Biden fractures foot after fall, will likely be in walking boot 'for several weeks'

The first Latino and immigrant nominated to lead the Department of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas spoke about immigrating to the United States during remarks Tuesday. 

"For 12 years, I had the privilege to stand in a federal courtroom and announce 'Alejandro Mayorkas on behalf of the United States of America,'" he said. "The words, 'on behalf of the United States of America,' meant everything to me and to my parents, whom I think of today and every day." 

"My father and mother brought me to this country to escape Communism. They cherished our democracy and were intensely proud to become United States citizens, as was I," he added. "I have carried that pride throughout my nearly 20 years of government service and throughout my life." 

Mayorkas pledged to work "day and night in the service of our nation" as leader of the DHS.

Secretary of state nominee Anthony Blinken said during remarks Tuesday that having Biden "as a mentor and friend has been the greatest privilege of my professional life." 

Blinken touted his ability to work with other nations to "meet the challenges of our time." 

"Now, we have to proceed with equal measures of humility and confidence," he said. "Humility because, as the president-elect said, we can't solve all the world's problems alone. We need to be working with other countries." 

"We need their cooperation. We need their partnership," Blinken added. "But also confidence, because America at its best still has a greater ability than any other country on Earth to bring others together to meet the challenges of our time."

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, during her remarks at Tuesday's press conference said of foreign policy and national security Cabinet appointees and nominees, "I have always believed in the nobility of public service, and these Americans embody it."

"President-Elect Biden and I have long known that when they were elected, we would inherit a series of unprecedented challenges upon walking into the White House. Addressing these challenges starts with getting this pandemic under control, opening our economy responsibly and making sure it works for working people," she continued.

Biden introduced his nominees for key foreign policy and national security positions in his administration at a press conference Tuesday.

“While this team has unmatched experience and accomplishments, they also reflect the idea that we cannot meet these challenges with old thinking and unchanged habits,” Biden said. “For example, we're going to have the first woman lead the Intelligence community, the first Latino and immigrant to lead the Department of Homeland Security, and a ground-breaking diplomat at the United Nations.” 

For secretary of state, Biden nominated Anthony Blinken, one of his “closest and most trusted advisers.” 

For secretary of homeland security, Biden nominated Alejandro Mayorkas, a former deputy secretary in the department.

For director of national intelligence, Biden nominated Avril Haines, the former deputy director of the CIA and former deputy national security adviser to President Barack Obama. 

For U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Biden nominated Linda Thomas-Greenfield, a diplomat with 35 years in foreign service. 

For his national security adviser, Biden picked Jake Sullivan. 

For the first time ever, Biden also announced he will have a presidential envoy on climate, and nominated former Secretary of State John Kerry to the position.