Senate panel confirms nominee for DHS deputy post
Michael Jackson's nomination now moves to the Senate floor.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Wednesday approved by voice vote the nomination of Michael Jackson to be second in command at the Homeland Security Department.
President Bush nominated Jackson, a former Transportation Department deputy secretary, in January when he announced that Michael Chertoff would replace former Homeland Security Secretary Ridge.
The Senate could approve Jackson's nomination as early as this week or next.
Jackson helped build DOT's Transportation Security Administration. Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairwoman Susan Collins, R-Maine, has encouraged swift passage of Jackson's nomination because the department has had several top officials leave their jobs this year.
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