service, I wish her the best of luck.