Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) confirmed that the appointments of Chad Wolf and Kenneth Cuccinelli to serve in the top two leadership positions at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) were invalid, in violation of the Homeland Security Act and the Federal Vacancies Act.  In response, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) issued the following statement: 

"Today’s GAO decision serves as an indictment of DHS leadership, calling into question the legality of dozens of policy decision issued and implemented by Mr. Wolf and Mr. Cuccinelli, and serving as a capstone to the lawless way DHS has conducted itself under President Trump.  From putting kids in cages, to attacking protesters in Portland and maligning the Supreme Court decision on DACA, this Administration has repeatedly demonstrated its utter and complete disregard for the rule of law. 

"Last year, we questioned the legality of Mr. Cuccinelli’s appointment as Acting Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and just a few months ago, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that this appointment was illegal.  Chad Wolf and Kenneth Cuccinelli must step down immediately.  The Administration must stop ignoring the Constitution and our laws, and appoint Senate confirmed nominees to lead DHS and USCIS."