“The appointment of Julia Pierson as the first-ever female director of the United States Secret Service serves as a welcome reminder that women are skilled law enforcement and security leaders, deserving of our trust at the highest levels. Pierson is a historic choice for the post and her appointment is a reminder that the days when women were rarely seen or welcomed at such agencies are behind us at last.

Secretary Janet Napolitano has run the Department of Homeland Security for four years, cities across the country put their faith in female chiefs of police, and women have been serving and sacrificing in our military for many years. We are nowhere near parity in law enforcement and security, but this appointment reminds us all that doors are now open to women.

We look forward to seeing more women in both the ranks and the leadership at law enforcement and security agencies of all kinds. A barrier has been broken, thanks to President Obama. This is good for the country.”