Statement on U.S. Senate’s Refusal to Form a January 6th Commission
Today the founders of Citizens for a Strong Democracy responded to the U.S. Senate’s decision not to create a commission to investigate the events of January 6th:
Secretaries help launch new Center for Security in Politics
The four former Secretaries of Homeland Security who founded and lead Citizens for a Strong Democracy gathered earlier this month for a discussion on some of today’s most urgent national security challenges. The talk coincided with the launch of a new policy hub for the study of national security issues – the Center for Security in Politics at the University of California, Berkeley – which was co-founded by Secretary Napolitano.
4 former homeland security secretaries: We cannot afford one more day without a confirmed DHS leader
We urge the Senate to promptly consider and confirm Alejandro Mayorkas, President-elect Joe Biden’s nominee for homeland security secretary. In the wake of last week’s domestic terror attack on the Capitol — the symbol of our nation’s democracy — it is more urgent than ever to have in place an experienced, capable and Senate-confirmed leader. That person is Mayorkas.
Secretaries Examine January 6th Through the Lens of History
In the aftermath of the storming of the U.S. Capitol, CSD’s founders spoke with news outlets across the world to help viewers process an unprecedented assault on American democracy. The former Homeland Security Secretaries offered perspectives rooted in our nation’s political and racial history. Here are a few moments from their media appearances since January 6th.
Citizens for a strong democracy statement on mayorkas confirmation
Washington, D.C. – Thursday, January 21, 2021 – Today, Citizens for a Strong Democracy (CSD) -- founded and led by four former bipartisan Secretaries of Homeland Security -- released the following statement in support of Mayorkas's confirmation to lead the Department of Homeland Security:
Statement on Violence at U.S. Capitol
Today the four former bipartisan Secretaries of Homeland Security who founded and lead Citizens for a Strong Democracy released the following statement in response to the violence yesterday at the U.S. Capitol:
Poll: Some 10% of Trump supporters say Biden won
Some of President Trump’s own supporters are not convinced he won the 2020 election, with one in 10 of them saying they think Joe Biden will be the next president, according to a new poll from a bipartisan group focused on strengthening democratic institutions.
Ex-Homeland Security Chiefs Say Trump’s Delay In Transferring Power Threatens National Security
As President Trump continues to contest the results of the election and his administration holds up starting the transition process with President-elect Joe Biden, a bipartisan group of former Department of Homeland Security chiefs is warning that delaying the peaceful transfer of power puts the country at risk.
Statement from Citizens for a Strong Democracy founders: former, bipartisan secretaries of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, Michael Chertoff, Janet Napolitano, and Jeh C. Johnson.
Our country is in the middle of twin crises: a global pandemic and a severe economic downturn. The pandemic will make any transition more complicated. At this period of heightened risk for our nation, we do not have a single day to spare to begin the transition. For the good of the nation, we must start now.
Presidential Transitions in History
The peaceful transfer of power from one Presidential administration to the next is a hallmark of American democracy. It has been followed without interruption since our nation’s first President, George Washington, transferred power to his successor, President John Adams, in 1797.
The Tortoise & The Hare: Election Results in 2020
In partnership with the UVA Miller Center, Ballotpedia and fivethirtyeight.com, we're sharing a map to help voters manage expectations for Election Night. The map goes beyond the usual blue and red. It looks at how quickly votes will be counted.
INFORMATION AND RESOURCES ON POTENTIAL ELECTION CRISES
Given the various concerns related to the election, Citizens for a Strong Democracy is committed to providing information and resources that reassure leaders and the public on the strength and integrity of our elections.
Contested Elections
In the event of a contested election, Citizens for a Strong Democracy is committed to ensuring a continuity of government, and if required by the outcome of the election, a peaceful transition of power. The Miller Center at the University of Virginia reminds us of the contested presidential elections in our country’s history and how America moved forward as a country.
Fmr. Homeland Security secretaries urge calm before Election Day
Election Day fears of violence and unrest are allayed by former Homeland Security secretaries Janet Napolitano and Michael Chertoff, who urge calm, patience, and faith in America’s institutions and the tradition of a peaceful transition of power.
TODAY Show: CSD Leaders Reassure Americans About Election Integrity
Citizens for a Strong Democracy’s leadership appeared on NBC’s TODAY Show to reinforce the integrity of the American electoral process.
Our election systems are safe and our democracy is strong: Ex-Homeland Security secretaries
Our foreign adversaries, and even some in positions of power here, want Americans to doubt our institutions. We have faith in them. You should, too.
Michael Chertoff, Jeh Johnson, Janet Napolitano and Tom Ridge Opinion contributors