Hearings to examine the nominations of Troy Meink, of Virginia, to be Secretary of the Air Force, Michael Duffey, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment, Emil Michael, of Florida, to be Under Secretary for Research and Engineering, and Keith Bass, of Texas, to be an Assistant Secretary, all of the Department of Defense.
Meeting•Senate Armed Services•Mar 27, 2025 · 9:30 AM
Summary
Senate Armed Services held a meeting on Mar 27, 2025 at 9:30 AM in Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room G50.
Record
The meeting has its transcript on the record.
Transcript
The transcript runs to 17,200 lines and 1,006,469 characters, as the Government Publishing Office printed it.
1[Senate Hearing 119-321]2[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]34 S. Hrg. 119-32156 TO CONSIDER THE NOMINATIONS OF: DR. TROY7 E. MEINK TO BE SECRETARY OF THE AIR8 FORCE; MR. MICHAEL P. DUFFEY TO BE UNDER9 SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR ACQUISITION10 AND SUSTAINMENT; MR. EMIL G. MICHAEL11 TO BE UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR12 RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING; AND MR. KEITH13 M. BASS TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF14 DEFENSE FOR HEALTH AFFAIRS15=======================================================================1617 HEARING1819 BEFORE THE2021 COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES22 UNITED STATES SENATE2324 ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS2526 FIRST SESSION2728 __________2930 MARCH 27, 20253132 __________3334 Printed for the use of the Committee on Armed Services3536[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]3738 Available via: http://www.govinfo.gov39 __________4041 U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE4263-037 PDF WASHINGTON : 202643-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------4445 COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES4647 ROGER F. WICKER, Mississippi, Chairman4849DEB FISCHER, Nebraska JACK REED, Rhode Island50TOM COTTON, Arkansas JEANNE SHAHEEN, New Hampshire51MIKE ROUNDS, South Dakota KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, New York52JONI ERNST, Iowa RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, Connecticut53DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska MAZIE K. HIRONO, Hawaii54KEVIN CRAMER, North Dakota TIM KAINE, Virginia55RICK SCOTT, Florida ANGUS S. KING, Jr., Maine56TOMMY TUBERVILLE, Alabama ELIZABETH WARREN, Massachusetts57MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma GARY C. PETERS, Michigan58TED BUDD, North Carolina TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois59ERIC SCHMITT, Missouri JACKY ROSEN, Nevada60JIM BANKS, INDIANA MARK KELLY, Arizona61TIM SHEEHY, MONTANA ELISSA SLOTKIN, MICHIGAN6263 John P. Keast, Staff Director64 Elizabeth L. King, Minority Staff Director6566 (ii)6768 C O N T E N T S69_________________________________________________________________7071 march 27, 20257273 Page74To Consider The Nominations of: Dr. Troy E. Meink to be Secretary 175 of the Air Force, Mr. Michael P. Duffey to be Under Secretary76 of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Mr. Emil G. Michael77 to be Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering,78 and Mr. Keith M. Bass to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for79 Health Affairs.8081 Members Statements8283Fischer, Senator Deb............................................. 18485Wicker, Senator Roger F.......................................... 28687Reed, Senator Jack............................................... 38889Rounds, Senator Mike............................................. 59091 Witness Statements9293Fitzgerald, Hon. Scott, U.S. Representative from Wisconsin's 5th 594 Congressional District.9596Dr. Troy E. Meink to be Secretary of the Air Force............... 69798 Advance Policy Questions....................................... 4699100 Questions for the Record....................................... 81101102 Nomination Reference and Report................................ 107103104 Biographical Sketch............................................ 108105106 Committee on Armed Services Questionnaire...................... 110107108 Signature Page................................................. 135109110Duffey, Mr. Michael P., to be Under Secretary of Defense for 9111 Acquisition and Sustainment.112113 Advance Policy Questions....................................... 135114115 Questions for the Record....................................... 165116117 Nomination Reference and Report................................ 192118119 Biographical Sketch............................................ 193120121 Committee on Armed Services Questionnaire...................... 195122123 Signature Page................................................. 201124125Michael, Mr. Emil G., to be Under Secretary of Defense for 11126 Research and Engineering.127128 Advance Policy Questions....................................... 201129130 Questions for the Record....................................... 225131132 Nomination Reference and Report................................ 248133134 Biographical Sketch............................................ 249135136 Committee on Armed Services Questionnaire...................... 251137138 Signature Page................................................. 256139140Bass, Mr. Keith M., to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for 14141 Health Affairs.142143 Advance Policy Questions....................................... 256144145 Questions for the Record....................................... 268146147 Nomination Reference and Report................................ 282148149 Biographical Sketch............................................ 283150151 Committee on Armed Services Questionnaire...................... 285152153 Signature Page................................................. 290154155 (iii)156157 TO CONSIDER THE NOMINATIONS OF: DR. TROY E. MEINK TO BE SECRETARY OF158 THE AIR FORCE, MR. MICHAEL P. DUFFEY TO BE UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE159 FOR ACQUISITION AND SUSTAINMENT, MR. EMIL G. MICHAEL TO BE UNDER160 SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING, AND MR. KEITH M.161 BASS TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR HEALTH AFFAIRS162163 ----------164165 THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025166167 United States Senate,168 Committee on Armed Services,169 Washington, DC.170 The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 9:31 a.m. in room171SD-G50, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Senator Roger Wicker172(Chairman of the Committee) presiding.173 Committee Members Present: Senators Wicker, Fischer,174Cotton, Rounds, Ferns, Sullivan, Cramer, Scott, Tuberville,175Mullin, Budd, Schmitt, Banks, Sheehy, Reed, Shaheen,176Gillibrand, Blumenthal, Hirono, Kaine, King, Warren, Peters,177Duckworth, Rosen, Kelly, and Slotkin.178179 OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR DEB FISCHER180181 Senator Fischer. [Presiding.] I'll be chairing the hearing182until Chairman Wicker joins us. He's unavoidably detained right183now, and we're going to move ahead with the hearing.184 The Senate Armed Services Committee meets today to consider185the nominations of Dr. Troy Meink to be Secretary of the Air186Force, Mr. Michael Duffey to be Under Secretary of Defense for187Acquisition and Sustainment, Mr. Emil Michael to be Under188Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, and Mr.189Keith Bass to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health190Affairs. I want to begin by welcoming our witnesses and191thanking them for their willingness to serve our country at192this important time.193 I'd also like to welcome your families and loved ones who194are joining you today. Dr. Meink is joined today by his wife,195Jean, son, Troy, daughter, Jenna, and stepbrother, Troy.196Welcome to each of you. Mr. Duffey is joined by his wife,197Morgan, daughter Reynolds, and son, Deans. Thank you for198joining us on this special day.199 Mr. Michael is joined by his wife, Julie, daughter200Collette, son, Cairo, and his mother and father, and quite a201few other family and friends. Welcome to you-all. Mr. Bass is202joined by his two daughters, Kate and Erin, and his brother,203Kevin. We are glad that each of you can be here with us today.204 Our distinguished Chairman, as I said, was unable to be205here at the start at the meeting, but at this time I ask206unanimous consent to place a copy of his opening statement into207the record. Without objection.208 [The prepared statement of Chairman Roger F. Wicker209follows:]210211 Prepared Statement by Statement of Chairman Roger F. Wicker212 I welcome all of our witnesses and their families, and I thank them213for being here this morning. Their presence is timely. We are at a214crossroads in American history. We face the most dangerous environment215since World War II, and I am grateful that these individuals have216stepped up to serve.217 Dr. Troy Meink has been nominated to be the Secretary of the Air218Force. More than ever before, our success as a joint force rests upon219our airmen and guardians. We cannot deter or defeat the Chinese220Communist Party without space superiority and air dominance. I was very221glad to hear that the Administration is moving forward with the Next-222Generation Air Dominance program. With that announcement, President223Trump and Secretary Hegseth have taken the first step to maintain our224mastery of the skies.225 Today, our Air Force is suffering through a death spiral. We have226billions of dollars of unpaid aircraft maintenance bills, a shrinking227combat fleet, and a munitions shortage we need to fix.228 We created the Space Force just 5 years ago, and it has grown229rapidly. But we have numerous opportunities to accelerate our space230control efforts and support the joint force from orbit. Dr. Meink's231experience at the National Reconnaissance Office renders him uniquely232qualified to ensure the Space Force continues its growth.233 Managing weapons programs is only one aspect of the job for which234Dr. Meink has been nominated. He will need to take care of our airmen235and guardians. All the aircraft and satellites in the world are236pointless unless we have the right support system for the people who237develop, maintain, and operate those weapons systems.238 I look forward to hearing Dr. Meink's plan to maintain space239superiority and air dominance in the years to come.240 Mr. Michael Duffey has been nominated to become the Under Secretary241of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. If confirmed, he will face242three major challenges.243 First, he will encounter our current acquisition system, which is244slow, outdated, and ill-suited to meet the urgent demands of modern245warfare. In my Restoring Freedom's Forge plan, I outlined a game-246changing approach to overhaul this system. We must streamline247processes, embrace innovation, and deliver capabilities at the speed of248relevance. It will take bold leadership to shift the culture of the249acquisition workforce. We must encourage that workforce to leverage its250authorities effectively and break free from its risk-averse habits.251 Second, the Department of Defense (DOD) does not possess the252capacity and capability to perform serious industrial base analysis at253scale. If confirmed, Mr. Duffey will need to expand and re-focus254existing organizations. They must improve our ability to answer255fundamental questions about industrial policy, re-industrialization,256and defense mobilization.257 Third, Mr. Duffey would chair the Nuclear Weapons Council. His258leadership will be critical as we modernize and adapt our long-259neglected nuclear forces so they can meet the threat of the rapidly260growing Chinese, Russian, and North Korean arsenals.261 I look forward to hearing Mr. Duffey's views on these three262challenges.263 Mr. Emil Michael has been nominated to serve as the Under Secretary264of Defense for Research and Engineering. In other words, he would be265the Chief Technology Officer for the Department of Defense. If266confirmed, Mr. Michael must ensure that the bright minds within our267innovation ecosystem regain technological superiority against our268adversaries, starting with China. Mr. Michael has worked with Secretary269Gates on Iraq and Afghanistan and has been a part of a very small270company called Uber. I believe his diverse experience gives him a271unique appreciation for the challenges he will encounter if confirmed272to this role.273 We must all ensure that the Department has an aggressive vision for274innovation. That vision must resonate throughout the services and275result in production at scale. I look forward to hearing from Mr.276Michael about his vision for research and development and innovation.277 Mr. Keith Bass has been tapped to become the Assistant Secretary of278Defense for Health Affairs. This role oversees all Department of279Defense health policies and programs. If confirmed, Mr. Bass would280assume the role at a crucial time. The military health system faces281persistent challenges in its structure, staffing, and the delivery of282healthcare services. Mr. Bass has extensive leadership experience as283White House Medical Director, as the Director of Medical Services at284the CIA [Central Intelligence Agency], and as the Medical Center285Director at the West Texas Health Care System for the Department of286Veterans Affairs. He is well-equipped to address these challenges287within the military health system.288 This system must provide routine, peacetime healthcare and289simultaneously maintain a state of preparedness for large-scale combat.290The Pentagon faces considerable challenges in recruiting and retaining291both civilian and military medical personnel. This staffing problem292directly affects the quality of care provided to servicemembers and293their families.294 I am eager to learn how Mr. Bass intends to tackle these issues and295how he plans to equip the military health system so it can deliver top-296notch care in peace-time and in potential future conflict.297 With that, I turn to my colleague, Ranking Member Reed.298299 Senator Fischer. With that, I turn to my colleague, Ranking300Member Reed, for his opening statement.301302 STATEMENT OF SENATOR JACK REED303304 Senator Reed. Thank you very much, Madam Chairman.305 Gentlemen, congratulations on your nominations, and welcome306to today's hearings. I would like to recognize your family307members and guests, and I know they've been a source of great308support to you throughout your entire lives. I also like to309recognize Senator Rounds and Congressman Fitzgerald, who310shortly will be introducing Dr. Meink and Mr. Duffey.311 Dr. Meink, you have been nominated to be Secretary of the312Air Force. You have served in the Air Force, both in uniform313and as a civilian, including senior roles at the National314Reconnaissance Office and as Under Secretary of the Air Force315for Space. If confirmed, you would lead the Department of the316Air Force during an important time.317 After 2 decades of high operating tempo and continuous318overseas deployments, the readiness of the Air Force has been319strained. The Air Force is in the midst of modernizing several320critical capabilities, including the bomber force, the ground-321based intercontinental ballistic missile force, the Advanced322Battle Management System Program, and several other cutting-323edge efforts.324 But modernization can only be successful if the Air Force325appropriately balance its legacy platforms against new326priorities, including uncrewed systems. Dr. Meink, I would ask327that you share with the Committee how you would plan to address328these various challenges.329 Mr. Duffey, you have been nominated to be Under Secretary330of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment or USD(A&S). Your331background includes time with the Office of the Under Secretary332of Defense for Research and Engineering, as well as the Office333of Management and Budget (OMB). The USD(A&S) has a wide range334of duties, including delivering timely, cost-effective335capabilities for the Armed Forces, supervising all elements of336the Defense Acquisition Enterprise and the Defense Industrial337Base, overseeing the modernization of our nuclear forces, and338serving as the principal advisor of the Secretary on339Acquisition, Sustainment and Core Logistics.340 If confirmed, streamlining and expediting the acquisition341process must be one of your highest priorities. We need to342field equipment to our warfighter as quickly while also343ensuring acquisitions remain on budget and schedule. We must344also grow the Defense Industrial Base to increase our capacity345to produce defense equipment and enforce to more competition to346drive efficiency and reduce costs.347 Although some progress is made in recent years, the Defense348Department's acquisition process still remains on the349Government Accountability Office's (GAO) high-risk list. Mr.350Duffey, I would like to know how you would plan to address351these challenges.352 Mr. Michael, you've been nominated to be Under Secretary of353Defense for Research and Engineering. Your background includes354roles at technology companies such as Uber, and 10 years under355the Defense Department and Defense Business Board. If356confirmed, you'll be responsible managing the Department's357investments in key modernization priorities such as artificial358intelligence (AI), quantum computing, hypersonics,359biotechnology, and microelectronics.360 In order to maintain our technological lead over China and361Russia in these technological areas, you'll need to advocate362for investments in modernization program while the Department363works through many near-term development and readiness issues.364More broadly, you'll be charged with overcoming the Pentagon's365so-called ``Valley of Death'', ensuring that the Department is366able to turn research innovations into real operational367capabilities.368 This will require strengthening connections between369research and engineering activities and the service acquisition370programs and defense prime contractors. It'll also include371investing in and protecting the people and infrastructure at372organizations like DARPA [Defense Advanced Research Projects373Agency]. the Defense Labs and test ranges. Mr. Michael, I would374like to know your views on your role regarding these challenges375at this important moment.376 Finally, Mr. Bass, you've been nominated to be the377Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, or ASD(HA).378You have extensive experience in the military healthcare379system, having served in the Navy for 20 years before380continuing to support the VA healthcare system as a civilian.381The ASD(HA) is the principal advisor of the Secretary of382Defense and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and383Readiness for all of the Department's force, health, protection384policies, programs, and activities.385 The ASD(HA) is also responsible for execution of the386Department's medical mission, including the readiness of387medical services during military operations, and for ensuring388the health of the members of the military services and their389families.390 If confirmed, you'll need to address a number of pressing391challenges for the Department, including the modernization of392the military health system, and improving medical supports at393the combatant commanders. Mr. Bass, I hope you'll address these394challenges in your testimony.395 These are momentous challenges that I've outlined that will396require all of your experience and skills, but I certainly want397to thank you for your willingness to serve, and I look forward398to your testimony.399 Thank you, Madam Chairman.400 Senator Fischer. Thank you, Senator Reed.401 Senator Rounds, I understand that you will be introducing402Dr. Meink this morning, and I recognize you for your comments.403404 STATEMENT OF SENATOR MIKE ROUNDS405406 Senator Rounds. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you,407Ranking Member Reed, and distinguished colleagues of the Senate408Armed Services Committee.409 It is my honor to introduce Dr. Troy Meink, nominee to be410the Secretary of the Air Force. It is a role which Dr. Meink is411imminently qualified for after a lifetime of public service in412the field of national security. He's joined by his wife, Jean,413son, Troy, daughter, Jenna, and stepbrother, Lieutenant Colonel414Troy Merkel.415 Dr. Meink hails from Lemmon, South Dakota, which is as416close to North Dakota as you can get without stepping over the417line. He graduated from my Alma Mater, South Dakota State418University (SDSU). That's the Jack Rabbits, by the way. Dr.419Meink met his wife, Jean, at SDSU. They were college420sweethearts.421 An Air Force ROTC [Reserve Officer Training Corps]422graduate, he served as a tanker navigator and instructor, and423then in a variety of roles working on a host of critical424defense and intelligence programs. He is at heart, a true425engineer. At SDSU, he designed, and built, and then flew his426own airplane, which still hangs on display in the South Dakota427Discovery Center in my hometown, the capital of South Dakota,428Pierre.429 In his minimal spare time, Dr. Meink continues to give back430to his community. He has even led high school robotics teams--431by the way, the same ones that have gone on to defeat the432People's Republic of China (PRC) team in competitions. Now, if433he can defeat the PRC with a bunch of high school students,434imagine what he's going to be able to do with the world's435greatest air and space forces.436 Dr. Meink's experience and professionalism are precisely437what we need in the Pentagon. His senior roles in the Air Force438and National Reconnaissance Office, including as Deputy Under439Secretary of the Air Force for Space, have prepared him for440this assignment.441 I urge you to support this very highly qualified nominee to442be the next Secretary of the Air Force. Thank you, Madam Chair.443 Senator Fischer. Thank you, Senator Rounds.444 Next, we have a colleague from the House here,445Representative Fitzgerald who will be introducing Mr. Duffey.446Welcome, sir.447448 STATEMENT OF HON. SCOTT FITZGERALD, U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FROM449 WISCONSIN'S 5TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT450451 Mr. Fitzgerald. Thank you, Madam Chair, and Ranking Member452Reed, and Members of the Committee. I'm honored to introduce my453good friend, Michael Duffey, and support his nomination to be454Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.455 I've known Mike and his wife, Morgan, for many years going456back to their time in Wisconsin, and Mike is a proud457Wisconsinite, and a graduate of Marquette High School, and the458University of Wisconsin.459 He brings a depth of experience on national security460technology and the Federal budget that will make him a461tremendous asset as Under Secretary for Acquisition and462Sustainment. I'm confident his previous experience serving463under 2 Presidents in the White House, and 7 Secretaries of464Defense, over 14 years in the Pentagon, will allow him to carry465out the President's agenda.466 Mike has been a strong advocate for the U.S. military, and467I know he will bring his tireless work ethic and integrity to468this important position. Thank you very much.469 Senator Fischer. Thank you, Representative Fitzgerald. You470are welcome to depart, or to stay for the hearing, as you see471fit. Thank you very much.472 Dr. Meink, welcome, sir. You are recognized for your473opening statement.474475 STATEMENT DR. TROY E. MEINK TO BE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE476477 Dr. Meink. Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Reed, and478distinguished Members of the Committee, thank you for the479chance to appear before you today as a nominee for the480Secretary of the Department of the Air Force.481 I'm honored and humbled to have this opportunity,482especially at such a pivotal time in our Nation. I'd like to483thank President Trump for having the faith and confidence in me484to submit me for my nomination to this position. I'm joined by485my today by my wife, Jean, who is a retired Air Force nurse,486and one of the best officers I've known. We met at South Dakota487State University in 1985 before class started, and it didn't488actually get off to a great start. I was already studying and489she thought I was a bit of a nerd. What she didn't know was I490was actually studying for my pilot, my private pilot's license.491 My focus at that time was Air Force officer, pilot,492astronaut. It didn't exactly work out that way, but I've been493extremely fortunate to have her by my side since then, and to494serve my country in a variety of roles for 35 years. I'd also495like to acknowledge my son, Troy, and daughter, Jenna, have496both provided the greatest moments of my life.497 We have enjoyed many activities. My favorite, perhaps not498their favorite was coaching them and their teammates in499competitive robotics. I've also had my stepbrother here, Army500Lieutenant Colonel Troy Merkel, who also served multiple tours501in the Middle East. Finally, I'd like to thank my father, my502mother, my sister, and other members of my family who could not503be here today.504 I'd like to briefly talk about the reasons I'm honored and505excited about the opportunity to continue my service as a506Secretary of the Department of the Air Force. At my 35 years of507service, the first were spent as an Air Force navigator,508serving a significant portion of that time overseas.509 My first deployment came as I was pulled off of strategic510nuclear alert and sent to support conventional operations in511the first Gulf War, where I flew over 100 missions. This rapid512shift in mission, the readiness, training, and flexibility513required left a lasting impression on me. I believe the514flexibility is even more critical today.515 Following my Active Duty time, I transitioned to the Air516Force Reserves, spending 4 more years supporting the National517Air Intelligence Center and the Ballistic and Missile Defense518Organization. I also became an Air Force civil servant focusing519on building and operating some of the most advanced weapons520systems for the Department of Defense and the intelligence521community (IC).522 It included multiple positions as a researcher, program523manager, the Director of Communications Programs and Policy at524the Pentagon, Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for525Space, the Assistant Director of National Intelligence for526Systems and Resources Analysis, and currently, as a Principal527Deputy Director of the National Reconnaissance Office.528 A big part of these jobs was understanding the threat that529I was building systems to have to support against this quickly530evolving threat, and these threats have shaped my perspective.531I believe the challenges we faced are threefold.532 First, near peer competitors, such as China, are evolving533faster than we are in some cases, which will eventually result534in the U.S. losing our technological advantage. Second, some535competitors such as Russia, are fielding highly escalatory536asymmetric capabilities. Third, our Homeland is increasingly537put on the defensive from threats such as cyberattack, unmanned538aerial systems, and illegal activities at the border, including539illicit drug trafficking.540 If confirmed, my priority will be to organize training,541equip the Department of the Air Force, the head lethality542needed to deter all potential aggressors, and if necessary,543when in conflict.544 First, the Department is building and operating some of the545most complex systems ever fielded, both air and space. We need546the right number of guardians, but we also need the needed547skills, training, support, and focus to deliver and operate548those systems.549 Second, we need to innovate faster. I spent the last decade550increasing competition and expanding the industry base, which551has significantly accelerated delivery of capability and at a552lower cost. I intend to bring that same drive for innovation to553the Department.554 Finally, we need to streamline the acquisition and budget555process with appropriate fiscal controls. I've helped lead my556current organization to 16 clean financial audits, which I557believe is a record in the National Security Enterprise.558 Throughout my career, I've demonstrated my commitment to559the protection and defense of our Nation. If confirmed, I560intend to bring what I've learned to this position and to the561Department to deliver on the President's goal of achieving562peace through strength.563 Should I be fortunate enough to get this job, I look564forward to working with this committee, this Congress, to565ensure the airmen and guardians are equipped to secure the566Nation. Thank you, and I look forward to your questions.567 [The prepared statement of Dr. Troy Meink follows:]568569 Prepared Statement by Dr. Troy Meink570 Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Reed, and distinguished Members of571this Committee: thank you for the chance to appear before you today as572the nominee to be the Secretary of the Department of the Air Force. I573am honored and humbled to have this opportunity, especially at such a574pivotal time for our Nation. I'd like to thank President Trump for575having the faith and confidence in me to submit my nomination for this576position.577 I am joined today by my wife, Jean, who is a retired Air Force578Nurse, and one of the best officers I have ever known. Jean and I met579at South Dakota State University in 1985, 3 days before class started,580and it did not get off to a great start. I was already studying and she581thought I was a bit of a nerd. What she didn't know, was that I was582studying for my pilot's license . . . not college. My focus was on583becoming an Air Force Officer, pilot, and astronaut. It didn't exactly584work out that way, but I have been extremely fortunate to have her by585my side, and serve my country in a variety of roles for the past 35586years.587 I'd also like to acknowledge my son, Troy, and daughter, Jenna, who588have both provided the greatest moments of my life. We have enjoyed589many activities, but my favorite--perhaps not theirs--was coaching them590and their teammates in competitive robotics.591 I also have my stepbrother here, Army Lieutenant Colonel Troy592Merkel, who has also served multiple tours in the Middle East. Finally,593I want to thank my father, my mother, and the rest of my family that594could not be here today.595 I'd like to briefly talk about the reasons I'm honored--and596excited--about the opportunity to continue my service as the Secretary597of the Department of the Air Force. Of my over 35 years of service, the598first were spent as an Air Force Navigator, serving a significant599portion of that time overseas. My first deployment came as I was pulled600off Strategic Nuclear Alert and sent to support conventional operations601in the first Gulf War where I flew over 100 missions. This rapid shift602in mission, and the readiness, training and flexibility required, left603a lasting impression on me. I believe that flexibility is even more604critical today.605 Following my Active Duty time, I transitioned to the Air Force606Reserves spending four more years supporting the National Air607Intelligence Center and the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization. I608also became an Air Force civil servant, focused on building and609operating advanced weapon systems for the Department of Defense and the610Intelligence Community. This included multiple positions as a611researcher and program manager, the Director of Communication Programs612and Policy in the Pentagon, Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for613Space, the Assistant Director of National Intelligence for Systems and614Resource Analysis and currently as the Principal Deputy Director of the615National Reconnaissance Office.616 A big part of these jobs was understanding the rapidly evolving617threat to the U.S . . . and these threats have shaped my perspective. I618believe the challenges we face are three-fold:619 First, near-peer competitors are evolving faster than we620are, which will eventually result in the U.S. losing our technological621advantage;622 Second, some competitors are fielding highly escalatory623asymmetric capabilities;624 And third, our homeland is increasingly put on the625defensive from threats such as cyber-attacks, Unmanned Aerial Systems,626and illegal activities at our borders including illicit drug627trafficking.628 If confirmed, my priority will be to organize, train, and equip the629Department of the Air Force to have the lethality needed to deter all630potential aggressors, and if necessary, win decisively in conflict.631 First, the department is building and operating some of632the most complex systems ever fielded in both air and space. We need633not only the right number of airmen and guardians, but also the right634skills, training, support and focus.635 Second, we need to innovate faster. I've spent the last636decade increasing competition and expanding the industrial base, which637has significantly accelerated delivery of capability and at a lower638cost. I intend to bring that same drive for innovation to the639Department.640 Finally, we need to streamline the acquisition and641budgeting processes . . . with appropriate fiscal controls. I've helped642lead my current organization to 16 consecutive, clean financial643statement audits.644 Throughout my career, I have demonstrated my commitment to the645protection and defense of our Nation. If confirmed, I intend to bring646what I have learned to this position and to the Department to deliver647on the President's goal of achieving peace through strength. Should I648be fortunate enough to get this job, I look forward to working with649this Committee and Congress to ensure our airmen and guardians are650equipped to secure the Nation.651 Thank you, and I look forward to your questions.652653 Senator Fischer. Thank you, Dr. Meink.654 Mr. Duffey, welcome. You're recognized for your opening655statement.656657 STATEMENT OF MR. MICHAEL P. DUFFEY, TO BE UNDER SECRETARY OF658 DEFENSE FOR ACQUISITION AND SUSTAINMENT659660 Mr. Duffey. Thank you, Madam Chair Fischer, Ranking Member661Reed, and distinguished Members of the Committee. Good morning.662Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today, and663for your consideration of my nomination to serve as the Under664Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.665 I want to thank Representative Fitzgerald for his generous666introduction, and thanking President Trump, Vice President667Vance, and Secretary Hegseth for honoring me with this668nomination. I'm grateful for and humbled by the trust they have669placed in me to lead the Department's efforts to rebuild our670military and revitalize our Defense Industrial Base.671 I pledge to them and to this Committee that, if confirmed,672I will work tirelessly to provide much needed military673capabilities to our warfighters today, and arm tomorrow's674forces with the capabilities they need to prevail in future675conflict.676 I also want to thank my wife, Morgan, our children,677Reynolds and Deans, and my father and mother, Joseph and678Patricia for supporting my nomination and my service to the679Nation. The love and support you provide me every day inspire680me to serve my country to make it better and stronger for you681and future generations.682 President Trump received a mandate from the American people683to make America strong again. Secretary Hegseth has affirmed684that his three priorities to achieve this mandate are to685restore the warrior ethos to the Pentagon, rebuild our686military, and reestablish deterrence.687 If confirmed, I would assume responsibility to implement688President Trump's mandate and Secretary Hegseth priorities by689providing the military with the capabilities and force690structure necessary to deter our adversaries, and if necessary,691prevail in conflict.692 America's ability to protect our interests requires a693military force structure with the capability and capacity to694deter, and if necessary, to defeat our adversaries. This will695require the Department to modernize how it manages the696integration of requirements, budgeting, and acquisition697processes, aligning incentives to deliver results.698 We must deepen our understanding of the strength and699vulnerabilities within our Defense Industrial Base, and seek to700revitalize through reindustrialization, increased investment,701flexible contracting, enhanced workforce recruitment and702training, and increased competition.703 As our Nation knows from our historic victory in World War704II, future conflicts will be won on the factory floor as much705as the field of battle. Our ability to deliver the most706cutting-edge weapons and replenish equipment and systems lost707or expended in battled with speed and proficiency is708increasingly a differentiating factor on the battlefield.709 Therefore, we must outpace our adversaries and our ability710to supply our military with decisive advantage while711maintaining a focus on building an industrial based capacity to712replenish those forces as needed. An American Defense713Industrial Base that is sufficiently agile and responsive to714the emergent needs will act as a powerful deterrent to our715adversaries who may be counting on winning a war of attrition716in a protracted future conflict.717 I thank this Committee, and in particular, Chairman Wicker,718for your leadership in advancing acquisition reform initiatives719for the Department of Defense through the proposed FoRGED Act.720If confirmed, I look forward to partnering with the Committee721Members and staff to improve how the Pentagon acquires weapons722with a focus on four primary goals.723 First, to dramatically accelerate delivery of lethality to724our warfighters. Second, driving a laser focus on increasing725the speed, performance, and affordability of our acquisition726system. Third, strengthening the Defense Industrial Base by727reducing barriers to entry, increasing competition, and728incentivizing increased investment from new entrants, non-729traditionals and traditional vendors alike, and finally,730incorporating 21st century business systems and management731practices to better manage and acquire cutting edge military732capabilities.733 If confirmed, I will be accountable to President Trump,734Secretary Hegseth, this Committee, the Congress, and the735American taxpayers to diligently and urgently invest and736resource our military arsenal.737 Thank you for your time today and for your consideration of738my nomination. I look forward to your questions.739 [The prepared statement of Mr. Michael P. Duffey follows:]740741 Prepared Statement by Michael P. Duffey742 Good morning, Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Reed, and743distinguished Members of the Committee. Thank you for the opportunity744to appear before you today and for your consideration of my nomination745to serve as the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and746Sustainment.747 I would like to start by thanking President Trump, Vice President748Vance, and Secretary Hegseth for honoring me with this nomination. I am749grateful for and humbled by the trust they have placed in me to lead750the Department's efforts to rebuild our military and revitalize our751defense industrial base. I pledge to them and to this Committee that,752if confirmed, I will work tirelessly to provide much needed military753capabilities to our warfighters today, and arm tomorrow's forces with754the capabilities they will need to prevail in future conflict.755 I also want to thank my wife, Morgan, our children, Reynolds and756Deems, and my father and mother, Joseph and Patricia, for supporting my757nomination and my service to the Nation. The love and support you758provide me every day inspire me to serve my country to make it better759and stronger for you and future generations.760 President Trump received a mandate from the American people to make761America strong again. Secretary Hegseth has affirmed that his three762priorities to achieve this mandate are to restore the warrior ethos to763the Pentagon, rebuild our military, and reestablish deterrence. If764confirmed, I would assume responsibility to implement President Trump's765mandate and Secretary Hegseth's priorities by providing the military766with the capabilities and force structure necessary to deter our767adversaries and, if necessary, prevail in all conflict.768 America's ability to protect our interests requires a military769force structure with the capability and capacity to deter and, if770necessary, defeat our adversaries in all future conflict. This will771require the Department to modernize how it manages the integration of772requirements, budgeting, and acquisition processes, aligning incentives773to deliver results. We must deepen our understanding of the strengths774and vulnerabilities within our defense industrial base, and seek to775revitalize through reindustrialization, increased investment, flexible776contracting, enhanced workforce recruitment and training, and increased777competition.778 As our Nation knows from our historic victory in World War II,779future conflicts will be won on the factory floor as much as on the780field of battle. Our ability to deliver the most cutting-edge weapons781and replenish equipment and systems lost or expended in battle with782speed and proficiency is increasingly a differentiating factor on the783battlefield. Therefore, we must outpace our adversaries in our ability784to supply our military with decisive advantage, while maintaining a785focus on building an industrial base capacity to replenish those forces786as needed. An American defense industrial base that is sufficiently787agile and responsive to emergent needs will act as a powerful deterrent788to our adversaries who may be counting on winning a war of attrition in789a protracted future conflict.790 I thank this Committee, and particularly Chairman Wicker, for your791leadership in advancing acquisition reform initiatives for the792Department of Defense through the proposed FoRGED Act. If confirmed, I793look forward to partnering with the Committee Members and staff to794improve how the Pentagon acquires America's weapons, with a focus on795four primary goals:796 1. Dramatically accelerating delivery of lethality to our797warfighters;798 2. Driving a laser focus on increasing the speed, performance, and799affordability in our acquisition system;800 3. Strengthening the defense industrial base by reducing barriers801to entry, increasing competition, and incentivizing increased802investment from new entrants, non-traditionals, and traditional803vendors; and804 4. Incorporating 21st century business systems to manage and805acquire cutting edge military capabilities.806 If confirmed, I will be accountable to President Trump, Secretary807Hegseth, this Committee, the Congress, and the American taxpayers to808diligently and urgently invest and resource our military arsenal.809 Thank you for your time today and for your consideration of my810nomination. I look forward to your questions.811812 Senator Fischer. Thank you, Mr. Duffey.813 Mr. Michael, welcome. You are recognized for your opening814statement, please.815816 STATEMENT OF MR. EMIL G. MICHAEL, TO BE UNDER SECRETARY OF817 DEFENSE FOR RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING818819 Mr. Michael. Thank you. Senator Fischer, Ranking Member820Reed, and the distinguished Members of the Committee, it is the821honor of a lifetime to be here today, seeking your advice and822consent for me to be the nominee for the Under Secretary of823Defense for Research and Engineering. I'm grateful to President824Trump for entrusting me with his important nomination, and hope825to make him, Secretary Hegseth, and the country, proud of the826work I do, if confirmed by the Senate.827 Nowhere, but in the United States of America, could a828first-generation immigrant, whose small Christian family left829an increasingly hostile country to religious minorities, like830myself, and my family from Egypt, be sitting in front of you831today, seeking to join and leading the defense of our Nation.832It's an even a greater gift than my 85-year-old father and 77-833year-old mother are able to witness this moment after a834lifetime of hard work, struggle, and devotion to the goal that835my sister and I have a chance at a better life than they did.836 I want to thank my friends and family who've come from all837over the country; my sister, my in-laws, my business partners,838my friends for grade school from who have been with me for 40839years, and helped make me the man I am today. Most importantly,840my wife Julie, and our son, Cairo, who's 1 years old--and not841sure how long he is going to make it through this hearing, and842my daughter, Colette, who's 5 years old. They're really my843American Dream, and they support me in everything that makes me844who I am.845 Part of that American Dream was getting a world-class846education from the public school system in New Rochelle, New847York, which wants me into some of the best higher education848systems in the world. With much risk for my ability to cover my849student loans after those expensive colleges, I became an850entrepreneur, where I helped build and grow four companies851while coaching dozens of other entrepreneurs to build on new852ideas, often against entrenched interests, big companies, and853things that were very difficult for them to dream.854 The most important company I was part of was Uber. Today,855Uber's a verb, it's a noun, and it's an indispensable lifeline856for hundreds of millions of people. By embracing technological857innovation at speed, Uber reduced drunk driving deaths by half,858paid its drivers over $200 billion, doing the most flexible859work they could possibly find, and allowed people of every860background to get around safely. We did this by proving to861consumers and drivers that there was something better than the862unreliable and expensive service that the taxi cartels had863profited off for decades.864 Just before building Uber, I had the privilege of working865as a special assistant for Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates.866From him, I learned how to make things happen fast in the867Pentagon, notably the MRAP [Mine Resistant Ambush Protected]868Program and the Joint IED [Improvised Explosive Devices] defeat869programs.870 I also learned how to reform the Pentagon as a lead on the871Tail-To-Tooth budget initiative, which changed what was an872unsustainable trajectory of tail growth at the time, at the873expense of our warfighters. After that, I served on the Defense874Business Board and brought better ideas for technology875practices to the Defense Department.876 All of this experience has culminated my desire to serve as877the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering,878which is the Department's Chief Technology Officer. If879confirmed, I bring my decades of experience in the technology880industry and management of large complex global organizations881to ensure that the United States has the most technologically882sophisticated defense systems in history.883 The central element necessary for all this is innovation at884speed. Innovation means increasing the Department's willingness885to take risk while having the discipline to stop the projects886that are failing. Innovation means focusing our investments in887science and technology on only those things that are aligned on888our Peace through Strength mission. This must all be done at a889pace that is dramatically different than the Defense Department890has done in modern times.891 Time must be a factor in all of our decisions as we892confront an increasingly sophisticated adversary in China,893which not only has lower labor costs, but is notorious for894intellectual property theft making. Its research and895development costs even faster and less expensive than we could896have imagined only a decade ago.897 If confirmed our work to recast the relationship between898DOD and the emerging defense tech sector. The DOD needs to for899foster more robust and competitive Defense Industrial Base by900providing more realistic requirements, inviting smaller and901innovative companies with less burdensome processes, becoming902more agile on how and when we grant contracts.903 The private sector, too, should bear some more904responsibility for the risk of their own failure. A healthy905ecosystem will provide for weapons that are better, cheaper,906and faster. We've never been at a more critical time for a907shift in how we work to catch up where we're behind and908increase the gap where we're ahead.909 We're living in a much different world than when I was at910the Pentagon last in 2011. Every enterprise, public or private,911must now be in the technology innovation business. There is no912other choice but to do so at full speed. The United States has913the technical talent, the money, and the will to ensure war914fighting supremacy in every scenario that this new world915demands.916 I fully believe in President Trump's vision for a golden917dome for America. Thank you for your consideration for my918nomination. I look forward to hearing your questions about how919I can best serve our country, Secretary Hegseth, and President920Trump in achieving this mission. Thank you.921 [The prepared statement of Mr. Emil G. Michael follows:]922923 Prepared Statement by Mr. Emil Michael924 Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Reed, and distinguished Members of925the Committee. It is the honor of a lifetime to be here today seeking926your advice and consent as President Trump's nominee for the Under927Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.928 Nowhere but in the United States of America could a first-929generation immigrant from Egypt, whose small Christian family left an930increasingly oppressive Muslim regime in search of a better life, be931sitting in front of you today seeking to join in leading the defense of932our Nation and our way of life.933 It is an even greater gift from God that my 85-year-old father and93477-year-old mother are able to witness this moment after a lifetime of935hard work, struggle, and devotion to the goal that my sister and I have936a chance at a better life than they ever had themselves in Egypt.937 Most importantly, my wife Julie and our two beautiful children,938Collette and Cairo (5 and 1 years old), make me beam with pride as they939are a daily reminder of my American Dream.940 Part of that American Dream was getting a world-class education941from the public school system in the New Rochelle, NY which launched me942into some of the best higher education that one could hope for. Much to943the chagrin of my parents and with much risk on my ability to cover my944student loans, I became an entrepreneur where I helped build and grow945four companies while coaching dozens of other entrepreneurs to build,946build, build on their ideas.947 The most important company I was a part of was Uber. Today, Uber is948a verb, a noun, and an indispensable lifeline for hundreds of millions949of people. Uber has reduced drunk driving by almost half, paid its950drivers over 200 billion dollars doing the most flexible work around951and allowed people of color to get rides wherever they need to go. By952embracing technological innovation at speed, Uber broke the old taxi953cartels that underpaid drivers and denied people the dignity of954reliable transportation.955 Just before building Uber, I was a White House Fellow working as a956Special Assistant for Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. I learned from957the best on how to make things happen fast in the Pentagon, notably958with the MRAP and Joint IED Defeat programs. I also learned how to959reform the Pentagon as a lead on Secretary Gates's ``tail-to-tooth''960budget-cutting package, which changed what was an unsustainable961trajectory of ``tail'' growth at the time.962 After that, I served on the Defense Business Board from 2014 to9632017 and tried to bring ideas for better business and technology964practices to the Defense Department.965 All of this experience has culminated in my desire to serve as the966Department's Chief Technology Officer. If confirmed, I would bring my967decades of technology leadership, and management of large and complex968organizations to ensure that the United States has the most969technologically sophisticated and affordable arsenal of defense systems970in the history of the world. In short, technological superiority971ensures peace.972 The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering plays a973key role in revitalizing the defense industrial base, creating974competition, and building a modern and lethal arsenal. As the975Department's CTO, the USD(R&E) also helps to secure supply chains,976prevent intellectual property theft and cyber-intrusions, and develop977President Trump's Golden Dome air and missile defense system to protect978our Homeland.979 The central element in all of this is technological innovation at980speed. Innovation does not stop at the invention of new weapons and981defenses but continues to be core to innovating solutions to a broken982procurement system and unmanageable internal management systems that983drain our dollars. It also means being willing to take bets on things984that don't work but having the discipline to stop them with haste.985Finally, innovation means focusing our investment in science and986technology to those things that are aligned and only aligned with our987Peace through Strength mission. But this all must be done at a pace988that is dramatically faster than the Department has done in modern989times. Time must be a factor in all of our decisions at DOD, not only990because time is money, but time is lives with an increasingly991sophisticated adversary in China that has lower labor costs and is992notorious for its theft of intellectual property that makes its993research and development even faster and less expensive.994 If confirmed, I would also work to recast the relationship between995the DOD and the private sector. It must become one in which the DOD996does not require something to be built that will necessarily be 10997years late and 5x over-budget because it is laden with desires from all998corners, but also it must become one in which the private sector bears999some of the risk of their own failures and delays. We need to1000revitalize our defense industrial base and create competition, which is1001the lifeblood of a healthy Democracy and a healthy arsenal that is both1002modernized and lethal.1003 We are living in a much different world than when I was last in the1004Pentagon in 2011. Every enterprise, private or public, must now be in1005the technology innovation business. There is no other choice but to do1006so at full speed.1007 My mission, if confirmed, will be to catch-up and surpass in the1008areas where we might be behind and to leap forward in new areas that1009provide the United States with defensive and warfighting supremacy in1010every scenario that the new world demands.1011 I look forward to your questions about how I can best serve the1012country, the Department of Defense, the Secretary, and the President in1013this mission.10141015 Senator Fischer. Thank you, Mr. Michael.1016 Mr. Bass, welcome. You are now recognized for your opening1017statement.10181019 STATEMENT OF MR. KEITH M. BASS, TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF1020 DEFENSE FOR HEALTH AFFAIRS10211022 Mr. Bass. Thank you, Chairman Fischer, Ranking Member Reed,1023and distinguished Members of the Committee. Thank you for the1024opportunity to be here today. I'm deeply honored and humbled to1025be nominated for the position of Assistant Secretary of Defense1026for Health Affairs.1027 I'm grateful for the trust placed in me by President Trump1028and Secretary Hegseth. I want to thank the Members of this1029Committee. I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to meet1030with many of you, to discuss ways to strengthen and enhance the1031military health system. If confirmed, I look forward to1032continuing these conversations and strengthening our1033partnership to advance the mission of military medicine.1034 Before I begin, I would like to introduce and express my1035gratitude to my family, both those here with me today and those1036watching from afar. I'm joined by my twin brother, Kevin,1037retired Colonel United States Army, and my two daughters, Kate1038and Erin. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in my1039journey, and I'm especially grateful for their encouragement. I1040also want to recognize my wife, Martha, and my parents, who1041cannot be here, but are watching virtually.1042 I've had the honor and privilege of retiring from the1043United States Navy after 20 years of Active Duty service.1044Throughout my enlisted and officer career, I've served aboard1045ships in the military, medical treatment facilities (MTFs),1046both domestic and overseas at the Navy Bureau of Medicine and1047Surgery, Central Intelligence Agency, and the White House.1048 After retiring from the military, I transitioned into1049civilian leadership roles, serving as a senior vice-president1050for a virtual health technology company, and currently, as a1051medical center director at the VA Healthcare Center.1052 Throughout my career, I've supported humanitarian missions,1053disaster response efforts, theater, medical operations, and1054casualty evacuations. I've had the privilege and honor of1055serving alongside dedicated military and civilian professionals1056who devote their lives to sustaining the readiness of our1057forces. I cannot be more proud to call them colleagues and1058friends.1059 The military health system is a global leader in delivering1060world-class care, unmatched in excellence, and second to none.1061I'm excited about the future of military medicine and the1062opportunity to drive innovation and improve patient outcomes.1063By continuing to focus on modernization, technology, research,1064care delivery, we can strengthen our operational readiness and1065set new standards in casualty care.1066 We must also acknowledge the complex and evolving1067challenges facing our healthcare. Ensuring the readiness of our1068forces, recruiting and retaining medical personnel, and1069adapting to rapid technological advancements are all pressing1070issues that require strategic action. If confirmed, my highest1071priority will be ensuring the medical readiness of our forces,1072stabilizing the military health system to provide advanced care1073possible, both on and off the battlefield.1074 A strong military health system is the cornerstone of our1075national defense strategy, and maintaining a medically ready1076force requires integrated, innovative, and adaptive healthcare1077system. If confirmed, I will work closely with Congress,1078military leaders, healthcare professionals, and our community1079partners to ensure force readiness. Together we can build a1080healthcare system that not only meets today's needs, but also1081anticipates and adapts to the challenges of tomorrow.1082 I look forward to talking with you today, and welcome any1083questions you might have.1084 [The prepared statement of Mr. Keith M. Bass follows:]10851086 Prepared Statement by Mr. Keith M. Bass1087 Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Reed, and distinguished Members of1088the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to be here with you today.1089 I am deeply honored and humbled to be nominated for the position of1090Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. I am grateful for1091the trust placed in me by President Trump and Secretary Hegseth.1092 I want to thank the Members of this Committee. I have greatly1093appreciated the opportunity to meet with many of you to discuss ways to1094strengthen and enhance the Military Health System. If confirmed, I look1095forward to continuing these conversations and strengthening our1096partnership to advance the mission of military medicine.1097 Before I begin, I would like to introduce and express my gratitude1098to my family, both those here with me today and those watching from1099afar. I am joined by my twin brother Kevin (Retired, COL, USA) and my1100two daughters, Kate and Erin. Their unwavering support has been1101instrumental in my journey, and I am especially grateful for their1102encouragement. I want to also recognize my wife, Martha and my parents,1103who could not be here today, but are watching virtually.1104 I had the honor and privilege of retiring from the United States1105Navy after 20 years of Active Duty service. Throughout my enlisted and1106officer career, I served aboard ships, in Military Medical Treatment1107Facilities both domestically and overseas, at the Navy Bureau of1108Medicine and Surgery, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the White1109House. After retiring from the military, I transitioned into civilian1110healthcare leadership roles, serving as Senior Vice President for a1111virtual health technology company and, currently, as a medical center1112director with the Veterans Health Administration.1113 Throughout my career, I have supported humanitarian missions,1114disaster response efforts, theater medical operations, and casualty1115evacuations. I have had the privilege of serving alongside dedicated1116military and civilian professionals who devote their lives to1117sustaining the readiness of our forces. I could not be more proud to1118call them colleagues and friends.1119 The Military Health System is a global leader in delivering world-1120class care, unmatched in excellence and second to none. I am excited1121about the future of military medicine and the opportunity to drive1122innovation and improve patient outcomes. By continuing to focus on1123modernization, technology, research, and care delivery, we can1124strengthen operational readiness and set new standards in casualty1125care.1126 However, we must also acknowledge the complex and evolving1127challenges facing military healthcare. Ensuring the readiness of our1128forces, recruiting and retaining medical personnel, and adapting to1129rapid technological advancements are all pressing issues that require1130strategic action.1131 If confirmed, my highest priority will be ensuring the medical1132readiness of our forces and stabilizing the Military Health System to1133provide the most advanced care possible, both on and off the1134battlefield. A strong Military Health System is a cornerstone of our1135national defense strategy, and maintaining a medically ready force1136requires an integrated, innovative, and adaptable healthcare system.1137 If confirmed, I will work closely with Congress, military leaders,1138healthcare professionals, and our community partners to ensure force1139readiness. Together, we can build a healthcare system that not only1140meets today's needs but also anticipates and adapts to the challenges1141of tomorrow.1142 I look forward to talking with you today and welcome any questions1143you may have.11441145 Senator Fischer. Thank you, Mr. Bass.1146 I will now ask all of you a series of standard questions1147this committee poses to all civilian nominees. Have you adhered1148to applicable laws and regulations governing conflicts of1149interest?1150 [Witnesses answer in the affirmative.]1151 Senator Fischer. Thank you. Have you assumed any duties or1152taken any actions that would appear to presume the outcome of1153the confirmation process?1154 [Witnesses answer in the negative.]1155 Senator Fischer. Exercising our legislative and oversight1156responsibilities makes it important that this Committee, its1157subcommittees, and other appropriate committees of Congress,1158receive testimony, briefings, reports, records, and other1159information from the executive branch on a timely basis.1160 Do you agree, if confirmed, to appear and testify before1161this Committee when requested?1162 [Witnesses answer in the affirmative.]1163 Senator Fischer. Do you agree to provide records,1164documents, and electronic communications in a timely manner1165when requested by this Committee, its subcommittees, or other1166appropriate committees of Congress, and to consult with the1167request order regarding the basis for any good faith, delay, or1168denial in providing such records?1169 [Witnesses answer in the affirmative.]1170 Senator Fischer. Will you ensure that your staff complies1171with deadlines established by this Committee for the production1172of records, reports, and other information, including timely1173responding to hearing questions for the record?1174 [Witnesses answer in the affirmative.]1175 Senator Fischer. Will you cooperate in providing witnesses1176and briefers in response to congressional requests?1177 [Witnesses answer in the affirmative.]1178 Senator Fischer. Will those witnesses and briefers be1179protected from reprisal for their testimony or briefings?1180 [Witnesses answer in the affirmative.]1181 Senator Fischer. Thank you. We will now begin with our1182first round of questions, and I will start. These are 5-minute1183rounds.1184 Having a safe, effective, and reliable and credible nuclear1185deterrent is the cornerstone of our national defense.1186Currently, each leg of our nuclear triad is undergoing a1187generational recapitalization to better align with the1188projected threat. The Department of the Air Force is1189responsible for two of the three legs; the land-based ICBMs1190[intercontinental ballistic missiles], and our bomber fleet.1191 Dr. Meink, in your answers to the Committee's advanced1192policy questions, you stated that, ``The ground leg of the1193nuclear triad, Minuteman III, and over time, Sentinel, are1194foundational to strategic deterrence and defense of the1195Homeland.'' I agree with that. I also believe that we have an1196opportunity following an analysis done during the Nunn-McCurdy1197breach to incorporate lessons learned and build a stronger,1198more enduring Sentinel program than was originally proposed.1199 Dr. Meink, if confirmed, will you commit to utilizing all1200available tools to accelerate Sentinel in placement and ensure1201that our Nation's ICBM capability does move forward?1202 Dr. Meink. Thank you, Senator. If confirmed, I will do so.1203And I do appreciate the one-on-one conversation we had on this1204topic. I'm looking forward to diving into the results of the1205number security and then also, obviously, work in the B-21 and1206the other activities from a nuclear perspective, the Department1207supports.1208 Senator Fischer. Thank you.1209 Mr. Duffey, if confirmed as Under Secretary of Acquisition1210and Sustainment, you will oversee all nuclear modernization1211efforts, and serve as Chair of the Nuclear Weapons Council. Can1212you provide us with a short summary of your views on why we1213need such a strong nuclear deterrent?1214 Mr. Duffey. Madam Chair, thank you for the question, and1215yes, I look forward, if confirmed, to assisting leading the1216Department in the oversight of the nuclear modernization1217program. Nuclear modernization, as you mentioned, is the1218backbone of our strategic deterrent, and ensuring that we have1219a modern, capable nuclear enterprise that not only includes the1220B-21, which is a successful acquisition program by all1221accounts, but the Columbia-class submarine, and the Sentinel1222nuclear ICBM, are critical as chair of the Nuclear Weapons1223Council.1224 I look forward to the partnership with the National Nuclear1225Security Administration (NNSA), working with this Committee, to1226ensure that we maintain the highest quality systems that not1227only deliver the weapons, but the nuclear command and control1228system that would be required for a safe and secure deployment,1229if necessary. I think it's absolutely critical that we ensure1230that we have accelerated acquisition of those capabilities.1231Thank you.1232 Senator Fischer. Thank you.1233 Would you agree that our triad along with ``NC3, the1234deterrent'' it provides truly is the priority of the1235Department, and that it underpins all of our strategic1236planning?1237 Mr. Duffey. I absolutely agree with that. Yes, ma'am.1238 Senator Fischer. Thank you.1239 Dr. Meink, I believe we're finally on a better path when it1240comes to space programs, and I'm impressed by what our1241guardians have achieved over the last several years. But the1242Space Force is still a young organization, and there are likely1243still growing pains ahead. I am encouraged that the President1244nominated someone for this program with deep expertise in the1245space programs.1246 Dr. Meink, what's your vision for how the Space Force1247should grow and how it should evolve as a service?1248 Dr. Meink. Thank you for the question, Senator. Yes, I've1249been fortunate enough to work space systems both on the Air1250Force side, which then became the Space Force side, as well as1251from the IC side.1252 Space is critical. This is actually one of the areas that1253we're most challenged, I believe. From the rapidly evolving1254threat from China and others. Both the direct threat to our1255systems as well as the threat, those systems pose to our1256operations across the Department, in general.1257 I think the key to both acquisition and operations is1258making sure you have the best talented workforce. These are1259some of the most complicated systems, and if the U.S. is going1260to maintain our advantage, which we need to do in space, we1261need to make sure we have the right workforce.1262 The Space Force's in the process of growing. We'll support1263that activity to make sure we have the right numbers and the1264right skillset, and then make sure that the acquisitions1265themselves are delivering, and that they're getting into1266operation.1267 Senator Fischer. Can you give me a quick example of what1268new capabilities you think Space Force should be focusing on to1269acquire? Just quick example.1270 Dr. Meink. I think some of the space control and counter1271space systems are critical. Senator, can't dive into too many1272of the details, but that is probably the area that we are being1273most stressed from a threat perspective.1274 Senator Fischer. Okay. Thank you. Senator Reed.1275 Senator Reed. Thank you very much, Madam Chairman.1276 Mr. Duffey, in 2019, you played a central role in the1277withholding of $250 million in desperately needed Ukrainian1278assistance, which passed Congress with bipartisan support.1279Indeed, President Trump was impeached for his decisions. to1280withhold the money. Your actions to facilitate the withholding1281of this aid that had been authorized and appropriated by your1282Congress, certainly contravened the direction of this body and1283the law.1284 Can you assure us that you'll follow the law without1285reservation rather than the wishes of the President or the1286Secretary?1287 Mr. Duffey. Yes, Senator. I provide that assurance. If I am1288confirmed, I would follow the law.1289 Senator Reed. Thank you very much, Dr. Meink, as you know,1290launch operations at Cape Canaveral Space Force Base have1291become highly constrained due to the new class of ultra heavy1292lift rockets and the amount of standoff distance that they1293require.1294 If confirmed, will you review what options are available to1295alleviate this constraint, which is hindering competition in1296this particular area, and report back as quickly as possible to1297the Committee? I think one of the great achievements of the1298last few years is the privatization of space launches, and the1299competitive model is a good one. We'd like to see that1300maintained.1301 Dr. Meink. Senator, I'd be happy to. That is something in1302my current job we worked and are concerned about. One of the1303phrases I like to say sometimes is this is kind of a good1304problem to have. You know, historically, we had very limited1305access to space launch that has grown across many, many1306companies in the U.S., but that has also led to some1307challenges.1308 As you just articulated, it's getting very busy, very1309crowded, and some of these larger launch vehicles do drive1310different concerns than maybe we had to address in the past.1311So, yes, Senator, I think it's that capability is extremely1312important for us to maintain our advantage in space. I think to1313some degree what we're doing across the board in launch gives1314the U.S. asymmetric advantage. But we do need to make sure that1315we have the proper launch infrastructure, the proper space1316really to continue operations, and allow that both national1317security and commercial industry to grow.1318 Senator Reed. You'll get back to us as quickly as possible1319with the----1320 Dr. Meink. Yes, Senator, I will.1321 Senator Reed. Thank you, sir.1322 Mr. Michael, one of the key advantages we have in our1323industrial base is our technical workforce within the military,1324including our acquisition professionals, our test and1325evaluation community, our STEM personnel, our laboratories.1326They're vital. In fact, I think we'll find that that is going1327to be the pathway to more efficiency and more productivity as1328we enhance this workforce.1329 But we're now in a situation where many of these1330individuals are being dismissed without any cause. They're1331being encouraged to leave, and many of them have the skills to1332walk out the door and get a lot more money in the private1333sector. What can and will you do to reverse this trend, to1334buildup on our workforce rather than to haphazardly dismiss it?1335 Mr. Michael. Ranking Member Reed, I think that we all agree1336that technological innovation is the way forward for the1337Defense Department and almost every dimension. We have some1338story labs like DARPA and other places that ought to be1339fortified as opposed to degraded in any way.1340 I think part of that is ensuring that it remains an honored1341profession, because people join these labs and these affiliated1342scientific organizations with the DOD because they care about1343the mission. We have to honor that, and I think we would, can1344attract more people and retain people if we celebrate their1345accomplishments more.1346 Also, if we focus them on missions that are going to be1347important and realized. That's why I mentioned, I think1348focusing them on those missions and honoring their successes1349will attract and retain more of them. I've done that in the1350private industry for decades, really focusing on getting1351engineers, keeping them, rewarding them to produce great1352things. That's what I intend to do in this role if confirmed.1353 Senator Reed. Well, that's encouraging. Again, though,1354you're looking at a situation now where people have been1355dismissed, not based on their talents, but they earn a pro rata1356status, and they can be dismissed. I hope you can reverse that1357policy. Thank you.1358 My time is expiring. Mr. Bass, I'll have a question for the1359record. Thank you.1360 Senator Fischer. Thank you, Senator Reed. Senator Cotton,1361you are recognized.1362 Senator Cotton. Thank you.1363 Dr. Meink, I want to return to Senator Fischer's line of1364questioning about nuclear modernization. The Air Force is1365responsible for two of the three legs of the nuclear triad, as1366she said. Sometimes the funding for that which is known as the1367``pass through'' counts against, you might say, the top line1368for the Air Force and internal budget battles.1369 I personally worry that Air Force can't execute all of its1370tasks when it comes to its traditional, conventional task,1371while also executing nuclear modernization of our missiles and1372our long-range bombers. Do you agree that we need to take a new1373look at the top line for the Air Force, and especially to1374account for that nuclear pass through to ensure that Air Force1375has the budget necessary to perform all of its vital tasks?1376 Dr. Meink. Yes. Senator, thank you for the question, and1377thanks for the opportunity to talk a little bit offline. The1378Air Force is kind of a unique position almost in its history.1379We are in the process of modernizing pretty much across all the1380five core mission areas. The tri nuclear deterrence is a huge1381part of that.1382 As you just kind of mentioned, those systems are pretty1383expensive. One of the first things I plan to do is take a1384holistic look at all the modernization and all the readiness1385bills that we have coming. Then, I will put together and1386advocate for what resources I think are necessary to execute1387all of those missions. Then, working both within the1388administration and with Congress, which I've found throughout1389my time working national security, a good relationship with1390Congress was critical.1391 So, if confirmed, I'll be back here walking through what I1392think we need to do.1393 Senator Cotton. Thank you.1394 I'm sure, in the internal budget battle, as you remind1395everyone, it's not just my top line. I've got this big, big1396slug of nuclear modernization here as well.1397 Dr. Meink. Yes, Senator. There are a couple slugs in there1398that----1399 Senator Cotton. Okay. Thank you. Another thing that worries1400me is retaining our troops, especially in the Air Force,1401retaining fighter pilots. We're nearly 1,800 pilots short. I1402believe, these days, for every 4 jobs requiring a fighter1403pilot, we just fill 3 of them. I have my thoughts on some of1404the factors driving this, in part, due to some round tables1405that Senator King and I have held over the years with pilots.1406 For instance, I think we can always probably do a little1407bit better job of paying our pilots, but I don't think you're1408ever going to pay them enough compared to what commercial1409airlines will pay them or private companies. People join the1410Air Force to fly fighter pilots because they want to fly high-1411performance jets in defense of our Nation.1412 We need to do a better job of getting them more time in the1413cockpit training here than in down range. I think it's one big1414factor. There are other factors as well. But could you give me1415your thoughts on that? Also, just a commitment that you're1416going to look carefully at that.1417 Dr. Meink. Yes, I'll commit. I'm going to look carefully at1418that. Senator, I think your discussion about, I see that as1419kind of a quality of life pay that only goes so far. We need to1420make sure, not just with pilots, but across our highly skilled1421areas within our workforce, that they have the opportunity to1422do what they've been trained, what they love to do. I think1423that could be a bigger impact on maintaining some of these1424highly technical skill sets like pilots and others, letting1425them do what they were trained to do.1426 Yes, I've been around since I was a navigator. We've always1427struggled with maintaining pilot levels. It is much larger than1428just the funding. Senator, not to necessarily ask something of1429you, but if you have other opinions, if I'm confirmed, I'd love1430to sit down and talk to you about it.1431 Senator Cotton. Thank you. Just one more question for you,1432Dr. Meink. Ebbing Air International Guard Base and Fort Smith1433is now the home of the international fighter training mission1434for the F-35. It's going to grow from 4 aircraft today to 481435fighter aircraft in the next 3 years. That's twice as fast as1436the normal for standard F-35 mission.1437 The Air Force has worked well with our State, and local1438partners, and Senator Boozman's office, Congressman Womack's1439office, and mine. Can I get your commitment that will continue1440to work well as we go through this very fast, but so far, a1441very successful bed down to ensure that Ebbing has the1442resources it needs?1443 Dr. Meink. Absolutely, Senator.1444 Senator Cotton. Mr. Bass, first off, I want to apologize,1445and I missed our meeting yesterday. I hate to stand up a Wonder1446Boy from Arkansas Tech University right across the river from1447Darnell, Arkansas. But glad to see you today, and1448congratulations on your nomination. I continue to hear that the1449MHS [Military Health System] Genesis program is causing1450problems for recruiting and converting recruits into new1451troopers. Not just airmen, but soldiers, sailors, marines and1452so forth.1453 Obviously, we want to work efficiently with medical1454records, and we don't want to bring in people who are going to1455be washed out because of serious medical conditions 6 months1456after basic training. But we've discovered a lot of things, I1457think, in past days.1458 Let's just be honest, your recruiter would've told you to1459live out at MEPS [Military Entrance Processing Station] when1460you went there. You know that you had a broken arm when you1461played junior high football and then went on to play four more1462years of senior high football. It gets recorded now, and you1463have to go through a bunch of rigamarole. In the meantime, you1464get a better job doing something else.1465 Can you take a look at how Genesis is operating to make1466sure that we catch the serious problems we need to without1467deterring and delaying young men and women who are eager to1468sign up and serve in our military?1469 Mr. Bass. Thank you, Senator. Go Razorbacks. I will commit1470to taking a look at the assess standards. You know, a good1471problem to have is that we have too much information in our1472medical health record. You know, we'll, we'll take that. But we1473also need to take a look at our session policies. I commit to1474working that and working with your office.1475 Senator Cotton. Thank you.1476 Mr. Bass. Yes, sir.1477 Senator Fischer. Thank you, Senator Cotton. Senator1478Shaheen, you are recognized.1479 Senator Shaheen. Thank you, Madam Chair, and1480congratulations to each of our nominees and your families.1481Welcome this morning. Thank you for your willingness to1482continue to serve the country.1483 Mr. Bass, I want to followup on a concern that I have based1484on your record at the CIA [Central Intelligence Agency]. I've1485been very concerned about directed energy attacks on our1486servicemembers, our diplomats, and our intelligence community1487abroad. I have personally interviewed and worked with a number1488of those victims over the years from the time of the first1489attacks in China and Cuba.1490 The Department of Defense has been offering critical care1491at Walter Reed for the victims across the interagency. However,1492many in the intelligence community, I think, are doing a1493disservice to these victims by continuing to deny that this is1494a real issue, and to fail to look for attribution for who's1495responsible.1496 Now, I understand that there are reports from your time at1497the CIA that suggest you didn't take seriously the reports of1498those anomalous health incidents. Can you speak to why you were1499skeptical, and what your position would be if you were1500confirmed for this new role?1501 Mr. Bass. Thank you, Senator, and thank you for your1502commitment to this effort. I reject the premise that I did not1503take AHI [Anomalous Health Incidents] seriously. All1504individuals that are affected by AHI, regardless, should be1505treated with dignity and respect, and they should be afforded1506healthcare.1507 The issue that we had to resolve was these individuals1508wanted to go to Walter Reed. We needed to really streamline the1509process for getting secretary designee because, at that time,1510the processes and the policies were not in place to get them to1511the NICOE [The National Intrepid Center of Excellence]. I think1512we were using NIH [National Institutes of Health] at the time.1513So, we pulled together all the subject matter experts.1514 My understanding now is that DOD has significantly1515expedited that process. These individuals, not just at the1516agency, ma'am, it was at all the Federal agencies, we wanted to1517make sure these individuals got the healthcare that they1518deserve regardless of source.1519 Whether we knew what the source was or not, they should1520have gotten healthcare. We worked to do that. I think given1521time, we did get those individuals into the healthcare they1522deserve.1523 Senator Shaheen. Do you commit that, if confirmed, the1524Defense Health Agency will continue to play a critical role in1525care and treatment for those who have been victims of AHI.1526 Mr. Bass. Senator, 100 percent, I commit to that.1527 Senator Shaheen. Thank you.1528 I'd like to ask the other three of you, who I'm sorry, I1529missed the opening statements that everybody provided, and the1530questions that I've heard, you've all talked about the need for1531additional resources at the Department level. How do you square1532that with the current commitment of this Administration and1533Secretary Hegseth to reduce funding for the Department of1534Defense by 8 percent a year over the next 5 years? Mr. Duffey?1535 Mr. Duffey. Senator, thank you for the question. I believe1536that the media reporting on that is inaccurate. I do not1537believe that it's Secretary's intent to cut the budget 81538percent, but rather he directed the services to relook at a1539budget that had been prepared by the prior Administration with1540a focus on 8 percent of the resources of that prior budget, and1541reallocate that toward this Administration's priorities.1542 Senator Shaheen. Can you tell this Committee that if you1543disagree with the directive for the Secretary of Defense or the1544Administration about what they tell you should do with our1545nuclear program, that if you think it's incorrect, and that it1546will affect the ability of that program to operate successfully1547in the future, that you would say that to them and share that1548standup to those people directing you to do something that you1549think you should not be doing?1550 Mr. Duffey. Well, Senator, I would take my responsibility1551seriously to advocate for the resources that I believe are1552required to resource our forces with the capabilities they need1553in order to prevail in conflict.1554 Senator Shaheen. Thank you, Dr. Meink, on the resource1555question?1556 Dr. Meink. Absolutely, Senator. I will always advocate for1557the resources. I think I need to meet the requirements that1558I've been given, and I've had a bit of a history of doing that.1559I will continue to do that, Senator.1560 Senator Shaheen. Mr. Michael?1561 Mr. Michael. Senator Shaheen, of course. I think the first1562thing a new leader does when they come into an organization is1563look at what their mission is and if they have the resources to1564accomplish it or not. Every new administration gets their own1565agenda. That would be one of the first order of business when1566you get into a job like this; would be to assess that and make1567sure that you have the right resources.1568 Senator Shaheen. Thank you.1569 Chairman Wicker. [Presiding.] Thank you very much, Senator1570Shaheen. Senator Kramer.1571 Senator Cramer. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1572 Just on that last point, I think what you're going to find1573out is you don't have enough resources, but that's just my pre-1574judgment. I think it's great, Dr. Meink, that you are1575surrounded by the research and development guy, and the1576acquisition guy, and you're all talking about modernization.1577That's what I want to talk about. But first, I want to know, in1578Lemmon, South Dakota, ``as close to North Dakota as you can1579possibly be,'' to quote my colleague from South Dakota, was1580your area code 605 or 701? Because Lemon is known to have both.1581 Dr. Meink. Yes, it's not just close. Actually, part of the1582town is in North Dakota. I was 605, so.1583 Senator Cramer. That's fine.1584 Dr. Meink, it gets harder from there. I'm told that the Air1585Force is considering canceling solicitations for this transport1586layer on SDA's [Space Development Agency] Tranche 2 and 3, and1587instead using Star Shield, which is of course, an existing1588SpaceX capability.1589 One of the specific purposes of SDA as per the founding1590document is to, ``Expand our space war fighting capability, and1591foster growth in the U.S. space, industrial base.'' I'm told1592that cutting these bids for these transport layers means maybe15938 or more small mid-size companies would not be allowed to bid.1594Is this a good idea? I mean, do you think cutting opportunities1595like this could hurt the innovators in the industrial base and1596the potential going forward?1597 Dr. Meink. Senator, thanks for that question. You know, one1598of the things that I pushed for, particularly over the last 101599years is expand competition and expand the industry base. That1600ends up almost always with the best result, both from a1601capability and cost to the Government. I'm not familiar with1602those discussions going on within the Pentagon. If confirmed, I1603look forward to diving into that and assessing where they're1604going and what they're recommending. But I've not seen those1605recommendations at this point.1606 Senator Cramer. Well, I look forward to that. I look1607forward to digging into that and finding out the answers.1608Hopefully changing course if that is, in fact, the case going1609on with SDA. The founding document, which was written in March16102019, said, ``We cannot match the pace our adversaries are1611setting if we remain bound by legacy methods and culture.''1612 I have been told so many times by people seeking and that1613have positions like you're all seeking that that's their1614commitment to, and I have yet to really see anybody put that to1615practice. So, as you were a member of NRO at the time, I1616believe, and were probably part of that culture, why do you1617think the statement was needed in 2019? Do you think the1618statement is relevant today? If not, why?1619 Dr. Meink. Senator, I think that sort of thinking is always1620required, right? We always have to look at how we're operating,1621how we're executing. As technology changes, as different1622threats change, we have to be flexible and adaptable enough.1623 We have made, I believe, significant improvements in how we1624are acquiring systems. I would argue that at that point in1625time, there were probably no programs that were moving faster1626than the Chinese. That is not the case now. But we still have a1627long way to give, Senator, and I think you pointed a couple of1628those out.1629 Senator Cramer. Thank you for that. I think, well, while I1630have time, I'm going to switch over to you, Mr. Bass, and talk1631about something that's really near and dear to my heart.1632 Coming from a rural State, very rural area with some really1633important bases in our country, and our world, and certainly to1634me. I championed some legislation in the NDAA, the 2025 NDAA,1635about rural healthcare and access. Specifically, to mental1636health services.1637 But I was told that Defense Health Agency was against it.1638So, the Committee staff wouldn't put it in the bill without a1639vote of the Members. I brought the amendment to the Committee,1640it passed on a voice vote. Here's the point. It has to do with1641TRICARE reimbursement for healthcare services that don't meet1642the very specific accreditation. Not a better accreditation,1643just an accreditation.1644 That greatly reduces access to healthcare, to mental1645healthcare. The reason this became important to me is because I1646know of two airmen who sought mental health care, grand folks,1647and were denied by TRICARE, who are no longer with us because1648they ultimately chose to take their own lives all because of1649this one accreditation.1650 I don't know what would've happened had they been able to1651get the care that was available to them. But the bill that we1652passed, that's part of the NDAA. It basically says if access in1653the State fails to meet standards for more than 12 months1654consecutive, then we have to look at something different.1655 Now it's under review. The first part of the bill is a 1-1656year review. My experience, and my experience is far too often1657that in a year we have to ask somebody where the review is, and1658they'll try to get it to us in 4 months. Would you just please,1659please, please, please commit to the men and women of the1660military that we'll look into this right away. That, in that a1661year, from the enactment of the law, I don't have to wait 41662more months for the conclusion?1663 Mr. Bass. Thank you, Senator, and the mental health access1664for our servicemembers and our Total Force has to be a1665priority. I will commit to working with you on that.1666 Senator Cramer. Thank you for that.1667 Mr. Bass. Yes, sir.1668 Senator Cramer. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1669 Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Cramer. Senator King.1670 Senator King. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1671 Mr. Duffey, it's appropriate that you and Dr. Meink are1672sitting together because I think there's such a close1673correlation between the work that you're doing. Technology wins1674wars. The side that has the newer technology generally1675prevails. Genghis Khan and the stirrup, the longbow at the1676Battle of Agincourt, the tank in World War I, the atomic weapon1677in World War II.1678 My concern is that we have missed two of the major1679technologies of the 21st century. This isn't a criticism of the1680current Administration. It goes back probably 10 or 15 years;1681hypersonics and directed energy. We've got to catch up, and the1682budget, the prior Administration cut the budget for directed1683energy in half, which to me just doesn't make sense. We're1684spending $2 or $3 million per missile to knock those $20,0001685drones out in the Red Sea. Directed energy certainly ought to1686be an answer.1687 I know that there's work going on, but it should be1688accelerated. My request is that you try to think ahead and1689think about acquiring the next technology, not just what we've1690always done. My most hated words in the English language is,1691``We've never done it that way before.'' I hope you'll1692subscribe to a philosophy of trying to look to the future. Your1693thoughts?1694 Mr. Duffey. Senator, thank you for the question. I'm1695thrilled to not only be sitting next to Dr. Meink, but Mr.1696Michael, who will be at the cutting edge of the next generation1697of technologies. I look forward to a partnership with both1698these gentlemen on how do we advance that technology? How do we1699leapfrog our adversaries' capabilities there? Then I see my1700responsibility is how do we accelerate getting that hand in the1701hands of the warfighter?1702 Senator King. One way to do that is smaller businesses.1703We've had testimony to this Committee by smaller businesses1704that they've just given up on the Pentagon acquisition process.1705Too complex, too much red tape, too long. I just hope that in1706your Administration, you don't turn away from fostering small1707businesses where a lot of the innovation takes place.1708 Mr. Duffey. I agree with that, Senator, and I'd like to1709recognize and appreciate the leadership's Chairman Wicker's1710provided in the FoRGED Act, which I think takes a bold step of1711proposing the rescission of 285 provisions of law that are no1712longer relevant. I think that's a great step forward. How do we1713remove those burdens that we place on business that want to1714deliver value to the Pentagon?1715 Senator King. I appreciate that.1716 Mr. Michael, research is crucial. Same argument that I just1717made about the importance of new technology. I hope we don't1718lose touch with our universities, which are huge assets in1719terms of research, as well as the private sector research1720capability. Is it your intention to maintain support for1721research across the board, whether it's private sector,1722government, or university?1723 Mr. Michael. Certainly it is Senator. It's obvious to me,1724and I'll give you an example. The AI industry, the private1725sector, is investing hundreds of billions of dollars per year1726in that which dwarfs orders of magnitude, the amount we're1727spending in DOD. We should be leveraging that in some way.1728Certainly, in the university settings, they're also innovating1729in quantum computing and lots of other areas that we need to be1730drawing from, and pulling in faster into the DOD and into Mr.1731Duffey's acquisition programs, so that we can get those things1732in sooner from both of those types of organizations.1733 Senator King. Thank you.1734 Mr. Bass, I'm running short of time, but I want to be sure1735that one of your priorities is brain health. The signature1736issue from the war on terror has been problems with blast over1737pressure and brain health long-term effects. I hope that's1738something you'll pay significant attention to.1739 There are ongoing studies in the Department, but I want to1740also emphasize that implementation of the results of those1741studies is important. I hope that you'll commit to me that1742brain health is something that you'll attend to in this1743position. I think it's one of the most important maladies1744affecting our troops.1745 Mr. Bass. Thank you, Senator, for your commitment to this1746issue. DOD is a leader in this space, and I will commit to you1747that we will continue to look at ways and devote research to1748this issue and making sure that we continue to make progress.1749 Senator King. Thank you.1750 Just in a few seconds, none is so devout as the convert. I1751was not enthusiastic about the creation of the Space Force1752under the leadership of Senator Cramer. I now admit I was1753wrong. I used AI a few minutes ago to determine that this1754budget of the Space Force is 3.5 percent of the total budget of1755the Defense Department.1756 Given the role of space in any future conflict, Dr. Meink,1757I think the Space Force deserves greater resources and greater1758attention. The first day or two of any future conflict is going1759to take place in space.1760 Dr. Meink. Yes, Senator, I believe that you are correct;1761that space is going to be one of the determining factors,1762either from a deterrence perspective because if it can't be1763affected, it's going to be a deterrent to the adversary. So, we1764definitely need to get that right.1765 The Space Force budget has been, to my understanding, has1766been growing significantly since it was founded five or so1767years ago. I will continue to advocate for the resources. I1768think the Department, in general, given the threatened1769environment in the INDO-PACOM theater, is going to play a very1770important role in both air and space. I will advocate for the1771resources to do that.1772 Senator King. Well, thank you, sir. Thank you, Mr.1773Chairman.1774 Chairman Wicker. Well said by both of you. Thank you,1775Senator King. Senator Budd.1776 Senator Budd. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and congratulations1777to each and every one of you for your nominations and your1778willingness to serve. It's much appreciated. Thanks to your1779families for being here.1780 Dr. Meink, I enjoyed our conversation a couple of weeks1781ago. You know, the Air Force announced that Seymour Johnson Air1782Force Base will be one of Air Force's first deployable combat1783wings ready for deployment in fiscal year 2027. So, what's your1784understanding and view of the deployable combat wing concept?1785 Dr. Meink. Senator, thanks for the question, and thanks for1786our discussion. I apologize we got a little off topic on some1787of those things, but I appreciate the time. My understanding is1788fairly limited with the reorganization and the refocus of how1789they're going to deploy their wings. But I am aware they're in1790the process of attempting to transition to that kind of1791concept.1792 I think it holds promise, and if confirmed, that is one of1793the areas I'm going to take a look at. My understanding is that1794the Secretary will likely ask me to take a look at it, if I'm1795confirmed.1796 Senator Budd. Look forward to working together in that1797regard.1798 Continuing on in a January op-ed, General Allvin, he1799highlighted that the Air Force fleet is the smallest and oldest1800that it's ever been, sighting in part that, ``We are blocked1801from divesting aircraft and programs, ill-suited for today's1802threat environment.'' Dr. Meink, in your opinion, is the F-15 E1803Strike Eagle ill-suited for today's threat environment?1804 Dr. Meink. First off, the F-15s, it's kind of my favorite1805airplane. An F-15 air cap came to my rescue when I was in a1806tanker in the first Gulf War, and ran off a couple of Iraqi1807fighters. So, I'm probably a little bit conflicted when it1808comes to the F-15. But is it going to be able to operate in the1809highest threat environments? No. Does it have value? Yes.1810 I think the question going forward will be; how long do we1811continue, and how do we best utilize the value from the fourth-1812generation fighters? But I think it definitely has value today.1813Not in all environments, but it definitely has value today,1814Senator.1815 Senator Budd. Thank you.1816 More broadly, what are your thoughts on General Allvin's1817comments about the size and age of the Air Force fleet? Is our1818fleet, particularly our amount of tactical fighters, is it too1819small?1820 Dr. Meink. Senator, the thing I can speak to for sure is1821that the fleet is aging. The 30-plus years on average. Some of1822the platforms, some of the critical platforms are significantly1823older than that.1824 When I was a navigator, I had never flown a KC-135 that was1825younger than me. They're still flying today. One of the1826mainline air refueling platforms that the Department has. So,1827they're definitely getting old. Still very capable platform,1828but they're definitely aging.1829 With respect to the exact numbers, Senator, I have not1830seen, and I'm looking forward to seeing the detailed analysis1831that went into the projections on NGAD [Next Generation Air1832Dominance] and the other systems. My sense though is it's1833probably too small both on the fighter and the bomber side of1834the house.1835 Senator Budd. Thank you for that.1836 Mr. Michael and Mr. Duffey, American deterrence relies on1837maintaining military technological edge over our adversaries.1838China's strategy to blunt to that edge through espionage,1839intellectual property theft, and rapid acquisition is a threat1840that must be addressed.1841 So, if confirmed, you both would play a major role in1842ensuring that American its allies have the tools needed to1843prevail in war, while ensuring that critical new technol-gy1844stays out of unfriendly hands. So, Mr. Michael, as we develop1845and scale new technology, including NGAD, or next generation1846air dominance, AI, and quantum. How will you act to ensure that1847the security of these American innovations and their IP1848[intellectual property] remain in our hands?1849 Mr. Michael. That is one of the most important things that1850I'll have to work on. Because if you look at what's happened1851with the Chinese capabilities with Salt Typhoon, and with1852infiltration into some of the university programs, and into our1853systems. That means that that adversary can catch up without 801854percent of the cost because they could innovate on top of our185580 percent investment. That's quite a bit of advantage they1856get.1857 So, protecting against their ability to steal our1858intellectual property, our trade secrets, and us not being1859reliant on their supply chains are two things that we have to1860do in combination with one another to ensure that when we're1861superior, we stay superior.1862 Senator Budd. Thank you.1863 Along those lines, Mr. Duffey, how will you ensure that our1864acquisition system can keep up with the rate of technology and1865innovation in the world?1866 Mr. Duffey. Well, thank you for the question, Senator. It1867is critical that we have a robust defense industrial base that1868can provide security to protect our intellectual property, but1869has the robustness to ensure that we're delivering the most1870cutting-edge capability to our forces. It would be my1871commitment, if confirmed, into the job to explore those1872barriers that are preventing new entrants and private capital1873from entering the defense industrial base to accelerate the1874production capacity of our defense industrial base, and to1875create new innovation to get it in the hands of the warfighter.1876 Senator Budd. Thank you.1877 Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Budd.1878 I hope all policymakers, House and Senate, and the1879executive branch, and private sector are listening to the1880valuable testimony. Let me just followup, if I might, Senator1881Hirono, before I recognize you. Dr. Meink, you said the number1882of years into the future that the F-15 might be valuable or1883useful is a question. Do you have an opinion about that? Could1884you followup on that question that Senator Budd asked?1885 Dr. Meink. Senator, thanks for the question, and I1886appreciate the opportunity we had to speak offline. I haven't1887seen all the detailed results of the analysis that's going on,1888or that has gone on in support of the NGAD and other decisions.1889I don't have the latest information.1890 I would say, though, that the fourth-generation fighters1891are still in many environments going to be effective. I think1892at some point in time, it becomes a cost-benefit analysis as we1893bring on additional fifth-, and potentially, sixth-generation1894fighters. So, I can't speak to the detail, Senator, but I will1895look into it, and I will be happy to come down and brief the1896Hill on what I find.1897 Chairman Wicker. That's a valuable answer in itself. Thank1898you very much. Senator Hirono, you are recognized.1899 Senator Hirono. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and welcome to1900each of you.1901 As part of my effort to focus on the ensuring the fitness1902of all nominees who come before any of my committees, I ask the1903following two initial questions. We'll start with Mr. Duffey,1904and go right down the line. First question, since you became a1905legal adult, have you ever made unwanted requests for sexual1906favors or committed any verbal, or physical harassment, or1907assault of a sexual nature?1908 Mr. Duffey. Never.1909 Senator Hirono. Let's go down the line.1910 Dr. Meink. No, Senator.1911 Mr. Michael. No, Senator.1912 Mr. Bass. No.1913 Senator Hirono. Second question. Have you ever faced1914discipline or entered into a settlement relating to this kind1915of conduct?1916 Mr. Duffey. No.1917 Dr. Meink. No, Senator.1918 Mr. Michael. No.1919 Mr. Bass. No.1920 Senator Hirono. This is the first hearing of this Committee1921since the security breach involving Signal, and involving their1922attack on Yemen. So, I am going to ask each of you yes or no1923questions. Again, we'll start with Mr. Duffey. Based on your1924backgrounds, each of you has had a security clearance. Yes, or1925no?1926 Mr. Duffey. Yes.1927 Dr. Meink. Yes, Senator, I have a clearance.1928 Mr. Michael. I didn't hear you say do I have or have I had?1929 Senator Hirono. Have you had, if you have historic----1930 Mr. Michael. Yes.1931 Senator Hirono. Yes. So, you know what a security clearance1932is?1933 Mr. Michael. Yes, Senator,1934 Senator Hirono. Go ahead, and each of you would agree that1935protecting classified information is important?1936 Mr. Duffey. Yes.1937 Dr. Meink. Yes, Senator.1938 Mr. Michael. It's obligatory.1939 Senator Hirono. It's what?1940 Mr. Michael. Obligatory.1941 Senator Hirono. Yes. It's the law. Have any of you1942discussed classified information on an unclassified device or1943medium?1944 Mr. Duffey. No.1945 Dr. Meink. No, Senator.1946 Mr. Michael. No.1947 Mr. Bass. No, Senator.1948 Senator Hirono. I'm glad that all of you have answered no,1949because that's pretty obvious. If you admitted that you did not1950follow the law, that you will be admitting to committing a1951Federal crime.1952 Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask unanimous consent that1953the record of this hearing include the March 26th Atlantic1954article, which includes all of the Signal chat attack plans for1955the strikes on Yemen to be included in the record of this1956hearing.1957 Chairman Wicker. It is their objection. Without objection,1958it is so ordered.1959 [The information referred to follows:]1960 Please see Appendix A at the end of this transcript.1961 Senator Hirono. I also joined those of my colleagues who1962are calling for an investigation, sooner the better. I think we1963need to counter the tendency of this Administration to want to1964sweep everything under the rug whenever things get1965uncomfortable for them.1966 I have a question for Dr. Meink. Joint basing construct1967between the Air Force and Navy at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-1968Hickam has led to extensive infrastructure and military1969construction delays, including at the Hickam Air Force Base or1970airfield. These delays have impacted the military's readiness1971in the Pacific and warfighter quality of life. Will you commit1972to working with my office to resolve these readiness gaps and1973quality of life challenges, Dr. Meink?1974 Dr. Meink. Senator, I commit to working with you, Hickam,1975and Hawaii, or in general, critical to operations within1976INDOPACOM Theater. So, I've had an opportunity to spend and1977operate out of there in the past. I understand the importance1978of it, and I will commit to working with you, and Congress, and1979with the Navy, the new Secretary of the Navy, to work on those1980issues.1981 Senator Hirono. Of course, I'd like to see a lot more1982coordination between the Navy and the Air Force on the needs1983these construction needs. So, I hope that you have some plans1984on how you will enhance the kind of coordination I'm talking1985about?1986 Dr. Meink. Yes, Senator, as I just mentioned, I think it's1987going to be critically important that I work closely with the1988Navy and the Department of Air Force, of course, to do what we1989need to do to ensure that the infrastructure in Hawaii can1990support INDOPACOM.1991 Senator Hirono. Thank you. I'm running out of time. But,1992you know, the infrastructure needs and the modernization needs1993of all of our bases are, I think, critical for readiness,1994national security. I do have a question relating to a concern1995about the State of our military base, again, particularly in1996Hawaii, and that's why I'm introducing a requirement in this1997year's NDAA for each military service to submit a 30-year, a199830-year infrastructure plan modeled after the Navy's annual 30-1999year ship building plan.2000 This will ensure, one hopes, long-term planning,2001resilience, investments, and the accountability for all2002services. Would you support, Dr. Meink, a 30-year2003infrastructure plan for the Department of the Air Force?2004 Dr. Meink. Senator, as I always have for my career, I will2005work to answer and address any language we get from Congress.2006 Senator Hirono. I think that we need a longer-term plan,2007because what happens is when you don't have this kind of a2008plan, then the money that is supposed to go for these kinds of2009modernization and improvements gets taken for other purposes.2010That is why I think that if we have a long-term plan, that we2011in Congress will be able to see whether you are comporting with2012such a plan. So, I hope that you will see your way to2013supporting such a requirement in the NDAA. Thank you, Mr.2014Chairman.2015 Chairman Wicker. Members are reminded that suggested2016legislation should be submitted by Monday night, next, for2017inclusion in the NDAA.2018 Thank you, Senator Hirono, and Senator Banks. You are next.2019 Senator Banks. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.2020 Dr. Meink, the President has expressed historic confidence2021in the Air National Guard by nominating General Caine to be the2022Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. That's never happened before; to2023have a Chairman of the Joint Chiefs come from the National2024Guard, and I wonder if you could speak to the importance of the2025Air National Guard in the overall Air Force mission, and the2026priority of the Air National Guard, and what that will look2027like on your watch?2028 Dr. Meink. Thank you, thank you for the question, Senator,2029and thank you for the opportunity to speak offline. Yes, the2030National Guard is critically important. It is a significant2031portion of the Department's capabilities across the board from2032tankers to fighter aircraft. It will continue to be an2033important part of the Department, and we need to continue to2034support and work closely with the States and with Congress to2035make sure that stay so.2036 Senator Banks. On that note, as you know, the Air Force is2037shrinking. We're not buying enough planes to keep the force at2038its current size, but that means that the Air Force Reserves2039and the National Guard carries a greater priority in the2040mission. How can we ensure that the Air National Guard is2041getting its fair share of new fighter aircraft?2042 Dr. Meink. So, Senator, one of the things I plan to do, and2043again, is take a holistic look across all the modernization2044activities to understand what we need from a numbers2045perspective. How fast do we need to build both to support the2046Active Duty and the Reserve units? Then, I will advocate for2047whatever that requirement is or whatever the capability is, and2048whatever the resources that are needed to meet the requirement2049both up to the Administration and to Congress.2050 Senator Banks. Well, I appreciate that. I look forward to2051working with you to make sure that the Air National Guard2052doesn't get the short end of the stick, like it often does.2053 Dr. Meink, your first Air Force assignment was flying KC-2054135s at Grissom Air Force Base in Indiana. Can you talk about2055how important the effort is there, and why it matters, not just2056to Indiana, but to the country and our national defense?2057 Dr. Meink. Yes. So, this is probably an area I'm a little2058bit biased on since I started my career in tankers. It has2059always been critical, both from a strategic nuclear mission, as2060well from a conventional mission.2061 One of the reasons we were pulled off of alert and sent to2062the Gulf War was because tankers were not only necessary for2063the strategic mission, but they were just critical for2064operations that were going on in the Middle East. So, yes, the2065tanker force has been and always will be, and to some degree, I2066think it's becoming more important given the--in the PACOM2067theater, where the ranges are even longer than what they are in2068some of the other theaters.2069 So, we need to continue--we need to ensure that the tanker2070force both Active and Reserves are able to support mission.2071 Senator Banks. Does this surprise you? They're still flying2072the same planes there that they were flying when you were2073there?2074 Dr. Meink. I have to admit a little bit, but to some degree2075not that I have too deep, but they had instances of zero time2076those airplanes when I was Active Duty, when they reengine2077them. So, it was almost a brand-new airplane, effectively. But2078it is still, you know, 60-odd-years old. That's still pretty2079old, even if you've done a lot of maintenance on them.2080 Senator Banks. The Air Force refueling tankers are, on2081average, among the oldest aircraft in the fleet. The Air Force2082isn't buying enough new tankers to replace the ones that were2083retiring. The same goes for Grissom, the place where, as you2084said, you started your career. Grissom has a more than a two-2085mile runway, one of the longest in the United States of2086America.2087 As far as I can tell, the Air Force needs new tankers for2088Grissom, which otherwise threatens to close down the base. We2089would lose that runway, that important asset that we have. How2090should we be working to fix the Air Force refueler fleet?2091 Dr. Meink. Right now, the new tanker is the focus, right?2092We have to work with both within the Government and with the2093contractor to get that program on track, to get the production2094rates up, and drive the cost down so that we can afford to2095procure the tanker force that's necessary both to expand and2096replace as even no great airplane.2097 Senator, you're exactly right. It is getting pretty old. We2098were going to have to replace those which means we need to get2099the new tanker into full production.2100 Senator Banks. Well, I look forward to working with you.2101Your background is perfect for this job. You have my full2102support, and to each of the other three with us today, I don't2103have time to ask questions, too, but congratulations. I look2104forward to working with you, too. I yield back.2105 Chairman Wicker. Senator Banks, in the summer of 1971, I2106did my field training at Grissom Air Force Base, and my first2107flight on the KC-135 was during that time at Grissom. So,2108you're bringing back memories, and, yes, they like the Buffs,2109they've been flying and doing well for a long time.2110 Senator Warren, you are next.2111 Senator Warren. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.2112 Healthcare for our men and women in uniform is critical in2113peacetime and even more so in wartime. Mr. Bass, if you are2114confirmed as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs,2115you're going to be responsible for ensuring nearly 10 million2116servicemembers and their families receive quality healthcare,2117including timely access to medication.2118 I am very concerned about our over-reliance on foreign2119nations for very medications that put the health of2120servicemembers at risk and our national security along with it.2121DOD spends over $5 billion on prescription drugs each year.2122It's a lot of money. But in November, 2023, the Defense2123Logistics Agency released a report revealing that the supply2124chain for a third of all drugs on the FDA's Essential Medicines2125list is at very high risk. Why? Because the ingredients from2126these drugs are sourced from China, or we don't even know where2127they're sourced from.2128 So, Mr. Bass, do you agree that it is a threat to our2129readiness and to the potential health of our servicemembers2130that DODs pharmaceutical supply chain relies so heavily on2131China?2132 Mr. Bass. Thank you, Senator, and thank you again for2133meeting with me. I do agree that it is a threat. It is a2134vulnerability.2135 Senator Warren. So, this over reliance gives our2136adversaries the power to restrict DODs access to drugs when we2137need to be able to treat our men and women in uniform. It also2138leaves us with much less visibility into the practices of2139foreign manufacturers, which by the way, routinely have quality2140issues that threaten both the efficacy and the safety of these2141drugs.2142 For these reasons, the DOD report recommends boosting the2143production of finished drugs, active pharmaceutical2144ingredients, and other key starting materials so that we are2145making more of this right here in the United States. Mr. Bass,2146do you think DOD should work to onshore the critical drugs the2147military needs, including writing contracts that require2148manufacturers to onshore these capabilities?2149 Mr. Bass. Thank you, Senator. I do, I think that we need to2150work with our industrial base, our private and public partners,2151and we need to have rapid response contracts, and we need to2152make sure that we either onshore or nearshore capabilities.2153 Senator Warren. Good. I'm glad to hear you say this. DOD2154should prioritize domestic purchasing, but there are some2155instances where it makes sense for DOD to actually produce the2156medication itself, like when the DOD is the sole customer for2157that medication.2158 One example the adenovirus vaccine, which is critical in2159preventing serious respiratory illness among servicemembers,2160particularly servicemembers in basic training. DOD developed2161the vaccine and licensed it then to private industry. But2162because the military is basically the only buyer, DOD couldn't2163find a commercial manufacturer for nearly a decade. DOD2164eventually had to pay a private manufacturer nearly $1002165million just to resume production. During the years that the2166private sector refused to manufacture for DOD, there were2167thousands of cases of adenovirus per month, and servicemembers2168who actually died.2169 Mr. Bass, if confirmed, will you commit to expanding DOD's2170capabilities of producing essential drugs in-house to reduce2171risk and to secure DODs medical supply chain?2172 Mr. Bass. Thank you, Senator. The health and well-being of2173all of our military members is a priority. I'm not familiar2174with the report, but I commit to working with you and your2175staff.2176 Senator Warren. All right. I appreciate that, because this2177is a serious problem. Ultimately, these are investments that2178will pay off. One expert estimated that DOD would make its2179money back in 3 years after building its own adenovirus2180manufacturing facility.2181 This is a longstanding bipartisan concern. I worked with2182Senator Rubio for years on this, and last year, the Senate2183adopted our language directing the DOD to enter into contracts2184to domestically manufacture drugs and drug components that are2185currently sourced overseas, and that are used exclusively by2186the military. I want to see us get that in the final version of2187the NDAA. There's more work to do, and I look forward to2188working with you on this, Mr. Bass. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.2189 Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much. Senator Tuberville is2190next.2191 Senator Tuberville. Good morning. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.2192Good morning, gentlemen.2193 Mr. Duffey, I just got back from Huntsville, Alabama last2194week or so, and watched the performance of high energy lasers.2195Senator King had brought that up about spending all these2196millions knocking down these drones. What's your thoughts on2197high energy and what you've seen the progress in the last few2198years? I've seen a lot in the last 4 years, myself. Your2199thoughts?2200 Mr. Duffey. Well, Senator, thank you for the question, and2201for the great State of Alabama's contribution to the defense2202industrial base.2203 I agree with Senator King and with you. Directed energy and2204high energy lasers would provide a tremendous capability when2205we think through some of the threats that we face, whether it2206comes to counter-UAS [unmanned aircraft system] systems and2207really the threat we face, whether it's from adversaries like2208the Houthis that are able to inflict low cost kinetics at us2209which require us to expend high cost weapon systems.2210 I think if we can get the technology where we need to be2211with directed energy and higher energy lasers, that would2212provide us with the capability to have very low-cost response2213to those threats, and in the future of a distributed warfare2214with swarms and that sort of things, I think that'll be2215critical for us to establish that capability.2216 Senator Tuberville. Thank you.2217 The progress we've made has been small, private companies.2218As Senator King was saying, sometimes they get bought out and2219they move down the line, or can't make it because of funding.2220But I think they're doing outstanding job. I'd like to, when2221you're confirmed, come down and visit and see this for2222yourself.2223 Mr. Duffey. I look forward to it, sir.2224 Senator Tuberville. Dr. Meink and Dr. Michael, just a2225question for you here on the future of engineering in your2226departments. Both of you, we're going to have a tough time2227keeping good engineers and people employed because of the2228private companies taking our good people away out of the2229military.2230 What's your thoughts and your plan of hopefully keeping the2231best and the brightest in the military instead of taking the2232private route? Either one of you or both of you.2233 Mr. Michael. I'd say it's twofold, Senator Tuberville.2234First, we have to have some successes that are well promoted2235inside the science and technology enterprise. If DARPA does2236something great, we need to get it out of the labs and into2237production fast, and that gives people motivation to want to be2238part of one of those organizations.2239 The second thing is we should be working with private2240industry more. If you take artificial intelligence, there's a2241lot of money being spent, and a lot of research, and a route of2242dollars. We shouldn't have to duplicate that in every area of2243the Government. We should be leveraging where they're spending2244more and doing ahead. The things we have to do on the basic2245research side that's not profitable for private industry, we've2246got to get it out of the labs faster and into production2247sooner.2248 Senator Tuberville. Thank you. Dr. Meink?2249 Dr. Meink. Thanks for the question, Senator. Just to kind2250of echo, I think it's not just money. I think it is the2251opportunity to do advanced research, do advanced engineering2252that has a mission outcome, right? That what we've found in my2253current organizations, it's a very highly technical workforce.2254We've done very well in recruiting and, and retention.2255 It goes kind of back to the quality of service I mentioned2256a little bit earlier. When you bring in these really skilled,2257talented people. Regardless of what that talent is, there needs2258to be an opportunity for them to be successful and to do what2259they love to do. Because it takes a lot of work to get some of2260these skill sets. I think in many cases, that's even more2261important than just pure funding or pure salary.2262 Senator Tuberville. Thank you.2263 We talk about machines a lot, but we don't talk about2264people enough, and people are what's going to get the job done2265for us. Mr. Bass, it's becoming more and more common for2266members of our armed services to be referred away from the2267military treatment facilities to civilian providers. The2268consequences are enormous to the taxpayer, the cost. We want to2269take care of our servicemembers. How do we fix this problem?2270 Mr. Bass. Thank you, Senator, and thank you again for2271meeting with me offline. We need to take a look at medical2272readiness as our priority, and we want to make sure we meet the2273access to care standards for our military members. It's a2274delicate balance between going to the direct care system, and2275the MTFs, and then to the private sector.2276 We need to look at and encourage healthcare and the MTFs2277for both volume and complexity, but when necessary to meet2278medical readiness standards. We need to also send it out to the2279community. So, we have to look at the delicate balance between2280the both. And if confirmed, I'll work with the staff to make2281sure that we're meeting access standards, getting healthcare2282for our troops and they're getting world-class care.2283 Senator Tuberville. And as you and I talked about, you2284know, cutting costs, we need to involve the 21st century of AI2285into the things that we do between doctors, and hospitals, and2286drug companies, and all the things that can cut back costs.2287They're there, we just don't use them for some reason. But I2288would hope we would get involved in that. Thank you, guys.2289 Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much. Senator Slotkin.2290 Senator Slotkin. I yield to Senator Rosen.2291 Senator Rosen. I thank Senator Slotkin because I'm off to2292Foreign Relations after this. So, thank you for yielding your2293time, and thank you, Chairman Wicker. Thank you to the2294witnesses for being here, for your families, for your2295willingness to serve.2296 Dr. Meink, it's good to see you. Thanks for meeting with me2297last month. I want to say thank you to Senator Banks, although2298he is no longer here, for bringing up the importance of the2299National Guard because I could not agree more. Dr. Meink, as we2300discussed, Nevada's Air National Guard's 152d Airlift Wing in2301Reno flies the dangerous Modular Airborne Firefighting System,2302easier to say, MAFFS, the MAFFS mission. It flies it with its2303legacy C-130Hs. They fly low and slow at max gross weight over2304wildfires and mountainous terrain.2305 So, upgrading to the C-130Js would provide increased power2306and cargo capacity for flight retardant, which equals increased2307flight safety and firefighting capability in Nevada, and,2308actually, throughout the Western states, which is their mission2309every year we're plagued by devastating wildfires. Just earlier2310this year, the 152d Airlift Wing was activated to fight those2311fires around Los Angeles.2312 Upgrading to the Js is also critical, because during the2313summer months, C-130H is fully loaded with fire retardant,2314can't even take off from Reno with a full tank of fuel due to2315the heat and elevation. This wouldn't be a problem for the C-2316130Js. So, it's why no other base candidate has greater2317operational need.2318 Dr. Meink, the fiscal year 2024 defense appropriations2319procured 8 C-130Js, which weighed a basing decision by the2320Secretary of the Air Force. If confirmed, will you ensure that2321the 152d Airlift Wing receives those C-130Js? We actually were2322next on the list, so that they can more capably and safely2323carry out their dangerous firefighting mission throughout the2324Western United States.2325 Dr. Meink. Senator, thank you for the question, and thank2326you for the time. My Sherpa is actually a C-130J pilot, so I've2327gotten a lot of indoctrination on importance of the C-130J. I2328promise to work with you, Senator, as soon as I get confirmed2329and get an opportunity to take a look at the basing laid out, I2330will work with the Committee and with you to make sure that is2331fully considered in those decisions.2332 Senator Rosen. Yes. Location, mission served is always2333really important. I know we also discussed this, and I see some2334young kids here in the audience. Airmen stationed at Creech Air2335Force Base, Northwest of Las Vegas, they fly the MQ-9 Reapers,2336the unmanned aerial system. They struggle to find adequate2337childcare options because their shift schedules are outside of2338normal business hours. They actually go 24 hours a day, 7 days2339a week, 365 days a year to support those global operations.2340 The DODs attempts to help provide in-home childcare2341solutions for servicemembers in regions with exceptionally high2342demand. They've just not been successful so far. A lot of it2343has to do with the red tape and cumbersome requirements, which2344essentially renders in-home childcare reimbursement unavailable2345for many Nevada families. We would be able to maybe do this2346within the community if we could cut some of the red tape. We2347can serve each other.2348 Dr. Meink, this is so important for the needs of our2349families, and for our mission, as well as they may be based in2350Nevada, but they're not flying in Nevada. Maybe can you commit2351to working with me to make this program work better for our2352families. It's a quality of life and a quality for our mission.2353Particularly those at Creech, they really work outside those2354normal business hours.2355 Dr. Meink. Yes. Senator, I commit to work with you. As I2356mentioned earlier, my wife is a retired Air Force officer. I2357spent time both Active in Reserves and civilian. I understand2358the challenges, particularly in some of the remote locations.2359We go to these remote locations for a reason, but it does2360create challenges and red tape. Yes, we will, I will. I commit2361to work with you on streamlining that.2362 Senator Rosen. Thank you. I so appreciate that. My last2363question really quickly is about Nevada Test and Training2364Range, the crown jewel of the Air Force Nellis Air Force Base,2365the Knitter----2366 Chairman Wicker. What did you say? What?2367 Senator Rosen. The Nevada Test and Training Range, the2368Knitter. The Knitter. I'm sorry, that's what the Air Force2369calls it. Their crown jewel. We are proud to say that provides2370the largest air and ground military training space in the Lower237148. It can never beat Alaska on that amount of space, sorry.2372But for the evaluations of weapons systems, tactics2373development, advanced air combat training without interference2374from commercial aircraft.2375 Knitter modernization has been among the Air Force top2376priorities to ensure that our high-end training keeps pace with2377current and emerging threats and capabilities. We were able to2378finally pass NDAA modernization fiscal year 2024. That's the2379collaboration between the Nevada delegation, the Air Force,2380Department of Interior, other local stakeholders. Almost 902381percent of Nevada's land is owned or managed by the Federal2382Government in some form or fashion. So, there's a lot of pieces2383and parts.2384 So, we'll take this for the record, but I'm going to ask2385what your priorities for future investments at the Knitter are,2386and how do we envision the range evolving? But in deference to2387everybody else who's waiting, and Senator Slotkin who allowed2388me to get over to Foreign Services, we'll take that for the2389record.2390 Senator Rosen. Thank you-all for your time.2391 Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much, Senator Rosen.2392Senator Slotkin.2393 Senator Slotkin. Thank you. Thanks for being here.2394Congratulations.2395 I remember coming in front of this panel under Chairman2396Levin to do a panel confirmation hearing, and I remember being2397the target of that, and everyone else just sat there very2398quietly and got no questions. So, for those of you having2399different experiences today, congratulations.2400 Chairman Wicker. I think you were you were in junior high?2401 [Laughter.]2402 Senator Slotkin. I was not in junior high, but I will say I2403got the full McCain treatment, and remember it to this day. So,2404you should be proud and happy that none of you, I think, have2405received the McCain treatment.2406 A couple of questions for Dr. Meink. You know, in Michigan,2407we have Selfridge Air Force Base, the only Air National Guard-2408controlled base in the country. We've discussed this, and any2409good Michigander will constantly bring up our interest in a2410replacement fighter mission for our A-110's, which are phasing2411out in fiscal year 2027.2412 I know that in order to have a better shot of having a2413fighter mission, we need more airplanes. I just want you to2414know that there's lots of us on this Committee for various2415reasons, who want the Air Force to have more airplanes. But2416will you please commit to working with us on a replacement2417mission, a fighter mission, not a refuel--we've got those in2418coming--but a fighter mission for Selfridge Air Force Base?2419 Dr. Meink. Senator, I commit to work with the Committee2420both on--to make sure we have the right number of platforms,2421and where those platforms are betted down on. Happy to do that.2422 Senator Slotkin. But the right number is more, right?2423 Dr. Meink. Right. Number is likely more, Senator, yes.2424 Senator Slotkin. I mean, no matter what it is, it's more.2425Okay. Good. All right. Well, looking forward to working with2426you and love to invite you to Selfridge, and have you come2427formally and check out what we have going on. It's an amazing2428base, so.2429 Dr. Meink. Happy to do so, Senator.2430 Senator Slotkin. Great. Switching gears. Mr. Duffey, I know2431you've been sitting in the Secretary of Defense's front office,2432and I believe acting as his Deputy Chief of Staff. So, really2433at his right hand. You're about to become the Head of2434Acquisition for the entire Department of Defense. That's a huge2435job. Hugely sensitive job. We don't want other countries2436knowing what we're acquiring, and so they can defeat it.2437 The leadership of this Committee has sent a very standard2438letter to the Department of Defense acting Inspector General,2439asking for an investigation of what has happened with2440potentially classified information being on the Signal chat.2441What do you think of this investigation? Will you commit to2442participating since you were right there in the right hand of2443Secretary Hegseth during this moment?2444 Mr. Duffey. Senator, I was not a part of the chat that's in2445question. I defer to others on the investigation. I will2446continue, as I have in the past, always to communicate through2447approved channels with sensitive information.2448 Senator Slotkin. But if the acting Inspector General came2449to you as someone who's been so closely working in the front2450office of the Secretary, you would participate in such an2451investigation?2452 Mr. Duffey. I would participate. I would follow Department2453procedure if that included the investigation.2454 Senator Slotkin. Are you aware of any other Signal2455communications that has gone on from the front office of the2456Secretary of Defense, either him or his senior staff that have2457involved operationally sensitive information, information about2458specific Whitman's platforms, the timing of operations, or2459anything having to do with senior leader decision making? Are2460you aware of any other Signal chains that you, your staff or2461your boss have been on in the past 90 days?2462 Mr. Duffey. I'm not aware of Signal chats that contain2463sensitive information. No.2464 Senator Slotkin. Okay. So, you can confirm with a clear yes2465or no, you have not been on any Signal chains that provide2466operationally sensitive or classified information?2467 Mr. Duffey. No, I have not.2468 Senator Slotkin. Okay, great. That's makes me feel good. We2469all know that our main competitor in the acquisition space is2470China. That they have invested in technology that is purposely2471meant to undercut our advantages in a fight.2472 So, if you can sum up in a bumper sticker what you're going2473to focus on in the acquisition world in order to shred that gap2474that we have with them, what is that bumper sticker?2475 Mr. Duffey. Thank you for the question, Senator. I think2476two really critical metrics when it comes to measuring the2477success of our acquisition system. One is speed, and second is2478capacity. I think nobody beats us on performance and2479capability, but we need to accelerate speed, and we need to2480manage cost.2481 I think the best incentive because our industrial base is2482absolutely critical to providing this, this is something that2483they do best. It's one of our greatest national assets, is our2484economic power and our innovation within our industrial base.2485 If confirmed in this job, it would be a priority for me to2486convene leaders of industry to understand what are the barriers2487that get in the way of business, wanting to do business with2488the defense industrial base, and ensuring that we can benefit2489from the incentives that competition provides.2490 The more interest we have in the defense industrial base,2491the more innovation we'll get, and I think the more there will2492be effective incentives to provide capable capability at cost2493and at speed.2494 Senator Slotkin. Thank you. Thank you, Chairman.2495 Chairman Wicker. A key matter that needs attention. Thank2496you very much for the question and the answer. Senator Schmitt.2497 Senator Schmitt. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.2498 Again, I've said this earlier today. I've been asked more2499questions about Signal in the last 2 days by these journalists2500who didn't seem to care at all that we had a commander-in-chief2501who couldn't put two sentences together for 4 years. So,2502forgive me if I'm not being caught up in this faux outrage that2503is being demonstrated by my Democrat colleagues about a Signal2504chat that didn't have war plans.2505 It occurs to me that this is more to do about the election2506loss, and rooting against President Trump, and trying to get a2507scalp than it is about national security. So, keep going with2508it. Keep going with it. Because this is the failed stuff that2509didn't work for you before.2510 Dr. Meink, I want to draw your attention because we have a2511President now that we'll take decisive action. Clearly, the2512announcement of NGAD, moving forward with NGAD is a real2513positive. Just so happens that the F-47 will be built by Boeing2514in St. Louis, which is a big win. But I think it's a big win2515for the country to move forward. How do you see our strategic--2516the Chairman and I wrote an op-ed last year about doubling-down2517really on our air superiority. It's a real important thing for2518us to do, strategically.2519 Where do we stand right now? How important was that2520decision in your mind?2521 Dr. Meink. I think it was very, very important, Senator.2522Again, thank you for the one-on-ones we got to do. I appreciate2523the time. So, I think the Department of the Air Force, Air2524Superiority Global Strike, all the command and control, ISR2525[intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance], all the2526systems that the Department is responsible for are becoming2527increasingly important, particularly in a China fight when it's2528such a high threat environment.2529 You know, the sixth-generation capability that NGADs will2530bring, as well as the B-21 and other systems, the long-range2531munitions that we're developing, all those are going to be2532extremely important. Probably more so almost than probably2533since World War II with respect to the importance of air2534superiority and aircraft, in general, Senator. So, I think it's2535a very important decision.2536 Senator Schmitt. One of the thing that is just worth2537mentioning, I know you've been asked a couple questions about2538this from some other Senators on the committee, but we have an2539Air Force Reserve fighter Wing, the 442d, that the A-10 is2540going away. So, these follow-on missions and the critical2541personnel that, you know, a highly trained, and if there's not2542a sort of a follow-on mission, you lose that expertise. It's2543really, really hard to get it back.2544 There's been a lot of discussions that I'll look forward to2545talking with you and others about. The F-15 seems to make a lot2546of sense there. But Dr. Meink, I also want to ask you, you have2547a pretty unique perspective having served as the Deputy2548Director of NRO, and been responsible for procurement with2549commercial space capabilities. If confirmed you'll have a2550responsibility for managing kind of the other side of that2551collaborative partnership. From the Space Force side, how do2552you view the role of commercial space imagery providers? I say2553this, NGA West is in St. Louis, a huge asset and critical to2554our national security. How do you view that given your role,2555your previous role?2556 Dr. Meink. I think commercial space, in general, is going2557to play a continuing bigger and bigger part in what we do both2558from a commercial space and then also from national security,2559imaging services are a big part of that.2560 We've made a lot of advances in my current job. We've2561dramatically expanded the number of commercial providers. It's2562been interesting, right, operating in that highly dynamic, DC2563commercial space. We've learned some lessons, but I think we've2564come out of it stronger. I expect to and hope to, if confirmed,2565take those lessons that I've learned work in that, in the NRO,2566to the Department.2567 Senator Schmitt. I guess for whoever, got one question2568left, so whoever wants to jump in, and Dr. Meink, I feel like2569I've been dominating the questions with you. We've heard a lot2570about procurement reform and being more nimble. You've probably2571been asked, and I was in and out of this hearing about this2572before, but what are--if there were two things that we could do2573better. What would it be?2574 Mr. Duffey. Senator, I'll take the question. I think, first2575of all, I think we need to really examine very closely what are2576the regulatory burdens that we place on businesses that want to2577do business with the Federal Government. I think we need to be2578a dependable and reliable customer because competition is the2579greatest incentive structure that we can have for our industry.2580 There's the famous spaghetti chart out there that talks2581about post-Last Supper in the late 1990s. The Defense2582Industrial Base went from 51 primes to 5 primes, which really2583puts--and our prime contractors deliver tremendous capability.2584But I do think we deprive ourselves of the benefits of2585competition.2586 It would be my priority, if confirmed, as the Under2587Secretary, to examine where are those opportunities that we2588could remove the barriers to entry for both new, venture-2589backed, or private capital-backed companies, or to help2590companies that are already providing value, that are struggling2591to get access to the Pentagon, to give them greater access.2592Because I think that will just really help us to identify and2593accelerate capability to the warfighter.2594 Senator Schmitt. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.2595 Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much, Senator Schmitt.2596Senator Kelly.2597 Senator Kelly. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.2598 I just want to comment on some of the comments that my2599colleague from Missouri made about the Signal chat chain2600talking about war plans. Well, I have planned and conducted2601strikes off of aircraft carriers, multiple strikes into harm's2602way over Iraq and Kuwait. I would agree with the Senator from2603Missouri, this is not an entire war plan. What this is an2604operational plan for very risky combat operations off of an2605aircraft carrier. It's not all the information.2606 But the most critical information that we have in our2607Government are things like launch time off of a platform, in2608this case of an air aircraft carrier, type of airplane F-18s,2609MQ-9s weapons like tomahawks, time on target. It is very2610critical information. Somebody could argue that the piece of2611paper, it came off of the Signal chat, it did not say2612``secret'' or ``top secret.''2613 When you have pilots that are about to go feet dry over a2614foreign nation within an hour or 2 hours, and that information2615is being shared on a non-secure system, it puts those pilots at2616great risk. I agree. It is not all the information, but some of2617the most critical information that you would not want to be2618released is what was in that Signal chain.2619 So, whereas I do agree with some of what you said with2620regards to an entire plan, sure. But the most critical pieces2621were shared publicly on an unsecured system by the Secretary of2622Defense.2623 So, with that, I've got some other questions about maritime2624industry and the SHIPS for America Act, which is my legislation2625with Senator Young of Indiana. Mr. Duffey and Mr. Michael, one2626issue I've been focused on for a long time is the State of our2627maritime industry. TRANSCOM relies on U.S.-flagged vessels and2628American mariners to provide strategic sealift, and right now,2629we don't have enough vessels or mariners to support sustained2630operations overseas. It's a national security issue for us.2631 We also have a hollowed-out shipyard industrial base. We2632the United States, and the only ocean-going ships we build in2633the United States now are Navy vessels, and that means2634constrained supply chains and increased costs for the Navy.2635These are all really pressing issues for our national security.2636 So, Mr. Duffey first, and then Mr. Michael. One, what steps2637would you take to ensure that our cast and forged industrial2638shipbuilding base from forging to supply chains and production2639are ready for competition, crisis, and conflict?2640 Mr. Duffey. Senator, thank you for your concern about this2641very important issue. I had a chance to read the GAOs2642[Government Accountability Office] testimony this week with2643respect to shipbuilding, and one of the major concerns that2644sort of was revealing to me and reviewing that was that since26452003, we have not increased the number of ships in our Navy.2646Which is really puts us at a disadvantage when maritime2647supremacy is absolutely critical in terms of deterring our2648adversary and preventing future conflict.2649 My understanding of the challenges in the shipbuilding2650industrial base includes workforce and supply chain. If I'm2651confirmed into the role, it would be absolutely a priority for2652me to work with this Committee, and with you, and thank you for2653your leadership on the SHIPS legislation, because I think where2654we've seen success in the Defense industry is where we can2655leverage capability in the commercial industry. I think that's2656one of the proposals of your legislation is how do we enhance2657both defense and commercial shipbuilding within the United2658States?2659 Senator Kelly. Then, Mr. Michael, would you agree that2660there are lessons that we can learn from the private sector2661when it comes to shipbuilding best practices?2662 Mr. Michael. There are a lot of lessons learned. I think2663the most sophisticated manufacturers today have very sort of2664dashboard-like understanding of where their supply chains are.2665Every supplier, they're required to build something so that2666they can eliminate bottlenecks. They could do just-in-time2667ordering. They know what's backlogged so they can start on2668other processes while they wait for the parts that are in short2669supply to come in.2670 AI can help with that, and look through and down the supply2671chain across countries and figure out where the materials are2672that we need and schedule labor to be efficient on that. That's2673done very effectively in lots of industries today, that we2674should be borrowing that technology or buying it, or building2675it ourselves, to do that in these industries given the amount2676of money we spend.2677 Senator Kelly. Do you think having a vibrant commercial2678maritime industry is going to help us build Navy ships?2679 Mr. Michael. I think it can. I think the ancillary2680technologies that are built to manage supply chains, and2681manufacturing, and labor can be used to do the same thing in2682the military.2683 Senator Kelly. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.2684 Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much.2685 Mr. Michael, have you read my FoRGED Act?2686 Mr. Michael. Twice.2687 Chairman Wicker. Okay. Thank you very much. Senator2688Sullivan, you're recognized.2689 Senator Sullivan. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.2690 Mr. Michael, that's a good answer.2691 [Laughter.]2692 Senator Sullivan. Got you some points there. Good work.2693 I want to thank all of you, all four of you, your2694willingness to serve our country. Some of you have been doing2695that most of your career, so it's a good, good panel, and I2696appreciate everybody's service, and your family's service, too.2697Families mean a lot in these kinds of jobs. So, to your family2698members here as well, I want to thank all of you.2699 Dr. Meink, I have shown you this slide here, and Mr. Duffey2700as well.2701 Chairman Wicker. Let's put it in the record. Without2702objection.2703 [The information referred to follows:]2704 [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]27052706 Senator Sullivan. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My part of the2707world in Alaska, the AOR [area of responsibility], that's, you2708know, Arctic Northern Pacific, we're getting a lot of action in2709our neck of the woods with Russian ``Bear'' Bomber incursions2710into our ADIZ [Air Defense Identification Zone], Russian Navy2711Vessels task force into our EEZ [Exclusive Economic Zone]. I2712just got a report harassing our fishermen just last month.2713 Again, joint Russian-Chinese strategic bomber task force2714into our ADIZ, which has never happened in the history of our2715country with armed MiG fighters and joint Russian, Chinese2716naval task force. The lower 48 press doesn't cover this a lot,2717but it is a lot of action in the great State of Alaska. We are2718on the front lines of great power competition. I want to ask a2719few questions on that.2720 You know, Dr. Meink, we also have over 100 fifth-generation2721fighters and F-16s, and our young men and women who go do these2722intercept missions all the time. These are tough missions. I2723was really glad to hear that you've done these missions as a2724tanker navigator and flew intercept missions against the2725Russians in the Alaska ADIZ. So, thank you for that service.2726 But here's my question. We need more tankers. There's no2727doubt about it. It's obvious. The Air Force has been telling me2728literally for 10 years that we need more tankers. It went from2729KC-46s--yes, we're going to put them up there to--oh, well now2730we're going to put them all CONUS [Continental United States].2731I don't think that makes any sense. But that was the decision.2732They said, but we know we need more tankers in Alaska, so we're2733going to move KC-135s from Kadena to Alaska, then they rope a2734dope. That one, that was General CQ Brown when he was chief of2735staff. That was previous chiefs of staff of the Air Force.2736 Finally, I wrote a rather forceful letter to Secretary2737Kendall saying, ``Hey, it's been about 10 years since you guys2738committed to tankers in my State, which we all know we need,2739right?'' Just go do one of those. I mean, you know, these guys2740go intercept Russian ``Bear'' bombers. They got to tank four to2741five times just to get there. Really tough missions that our2742young men and women do a great job at.2743 Secretary Kendall, in the fall, wrote and said to me,2744``Yes, Senator, the 4 KC-135s are coming.'' We had one. Then I2745heard--I was just home over the weekend with some folks saying,2746actually, they moved that one back.2747 Can I get your 110 percent commitment? These four KC-135s2748are coming to Eielson. Our Air Force needs them. It's been 102749years since the Air Force committed to me on this. I'm getting2750a little impatient, as you can tell, but this isn't a hard2751call. Everybody and their mother knows that we need more2752tankers up in Alaska, given the action. If we have to surge2753forces from the Lower 48 to INDOPACOM, they're all going to fly2754over Alaska anyway. So, can I get your commitment on that? No,2755head, no bob and weaving. Just tell me yes.2756 Dr. Meink. Senator, if Secretary Kendall committed to2757moving four tankers up there----2758 Senator Sullivan. Everybody for 10 years they've been2759committing.2760 Dr. Meink. Then I will work to follow through on that,2761Senator.2762 Senator Sullivan. So, that's a yes?2763 Dr. Meink. That's a yes, Senator.2764 Senator Sullivan. Great. Thank you.2765 Mr. Duffey, I want to just talk to you and Dr. Meink very2766quickly, and we can do it in more detail. But the INDOPACOM2767commander, the NORTHCOM commander, given this action, NORTHCOM2768commander, was here just last week--or I'm sorry, 3 weeks ago,2769in testimony saying this is going to only increase, and we need2770the infrastructure to deal with it.2771 As I just mentioned, our great airmen have to fly 1,0002772miles just to get to the ADIZ just to intercept. So, they have2773suggested the NORTHCOM commander more infrastructure, a dead2774horse in Alaska, Galena, and very importantly, ADAC, and an Air2775Force hangar with regard to tankers. Can I get your commitment2776to work with me, both of you on those infrastructure projects2777that the NORTHCOM [United States Northern Command] and2778INDOPACOM [United States Indo-Pacific Command] commander have2779both testified in the last month that they need,2780 Mr. Duffey. Well, give me a chance to get to Alaska,2781Senator. I will commit, yes, sir.2782 Senator Sullivan. Yes, we know you're coming to Alaska.2783 [Laughter.]2784 Senator Sullivan. Dr. Meink?2785 Dr. Meink. Yes, Senator.2786 Senator Sullivan. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.2787 Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Sullivan. Senator2788Peters.2789 Senator Kelly. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.2790 Dr. Meink, congratulations on your nomination to serve as2791the Secretary of Air Force. Just want to say, I was happy we2792had a chance to meet at length in my office, and learn about a2793number of your priorities going forward.2794 As you know, Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan2795was selected as the home of a dozen new KC-46 tankers, to2796followup on Senator Sullivan's conversation. I, certainly, am2797grateful as you mentioned in the office, your commitment to2798honor that decision to place those KC-46s in Michigan. I look2799forward to officially welcoming you to visit Selfridge so you2800can see firsthand the incredible facility that is there.2801 Similar to Senator Slotkin, who I know raised this issue2802with you earlier, I also remain committed to securing a future2803fighter mission for Selfridge which is set to lose, as we2804talked about, it's A-10 squadron in fiscal year 2027.2805 During our meeting, we discussed the Air Force's fighter2806force structure and prioritizing the recapitalization of2807combat-coded fighter squadrons. As you know, without2808recapitalization, the DOD risks losing hundreds of skilled2809servicemembers at a time when we are already short over 1,0002810fighter pilots and over 4,500 maintainers. Of the 25 Air2811National Guard Fighter Squadrons in existence today, 15 do not2812have a recapitalization plan. Being from a National Guard2813State, Air National Guard State, that concerns me a great deal.2814 So, my question for you, sir, is how can we ensure we are2815taking full advantage of the expertise of our current National2816Guard aviators and the crews that they have to address this2817personnel shortfall that the Air Force has?2818 Dr. Meink. Again, Senator, I thank you for the question,2819but also, I thank you for the opportunity to sit down and talk2820with you a bit.2821 As I stated in the office, we for sure, the KC-46 tanker,2822we will commit to that. In discussion questions from Senator2823Slotkin, one of the things I will be looking at across the2824board is the procurement plan of fighters to meet the overall2825requirements that the Department has been given, and what are2826the resources to get to the right numbers of aircraft as we2827build out the F-35s.2828 Then, maintaining the fourth-generation fighters, and then2829moving on into the NGADs program, making sure we have the right2830numbers of platforms, and then look at where we're going to put2831those platforms. Senator, if confirmed, to work directly with2832you on where we think we're going to land and have that2833discussion for sure.2834 Senator Kelly. Great, great.2835 We also discussed in that office meeting how collaborative2836combat aircraft and other similar warfighting autonomous2837capabilities can be utilized and integrated alongside the KC-283846s for both improved command and control. These autonomous2839aircraft will be, as you know, crucial in the Indo-Pacific2840given their relative low cost and the versatile capabilities as2841well as high numbers to be able to produce at scale.2842 So, my question for you, sir, is can you share your plans2843to prioritize and improve the acquisition process for2844autonomous capabilities to improve force mix of integrated Air2845Force platforms, as well as weapon systems. Clearly,2846acquisition process needs to be a whole lot quicker, a whole2847lot more efficient. I'd love to hear your plans to make that2848happen.2849 Dr. Meink. I can talk about improving acquisition rate of2850innovation for all day long. I think the key is have the right2851people running the programs, have the right set of2852requirements, give the right authorities to the program2853managers, and then support them through the acquisition. I've2854done that throughout my life with significant success, and I2855will continue to do so.2856 With respect to specific acceleration of the different2857unmanned systems, CCAs [Collaborative Combat Aircraft], and2858other follow-on systems. I haven't been given the detailed--you2859know, it's part of the larger NGAD CCA, the larger enterprise2860solution that the Department's been working on. I haven't2861gotten the detailed briefing on all that. But that will be a2862focus. It's a combination of not just the manpower forms, but2863it's the CCA, and I believe there's likely other platforms2864that'll be required.2865 That's going to have to be a focus because that's what that2866integration of those different type of platforms with ISR2867[intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance] and other2868capabilities is what's going to be required to deter any2869aggressor and PACOM, any place else, and win, if we need to.2870We're going to have to make sure we get that right.2871 Senator Kelly. Thank you, Dr. Meink. Look forward to2872working with you on that issue and the others that we discussed2873in my office. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.2874 Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Peters.2875 There is a vote on. I'm the only questioner remaining in2876the first round. Let me go quickly. Mr. Duffey, thank you for2877mentioning the FoRGED Act on multiple occasions. With regard to2878things like other transaction agreements and middle tier2879acquisition, you can go ahead with that now without the2880enactment of additional legislation. Is that correct?2881 Mr. Duffey. Yes, Mr. Chairman, that is correct. If2882confirmed, I would look to find ways in advance of any2883additional legislation reforming the acquisition to ensure that2884the Department is maximizing the use of the flexibilities of2885the Congress has already provided.2886 Chairman Wicker. That's good. We need to do that, and we2887are going to work with you on that. Mr. Michael, let me ask2888about Defense Established Program to stimulate competitive2889research, or DEPSCoR. How can we buildup innovation across the2890heartland not just in Silicon Valley and Massachusetts?2891 Mr. Michael. I think there's a lot of ways. I think the2892SBIR [Small Business Innovation Research] programs. I think the2893way we get our supply chains unlinked from our adversaries,2894those kinds of technologies or products, if you will, that we2895could do that are perfectly made for more manufacturing-style2896capabilities and software writing. I think there are lots of2897good universities in the center of the country that have lots2898of manufacturing capability, training programs, and there's2899lots of plants there that exist that maybe are not being used2900that would be used to do component building and so on.2901 So, I think that, plus focus on universities outside of the2902Ivy Leagues and the Coasts. There's lots of universities in2903Indiana, and in Chicago, in Illinois,2904 Chairman Wicker. Mississippi.2905 Mr. Michael. Mississippi, perhaps, Alabama, that are doing2906great things. I think if we--they specialize in certain subject2907matter areas that we get a lot of productivity out of that part2908of the ecosystem.2909 Chairman Wicker. Very good.2910 Then, I'll end with Mr. Bass. You have experience in the2911Department of Veterans Affairs. Based on your experiences2912there, what additional steps should we take at the DOD to2913improve retention and recruitment of civilian healthcare2914personnel?2915 Mr. Bass. Thank you, Chairman. Recruiting and retaining2916highly qualified staff has to be a priority. We are in direct2917competition with the civilian sector for these critical skills2918and these specialists.2919 Chairman Wicker. It's a problem.2920 Mr. Bass. Yes, sir, absolutely. It is a problem, and it's2921difficult to compete. We need to take a look at Title 382922authorities to see if we can use that to strategically recruit2923specialists. We need to take a look at paying compensation2924packages. We should look at training opportunities to ensure2925that we recruit and retain these folks. We need to make sure we2926develop pipelines, recruiting pipelines from prominent2927universities in Mississippi, and to make sure that we have a2928necessary force to carry out our medical mission.2929 Chairman Wicker. Rhode Island, not so much?2930 Mr. Bass. Sir, I can't comment on that.2931 Chairman Wicker. Senator Reed, we've got a vote on?2932 Senator Reed. Yes, sir.2933 Chairman Wicker. Okay. Well, thank you very much. With2934that, I'd like to thank our witnesses. Very good hearing. For2935the information of Members, question for the record will be due2936to the Committee within two business days of the conclusion of2937this hearing. With that, and with the thanks of the Committee,2938we are adjourned.2939 [Whereupon, at 11:44 a.m., the Committee adjourned.]2940 ------29412942 [Prepared questions submitted to Dr. Troy E. Meink by2943Chairman Wicker prior to the hearing with answers supplied2944follow:]29452946 Questions and Responses2947 duties and qualifications2948 Question. What is your understanding of the duties and functions of2949the Secretary of the Air Force?2950 Answer. The Secretary of the Air Force is the senior civilian2951leader of the Department of the Air Force. Under USC Title 10, the2952Secretary has the responsibility to organize, train and equip the2953Department, which contains both the United States Air Force and the2954United States Space Force. Additionally, he or she is responsible for2955recruiting, for training and for overall administration, to include the2956morale and welfare of Airmen and Guardians and their families. This2957individual is responsible to the Secretary of Defense for the2958functioning and efficiency of the Department and must work closely with2959the Congress, sister services, industry partners, civic leaders and our2960Allies and partners to ensure the Air and Space Forces effectively2961support national defense objectives.2962 Question. In particular, what management and leadership experience2963do you possess that you would apply to your service as Secretary of the2964Air Force, if confirmed?2965 Answer. I have been serving in national security for over 35 years,2966first as an Active Duty Air Force officer, then as a career civil2967servant. My path of civil service has allowed me to lead and manage2968organizations with larger and larger scopes of responsibility. This2969includes my previous service as the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air2970Force for Space and my present role as the Principal Deputy Director of2971the National Reconnaissance Office. In my current role, I oversee an2972organization with a global footprint, thousands of employees and2973billions of dollars in national security contracts. I have successfully2974led 16 clean audits at the NRO. If confirmed, I plan on applying the2975lessons learned through these unique experiences to the Department of2976the Air Force.2977 Question. If confirmed, what duties and responsibilities would you2978assign to the Under Secretary of the Air Force?2979 Answer. Under title 10, the Under Secretary of the Air Force2980performs the duties and exercises such powers as the Secretary of the2981Air Force may prescribe. The Under Secretary serves as the Chief2982Management Officer for the Department and carries out the primary2983responsibility for the business operations of the Department of the Air2984Force. Additionally, the Under Secretary oversees other matters2985assigned by the Secretary. If confirmed, I will review the current2986duties and responsibilities2987 Question. If confirmed, over which members and organizations of the2988Air Force would you direct the Chief of Staff of the Air Force to2989exercise supervision and what would be the scope of such supervision?2990What other duties would you assign to the Chief of Staff of the Air2991Force?2992 Answer. Under Title 10, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and the2993Chief of Space Operations perform their assigned duties under the2994authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of the Air Force and2995are directly responsible to the Secretary. If confirmed, I look forward2996to reviewing the supervisory responsibilities of both Chiefs and2997consider any appropriate reallocation of duties and responsibilities.2998My priorities for them will be to assist me in improving the warfighter2999readiness of our Airmen and Guardians as well as improve their quality3000of life and quality of service.3001 Question. If confirmed, what innovative ideas would you consider3002providing to the Secretary of Defense regarding the organization and3003operations of the Department of the Air Force?3004 Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to bringing my 30 years of3005successful innovation to the Department of the Air Force. We need to3006not only innovate but innovated faster than our potential adversaries.3007To be successful at increasing our rate of innovation we will need to3008take holistic look at our strategies. We need to streamline the3009budgeting and acquisition process, tailor or risk management approach,3010increase the level of competition, broaden our industry base and ensure3011we are recruiting and retaining the needed talent. We also need to3012strive for innovation across all functions in the department.3013 conflicts of interest3014 Question. Federal ethics laws, like 18 U.S.C. Sec. 208, prohibit3015government employees from participating in matters where they, or3016certain family members or organizations with which they have certain3017relationships, have a financial interest.3018 Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to disclose any3019potential conflicts of interest, including investments, business ties,3020family relationships, or other connections that could be perceived as3021influencing your decision making?3022 Answer. Yes.3023 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, that3024if a conflict of interest arises, you will recuse yourself from3025participating in any relevant decisions regarding that specific matter?3026 Answer. I will comply with all recusal requirements under 18 U.S.C.3027Sec. 208.3028 Question. Do you commit, without qualification, if confirmed, to3029decision making on the merits and exclusively in the public interest,3030without regard to private gain or personal benefit?3031 Answer. Yes.3032 major challenges and priorities3033 Question. What would you see as your highest priorities for the3034near-term and long-term future of the Air Force?3035 Answer. If confirmed, I will focus on the most critical areas3036needed to deter aggression and win decisively if conflict arises. This3037includes the near-term challenges of maintaining and operating our3038current capabilities and the long-term modernization activities we need3039to get right! There are critical modernization activities underway in3040all mission areas of the Air Force, including nuclear deterrence, Air3041Superiority, Global Strike, C2, Rapid Global Mobility and ISR. In3042addition, the U.S. leadership in space is being challenged and I will3043work to ensure the U.S. Space Force doesn't let that happen.3044 Question. What do you consider to be the most significant3045challenges you would face if confirmed as Secretary of the Air Force?3046 Answer. If confirmed, I have no doubt that there will be several3047areas that require my immediate attention, to include the nuclear and3048conventional modernization going on across the Department. However,3049there are three significant challenges that I can readily identify3050based on the information available to me. First is the need for3051resilient space architectures; second is the auditability of the3052Department of the Air Force; third is maintaining a technological edge3053over our near-peer adversaries.3054 Question. What plans do you have for addressing each of these3055challenges, if confirmed?3056 Answer. If confirmed, I would always look to work with the3057Secretary of Defense, my service counterparts, our industry partners,3058and this committee to address these challenges. For resilient space3059architectures, I would seek to leverage our commercial partners as much3060as possible, buying what we can and only building what we absolutely3061must. Widely proliferated space capabilities that leverage commercial3062industry deny our adversaries any ``first-mover'' advantage and thus3063have a deterrent effect on conflict in the space domain.3064 For auditability, I would leverage my experience at the National3065Reconnaissance Office as well as tools like artificial intelligence and3066machine learning that have not been available to the Department in3067previous decades.3068 I am committed to enabling the strongest ties between strategy,3069acquisition, and resources to support President Trump and Secretary3070Hegseth's priorities. We must ensure the Department's foundational3071processes deliver capabilities and closes gaps that are focused on3072warfighting and lethality. Today, we are in an age of rapidly changing3073technology where tech is obsolete almost as soon as it is developed,3074and the current geopolitical landscape demands speed and agility--this3075means an acquisition cycle far shorter than those of our legacy systems3076and prioritizing resource allocation against the most significant3077threats and toward the Department's plans to deal with those threats.3078 national defense strategy3079 Question. The 2022 NDS outlines that the United States faces a3080rising China, an aggressive Russia, and the continued threat from rogue3081regimes and global terrorism. The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the NDS3082Commission testified in July 2024 that China, Russia, Iran, and North3083Korea have formed an ``axis of aggressors'', supporting each other's3084military aggression and illegal wars.3085 What is your assessment of the military threat posed by the3086People's Republic of China?3087 Answer. I believe that China poses the largest plausible military3088threat to the United States of America, as well as our Allies and3089partners in the Indo-Pacific region. China has utilized the last two or3090more decades to ``go to school'' on the United States as we were3091focused on countering violent extremism. They have used that time to3092modernize and attempt to catch up in terms of both capability and3093capacity. Furthermore, their aggressive behavior in places like the3094South China Sea conspicuously demonstrates a willingness to use3095military ``hard'' power to achieve their national security objectives.3096I am most concerned with the developmental timelines of their military3097programs; if we cannot shorten our own timelines in acquisition, they3098are likely to continue closing the gap.3099 Question. What is your assessment of the military threat posed by3100Russia?3101 Answer. While I acknowledge that I do not have access to all3102information, it is clear that Russia poses an acute threat to its3103European neighbors, many of whom are NATO Allies. Despite setbacks over3104the previous years of conflict in Ukraine, Russia has maintained a war3105economy and will remain a threat with its military power (conventional3106and strategic). I am more concerned with Russia's pursuit of asymmetric3107advantages in the space, information, cyber and electronic warfare3108domains.3109 Question. What is your assessment of the military threat posed by3110collusion among Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea?3111 Answer. While I do not have access to all the information regarding3112collusion among these four states, it is my understanding from open-3113source reporting that they are sharing resources and equipment. This3114has been most conspicuous in the conflict in Ukraine. Greater3115cooperation among these countries allows them to cover down on the3116shortfalls in each other's capabilities and capacity. If confirmed, I3117see my role as organizing, training, and equipping the Air and Space3118Forces to a level of warfighting readiness that deters this kind of3119collusion in the future.3120 Question. In 2024, the Air Force announced a refocus on ``Great3121Power Competition,'' with a series of reorganizations intended to3122modernize force structure and force design, to align to the 2022 NDS.3123 In your view, has the GPC initiative been successful?3124 Answer. I have not been fully briefed on the extent of these3125initiatives to make a judgment on their success. I do agree, in3126principle, with the Department's focus on the kind of high-end3127competition delineated in our National Defense Strategy. If confirmed,3128I look forward to receiving an in-depth briefing on this initiative,3129reviewing the data and analysis, and making my own assessment. I commit3130to sharing the results of that assessment with this committee.3131 Question. What do you perceive to be the Air Force's role in3132competing with and countering China?3133 Answer. I believe the role of the Air and Space Forces is to3134achieve a level of warfighting capability, capacity, and readiness to3135deter China from pursuing the use of force as an avenue for achieving3136their national security objectives. On the strategic front, this means3137having a nuclear capability that is never in doubt. On the conventional3138side, it means being able to prosecute all our core functions at a time3139and place of our choosing. If confirmed, I look forward to working with3140this committee and this Congress to ensure the Department has the3141authorities and resources to achieve that level of warfighting3142readiness and thus influence the decision making calculus of China.3143 Question. Is the Air Force adequately sized, structured, and3144resourced to implement the current strategy and the associated3145operational plans? Please explain your answer.3146 Answer. While I have not been briefed on current operational plans,3147I understand from open-source reporting that the Air Force is smaller3148and older than it has ever been in its history. I am equally3149concerned--as a private citizen--about the low mission capable rates3150for our fleets, some of which have been reportedly as low as 50 percent3151or so. If confirmed, I look forward to receiving briefings on the3152adequacy of the force to implement these operational plans. If there3153are shortfalls, I commit to working with this Committee and this3154Congress to advocate for the resources needed.3155 Question. What are your primary lessons learned from observing3156operations in Ukraine and the Middle East that the Air Force must3157consider in its modernization efforts?3158 Answer. While there are several lessons that I have learned from3159open-source reporting of the conflict in Ukraine, there are two that I3160think are most useful to the position I have been nominated to take.3161First, the increased use of unmanned systems has already altered the3162character of war. If confirmed, I will ensure the Department of the Air3163Force is focused on both offensive and defensive unmanned systems and3164tactics.3165 Second, the need for resilience in our space architectures. The3166conflict in Ukraine has highlighted how dependent joint forces have3167become on space for capabilities like satellite communications and3168positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT). For our own joint force to3169prosecute its missions, our Space Force must have resilient3170architectures to ensure these capabilities are not lost in times of3171crisis or conflict.3172 Question. Does the Air Force have the requisite analytic3173capabilities and tools to support you, if confirmed, in evaluating the3174Air Force's force structure and sizing strategies to ensure that it can3175and will generate forces that are manned, trained, and equipped to3176execute current plans and strategies? Please explain your answer.3177 Answer. I am not aware of the specific analytic capabilities and3178tools the Air Force uses to evaluate its force structure. If confirmed,3179I look forward to learning what tools are being used to conduct3180analysis of force structure and if they are inadequate, I will advocate3181for bringing in the right tools and analytic capabilities. Moreover, I3182commit to full transparency with this Committee on the results of my3183assessments.3184 Question. If confirmed, how will you address any gaps or shortfalls3185in the Air Force's ability to meet the demands placed on it by the3186operational plans that implement the current strategy?3187 Answer. While I have not been briefed on current operational plans,3188I understand from open-source reporting that the Air Force is smaller3189and older than it has ever been in its history. I am equally3190concerned--as a private citizen--about the low mission capable rates3191for our fleets, some of which have been reportedly as low as 50 percent3192or so. If confirmed, I look forward to receiving briefings on the3193adequacy of the force to implement these operational plans. If there3194are shortfalls, I commit to working with this Committee and this3195Congress to advocate for the resources needed.3196 Question. If confirmed, what changes or adjustments would you make3197in the Air Force's implementation of the current strategy?3198 Answer. I do not yet have access to the information necessary to3199make an assessment on the Air Force's implementation of the current3200strategy. However, I have seen through open source reporting the level3201of focus the Department has on high-end competition and conflict and I3202applaud efforts to re-prioritize after decades of countering violent3203extremism. If confirmed, I look forward to receiving briefings on the3204implementation plans for both Services and will make my own assessment.3205I commit to working with this committee to share the results of that3206assessment.3207 Question. How would you characterize your familiarity with the3208civilian leaders of the militaries of other nations and multi-national3209and international air power-focused consultative forums? If confirmed,3210on which leaders and forums would you focus your engagement with a view3211to advancing the interests of the Air Force?3212 Answer. I do not yet have access to the information necessary to3213make an assessment. In the execution of my current duties as Principal3214Deputy Director of the National Reconnaissance Office, I have some3215familiarity with civilian leadership in the national security3216establishments of other nations, but it is not extensive. If confirmed,3217I would place a premium on building positive bilateral and multilateral3218relationships with my counterparts in the military services of our3219partners and Allies. To my knowledge, there are many forums for3220facilitating that kind of engagement. Should I be fortunate to be3221confirmed to this position, I would prioritize building relationships3222with our Allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region, including our3223Quad partners and our ASEAN partners. I would also take care not to3224neglect our many European Allies and partners and am aware that there3225are several forums that the Secretary traditionally has an opportunity3226to engage in, including the Munich Security Conference and the Royal3227International Air Tattoo.3228 air force readiness3229 Question. How would you assess the current readiness of the Air3230Force--across the domains of materiel and equipment, personnel, and3231training--to execute its required missions?3232 Answer. My current understanding is the Air Force is ready today to3233deter and defend, and if necessary, to fly, fight and win against any3234adversary. However, I believe the Department's advantage is shrinking3235and the ability to overmatch adversaries is a concern.3236 Question. In your view, what are the priority missions for which3237current and future Air Force and Space Force forces should be trained3238and ready in the context of day-to-day activities, as well as for3239contingencies?3240 Answer. Guardians protect our Nation's interests in, from and to3241space. They must be trained and ready to fight and win in a contested3242environment, enable and deliver warfighting lethality to and as part of3243the Joint Force, and assure freedom of access for our forces while3244denying the same to our adversaries through day-to-day activities and3245contingencies.3246 To achieve this end, the Space Force must prioritize space domain3247awareness, resilience, and capabilities that ``hold at risk'' adversary3248spaces assets to protect the Joint Force.3249 Additionally, we must reinforce the warrior ethos within our3250Guardians, providing them with the equipment, the tactics, and the3251training required to use military force to control the space domain.3252 The Air Force provides airpower through 5 core functions--Air3253Superiority, Global Precision Attack, Rapid Global Mobility, Global3254ISR, and Command and Control. Together, these functions provide a range3255pre-emptive and reactive options to the National Command authority and3256allow the department to integrate with the joint force in peacetime,3257crisis, and high-end conflict. As we maintain readiness, individual3258units may not train to all 5 core functions, but as a department we3259stand ready to provide Air Superiority, Global Precision Attack, Rapid3260Global Mobility, Global ISR, and Command and Control, anywhere in the3261world, in support of U.S. national interests, Allies, and partners.3262Given the pervasive and increasing threat of small Unmanned Aircraft3263Systems (UAS), Airmen and Guardians should be trained to detect,3264respond and if necessary, counter sUAS in both day-to-day and3265contingency scenarios. Similarly, as more missile defense capabilities3266come online, Airman and Guardian operator training for those systems3267will also be necessary.3268 Question. Does the Air Force have the requisite analytic3269capabilities and tools to support you, if confirmed as the Secretary of3270the Air Force, in measuring its readiness to execute the broad range of3271potential Air Force missions envisioned by 2022 NDS and associated3272operational plans--from low-intensity, gray-zone conflicts to3273protracted high intensity fights? Please explain your answer.3274 Answer. To my knowledge, our current suite of authoritative data3275sources is not aligned to allow easy transfer of data that will allow3276us to analyze and report the readiness of our personnel, supply,3277equipment, and training levels. The Department must upgrade the current3278analytic tools to inform not only Service-level decisions, but to3279communicate readiness across the Joint Force, the Department of3280Defense, and Congress. My understanding is the Department needs new3281analytical tools to complement the efforts in improving force3282generation and presentation and allow the Air Force to better3283articulate capacity, readiness, and risk.3284 Question. If confirmed, how would you prioritize maintaining3285readiness in the near term, with modernizing the Air Force to ensure3286future readiness?3287 Answer. Nuclear deterrence is foundational for our national3288security. Need to protect foundational readiness programs such as3289Flying Hours, Weapons Sustainment Support, and Pilot production.3290 We also need to balance today's requirements with the need to3291modernize and maintain future readiness, deterrence and lethality.3292Manage short-term risk to readiness to modernize and prepare our forces3293for mid-to-long term and enduring strategic missions as well as acute3294and persistent threats. We need to invest, modernize, and upgrade3295Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI) for the high-end3296training capability to sharpen Air Force and Joint Force combat3297effectiveness and lethality such as the Nevada Test and Training Range3298and the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex.3299 budget3300 Question. If confirmed, by what standards would you measure the3301adequacy of funding for the Department of the Air Force?3302 Answer. If confirmed, I will work with my senior military and3303civilian officials in assessing resources levels to ensure the Air3304Force and Space Force budgets achieve the priorities set forth by the3305Administration, with a laser focus on defending the homeland and3306deterring China and other competitors. The Department of the Air Force3307(DAF) must align with Defense strategic priorities and maintain3308readiness while modernizing capabilities to meet evolving threats. The3309DAF must maintain a competitive edge against threats posed by our3310strategic competitors to ensure air and space superiority and dominance3311over adversaries, while also projecting combat power to support the3312Joint Force. If confirmed, I would like to discuss specific assessments3313against all our priorities with Congress to ensure the DAF is resourced3314adequately.3315 Question. How will you ensure the Air Force is appropriately3316resourced to simultaneously modernize, grow readiness, and take care of3317its people?3318 Answer. If confirmed, I will prioritize the unique Air Force3319capabilities critical to the Joint Force to generate lethality and3320achieve peace through strength. I will also prioritize rebuilding our3321military by matching threats to capabilities. Putting people first3322means ensuring the readiness of our troops and their families. It also3323means providing our troops with the most lethal and modern capabilities3324that will outpace our adversaries. I will work internally with3325stakeholders, the Administration, and ultimately, Congress to advocate3326for readiness and modernization funding, as well as taking care of our3327most important asset, people.3328 Question. Section 222a of title 10, U.S. Code, provides that not3329later than 10 days after the President's submission of the defense3330budget to Congress, each Service Chief must submit to the congressional3331defense committees a report that lists, in order of priority, the3332unfunded priorities of his or her armed force.3333 If confirmed, do you agree to support the Chief of Staff of the Air3334Force and the Chief of the Space Force in providing their unfunded3335priorities lists to Congress in a timely manner?3336 Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I commit to prioritizing and including3337critical funding requirements in our budget requests. I will also3338support the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and the Chief of Space3339Operations in the submission of their unfunded priority lists in3340accordance with law.3341 alliances and partnerships3342 Question. Mutually beneficial alliances and partnerships are one of3343our greatest comparative advantages in competition with near-peer3344rivals.3345 What do you see as the role of the Air Force and Space Force in3346building relationships and interoperability with allies and partners?3347 Answer. The Air Force and Space Force are charged with developing3348combat-credible international partnerships that support U.S. objectives3349across, though, and above AORs. The Air Force plays a crucial role3350equipping and training Allies and partners so they can defend3351themselves deter adversaries, and fight alongside us. In addition, the3352scope and scale of the challenges within the space domain is too large3353for any one country--including the United States--to address alone, so3354we must fully leverage Allies and partners as force multipliers to3355achieve space superiority. Interoperability and interdependence with3356Allies and partners in the space domain broadens the number of systems3357available for space operations, strengthens resilience, and complicates3358adversaries' decision-making--making an attack on one of our space3359systems more risky, less profitable, and less likely to achieve the3360adversary's end states. With the growing number of Allies and partners3361standing up their own dedicated military space organizations we have3362incredible opportunities to play the same crucial roles in both air and3363space. We will continue to leverage these opportunities through3364international engagement that prioritizes integration of space3365capabilities, posture, training, wargaming, and exercising to dominate3366the space warfighting domain.3367 Question. If confirmed, what specific actions would you take to3368prioritize and strengthen existing U.S. alliances and partnerships,3369build new partnerships, and take advantage of opportunities in3370international cooperation?3371 Answer. If confirmed, I will continue to advance President Trump's3372directive to achieve Peace Through Strength by empowering our Allies3373and partners via security cooperation to be force multipliers.3374Department of the Air Force security cooperation will facilitate3375greater burden-sharing with Allies and partners who are positioned to3376assume primary responsibility for defending their national and regional3377interests, freeing U.S. resources toward priorities aligned with U.S.3378national strategic objectives, to include homeland defense. We will3379achieve this strategic alignment through key-leader engagement,3380international armaments cooperation, and proactive export policy that3381increases the lethality, interoperability, and readiness of our Allies3382and partners to deter Chinese aggression.3383 indo-pacific region3384 Question. What are the key areas in which the Air Force and Space3385Force must improve to provide the necessary capabilities and capacity3386to the Joint Force to deter Chinese aggression and, if necessary,3387prevail in a potential conflict with China?3388 Answer. The Space Force must keep the advantage we have maintained3389in space for over 60 years including counterspace capabilities. The Air3390Force must accelerate the modernization of its aging fleet and ensure3391high levels of readiness.3392 Question. How would you assess the threat to Air Force forces and3393facilities from Chinese missile forces? In your assessment, have Air3394Force investments, posture shifts and/or new operational concepts3395sufficiently addressed this threat?3396 Answer. To my knowledge, the threat to USAF forces and facilities3397from People's Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) are ever increasing3398due to the growing number, type, range and sophistication of missiles3399being produced year over year. The Agile Combat Employment (ACE)3400concept will make it harder for China to neutralize operations and3401increases aimpoints that must be targeted. While the USAF has made3402progress in addressing the Chinese missile threat, but there is more to3403be done.3404 Question. In your assessment, what are the priority investments the3405Department of the Air Force could make that would help implement the3406National Defense Strategy in the Indo-Pacific?3407 Answer. With China's increasing threat and capability in the Indo-3408Pacific region, the DAF will have to operate in a highly contested3409environment, characterized by a complex web of overlapping integrated3410air and space defense systems. Investments in asymmetric capabilities3411will create a more resilient and adaptable force augmenting the DAF's3412credible deterrent against China and other potential adversaries in an3413increasingly complex and challenging security environment.3414 USAF investments in prepositioned munitions and petroleum, oil, and3415lubricants (POL) are also crucial for maintaining logistical support in3416contested environments. Furthermore, improving overall force readiness,3417modernizing the force, developing collaborative combat aircraft (CCAs),3418conducting joint and combined training with Allies & partners, and3419establishing resilient command and control systems are vital steps to3420strengthen the USAF's agility and effectiveness in the region.3421 USSF investment priorities focus on achieving space superiority3422through space control. Supporting and underpinning these capabilities,3423the USSF requires the systems and sufficient baseline force structure3424and enabling capabilities such as space domain awareness, warfighting3425manpower, infrastructure, facilities, security, and realistic testing3426and training.3427 Question. What is your current assessment of the risk of3428operational failure in a conflict with China as a result of a critical3429logistics failure?3430 Answer. The risk of operational failure due to logistical3431challenges in a conflict with China is a serious concern. The DAF3432modern Force relies on highly complex and interconnected supply chains3433for everything from ammunition and fuel to spare parts and advanced3434technology. Potential adversaries, like China, have the capability to3435threaten our logistics hubs and supply lines, which are essential for3436sustaining military operations. This requires improvement to DAF3437distributed logistics, base resilience, and prepositioned supplies. We3438also need to consider how to better leverage our Allies and Partners.3439 Question. In your opinion, what role will Guam play in a conflict3440with China? Do you believe Guam's infrastructure is currently adequate3441to support the current and future mission?3442 Answer. In my opinion, Guam is a critical forward location that3443enables the projection and sustainment of airpower from the frontlines3444of the Indo-Pacific, bolstering the USAF's posture west of the3445International Date Line. My understanding is that significant3446infrastructure improvements have already been made at Andersen, but3447further enhancements including ongoing upgrades to its airfields,3448increasing support facilities, and expanding fuel and munitions storage3449capacity are vital to ensure robust resiliency and operational3450continuity in contested environments.3451 Question. What is your view of the role of unmanned systems in3452deterring conflict in the Taiwan Strait?3453 Answer. The Taiwan Strait is a highly contested and sensitive3454region, and the potential that China would use military aggression3455against Taiwan remains a significant concern for regional and global3456stability. Unmanned systems play a critical role in deterring conflict3457in the region, but the systems' effectiveness depends on addressing the3458challenges and limitations associated with their use. A comprehensive3459approach that includes developing advanced unmanned systems, improving3460command and control, enhancing cybersecurity and resiliency, and3461integrating unmanned systems with other warfighting capabilities is key3462to maximizing their potential.3463 europe3464 Question. What are the key areas in which the Air Force must3465improve to provide the necessary capabilities and capacity to the Joint3466Force to deter Russian aggression and, if necessary, prevail in a3467potential conflict with Russia?3468 Answer. The Air Force must work with our NATO Allies to ensure that3469the Alliance has the capability and capacity to deter Russian3470aggression and if necessary, prevail in conflict. The Air Force's3471ability to project power globally is a decisive factor in deterring our3472peer adversaries. Reviving our defense industrial base and rapidly3473fielding emerging technologies are key to sustaining the Air Force's3474speed, agility, and lethality.3475 Question. In your view, are there investments the Air Force should3476prioritize for the competition with Russia below the level of direct3477military conflict in order to counter Russian malign influence and3478hybrid warfare operations?3479 Answer. The USAF will need to work with NATO to ensure that our3480Europe Allies are capable of deterring and countering Russian malign3481influence, including hybrid warfare operations. We will prioritize3482guiding European investments in these areas.3483 Question. How do you assess the Air Force's current posture to3484support operations in Europe?3485 Answer. The U.S. Air Force is postured to support operations in3486Europe with a diverse and capable force, including forward-based3487squadrons and high-end capabilities like the F-35. Integration with3488NATO Allies is strong and has steadily improved in recent years.3489However, the evolving threat environment, particularly from Russia,3490necessitates continuous force posture assessment and potential3491adjustments to ensure the long-term capability to deter and, if3492necessary, defeat aggression.3493 acquisition3494 Question. Civilian oversight of the acquisition system has been a3495cornerstone of the post-World War Two acquisition system.3496 What are your personal views on the principle of civilian control3497of the defense acquisition system?3498 Answer. I believe civilian control of our military is fundamental3499to our system of government and I place that same premium on our3500defense acquisitions system. It requires a collaborative effort between3501military, civilian, and industry stakeholders to deliver the3502capabilities our warfighters need on time and within resources. If3503confirmed, I will work with the Department of the Air Force's Senior3504Acquisition Executives to increase innovation, streamline and3505accelerate the acquisition process, and ensure cost, schedule, and3506performance goals are maintained.3507 Question. Congress has expanded and refined the acquisition-related3508functions of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, the Chief of Space3509Operations, and the other Service Chiefs.3510 If confirmed, how would you synchronize your acquisition3511responsibilities and those of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force3512for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology and those of the Chief of3513Staff of the Air Force and the Chief of Space Operations?3514 Answer. If confirmed, I would ensure continuous collaboration and3515transparent communication with SAF/AQ, the Chief of Staff of the Air3516Force, and the Chief of Space Operations to synchronize acquisition3517efforts with operational priorities. This unity of effort will enable3518us to deliver effective and timely capabilities that support the3519operational needs of the joint force and maintain strategic advantage.3520 Question. Congress has authorized a range of authorities, including3521the Middle Tier of Acquisition authority, rapid acquisition authority,3522and the software acquisition pathway, to tailor the acquisition process3523to enable the rapid delivery of new capabilities.3524 In your view, what benefit has the Department of the Air Force3525derived from its utilization of Middle Tier of Acquisition authorities?3526 Answer. In my view, the MTA pathway benefits the Department of the3527Air Force by allowing for rapid prototyping and fielding of3528capabilities within 2-5 years, delivering new technologies to the3529warfighter faster.3530 Question. In your view, what benefit has the Department of the Air3531Force derived from its utilization of the rapid acquisition authority?3532 Answer. The Department of the Air Force benefits from rapid3533acquisition authorities by accelerating the development, acquisition,3534and fielding of critical combat capabilities, enabling the DAF to3535deliver warfighting capabilities faster without the more bureaucratic3536traditional acquisition processes.3537 Question. How will you ensure that rapid acquisition pathways are3538not inundated with unnecessary or unwarranted bureaucratic processes?3539 Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to utilizing and accelerating3540these hard-won pathways. Having these tools is critical to getting more3541capability to the warfighter faster. If confirmed, I will scrutinize3542any barriers to these novel and promising pathways and will continue to3543streamline processes.3544 Question. How will you seek to balance the need to rapidly acquire3545and field innovative systems while ensuring acquisition programs3546provide effective capabilities for the joint force?3547 Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to working with Congress to3548streamline the requirements and acquisition process. I will ensure our3549acquisition programs provide meaningful and effective capabilities for3550the Joint force while leveraging all acquisition authorities and3551flexibilities to deliver at speed and scale. If confirmed, I will also3552ensure we have the necessary policies in place to strengthen the health3553of the defense industrial base.3554 Question. Based on your experience, how would you structure the Air3555Force to conduct better tradeoff analysis so that programmatic3556investments are not stove-piped and can be assessed against the impact3557of various alternatives?3558 Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure our approaches allow mission3559and capability informed decisions. Both the Section 809 Panel and PPBE3560commission have called for a portfolio-based approach to making3561acquisition decisions. If confirmed, I will work to move the DAF from3562system-by-system analysis approach to a mission informed capability3563portfolio approach.3564 Question. What is your assessment of the adequacy with which the3565Air Force has been transitioning nontraditional defense contractors3566from research and development into production contracts? What steps, if3567any, would you take to improve the Air Force's ability to do business3568with nontraditional defense contractors?3569 Answer. To my knowledge, the DAF has been focused on lowering3570barriers to entry and promoting competition and has made progress, with3571the Collaborative Combat Aircraft Program being a very important3572example. If confirmed, I will continue lowering of barriers to entry3573for nontraditional defense contractors. Our Acquisition Strategies and3574the incentives they create should recognize bold investment in R&D,3575increased capacity options, and increased competitive opportunities3576enabling more opportunities and competition for nontraditional3577contractors.3578 Question. What is your assessment of the sufficiency of the Air3579Force acquisition workforce across both civilian and military3580personnel, both in the number and the level of experience of those3581personnel? What do you see as the benefits or disadvantages of civilian3582versus military acquisition professionals?3583 Answer. I believe the single most important factor in acquisition3584success is the skill of the government team. As I understand it, the3585Airmen and Guardians within the Acquisition Workforce are some of the3586best and brightest in the Department of the Air Force. Our unified3587Acquisition workforce, military and civilians, are invaluable to the3588warfighter and our overall readiness. If confirmed, I will work with3589military and civilian leadership to ensure our acquisition workforce3590has the professionalism and competency required for success.3591 requirements3592 Question. The Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act3593required the Joint Staff to take a clean-sheet approach to the3594requirements process and the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense3595Authorization Act required the Secretary of Defense to establish an3596advisory panel on reforming the requirements process.3597 What recommendations would you make to the requirements process to3598make it more adaptive to changes in threats and technologies?3599 Answer. For the United States Space Force, top-level requirements3600need to be written in broad mission areas which allows the acquisition3601community to decompose them in ways that allow for rapid technological3602insertion, increased adaptation of commercial capabilities, and the3603flexibility to trade performance for speed in certain circumstances. I3604believe a robust discussion of the reforms proposed in the FoRGED Act3605and the report directed under Section 811 of the National Defense3606Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 will allow the Military Services3607to work with Congress on potential process reforms. Reducing Quick3608Action Requirement (QAR) restrictions at the Joint Staff and service3609level, while also allowing for budgetary flexibility, will best posture3610Combatant Commanders for success in the current national security3611environment.3612 Question. What role do you see for the Joint Staff versus the3613military services in the requirements process?3614 Answer. The Joint Staff ensures the voices of all Services and3615Combatant Commands are taken into consideration and manages the process3616of joint requirements development. The Space Force has unique3617authorities in the requirements process due to the designation of the3618CSO as Force Design Architect for the Armed Forces, and as the Joint3619Space Integrator, which provide him broad latitude to capture and3620satisfy joint warfighting gaps that can be filled with space3621capabilities along with developing Service specific requirements.3622 The Joint Staff will act as the integrator for service needs,3623meaning ensuring the services are working together to provide the3624effective mission solutions as a joint team. Furthermore, the JS must3625provide oversight, ensuring the voice of the joint warfighter is front3626and center in the requirements process.3627 test and evaluation3628 Question. Under what circumstances, if any, do you believe it3629appropriate to procure weapons systems and equipment that have not been3630demonstrated through test and evaluation to be operationally effective3631and operationally suitable?3632 Answer. Generally, I believe that limited initial production should3633be utilized to support formal operational testing. Developmental3634production prototypes should, to some extent, be employed for3635developmental testing before making a production decision. However,3636this approach is highly dependent on the urgency of the operational3637requirement and the nature of the system being acquired. In certain3638cases, it may be appropriate to procure weapon systems and equipment3639that have not undergone full testing and evaluation. This applies when3640there is an urgent and clearly defined warfighter need, the technical3641risk is low, the system has been demonstrated in some capacity3642(including cybersecurity), and the planned procurement is limited.3643Nevertheless, a basic level of safety, cybersecurity, and performance3644should typically be validated before the system is fielded.3645 Question. What do you see as the role of the developmental and3646operational test and evaluation communities with respect to rapid3647acquisition, spiral acquisition, and other streamlined acquisition3648processes?3649 Answer. I believe these communities play a critical role in3650ensuring the timely deployment of systems that deliver operational3651advantages to our warfighters while meeting their requirements. For any3652program, regardless of its structure, the sequencing and content of3653testing should be customized to the specific program, considering3654factors such as technical and operational risks, the urgency of3655operational needs, and the efficiency of the testing process.3656 Question. Are you satisfied with Air Force test and evaluation3657capabilities? In which areas, if any, do you feel the Air Force should3658be developing new test and evaluation capabilities?3659 Answer. To maintain our military edge, we must be able to test and3660evaluate our systems as effectively as we build them. That means a3661sustained commitment to modernizing our test infrastructure across the3662board. We need to invest in cutting-edge technologies, expand and3663connect our ranges and develop a secure digital test environment while3664cultivating our workforce. This is not just about keeping pace; it is3665about staying ahead in critical areas like autonomy, artificial3666intelligence, and multi-domain operations. Without these investments,3667we risk fielding systems that are untested and unreliable.3668 Question. Do you believe that current Air Force test and evaluation3669facilities and personnel and technical test apparatuses are up to par3670for what is needed for the modernization challenges of the Air Force,3671now and in the near future?3672 Answer. In my opinion, our current test and evaluation capabilities3673in facilities, personnel, and test apparatuses require constant3674investments to keep pace with the Air Force's modernization agenda.3675While we have a dedicated and innovative workforce, the reality is that3676aging facilities and retaining a highly skilled workforce challenges3677our ability to effectively test and field the next generation of3678advanced systems. If confirmed, the Air Force will remain committed to3679maintaining Test and Evaluation investment to meet the demands of3680future conflict.3681 Question. What do you see as the operational test and evaluation3682needs for testing non-developmental or commercial items to ensure they3683can still meet the technical requirements, and human factor needs of3684environments often more complex and demanding than commercial settings?3685 Answer. As I understand it, the Air Force is committed to3686leveraging the innovation of commercial technologies wherever possible,3687but it must never compromise on ensuring those systems are truly ready3688for the demands of military operations. While we can buy it off-the-3689shelf, that does not mean it is combat-ready. Both commercial and3690military items must be rigorously tested in realistic missions with the3691actual warfighters.3692 Question. How many Air Force developmental or operational test and3693evaluation facilities are accredited for TS/SCI discussion and3694processing?3695 Answer. My understanding is the Air Force Operational Test and3696Evaluation Center (AFOTEC) currently manages 12 facilities with the3697necessary accreditation for Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented3698Information (TS/SCI) discussions. On the developmental test and3699evaluation (DT&E) side, the Air Force Test Center currently has ?1.33700million square feet of classified facility space with 22 facilities.3701 Question. How many Air Force test and evaluation personnel3702designing tests are accessed to the OPLANs that their programs are3703designed to support? How will you ensure your testing is operationally3704representative if the personnel designing tests do not know the use3705cases for the equipment?3706 Answer. Understanding the operational environment and operational3707employment is critical to ensure a well-structured test approach. I do3708not have access to that level of personnel data to assess if the3709workforce has the appropriate access, but if confirmed I will ensure3710they do.3711 Question. Will the Integrated Capabilities Command (ICC) have the3712authority to cancel programs that perform poorly in testing or whose3713need has been overcome by events?3714 Answer. If the need for a capability in development is overcome by3715events and/or the requirement for such a capability in no longer valid,3716ICC will coordinate with the A5/7 and make recommendations to the VCSAF3717via the Air Force Requirements Oversight Council. ICC oversees3718capability development, and if an ICC-proposed solution to a valid3719requirements performs poorly in testing, those results are presented to3720the AFROC for AF senior leadership to decide whether to continue the3721program. Service Component Commands (and serviced Combatant Command):3722Air Mobility Command (USTRANSCOM); Air Force Global Strike Command3723(USSTRATCOM); United States Air Forces Europe (USEUCOM and USAFRICOM);3724Pacific Air Forces (USINDOPACOM); Air Forces North / Air Force Space3725Command (USNORTHCOM and USSPACECOM); Air Force Special Operations3726Command (USSOCOM); Air Forces Southern (USSOUTHCOM); Air Forces Central3727(USCENTCOM).3728 Question. What do you believe should be the relationship between3729the major commands of the Air Force and the ICC, and how will you3730ensure the commander of the major commands will be able to execute the3731mission assigned to them under various operational plans developed by3732the combatant commands?3733 Answer. My understanding is the AF is planning to move toward3734streamlining its top-level commands into two types: institutional and3735service component. Institutional Commands are responsible for the3736organization, training, equipping and presenting ready Air Forces to3737Service Component Commands, which then employ those forces IAW the3738orders of the Combatant Commander to which they serve as the Air3739Component. By realigning this way, commanders are given the authority3740to wholly own their respective function and do not face the conflicts3741of interest which arise between trying to modernize their force while3742simultaneously employing it. The ICC will work closely with MAJCOMs,3743Institutional Commands, and Service Component Commands (MAJCOM/I/SCCs)3744on synchronizing AF modernization needs with sustainment requirements3745to achieve mission and system integration. The ICC will develop and3746validate operational concepts and align capability development efforts3747to build a combat-credible force, capable of achieving National Defense3748Strategy (NDS) objectives alongside joint, allied, and partner forces.3749The ICC will prioritize modernization investments, including associated3750depot activation investments and develop narratives to influence3751planning and programming choices integrated by design to achieve3752maximum efficiency and efficacy in the USAF Strategy, Planning,3753Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (SPPBE) corporate process.3754 Question. Do you believe there are enough full-scale aerial targets3755to execute test plans for current and future programs?3756 Answer. My understanding is we face a serious challenge in aerial3757target capabilities. Inventory is shrinking while the sophistication3758needed for these systems continues to increase. This gap threatens the3759ability to effectively test and field next-generation weapons. If3760confirmed, I will work with the Department of Defense to explore3761solutions, including potential replacements.3762 Question. The Air Force has shifted focus to beyond line of sight3763kill chains rather than individual weapons systems. The test community3764has not yet pivoted to testing the entire process in full.3765 How will you ensure adequate test and evaluation of the long-range3766kill chain ``system of systems'' in total rather in separate pieces?3767 Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure the Air Force remains committed3768to rigorously testing the Long-Range Kill Chain as a complete system,3769not just individual parts. We will do this by using realistic3770scenarios, leveraging advanced test capabilities like expanded ranges3771and modeling/simulation, and closely coordinating developmental and3772operational testing. Our goal is to ensure the Long-Range Kill Chain is3773effective, resilient, and fully integrated into a multi-domain fight,3774giving our warfighters a decisive advantage.3775 audit3776 Question. If confirmed, what specific actions will you take or3777direct to enable the Air Force to achieve a clean financial audit in3778the most expedited fashion?3779 Answer. The Department of the Air Force continues to make3780significant progress with audit as roughly 70 percent of their general3781fund balance sheet is considered audit ready. If confirmed, I would3782make audit a top priority and continue to push for accelerated results3783by taking advantage of industry tools and software that can enable3784rapid acceleration on audit activities.3785 Question. What are the benefits to Air Force missions and3786effectiveness of achieving and maintaining a clean audit?3787 Answer. The annual audit remains a catalyst for positive change,3788boosting mission readiness, while transforming and streamlining how we3789operate. The pursuit to obtain and maintain a clean audit opinion has3790fueled the Department of the Air Force to enhance accountability over3791assets (e.g., aircraft, munitions, satellites, engines, and property),3792which directly impacts the DAF mission and warfighters' effectiveness.3793 Question. How will you hold Department of the Air Force leaders and3794organizations responsible and accountable for making the necessary3795investments and changes to correct findings and material weaknesses3796identified in the audit process?3797 Answer. If confirmed, I will establish a culture of audit3798accountability within the Department of the Air Force. This includes a3799new governance approach, stringent timelines for senior leader3800remediation efforts, and targeted investments to expedite our path to3801an unmodified audit opinion by the 2028 congressional mandate.3802 Question. Based on your experience, how do you see improved data3803from Air Force financial management IT systems that support audit help3804Air Force decision-making and readiness?3805 Answer. Improved data from auditable financial management IT3806systems will better inform communication of our readiness posture,3807(e.g., what assets we have and what condition they are in), enhance3808budget accuracy to focus on actual needs, and enable stronger3809negotiation positions with vendors to meet mission needs cost-3810effectively.3811 nuclear enterprise3812 Question. The Air Force is responsible for maintaining and3813operating two legs of the nuclear triad, including its nuclear weapons3814and the majority of the 107 nuclear command, control and communications3815systems that link the President to the nuclear forces. There have been3816a number of troubling incidents since 2007, including the inadvertent3817transportation of six nuclear armed AGM-86 cruise missiles without3818authorization by a B-52 from Minot Air Force Base to Barksdale Air3819Forces Base, and the shipment of ICBM fuses to Taiwan. These actions3820resulted in a loss of confidence and dismissal of the two senior3821leaders of the Air Force, both the Secretary and the Chief of Staff. In38222014, the entire wing of combat missileers at Malmstrom Air Force Base3823was decertified after leaders uncovered a proficiency exam cheating3824incident. It was later determined that this cheating activity was3825partially due to low morale and a shortage of qualified missileers to3826perform the long hours deployed in remote CONUS locations under harsh3827weather. These incidents resulted in number of reviews, including a DOD3828enterprise review in 2014 by Secretary Hagel. The reviews resulted in3829such actions as creation of Air Force Global Strike Command, and its3830elevation to a four-star command, and the establishment of a Deputy3831Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration (A10).3832 What are your overall views on responsibility of the Secretary of3833the Air Force as regards the nuclear enterprise?3834 Answer. As denoted in Title 10, the Secretary through the Chief of3835Staff of the Air Force ensures the safety, security, reliability,3836effectiveness and credibility of the nuclear deterrence mission of the3837Air Force. If confirmed, this is one of the most important3838responsibilities I have, and one I will take very seriously.3839 Question. If confirmed, what actions will you take to oversee the3840continued implementation of these reforms of the nuclear-focused3841organizational and personnel systems?3842 Answer. If confirmed, I first would assess the status of these3843reforms to see if the Department of the Air Force adequately3844implemented them and then ask for an evaluation of the success of these3845reforms to see if they had a positive impact.3846 Question. If confirmed, what would be your approach to ensure these3847nuclear-related systems are adequately resourced?3848 Answer. If confirmed, I will take a keen interest in monitoring how3849the Department of the Air Force resources their nuclear enterprise3850within its corporate processes to ensure the nuclear enterprise3851receives sufficient resources to maintain the safety, security,3852reliability, effectiveness and credibility of the Air Force nuclear3853deterrence mission.3854 Question. Will you commit that, if confirmed, you will personally3855visit Air Force nuclear facilities and bases to gain an in-depth3856understanding of both the infrastructure, hardware, and especially how3857our airmen operate, maintain and secure them?3858 Answer. Yes. Strategic and nuclear deterrence are a top priority3859for Department of the Air Force and, if confirmed, I commit to3860personally visiting the Airmen in the field who execute this mission386124/7 to ensure they have the resources and facilities to execute this3862critical mission.3863 Question. If confirmed, will you commit to preserving the unique3864role of Air Force Global Strike Command within the Air Force nuclear3865enterprise and ensuring its structure reflects the command's3866responsibility for two legs of the Nation's strategic nuclear triad and3867over 70 percent of the DOD's nuclear command, control, and3868communications capabilities?3869 Answer. The nuclear deterrence capability provided by the USAF3870underpins global stability and our National Defense Strategy, and it3871will remain our utmost priority. Over the last 16 years, Air Force3872Global Strike Command has unfailingly ensured a safe, secure, reliable,3873and credible nuclear deterrent, and will continue to play a key role in3874the evolving geopolitical landscape of Great Power Competition. I3875understand that we are currently reviewing efforts initiated by the3876previous Administration to realign USAF force structure for GPC and3877will pay careful consideration to any proposed changes to Air Force3878Global Strike Command structure. While some changes may occur, if3879confirmed, I will be dedicated to ensuring that no efforts will3880negatively impact the USAF's ability to continue fielding and3881modernizing our significant portion of the nuclear triad and strategic3882communication capabilities.3883 Question. If confirmed, will you commit to ensuring that Air Force3884Global Strike Command has the capability, resources, training and3885organizational structure to meet the operational requirements of U.S.3886Strategic Command to deter nuclear escalation?3887 Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will ensure the Air Force Global3888Strike command has the resources and authorities to meet its Service3889Component responsibilities in support of the USSTRATCOM mission.3890 Question. The 2022 Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) reaffirmed long-3891held American doctrine to maintain the Nation's nuclear triad of land-,3892sea-, and air-based capabilities.3893 Do you agree that modernizing each leg of the nuclear triad and the3894Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear weapons complex is a critical3895national security priority?3896 Answer. Yes, a robust and modern nuclear deterrent is the3897cornerstone of our national security, and it is essential that we3898invest in its modernization to stay ahead of emerging threats and3899maintain our strategic edge. If confirmed I will assess the status and3900provide the needed advocacy to continue to have a capable, and ready3901nuclear deterrent.3902 Question. Do you believe the current program of record is3903sufficient to support the full modernization of the nuclear triad,3904including delivery systems, warheads, and infrastructure?3905 Answer. To the best of my knowledge, the current program of record3906outlines a comprehensive plan for modernizing the nuclear triad,3907including delivery systems, warheads, and infrastructure. Upon3908confirmation, I intend to conduct a comprehensive review of the3909Department of the Air Force's existing nuclear weapon systems and3910modernization initiatives to identify the best ways to maintain a safe,3911secure, and effective nuclear deterrent, which is essential for our3912national security.3913 Question. The Minuteman III ICBM is decades beyond its planned3914service life and must be replaced by the Sentinel ICBM if the U.S. is3915to retain a triad of strategic nuclear delivery systems. However, the3916Sentinel program has encountered significant issues over the past year,3917culminating with a Nunn-McCurdy breach.3918 Do you support the current program of record for the Sentinel ICBM,3919and if confirmed, will you advocate for fully funding the program?3920 Answer. I understand that in Summer 2024, the Sentinel program was3921certified as essential to U.S. national security, and that the3922Department directed the DAF to restructure the program. If confirmed, I3923commit to following the recommendations from the Nunn-McCurdy3924certification. The ground leg of the nuclear triad--Minuteman III and,3925over time, Sentinel--are foundational to strategic deterrence and3926defense of the Homeland.3927 If confirmed, I commit to exploring ways in which the program may3928be able to regain schedule and reduce cost. Ultimately, the success of3929this program will be a coordinated effort among the whole of government3930(DoD, DOE, Commerce, OPM), industry, and our civil communities, all3931working together to complete the most massive national-defense3932modernization effort in this century.3933 Question. Do you support the current program of record for the3934Long-Range Stand Off weapon and if confirmed, will you advocate for3935fully funding the program?3936 Answer. If confirmed, I will carefully review the status of the3937LRSO program to ensure that it is postured to deliver the deterrence3938capability that the Nation needs on schedule and that is properly3939funded.3940 Question. What are your views on expanding production of the B-213941bomber?3942 Answer. The B-21 is a critical capability in the Air Force's3943nuclear modernization effort that will form the backbone of the3944Nation's future bomber force and provide both conventional and nuclear3945capability.3946 A penetrating bomber, like the B-21, is an important and unique3947capability for the United States. I understand the B-21 program is3948currently meeting its goals, we should look carefully at the total3949numbers of the long-term bomber force, compromised of B-21s and3950modernized B-52s.3951 If confirmed, I look forward to reviewing the details and status of3952the B-21 program and working closely with senior Air Force leaders to3953assess the total number of B-21s required to meet the needs of the3954Joint Force.3955 Question. What are your views on reconverting the full B-52 fleet3956back to be nuclear-capable once the New START Treaty expires?3957 Answer. It is my understanding the Air Force has assessed what it3958would take to reconvert the full B-52 fleet back to nuclear-capable. If3959confirmed, I will review this assessment and ensure the Air Force is3960postured and responsive to Presidential direction.3961 Question. The Air Force owns and operates the majority of the 1073962nuclear command, control and communications systems. Major reforms have3963been put in place at U.S. Strategic Command to set future requirements,3964while the Undersecretary for Acquisition and Sustainment oversees the3965acquisition of new capabilities to replace existing systems.3966 What are your views on the adequacy of the current Air Force3967nuclear, command, control and communications systems?3968 Answer. Maintaining a safe, secure, reliable, effective and3969credible deterrent to include nuclear command, control and3970communications (NC3) systems is a top U.S. national security priority.3971If confirmed I will assess the status of the Department of the Air3972Force's current NC3 systems and evaluate how they ensure a safe,3973secure, reliable, effective and credible deterrent.3974 Question. Do you support the current organizational approach to the3975acquisition and management oversight of the modernization of nuclear3976command, control and communications?3977 Answer. If confirmed, I will conduct a thorough review of the3978programs to modernize nuclear command, control, and communications and3979the management structures of these efforts.3980 Question. The E-4B National Airborne Operations Center utilizes an3981aging 747-200 platform that must be replaced in the 2030's to ensure3982the capability and continuity of a number of essential missions3983including nuclear, command, control and communications.3984 What are your views on the Survivable Airborne Operations Center3985program to replace this platform?3986 Answer. If confirmed, I will review the status of the Survivable3987Airborne Operations Center program to ensure that it is postured to3988deliver the critical capability of a highly survivable command,3989control, and communications center.3990 air force programs3991 Question. What is your understanding and assessment of the3992research, development, and acquisition programs supporting Air Force3993modernization?3994 Answer. The Department of the Air Force must ensure a mission3995focused methodology to prioritize research and development investment,3996including science and technology, prototyping, and experimentation3997resources. If confirmed, I will pursue a portfolio approach that is3998both risk and mission informed and balances R&D investment across near-3999and long-term needs and aligned with National Defense Strategy4000priorities.4001 Question. Where do you believe the greatest gaps remain between4002required and current capability in both the Air and Space Forces?4003 Answer. The greatest gap between required and current capability is4004a matter of both scope and scale. The USSF needs to continue developing4005offensive and defensive space control capabilities to successful4006prosecute a war in space and to conduct operations at a time and place4007of our choosing. Additionally, we need to enhance our resilience, a4008trend that is already underway, with proliferated constellations,4009additional commercial capability, and increased protection against4010advanced kinetic and non-kinetic threats.4011 The USAF is in the middle of modernizing all core mission areas,4012which need to be successful to maintain a force capable of deterring4013all potential adversaries and win decisively if deterrence fails.4014 Question. The Air Force is on record as needing to purchase a4015minimum of 72 fighter aircraft per year to maintain requisite force4016structure.4017 If confirmed, how would you plan to meet that minimum?4018 Answer. The previous Administration determined a minimum of 724019fighter aircraft per year. If confirmed, I would work with my Service4020Chief to reassess the current fighter aircraft requirement based upon4021the priorities of the President and Secretary of Defense. Once we've4022determined the necessary fighter aircraft levels, we must then hold the4023aircraft industry accountable in producing the contracted number of4024aircraft on time and in accordance with the combat mission requirements4025of each aircraft. Readiness is my priority along with modernizing our4026combat force to deter and if required . . . win conflict.4027 Question. In your opinion, what is the optimum mix of 4th and 5th4028generation aircraft required to meet the threat outlined in the 20224029NDS?4030 Answer. The Air Force requires sufficient 4th and 5th generation4031aircraft located and suited to their capabilities. Fourth generation4032aircraft have many roles to play, and where those roles exist, they4033should be performed by 4th generation--not 5th generation--aircraft in4034order to preserve 5th generation aircraft for missions only they can4035perform. From a capabilities' perspective, our 4th Generation aircraft4036still have an active role to play in all but the densest and most4037advanced threat environments around the world. Where the threat4038increases, specifically as we move closer to Chinese mainland, the4039integration of 5th generation capabilities becomes more important. But4040the question of fighter fleet composition isn't just about capability,4041it's also about managing the overall health of an aging aircraft fleet.4042We need to continually replace 4th generation fighters with 5th4043generation fighters over time, not just to address a growing,4044proliferating adversary threat, to efficiently and effectively manage4045readiness and sustainment over the coming decades.4046 Question. Given the importance of extending the range of U.S.4047aircraft, what do you believe to be the overall tanker requirement for4048the Air Force and at what rate and on what schedule must the Air Force4049procure the new tankers to attain that requirement?4050 Answer. The U.S. Air Force's ability to rapidly deploy forces and4051conduct operations globally hinges on aerial refueling. Tankers extend4052the range and endurance of fighter jets, bombers, reconnaissance4053aircraft, and cargo planes. Maintaining a robust and adaptable force4054capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving security4055environment will be crucial to a future fight against our adversaries.4056 Tankers must refuel receivers where they need gas, when they need4057it to ensure the Joint Force can deter adversaries. Additionally, many4058studies show the Joint Force benefits having tankers equipped with4059battlespace and situational awareness to maneuver around threats and4060use on-aircraft survivability to persist.4061 Question. Large-scale exercises such as Red Flag have illustrated4062that 5th generation fighters such as the F-22 and F-35 need to fly4063against multiple adversary aircraft to conduct much of their required4064training. The Air Force has taken a number of steps to address4065shortages in adversary air, including using contract air and requiring4066units to supply their own adversary air.4067 What are your views as to the appropriate balance of contract and4068organic adversary air capability? If confirmed, how would you ensure4069that the Air Force properly addresses the challenges associated with4070the availability of adversary air to ensure that its 5th generation4071fighters are properly trained and ready for combat?4072 Answer. Optimally, the Air Force would generate all adversary air4073organically through a mix of unit generated sorties and a professional4074aggressor force. My understanding is that currently, and for the4075foreseeable future, our aircraft availability rates, and Instructor4076Pilot manning requires the Air Force to augment our capacity with4077contract adversary air capabilities. If confirmed, I will pursue a4078professional 5th generation aggressor force balanced with funding4079contract adversary air to support Air Force pilot production,4080absorption and readiness commensurate with budget priorities.4081 Question. What is your assessment of the readiness of the Air Force4082heavy bomber fleet? As to each of the airframes listed below, what4083improvements should be made to increase airframe readiness?4084 B-14085 B-524086 B-24087 At this time, I am not aware of the specific challenges of each4088airframe; therefore, I am not in a position to identify necessary4089improvements that would enhance the readiness of the bomber fleet. If4090confirmed, I look forward to working with Gen Allvin and the Air Force4091leadership to support the readiness of our bomber fleet.4092 munitions4093 Question. Air Force munitions inventories--particularly for4094precision guided munitions and air-to-air missiles--have declined4095significantly due to high operational usage, insufficient procurement,4096poor program execution, and a requirements system that does not4097adequately account for the ongoing need to transfer munitions to our4098allies.4099 If confirmed, what steps would you take to ensure the Air Force has4100sufficient inventories of munitions to meet the needs of Combatant4101Commanders?4102 Answer. If confirmed, I would review the procurement plans with an4103aim to fund procurement of critical weapons at maximum annual4104production capacities and, where capacity is insufficient, to expand4105production capacity to meet requirements. I would also explore options4106to leverage affordable mass weapons and expand the munitions production4107capacity as a whole.4108 Question. What changes in budgeting and acquisition processes would4109you recommend facilitating faster Air Force munitions replenishment4110rates?4111 Answer. Delivery lead times are the biggest source of delays in4112rapid replenishment of munitions. If confirmed, I would review existing4113processes and explore opportunities to reduce lead times including use4114of advance procurement, multi-year procurement, and industrial base4115initiatives to expand the number of qualified sources for key weapon4116components.4117 Question. In your view, how should the Air Force adapt to self-4118imposed DOD restrictions on area attack and denial munitions,4119consistent with the Ottawa Agreements?4120 Answer. To my knowledge, the United States has never signed nor4121ratified the Ottawa Treaty. If confirmed, I will ensure the Air Force4122complies with directions from the Secretary of Defense including4123limitations on munitions.4124 Question. Based on your experience, how should the Air Force be4125factoring in the needs of foreign partners and allies into overall4126munitions forecasting in order to improve the long-term production4127stability of the industrial base?4128 Answer. The Air Force will work with our Allies and partners to4129project their long-term munitions requirements and encourage them to4130formally submit these requirements to us. This demand signal would4131represent a commitment that the U.S. industrial base can use to build4132production capacity and work with 2d and 3d tier suppliers to meet4133demand. Additionally, for long-term production stability, the Air Force4134needs to contract for multiyear weapons procurements. By ensuring4135predictable demand, we allow industry to invest in the infrastructure,4136workforce, and supply chain resilience necessary to accommodate4137increased production and support Secretary Hegseth's goal of reviving4138the defense industrial base.4139 Question. The FY24 NDAA required the Department of Defense to4140establish a pilot program to incorporate CL-20 into existing munitions.4141 Is the Air Force considering executing any activities under this4142pilot in order to improve the explosive yield or operational envelope4143of any of its munitions?4144 Answer. If confirmed, I will review how the Air Force is examining4145the utility of CL-20 to improve the performance of existing munitions4146and for weapons currently in development, with the intent to maximize4147effectiveness.4148 Question. Regardless of whether the Air Force is doing anything4149under this pilot program, how is the Air Force considering4150incorporation of new energetic materials, like CL-20, or new4151manufacturing processes for energetics, like biomanufacturing, into4152existing munitions to increase explosive effects or operational4153envelope of its weapons?4154 Answer. I understand the Air Force has ongoing research programs to4155investigate improvements in both warheads and missile propellants, for4156the purposes of increasing warhead effectiveness and missile range. If4157confirmed, I will ensure the Air Force is actively working with4158industry to identify, develop, and implement new ideas in these areas.4159 space4160 Question. The United States is increasingly dependent on space,4161both economically and militarily--from the Global Positioning System on4162which many industries and military capabilities rely, to the missile4163warning systems that underpin U.S. nuclear deterrence. Our strategic4164competitors--China and Russia--are engaged in a concerted effort to4165leap ahead of U.S. technology and limit U.S. freedom of action in the4166space warfighting domain.4167 In your view, does the 2022 NDS accurately assess the strategic4168environment as it pertains to the domain of space?4169 Answer. The unclassified 2022 NDS recognizes the space domain as a4170key integrator for joint warfighting capabilities and emphasizes4171China's maturing space capabilities. Secretary Hegseth recently called4172space, ``the next and the most important domain of warfare,'' and vowed4173to invest appropriately in both offensive and defensive space4174capabilities. If confirmed, I will ensure the next NDS prioritizes a4175secure space environment for the United States, its Allies, and its4176partners to empower a lethal and ready Joint Force and to reflect the4177environment's growing importance.''4178 Question. In your view, what will ``great power competition'' look4179like in space and to what extent do you view China's and Russia's4180activities related to the space domain as a threat or challenge to U.S.4181national security interests?4182 Answer. China and Russia continue to use coercive and provocative4183tactics to threaten and undermine U.S. leadership. Because space is4184critical to American security, prosperity, and way of life, winning the4185competition in space and establishing space superiority is a crucial4186responsibility of the Department of the Air Force and the Joint Force.4187If confirmed, I will ensure that the United States pursues a robust4188force structure that includes capabilities for offensive and defensive4189space control missions to enable the Joint Force to achieve national4190security objectives through U.S. space superiority.4191 Question. Are there other nation-states or other actors operating4192in space that you perceive as a risk to the United States or as cause4193for concern? If so, why?4194 Answer. Access to space, space-based data, and space-enabled4195applications is becoming increasingly simple and streamlined for all4196actors. Both North Korea and Iran, for example, have continued to press4197forward with their space programs, and even if they may never rival the4198great powers in terms of scale, they will be able to exploit the domain4199to their own ends and potentially employ counterspace technologies4200against us. Each of these two have already demonstrated the ability to4201jam satellite communications and GPS as well. Even without a robust4202space program, any actor, State or non-State, hostile or benign, can4203take advantage of space technology, whether it be precision navigation,4204global communications, imagery, weather, and much more with little more4205than a smartphone, potentially using these nominally neutral space4206capabilities to challenge U.S. interests. Last, as China continues to4207actively peddle its rapidly expanding space capabilities to the world--4208and the developing world in particular--the United States risks a loss4209of its presently dominant soft power in the domain, yielding that4210influence to Beijing.4211 Question. What specific actions would you take, if confirmed, to4212enhance existing Air Force acquisition policies and process to move4213space operations projects to orbit faster and cheaper?4214 Answer. Congress has already played a central role in fostering4215several changes, and the Department of Defense needs to stay focused on4216successfully implementing them. Specifically, space acquisitions need4217to shift from legacy practices of bespoke, siloed systems to4218integrating commercial space solutions into national security space4219architectures that drive new doctrine, strategy, force designs,4220capabilities, and operations. If confirmed, I will review the approach4221to space enterprise acquisition and work with Congress and the4222Department to implement any necessary reforms.4223 Question. The Space Force is now acquiring space systems for4224protect and defend missions, similar to any other weapon system of the4225Air Force.4226 Do you believe the Space Force is adequately structured and capable4227to acquire, test and evaluate these weapons systems to deliver the4228required effects of the combatant commands such as USSPACECOM,4229USINDOPACOM, or USEUCOM?4230 Answer. As space operations evolve to meet the demands of the4231emerging strategic environment, so too must the systems, processes, and4232activities intended to present credible combat capability. I believe4233that rigorous test and evaluation is a requirement to prove combat4234credibility of the weapons systems that the combatant commands will4235employ. If confirmed, I will ensure that our space acquisitions4236programs and test activities are aligned to the requirements of the4237combatant commands and that those capabilities will be rapidly4238delivered in a streamlined and transparent manner.4239 Question. What recommendations would you make to this acquisition4240and testing process to improve its effectiveness in supporting the4241combatant commands? What is your vision for the ideal relationship4242between the Space Force and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)?4243How will you minimize duplication of effort between the organizations?4244 Answer. As the NRO's Principal Deputy Director, I provided day-to-4245day management of the NRO, including the integration of intelligence4246capabilities to meet mission priorities. If confirmed, I would review4247the space acquisition structure, to include test and evaluation4248processes, with an eye toward streamlining decision-making and4249eliminating bureaucracy, to ensure that doctrine, strategy, and4250operations are all properly aligned to fully exploit the combined4251commercial and exquisite national capabilities of the United States4252Further, I would prioritize a review of integration across the national4253security space enterprise, to include the Intelligence Community, using4254congressionally established bodies, to understand where greater4255integration may be achieved to effectively support combatant commands.4256 Question. In your role as Deputy Director of the NRO, and prior4257acquisition roles at the NRO before that, you developed close working4258and successful relationships with key space industries--a highly narrow4259and technically specialized area. However, as Secretary of the Air4260Force you will take on a much broader role overseeing the long-term4261success of the Air Force in multiple domains of conflict.4262 If confirmed, will you ensure that the Assistant Secretary for4263Space Acquisition and Integration exercises Air Force oversight of4264those day-to-day space acquisition and integration roles that you once4265held at the NRO in order to avoid any appearance of a possible conflict4266of interest with these key space industries that you once had at the4267NRO?4268 Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I would ensure that the Assistant4269Secretary for Space Acquisition and Integration exercises oversight of4270those day-to-day space acquisition and integration roles. I fully4271support the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition4272and Integration's role and responsibilities for quickly delivering4273space capabilities to the warfighter that are fully integrated with the4274Joint Force.4275 In addition, in my 30 years of acquisition and operations related4276leadership, I have worked with a large percentage of the U.S. Defense4277and Tech Industry base. Throughout that time, I have complied with all4278financial reporting requirements, received regular ethics training and4279consulted with General Council to ensure I was free from all conflict4280of interest concerns. I will continue this approach if confirmed.4281 cyber and electronic warfare4282 Question. Section 1657 of the fiscal year 2020 NDAA directed the4283appointment of an independent Principal Cyber Advisor (PCA) for each4284Military Department, to act as the principal advisor to the Secretary4285concerned on all cyber matters affecting that Department.4286 What do you see as the role of this position in the Air Force?4287 Answer. If confirmed, I will continue to leverage the DAF Principal4288Cyber Advisor to advise my office, the CSAF, and CSO on all cyber4289matters concerning the DAF to include implementing the DOD Cyber4290Strategy and interim NDS within the DAF. Specifically, I will expect4291the PCA to coordinate and oversee the execution of the DAF's cyber4292budgeting, workforce, and operational policies as an independent4293advisor. This independence is critical to ensure I am fully informed of4294all views, and I will continue to use the PCA in this manner in4295addition to evaluating additional opportunities to integrate the PCA4296with other warfighting communities.4297 Question. If confirmed, how would you plan to utilize the Air Force4298PCA as part of your leadership structure?4299 Answer. 1f confirmed as Secretary of the Air Force, the PCA would4300be a principal member of my staff providing independent consultation4301that cannot be found in other offices. If confirmed, I will maintain4302the PCA's position and role within the DAF's leadership structure and4303assess how it can be even further utilized.4304 Question. What are Air Force's top three cyber challenges, and how4305will you use the PCA to address them?4306 Answer. The PCA's office will serve as a principal office as we aim4307to tackle our 3 big challenges; how do we organize, train and equip.4308For a cyber engagement we look to novel solutions to keep up with4309current pacing threat. These cyber challenges are centered on our4310ability to present lethal forces to the joint fight. The PCA's role as4311an independent advisor is crucial to providing unbiased guidance on how4312best to solve these challenges for the DAF.4313 Question. In September 2023, DOD released its 2023 Cyber Strategy.4314The strategy charges DOD to persistently engage malicious cyber actors4315and other malign threats to U.S. interests in cyberspace.4316 In your view, how well postured is the Air Force to meet the goals4317outlined in the 2023 Cyber Strategy? What actions would you take, if4318confirmed, to mitigate any gap between Air Force capacity and4319capability and Cyber Strategy goals?4320 Answer. To my knowledge, the 2023 cyber strategy identifies 4 LOEs,4321and the DAF's resourcing decisions directly align to supporting these4322LOEs by providing the best organized, trained, and equipped Airmen and4323Guardians. Mitigating gaps between current AF capacity and the cyber4324strategy may require reassessing current and future investment4325strategies. My staff will vigorously address any gaps based on a4326careful, data-driven assessment to identify the most effective COAs.4327 Question. If confirmed, what actions would you take to improve4328military and civilian cybersecurity career paths?4329 Answer. Protecting the American people and our critical4330infrastructure demands that we prioritize cybersecurity across all4331levels of government. Our dedicated military and civilian workforce are4332crucial to achieving this goal. If confirmed, I will champion the4333ongoing modernization and enhancement of our cyber workforce, both4334military and civilian. This includes streamlining career opportunities4335and deepening expertise through collaboration with private industry and4336academia. Additionally, we must continue coding cyber workforce roles4337to military and civilian classifications to ensure consistency of work4338performed by our cyber total force. We must improve talent management4339strategies and create new avenues for skilled professionals outside4340government to transition into public service. Furthermore, I will work4341with Congress and the Department of Defense to ensure we offer4342competitive incentives and targeted development programs that attract4343and retain the very best cybersecurity talent.4344 Question. If confirmed, what would you do to enhance Air Force4345information dominance capabilities?4346 Answer. Air and Space Force core missions depend on information4347dominance. As the Department of the Air Force looks to develop and4348deploy Joint All Domain Command and Control and Globally Integrated4349Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance capabilities, it must4350consider the interconnectedness of systems and the need for actionable4351information at the point where leaders must make time-sensitive4352operational decisions. Future operations will demand near real-time4353flow of timely, accurate, relevant tactical information over a global4354network without disruptive classification constraints or other barriers4355slowing or limiting effective sharing of information with Joint,4356Allied, and Coalition partners. If confirmed, I will strive to leverage4357partnerships and shared objectives to field high-priority information4358systems to effectively optimize air and space power and enable our4359partners in the joint and combined force to meet national security4360objectives and priorities.4361 Question. If confirmed, specifically what measures would you take4362or direct to improve the cybersecurity culture across the Air Force4363workforce--military, civilian, and contractor? How would you empower4364and hold key leaders accountable for improvements in DOD cybersecurity?4365 Answer. I firmly believe cybersecurity is a shared responsibility,4366demanding vigilance from every member of our team, not just IT and4367cybersecurity professionals. If confirmed, I will empower the workforce4368with the knowledge to identify and mitigate risks, fostering a culture4369of shared responsibility for the security and defense of all systems4370and information. We will continue to embed cybersecurity considerations4371throughout the entire lifecycle of the acquisition process and4372prioritize investment to the most critical vulnerabilities.4373Accountability will be paramount, with cybersecurity breaches resulting4374from negligence in executing cybersecurity responsibilities carrying4375appropriate consequences. I will personally champion the inclusion of4376cybersecurity into all exercises and readiness inspections, using these4377evaluations to inform strategic investments and ensure our cyber4378defenses remain resolute. By prioritizing these areas, we'll create a4379culture of cybersecurity ownership, ensuring the Air Force remains4380ahead of evolving threats.4381 Question. What is your vision for the future of Air Force4382electronic warfare (EW) capabilities?4383 Answer. I understand that recently the Department published a4384policy establishing electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) superiority4385governance, management, capability development, operations and4386sustainment, and capability divestment. To counter this, the policy4387provides that the Department will restructure spectrum superiority4388across air, space, and cyberspace domains. The EMS is contested and4389dynamic, and our potential adversaries can deny us the freedom of4390maneuver and action essential to U.S. and multinational operations. To4391counter this, the policy provides that the Department will restructure4392and modernize the EW enterprise, cultivate a culture of EMS/EW4393awareness through robust training, doctrine development, and establish4394Air and Space Force Directorates to champion these efforts.4395Additionally, the Department's EMS superiority strategy aligns with4396national defense priorities outlined in the National Defense Strategy.4397 I believe electronic warfare (EW) is a critical warfighting4398capability and an area in which the Department of the Air Force must4399invest to ensure future operational superiority. As part of a joint and4400combined multi-domain force the Air Force and Space Force will need to4401focus EW capabilities on the broader electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) and4402joint capabilities. My view is that future battlefields will require an4403Air Force and Space Force with distributed software-defined systems and4404capabilities that are rapidly updatable that operate in coordination4405and jointly to maintain an advantage over any adversary. If confirmed,4406I would support EW as a priority and the introduction of new and4407innovative concepts and doctrine in this area.4408 Question. What is your assessment of the adequacy and efficacy of4409the EW training that Air Force personnel received in an Air Force4410environment in specific airframes? In a joint environment with other4411Military Services?4412 Answer. To my knowledge, the Department acknowledges the need to4413enhance operational, tactical-level and personnel-wide EMS operations4414(EMSO) training. The challenges are the EMS is finite, and the4415increasing demand from military, civilian, and commercial users create4416congestion. Training within the EMS is constrained by physics,4417technology, and policy which is governed by domestic and international4418law. Further discussion is needed between the Department and4419stakeholders to find solutions to provide a venue for realistic joint4420training opportunities while minimizing any impacts to other users.4421 Question. The Air Force is now re-invigorating the role of EW in4422the combat arms. It has stood up the 350th electronic warfare wing to4423ensure EW and Spectrum operations can perform their mission against a4424near peer adversary at speed and relevance. It has begun to acquire the4425EA-37B electronic warfare platform, which has the capability to perform4426EW and spectrum operations across multiple domains. Lacking however is4427the development of a dedicated career field devoted to EW and spectrum4428operations.4429 If confirmed, will you commit to review and report back to this4430committee on the role of EW and spectrum operations in the Air Force to4431ensure it is holistically integrated across multiple domains, whether4432the 350th EW wing can adequately support the EW platforms that the Air4433Force maintains and whether there should be a dedicated career field to4434this mission set?4435 Answer. If confirmed, I will absolutely commit to reviewing the4436Department's electronic warfare and spectrum operations posture. This4437review will focus on ensuring holistic integration across multiple4438domains, evaluating the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing's capacity to4439support the Department's EW platforms, and assessing the feasibility4440and benefits of establishing a dedicated career field for this critical4441mission set.4442 air force information technology programs4443 Question. If confirmed, how would you improve the Air Force's4444development and deployment of major IT systems, including business4445systems?4446 Answer. If confirmed, a top priority will be accelerating IT4447delivery to achieve critical operational effects. We will prioritize4448commercial solutions with minimal customization, particularly for4449business systems, to leverage existing innovation and drive efficiency.4450Additionally, we will embrace accelerated acquisition pathways, aiming4451to deliver operational capabilities in months instead of years, saving4452taxpayer dollars and ensuring our agencies have the tools they need to4453fulfill their missions effectively.4454 Question. In your view, what is the relationship between Air Force4455efforts to develop and implement enterprise IT programs and efforts4456being undertaken by the DOD Chief Information Office, the Defense4457Information Systems Agency, and other Defense Agencies?4458 Answer. To my understanding, the relationship between the Air4459Force's enterprise IT efforts and those of DOD CIO and DISA is deeply4460collaborative and aligned with shared goals. All are focused on4461streamlining IT functions and responsibilities to meet warfighter needs4462more efficiently, complementing broader DOD initiatives to eliminate4463redundancies and accelerate capability delivery. Empowering the Air4464Force CIO to deliver Enterprise IT services mirrors DISA's role in4465delivering consistent IT solutions across DOD, ensuring greater4466efficiency and alignment.4467 Question. If confirmed, how would you ensure that appropriate4468business process reengineering is accomplished before the Air Force4469initiates, develops, and deploys new business IT systems?4470 Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure our business systems are truly4471effective by integrating two key principles into their governance.4472First, we'll prioritize ``business process reengineering,'' meaning4473we'll fundamentally rethink and optimize our own processes before4474considering developing new technologies. Second, after validating4475requirements, evaluating commercial solutions, and selecting a suitable4476and efficient software solution, we'll tailor our business processes to4477fit its strengths, not the other way around, to ensure we maximize the4478value of our IT investments and create systems that truly support our4479mission.4480 Question. Do you perceive a role for the Air Force research and4481testing enterprise in the development and deployment of Air Force4482business IT systems? Please explain your answer.4483 Answer. Yes. While commercial solutions are essential, the Air4484Force's unique operational context sometimes requires specialized4485tools, such as those that address risks within our complex supply chain4486or optimize the sustainment of aging aircraft. Instead of relying4487solely on lengthy, traditional testing methods, we will prioritize a4488research-driven approach that embraces agile methodologies. This means4489emphasizing rapid prototyping, continuous feedback, and iterative4490development to deliver effective solutions in a fraction of the time.4491 air force-related defense industrial base4492 Question. What is your assessment of the systems and processes for4493identifying, evaluating, and managing risk in the Air Force's organic4494and commercial defense industrial base, including the munitions4495industrial base?4496 Answer. It is crucially important that the Air Force understands4497the defense industrial base and has the capability to manage industrial4498base risk. If confirmed, I look forward to advancing tools and4499processes that will best enable the Air Force to proactively identify4500supply chain risks and capacity bottle necks so that we can address4501them before a crisis.4502 Question. What do you see as the levers to motivate the defense4503industrial base to make additional capital investment (for facilities4504and tooling), as well as research and development investments to4505increase the capacity of the defense industrial base?4506 Answer. Capital will always flow toward return on investment, and a4507clear and consistent demand signal is what industry relies on to4508determine where that return on investment can be found. If confirmed, I4509will request continued support from Congress to provide stable funding,4510and I will work within the Air Force to incentivize capital investment4511in the industrial base. The tools I would use to do this include4512aggregating demand signals across programs, promoting multiple4513opportunities for competition throughout the life of programs, and4514identifying where direct government investment in key industrial4515capabilities is needed. In the 1950's the Air Force Heavy Press Program4516built huge industrial capacity that our commercial industrial base has4517now relied on for decades. That type of big, bold investment may be4518needed again.4519 Question. How should Air Force acquisition leaders consider impacts4520on the industrial base when addressing requirements for4521recapitalization or modernization of major defense weapons systems and4522munitions?4523 Answer. A deep understanding of the industrial base is crucial for4524Air Force Acquisition leaders. If confirmed, I will ensure that4525acquisition strategies consider industrial base impacts and are aligned4526with an overall Air Force strategy to strengthen the Defense Industrial4527Base by promoting competition, lowering barriers to entry, and shaping4528incentives that drive strategic investment in capacity and bold R&D.4529 Question. How would you seek to ensure the Air Force engages with4530the broadest industrial base possible, including traditional4531contractors, nontraditional contractors, and small businesses?4532 Answer. If confirmed, I will further develop mechanisms for the Air4533Force to work directly with contractors at all levels of the supply4534chain to include the small businesses that are crucial to delivering4535capability to our warfighters. I would support efforts to interact with4536industrial associations, State and local governments, and trade4537organizations to better understand the risks and constraints that our4538industrial base faces.4539 Question. If confirmed, what changes, if any, would you pursue in4540systems and processes to ensure that risk in the Air Force-relevant4541sectors of the defense industrial base is adequately managed to enable4542the development, production, and sustainment of technically superior,4543reliable, and affordable weapons systems and munitions?4544 Answer. If confirmed, I will work to advance the tools and4545processes that enable the Air Force to proactively identify industrial4546base risks and capacity bottle necks so that we can address them before4547a crisis. I would also challenge Air Force Acquisition leaders to4548ensure that acquisition strategies promote competition, leverage the4549benefits of Modular, Open Systems Architectures, and design in4550producibility. Production scale and surge capacity are crucial4551attributes of Air Force capabilities just like range, speed, and4552survivability.4553 operational energy and energy resilience4554 Question. The Department defines operational energy as the energy4555required for training, moving, and sustaining military forces and4556weapons platforms for military operations, including the energy used by4557tactical power systems, generators, and weapons platforms. Department4558of Defense energy requirements are projected to increase due to4559technological advances in weapons systems and distributed operations4560over longer operating distances.4561 If confirmed, how would you lead the Air Force in harnessing4562innovations in operational energy and linking them with emerging joint4563operational concepts in order to reduce contested logistics4564vulnerabilities for warfighters?4565 Answer. If confirmed, reducing contested logistics vulnerabilities4566will be a high priority for me. If confirmed, I will ensure that the4567DAF is adequately supporting the development of more efficient aircraft4568with a focus on increasing combat capability and driving change where4569the greatest gains are possible. I will strengthen the linkages between4570DAF offices and industry to promote innovative energy concepts. I will4571particularly emphasize initiatives that maximize combat capability in4572contested domains, to support both current and future requirements.4573 Question. The Air Force is in the final phase of evaluation for4574microvane drag reduction technology on C-17s. Data shows that C-17s4575equipped with microvanes experience a 1 percent reduction in drag and4576fuel consumption compared to their unmodified counterparts. They yield4577a return on investment in 7 months.4578 Would you agree that microvanes are a low-cost, innovative, force4579multiplying capability that improve mobility?4580 Answer. To my understanding, the C-17 microvanes initiative has4581been undergoing research and evaluation over the last few years and has4582shown promise in being an innovative, low-cost, fuel-efficient4583enhancement to the fleet. If confirmed, I will conduct a review of C-174584microvanes to better understand the ongoing research efforts.4585 Question. In what specific areas, if any, do you believe the Air4586Force needs to improve the incorporation of energy considerations and4587alternative energy resources into the strategic planning processes?4588 Answer. Continually reducing the Air Force's operational energy4589costs and usage through alternative fuels and leveraging the benefits4590of technological advancements to improve operational energy4591efficiencies and lower the burden and dependency on fuels are an4592imperative. The Air Force must invest in critical capabilities and4593technologies, including alternative energy resources, to modernize the4594force to be more ready, efficient, and resilient. Our investments will4595target weapon systems, infrastructure, technology, and equipment that4596are demonstrably more efficient to improve the Air Force's warfighting4597capability tomorrow.4598 Question. How can Air Force acquisition systems better address4599requirements related to the use of energy in military platforms to4600decrease risks to warfighters?4601 Answer. The Department's acquisition processes can better address4602energy requirements in military platforms by considering energy as a4603foundational capability from day one. If confirmed, I will examine the4604incorporation of energy considerations into both initial capability4605development activities and throughout the acquisition life cycle.4606 Question. In your view, what steps can be taken to render ``energy4607supportability that reduces contested logistics vulnerabilities'' a key4608performance parameter in the requirements process, as compared to4609``check the box'' consideration it is today?4610 Answer. 1 do not know the degree to which energy may be a ``check4611the box'' consideration today, but if confirmed I will ensure that4612energy considerations are taken seriously and measured when we plan for4613future scenarios. I will ensure appropriate emphasis is placed upon the4614Energy Key Performance Parameter, specifically by ensuring thorough4615analysis of campaign-level energy consumption and addressing expected4616logistics risks.4617 Question. How can the Department of the Air Force better integrate4618energy security and resilience as standard components of its Military4619Construction (MILCON) programs, in your view?4620 Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure the Department pursues4621initiatives that standardize and integrate common sense energy security4622and resilience practices into Military Construction (MILCON) programs.4623They will be cost effective and promote installation survivability and4624recovery. I will ensure the DAF is taking a holistic approach to4625improve its MILCON program to build infrastructure able to withstand4626and recover from the spectrum of threats to assure mission success.4627 environment4628 Question. If confirmed, how would you further efforts to address4629PFAS contamination at Air Force installations?4630 Answer. I am familiar with the PFAS issue, and, if confirmed, I4631will ensure the Department addresses PFAS impacts resulting from DAF4632mission activities. I will also ensure all DAF installations, including4633Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard installations, comply with all4634applicable congressional, Federal, and State and local laws and4635requirements. I am committed to ensuring the health and safety of our4636Airmen, Guardians, their families, and the communities in which they4637live and serve.4638 readiness and resource impacts from extreme weather4639 Question. How would you assess the readiness and resource impacts4640on the Air Force from recent extreme weather events?4641 Answer. Extreme weather events have degraded the Department of the4642Air Force's ability to operate and train. If confirmed, I will work to4643develop a full understanding of the national security implications of4644severe weather, taking a comprehensive approach that includes use of4645authorities, impacts on operations, installations, and infrastructure.4646 Question. Based on these readiness and resource impacts, do you4647believe it necessary to use more resilient designs in Air Force4648infrastructure? How can the Air Force better use existing authorities4649on extreme weather mitigation granted by Congress in the last few4650NDAAs?4651 Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I will ensure the Department pursues4652initiatives that integrate common sense resilience practices into4653infrastructure planning. They will be cost effective and promote4654installation survivability and recovery. Severe weather impacts have4655degraded the Department of the Air Force's ability to operate and4656train. If confirmed, I will work to develop a full understanding of the4657national security implications of extreme weather, taking a4658comprehensive approach that includes fully utilizing the existing4659authorities granted by Congress in recent NDAAs.4660 infrastructure challenges4661 Question. Non-DOD funding mechanisms such as energy savings4662performance contracts, utility energy savings contracts, and power4663purchase agreements are excellent means by which the Air Force can4664improve infrastructure, increase resilience, reduced deferred4665maintenance, implement alternative energy resources, save taxpayer4666funds, and secure other benefits without the need for upfront4667appropriated funds.4668 If confirmed, what steps would you take to streamline the process4669for the identification and use of appropriate non-DOD infrastructure4670funding mechanisms, and how long would it take you to resume entering4671into contracts that benefit Air Force installations?4672 Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure the Department utilizes all4673available authorities, including third-party performance contracts, to4674enhance infrastructure resilience and energy security. I will work with4675OSD and the Department of Energy to identify opportunities to4676streamline processes and expedite solutions.4677 science, technology, and innovation4678 Question. What are the key technologies that the Air Force should4679be focused on to support modernization activities?4680 Answer. Focused DOD-wide effort to advance and transition4681technology into modernized warfighting capability is critical to4682maintaining technological advantage. If confirmed, I will ensure the4683Department of the Air Force priorities remain consistent with the4684priorities of the President and Secretary of Defense.4685 Question. What do you see as the most significant challenges (e.g.,4686technical, organizational, or cultural) to U.S. Air Force development4687of these key technologies?4688 Answer. The Department must accelerate adoption of new technology4689and innovation while ensuring timely delivery of capability needs.4690Total force modernization requires careful balance of investment across4691the broad spectrum of technology, development, production, and4692sustainment needs; as well as leadership, people and streamlined4693processes to drive change. If confirmed, I will continue efforts to4694expand our innovation base and provide opportunities for rapid4695prototyping and experimentation that enable the transition of new4696technologies to the field.4697 Question. How well has the Air Force prioritized limited research4698and development funding across its technology focus areas?4699 Answer. If confirmed, I will assess the DAF technology investment4700portfolio and work closely with the DOD Research and Engineering4701enterprise to leverage and partner on shared technology interests for4702delivery of warfighting capabilities aligned with the President's4703priorities.4704 Question. How is the Air Force balancing revolutionary capability4705advancements, including investments in basic research, as compared to4706``quick win'' incremental improvements that can be rapidly fielded?4707 Answer. To maintain technological advantage, the Department of the4708Air Force must prioritize research and development investment to ensure4709long term competitive advantage. Development of cost-imposing4710disruptive capabilities, while delivering near term warfighting4711capability improvements to performance and lifecycle cost benefits are4712goals. If confirmed, I will ensure a balanced R&D investment that4713accomplishes these goals.4714 Question. In your view, what steps must DOD and the Air Force take4715to ensure that critical technical information is protected by Air Force4716organizations, industry, and academia?4717 Answer. We must protect against peer competitors that seek to4718exploit the openness that is the basis of our innovation and economic4719strength, while preserving critical national security interests. If4720confirmed, I will ensure the Department of the Air Force continues to4721implement fundamental research security and due diligence necessary to4722safeguard critical technologies, in accordance with government wide4723guidelines, and will continue working with our DOD partners and outside4724agencies to facilitate a comprehensive approach to mitigating4725exploitation of DAF R&D.4726 Question. If confirmed, what would you do to increase the4727interaction between Air Force labs and the private sector, and between4728Air Force labs and the rest of the DOD innovation enterprise (i.e., the4729Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering,4730Defense Innovation Unit, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency,4731and the other Military Services)?4732 Answer. If confirmed, I will work with Air Force Research Labs, the4733DOD innovation enterprise, and the private sector to strengthen our4734innovation ecosystem. Our defense innovation base's strength relies on4735the collaborative efforts of these organizations and the exceptional4736talent, technical expertise, and competency they bring to the table.4737 Question. What are the challenges you perceive to effectively4738transitioning technologies from research programs into programs of4739record?4740 Answer. The ``valley of death'' between technology and programs of4741record is real and remains a continuing struggle. Challenges include4742the planning, programming, budgeting, and execution system driving4743investments 2 years into the future, and the risk incurred by programs4744of record to onboard technology insertion, especially programs that4745have not been designed with ``open architectures'' or pre-planned4746technology updates.4747 Question. How would you address these challenges, if confirmed?4748 Answer. If confirmed, I will reinforce efforts to address4749technology transition by normalizing open standards and reference4750architectures as a basis of acquisition program structure, as well as4751emphasizing prototyping and experimentation opportunities for4752operational and technical stakeholder engagement that de-risk on-ramps4753to programs.4754 Question. Recent budget requests for defense science and technology4755(S&T) have fallen short of the Defense Science Board's recommended goal4756of dedicating 3 percent of the total defense budget to S&T. Robust4757investment in S&T underpins technological advances in our military4758capabilities and is vital to maintaining our military technological4759superiority over emerging adversaries. However, over the past few4760years, the Air Force has prioritized near-term research and development4761over long-term S&T.4762 If confirmed, what metrics would you use to assess whether the Air4763Force is investing adequately in S&T programs and whether the Air Force4764has achieved the proper balance between near-term research and long-4765term S&T?4766 Answer. Robust S&T is foundational to military superiority,4767especially when considering peer competitor investment. Throughout my4768career I have pushed technology development and integration into4769operations, often exceeding the DSB's recommendations. Defense S&T4770investments not only provide disruptive advantage for the warfighter,4771but they also drive innovation and economic growth. The Department of4772the Air Force must strike the appropriate balance between near-term4773readiness and the forward-looking long-term S&T to ensure Air Force and4774Space Force technical superiority. If confirmed, I will work to ensure4775an appropriate, balanced S&T investment portfolio.4776 technical workforce4777 Question. A significant challenge facing the Air Force today is a4778shortage of highly skilled data scientists, computer programmers, cyber4779and other scientific, technical, and engineering talent to work at4780Defense laboratories and technical centers.4781 If confirmed, what actions would you take to increase the4782recruiting and retention of scientists, engineers, software coders, and4783in other technical positions across the Air Force's research,4784development, and acquisition enterprise?4785 Answer. If confirmed, I'll review the Air and Space Force4786initiatives to attract STEM talent to support research and development;4787the acquisition enterprises; and operations to ensure we retain our4788technological edge. I'll focus on reducing hurdles to hiring and4789cultivate a 21st-century workforce using tools such as partnerships,4790outreach and scholarships.4791 Question. What is your view of the utility of various special4792civilian personnel authorities (e.g. Acq Demo, Lab Demo, Cyber Excepted4793Service, etc.), that were enacted to address the needs of the DOD4794technical workforce?4795 Answer. As I understand them, special hiring authorities, like4796AcqDemo, LabDemo, and Cyber Excepted Service are essential tools for4797the Department of Defense to compete for the best and brightest minds4798in science, technology, engineering, and acquisition. By adapting4799aspects of traditional personnel management, these authorities allow us4800to recruit and retain individuals with specialized skills critical to4801national security. If confirmed, I would further explore streamlining4802these opportunities.4803 air force military end strength4804 Question. Is the Air Force's current end strength sufficient to4805meet national defense objectives? If not, what end strength do you4806believe is necessary?4807 Answer. If confirmed, I will work the Chief of Staff of the Air4808Force, the Chief of Space Operations, the Director, Air National Guard,4809and the Chief of Air Force Reserve to review Air Force and Space Force4810end strength requirements to ensure an adequate balance between current4811operational requirements and any future force requirements. I will4812commit to ensuring the right end strength is achieved to properly4813sustain a force structure that meets all mission demands and continuing4814to work on modernizing our capabilities and our force.4815 Question. What additional force shaping authorities and tools does4816the Air Force need, in your view?4817 Answer. If confirmed, I will review existing force shaping4818authorities and tools to ensure the DAF is postured accurately to4819manage force strength. I commit to working with Congress to ensure the4820DAF remains agile and responsive regarding the size and skills needed.4821 space force military end strength4822 Question. The prior Secretary if the Air Force has stated that the4823end strength and budget of the Space Force is insufficient to meet4824current threats.4825 What are your views of the current Space Force end strength and4826budget?4827 Answer. The Space Force has made great progress in the 5-years4828since establishment. However, I believe that the increasing threats in,4829from, and to space capabilities require that we review the budget to4830ensure the Space Force has the funding needed to address space4831superiority and ensure they can control the domain. The threats in4832space require that we make strong investments in the near term to stay4833ahead of the threat, which may require a significant increase in4834funding and manning. Further, to achieve Peace through Strength, the4835Space Force needs to smartly grow to respond to the challenges of the4836space domain.4837 recruiting/retention4838 Question. The 2024 National Defense Strategy Commission stated that4839``The DOD workforce and the all-volunteer force provide an unmatched4840advantage. However, recruiting failures have shrunk the force and raise4841serious questions about the all-volunteer force in peacetime, let alone4842in major combat.'' In addition, DOD studies indicate that only about 234843percent of today's youth population is eligible for military service,4844and only a fraction of those who meet military accession standards are4845interested in serving.4846 If confirmed, how would you ensure the Air Force maintains4847sufficiently high recruitment and retention standards?4848 Answer. I understand the Department continuously evaluates4849recruitment and retention programs to optimize policies and processes4850necessary to thrive in the fierce competition for talent. I understand4851the Department is seeing historically high recruiting and retention4852rates. I have significant experience in recruiting and maintaining a4853highly skilled workforce and if confirmed, I will review these4854standards to ensure we recruit and retain quality, highly skilled4855talent needed to fight and defend the Nation we serve.4856 Question. If required to choose between maintaining high4857recruitment and retention standards and achieving authorized end4858strength levels, which would be more important, in your view?4859 Answer. It is most important for the Department of the Air Force to4860maintain its readiness while simultaneously building the force of the4861future each Service needs through data-informed recruiting and4862retention initiatives. If confirmed, I will assess our standards and4863policies ensuring they support the Department's readiness and war-4864fighting needs.4865 Question. What impact do current medical and other qualifications4866for enlistment in the Air Force have on the number of individuals4867eligible for military service? If confirmed, what changes to such4868qualifications, if any, would you recommend increasing the number of4869individuals eligible for service without degrading the quality of4870recruits?4871 Answer. I currently have no reason or data to doubt the current4872standards and criteria. If confirmed, in my view, we must balance our4873standards to keep pace with medical science and modernization while4874meeting the need for a ready and capable force. To that end, I will4875keep the balance of those standards in the forefront and work with DOD4876to maximize our effectiveness and ensure force readiness.4877 Question. Rather than relying solely on ever-higher compensation4878for a shrinking pool of volunteers, what creative steps would you take,4879if confirmed, to expand the pool of eligible recruits and improve Air4880Force recruiting?4881 Answer. I understand the Air Force and Space Force are on track to4882meet FY25 requirements with record high recruiting. If confirmed, I4883will work with our services to evaluate our recruiting force, our4884marketing strategies, and our recruiting policies and programs to4885recruit the talent needed to meet our warfighter readiness.4886 Question. What do you consider to be key to the Air Force's future4887success in retaining the best qualified personnel for continued service4888in positions of greater responsibility and leadership in the Air Force?4889 Answer. The key to developing and retaining our personnel lies in4890fielding a continuum of training, education, and experiential4891development that fosters Air Force leaders. We need to focus both on4892quality of life and quality of service. If confirmed, I will4893collaborate with our force development and management experts as well4894as career field managers to align officer, enlisted, and civilian4895development with Air Force needs.4896 Question. What steps, if any, should be taken to ensure that4897current operational requirements and tempo do not adversely impact the4898overall recruiting, retention, readiness, and morale of soldiers?4899 Answer. If confirmed, it will be my responsibility to evaluate the4900current operational requirements, recruiting, retention, and readiness4901to ensure we are prioritizing strategic force management, investing in4902quality-of-life initiatives, fostering a warrior ethos, and leveraging4903technology and innovation. I will be tireless in my advocacy and4904support for Airmen and Guardians to ensure they have the resources,4905training, and support they need to be successful.4906 Question. In your view, do current recruiting standards--4907particularly DOD-wide criteria for tier-one recruits--accurately4908predict recruit attrition and/or future success in the Air Force?4909 Answer. To my understanding, DOD-wide tier-one recruiting standards4910provide a valuable baseline by focusing on factors like education,4911aptitude and physical fitness. Robust recruiting standards help Airmen/4912Guardians successfully transition into their first operational unit,4913but there are limitations on predicting accurate recruit attrition and/4914or future success in the Department of the Air Force. This is due to4915the evolving nature of warfare and wide variety of career paths in the4916Department. If confirmed, I will work to understand recruitment pools,4917prioritize meritocracy in evaluating recruits, and ensure the Air Force4918is refining recruitment metrics.4919 Question. Do you believe that current military entrance testing4920methods unnecessarily restrict the pool of eligible recruits, for4921example, by penalizing prospective recruits for whom English is not4922their native language?4923 Answer. If confirmed, I will review the current efforts across the4924Department to ensure valid, reliable, and fair criteria and measures4925are used to access applicants with the highest potential.4926 pilot retention4927 Question. The Air Force has consistently reported a shortage of4928thousands of pilots including a shortage of at least 950 fighter4929pilots.4930 What are the Air Force's current efforts to address this critical4931problem? How would you assess the effectiveness of these efforts to4932date?4933 Answer. I am aware airline hiring is expected to grow by4934approximately 6 percent annually through 2031. This likely will4935challenge the Air Force's pilot ecosystem by recruiting its experienced4936pilots who are critical to providing experience in combat operations as4937well as producing and experiencing new pilots. I understand that thanks4938to Congress, the Air Force offers the most comprehensive pilot4939retention incentive in history. If confirmed, I will pay close4940attention to the results of retention incentives and continue to work4941with Congress to improve pilot production and retention.4942 Question. What monetary and non-monetary incentives and initiatives4943implemented by the Air Force have yielded the most positive impacts on4944pilot retention?4945 Answer. I understand the Department is committed to retaining4946experienced pilots by focusing on four key areas: compensation, talent4947management, quality of life, and quality of service. This includes4948utilizing targeted bonuses, prioritizing assignment stability and4949transparency, and ensuring a holistic approach that addresses all4950aspects of a pilot's experience. If confirmed, I will closely monitor4951these efforts and work with Air Force leaders to ensure their4952effectiveness in meeting the needs of our future force.4953 Question. What additional authorities does the Air Force need from4954Congress to address this shortfall definitively?4955 Answer. If confirmed, I will review whether and to what extent4956additional authorities may be required to address the pilot shortfall.4957 Question. How has the Air Force increased pilot production capacity4958commensurate with the demands of the NDS?4959 Answer. To my understanding, the Department recognizes the critical4960importance of addressing the pilot shortage to meet the demands of the4961National Defense Strategy with a highly trained and ready force. The4962Air Force has implemented numerous programs to increase pilot4963production capacity through a multi-pronged approach that encompasses4964recruitment, retention, modernization of training, and monetary4965incentives.4966 Question. As the Air Force prepares for competition with a peer-4967adversary, what steps is it taking to increase quality standards within4968and screening rates for flight school, and the pipeline beyond?4969 Answer. The Air Force's mission is airpower anywhere and anytime.4970It is critical the Department addresses the pilot shortage. If4971confirmed, I will tackle this challenge by consulting with internal and4972external experts to develop an approach that enhances pipeline4973strength, optimizes training efficiency, and prioritizes retention of4974our pilots.4975 reserve components4976 Question. In your view, what is the appropriate relationship4977between the active Air Force and the Air Force Reserve and Air National4978Guard?4979 Answer. The appropriate relationship between the Active Air Force,4980the Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve is robust4981interoperability. Seamless integration across the components enhances4982overall mission capability and readiness of the Total Force. If4983confirmed, I will work across the components to evaluate and understand4984the current dynamics of this relationship, enabling me to identify the4985best approaches to leverage the unique structure and strengths of each4986component.4987 Question. What is your vision for the roles and missions of the Air4988Force Reserve Components? If confirmed, what new objectives would you4989seek to achieve with respect to the Air Force Reserve Components'4990organization, force structure, and end strength?4991 Answer. The Total Air Force team includes the Air Reserve Component4992imbued with decisive and precise deterrent capability unmatched in4993other nations. The appropriate roles and missions of the Air Reserve4994Component should be aligned with the strategic requirements of the Air4995Force and the National Defense Strategy. The Air National Guard and Air4996Force Reserve provide strategic depth and operational capacity across4997all mission sets, domains, and capabilities of the Total Force. If4998confirmed, my objectives would be to ensure an integrated, Total Force4999approach to organizing, training, and equipping Airmen to meet the5000National Defense Strategy.5001 Question. Are you concerned that continued reliance on Air Force5002Reserve Components to execute operational missions--both at home and5003around the globe--is adversely affecting the ability to meet their5004recruiting and retention missions? Why or why not?5005 Answer. I recognize sustained tempo can create challenges. If5006confirmed, I will consult with Guard and Reserve leaders to assess the5007impact and identify any steps needed to support the long-term health of5008the force.5009 military compensation5010 Question. What is your assessment of the adequacy of military5011compensation and benefits?5012 Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to a detailed review of5013military compensation to better understand which, if any areas may need5014revision to allow for a more targeted approach to the overall5015compensation package.5016 Question. If confirmed, what steps would you take to control the5017rising cost of military personnel?5018 Answer. If confirmed, I will review the current cost of DAF5019military personnel, what led to its growth, and areas in which we may5020be able to achieve cost savings while maintaining our ability to5021attract and retain talent.5022 military health system (mhs) reform5023 Question. Do you support the implementation of the MHS reforms5024mandated by the NDAAs for FYs 2017, 2019, and 2020?5025 Answer. If confirmed, I will support the Defense Health Agency5026(DHA) based on the direction of Congress. DAF has been a steadfast,5027transparent partner to the DHA, providing leadership and project5028management experience to transfer programs and resources IAW with law5029to support DHA's mission. There have been many challenges based on the5030disparate organization of each of the Services and Service-specific5031needs, but I will ensure the DAF remains dedicated to supporting the5032DHA and MTFs that support Air Force and Space Force missions and5033healthcare delivery to our communities.5034 Question. Will you ensure that the Air Force continues to provide5035the military medical personnel needed to provide care in military5036treatment facilities?5037 Answer. I proactively support the Military Health System's (MHS)5038mission to ensure a medically ready force and a ready medical force--5039anytime, anywhere. We owe it to our Service members and their families5040to provide the finest care available both at home and on the5041battlefield, and our military medical personnel are at the center of5042that capability. If confirmed, I will carefully review our military5043medical personnel strategic outlook to ensure we are recruiting,5044accessing, and retaining the right talent to best support the demands5045of our complex mission.5046 Question. If confirmed, how would you ensure that the Air Force5047reduces its medical headquarters' staffs and infrastructure to reflect5048the more limited roles and responsibilities of the Air Force Surgeon5049General?5050 Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Air Force Surgeon5051General to validate the size of the Surgeon General's headquarters5052staff and ensure effective execution of the roles and responsibilities5053within the office.5054 non-deployable service members5055 Question. Do you agree that airmen and guardians who are non-5056deployable for more than 12 consecutive months should be subject either5057to separation from the Air Force or referral into the Disability5058Evaluation System?5059 Answer. Readiness is vital to military service. If confirmed, I'll5060ensure that non-deployment policies align with Air Force priorities,5061putting readiness and mission needs first. Individual circumstances5062will be considered, but operational strength and deployability will5063take precedence. I'll work closely with leadership to ensure our forces5064remain strong, capable, and mission ready, while still allowing the DAF5065to take full advantage of human capital available.5066 Question. In your view, under what circumstances might the5067retention of a servicemember who has been non-deployable for more than506812 months be in the best interest of the Department of the Air Force?5069 Answer. I do not have enough information to speculate on the5070frequency of this occurrence. If confirmed, I will work with DAF5071leaders to understand the current approach and consider mission and5072readiness requirements of the Department of the Air Force.5073 Question. In your view, should an airman or guardian's readiness to5074perform the required specific missions, functions, and tasks in the5075context of a particular deployment also be considered in determining5076whether that service member is deployable?5077 Answer. If confirmed, I will work with DAF leaders to understand5078the current approach, consider mission and readiness requirements of5079the services, and ensure those policies are applied consistently.5080 Question. What are your ideas for addressing the challenges of5081medical non-deployability in the Reserve components?5082 Answer. Ensuring medical readiness in the Air Force, to include the5083Reserve Component, is critical to maintaining overall force5084effectiveness. If confirmed, I will work to identify and address the5085root causes of non-deployability across the entire service to include5086the Active and Reserve Component.5087 military family readiness and support5088 Question. What do you consider to be the most important family5089readiness issues for service members and their families?5090 Answer. I believe we recruit Airmen or Guardians but retain5091families. Based on what I hear in the press and see with members of the5092NRO staff, I am concerned spousal employment and access to high-5093quality, affordable food may be some of the family readiness challenges5094today's force faces. If confirmed, I will engage with DAF leaders to5095identify the key family readiness challenges, assess the DAF's existing5096capabilities in addressing them, and develop strategies to enhance5097these programs while advocating for required resources.5098 Question. If confirmed, what specific actions would you take to5099ensure that military families are provided with accessible, high-5100quality childcare, at an appropriate cost?5101 Answer. Military readiness depends on providing military families5102access to affordable, high-quality, and readily available childcare. If5103confirmed, I will collaborate with DAF leaders to evaluate ongoing5104initiatives addressing this need. Additionally, I will explore5105opportunities to further expand the childcare network, including5106traditional, non-traditional and community-based solutions to meet the5107needs of our Airmen and Guardians.5108 suicide prevention5109 Question. If confirmed, what actions would you take to prevent5110suicides in the Department of the Air Force, and in the families of5111airmen and guardians across all components?5112 Answer. I believe the Air Force has a responsibility to promote5113mental well-being, eliminate barriers to mental health resources, and5114remove the stigma of seeking help. Doing so enhances our lethality,5115readiness and warrior ethos. If confirmed, I will support continued5116implementation of the Brandon Act and the establishment of the5117Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce and will support evidence-based5118programs that improve the process for service members to access mental5119health support.5120 mental and behavioral health care5121 Question. If confirmed, what actions would you take to ensure that5122sufficient mental and behavioral health resources are available to5123airmen and guardians in an operational theater, as well as to they and5124their families at home station locations?5125 Answer. Military service provides unique challenges, and access to5126mental and behavioral resources is essential. If confirmed, I will work5127to understand the State of our mental and behavioral health resources--5128at home and in operational theaters--to provide Airmen and Guardians5129the care they need.5130 Question. If confirmed, what specifically would you do to ensure5131that sufficient mental and behavioral health resources are available to5132Reserve Component airmen, guardians, and their families who do not5133reside near a military installation?5134 Answer. Military service provides unique challenges, and access to5135mental and behavioral resources is essential. If confirmed, I will work5136to understand the State of the mental and behavioral health resources5137available to Reserve Component airmen and their families.5138 Question. Although the Department has made great strides in5139reducing the stigma associated with help-seeking behaviors, many5140service members remain concerned that their military careers will be5141adversely affected should their chain of command become aware that they5142are seeking mental or behavioral health care. At the same time, the5143military chain of command has a legitimate need to be aware of physical5144and mental health conditions that may affect the readiness of the5145service members under their command.5146 Regarding the provision of mental and behavioral health care, how5147does the Air Force bridge the gap between an airman or guardian's5148desire for confidentiality and the chain of command's legitimate need5149to know about matters that may affect the readiness of the airman,5150guardian, and the unit?5151 Answer. Ensuring the readiness of our force depends on the mental5152health and well-being of our Airmen and Guardians. Balancing5153confidentiality with the need to address issues affecting readiness is5154a critical and complex challenge that I would take seriously. If5155confirmed, I would work with DAF leadership to identify best practices5156to ensure a fair balance between confidentiality and operational5157readiness. I would work to foster a culture where seeking help is5158viewed as a strength, not a career risk, while maintaining the5159readiness and lethality that the DAF's mission demands.5160 Question. In your view, do non-medical counseling services provided5161by DOD Military Family Life Counselors have a role in promoting the5162readiness of airmen, guardians, and their families? Please explain your5163answer.5164 Answer. While I have not yet had the opportunity to review the DAF5165methods for deciding between the use of DOD Military Family Life5166Counselors and medical counseling services, I am passionate about5167military readiness. If confirmed, I will work closely with DAF leaders5168to analyze these processes, clarify the role of DOD Military Family5169Life Counselors, and explore ways to enhance their utilization in the5170future.5171 sexual harassment and assault prevention and response programs5172 Question. Do you believe the policies, programs, resources, and5173training that DOD and the Military Services have put in place to5174prevent and respond to sexual assault, and to protect service members5175who report sexual assault from retaliation, are working? If not, what5176else must be done?5177 Answer. As a leader in DOD, I witnessed significant emphasis on5178ending sexual violence in our Services. Sexual assault and retaliation5179for reporting sexual assault harms our Airmen and Guardians and reduces5180our military readiness--therefore, it demands our attention. If5181confirmed, I will review current policies, programs, resources, and5182training related to sexual assault prevention and response for their5183effectiveness, to include the protection of service members who report5184sexual assault from retaliation.5185 Question. If confirmed, what would you do to increase focus on the5186prevention of sexual assaults?5187 Answer. If confirmed, I would review current DAF programs designed5188to respond to and prevent sexual assaults. I also would work with DAF5189leaders to ensure the programs and initiatives we implement align with5190military readiness. Finally, I would receive a briefing on the current5191evaluation activities to assess progress.5192 Question. What is your view of the necessity of affording a victim5193both restricted and unrestricted options to report sexual harassment?5194 Answer. In my view, restricted and unrestricted reporting options5195offer victims the option to maintain confidentiality, if desired, as5196well as providing an opportunity to file an official report. Using both5197options allows the Department to provide helping services in line with5198the victim's desires.5199 domestic violence and child abuse in military families5200 Question. What is your understanding of the extent of domestic5201violence and child abuse in the Air Force, and, if confirmed, what5202actions would you take to address these issues?5203 Answer. Any case of domestic violence or child abuse and neglect is5204against the values and threatens operational readiness in the5205Department of the Air Force. If confirmed, I commit to ensuring these5206issues are receiving the attention they deserve and that there are5207adequate resources to support the initiatives to prevent and respond to5208domestic violence and child abuse and neglect.5209 u.s. air force academy5210 Question. In your view, what is the unique benefit of a military5211service academy compared to other officer commissioning sources?5212 Answer. I value all commissioning sources. Between USAFA, ROTC, and5213Officer Training School we are able to build the officer corps we need5214for the future. My understanding is a very high percentage of USAFA5215graduates commission into combat and combat support career fields,5216heavily weighted to our pilot and space operator pipelines. If5217confirmed, I will evaluate the commissioning opportunities.5218 Question. Do you believe the Air Force Academy currently is meeting5219the needs of the Air Force and Space Force in terms of producing new5220officers with necessary academic experience, military discipline, and5221character?5222 Answer. Yes. I support USAFA's priorities of forging warfighters to5223win, developing leaders of character and quality, and motivating5224critical thinkers to adapt. If confirmed, I will ensure USAFA provides5225academic rigor and that all our commission programs instill in cadets5226the warrior ethos required to lead our forces.5227 Question. What is your assessment of the efficacy of the policies5228and processes in place at the Air Force Academy to prevent sexual5229assault and sexual harassment, and to ensure that cadets who do report5230assault or harassment are not subject to retaliation--social ostracism5231and reputation damage--in particular?5232 Answer. I have not yet had a chance to review the specific policies5233and procedures in place at the Air Force Academy. If confirmed, I would5234ensure the Air Force Academy is in full compliance with DOD and DAF5235policy and initiatives on preventing and responding to sexual assault5236and harassment If improvements are needed, I am committed to making5237required changes.5238 joint officer management5239 Question. In your view, do the requirements associated with5240becoming a Joint Qualified Officer (JQO), and the link between5241attaining joint qualification and eligibility for promotion to General5242Officer, continue to be consistent with the operational and5243professional demands of Air Force and Space Force line officers?5244 Answer. The DAF must operate in a joint environment to be5245effective, and I believe joint experience is important to success.5246Although I am not currently familiar with the specific requirements, if5247confirmed I will work with senior leaders, across the DAF, to examine5248the qualification and make any recommendations I find necessary to5249ensure the requirements are aligned with development requirements to5250support operational priorities.5251 Question. What additional modifications, if any, would you5252recommend to JQO prerequisites necessary to ensure that Air Force and5253Space Force officers are able to attain both meaningful joint and5254Service-specific leadership experience, as well as adequate5255professional development?5256 Answer. Leadership experience and professional development are5257crucial to ensure our officers are prepared for leadership in complex5258security environments. If confirmed, I will work with senior leaders,5259across the DAF, to examine JQO prerequisites and make any5260recommendations I find necessary to ensure the requirements are aligned5261with development requirements to support operational priorities.5262 space force personnel management act5263 Question. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year52642024 authorized the Space Force to combine all active and Reserve5265component guardians into a single, full-time/part-time, component.5266 In your judgment, how will this novel military personnel5267arrangement benefit the Space Force?5268 Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about5269implementation of the Space Force Personnel Management Act. Thanks to5270the vision of Congress, PMA offers significant potential in enabling5271the Space Force to manage its unique military force more effectively to5272meet current and evolving mission requirements while delivering5273unmatched space capabilities.5274 Question. How will you ensure former members of the Air Force5275Reserve and Air National Guard are not disadvantaged by joining the5276Space Force under this new construct?5277 Answer. As I understand it, the National Defense Authorization Act5278for Fiscal Year 2024 authorized the creation of the Space Force5279Personnel Management Act (SFPMA) which approved the integration active-5280component Guardians and Air Force Reservists in space-focused career5281fields to offer both full-and part-time service options. If confirmed,5282I will review the existing progress toward implementation of SFPMA to5283ensure it properly meets the Total Force needs and will focus on how5284implementation plans provide a level playing field for current members5285of the Air Force Reserve who opt in to the Space Force. Additionally,5286it is my understanding that the National Defense Authorization Act for5287Fiscal Year 2025 directed the transfer of Covered Space Functions of5288the Air National Guard to the United States Space Force. If confirmed,5289I will review implementation of this requirement.5290 Question. The Committee understands that personnel information5291technology systems are the main obstacle preventing the Space Force5292from implementing the Space Force Personnel Management Act5293expeditiously.5294 If confirmed, how will you assist the Space Force acquire the5295necessary technology required to implement the Space Force Personnel5296Management Act?5297 Answer. The Space Force Personnel Management Act is an important5298step toward modernizing the Space Force and allowing additional5299flexibilities to support a more efficient and effective force5300development. If confirmed, I will ensure the Space Force is resourced5301and unhindered by bureaucratic roadblocks throughout the multi-year5302implementation process to deliver the technology required to meet5303congressional intent and take care of our Guardians.5304 Question. Section 514 of the Servicemember Quality of Life5305Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 20255306requires the Secretary of the Air Force to transfer to the Space Force5307the covered space functions and personnel of the Air National Guard.5308 What is you understanding of when the transfer of the covered units5309and equipment to the Space Force will occur, and what is the associated5310plan for transferring personnel?5311 Answer. If confirmed, I will work with my senior military officials5312in assessing resource levels to ensure the Space Force budget aligns5313with the priorities set forth in the National Defense Authorization5314Act, which will include evaluating the timeline for transferring5315covered units and equipment and developing a comprehensive plan for5316transferring associated personnel.5317 air force integrated pay and personnel system (afipps)5318 Question. The Committee is aware that the AFIPPS program continues5319to struggle with significant schedule delays and cost overruns. This5320program is essential for the Air Force to implement modern personnel5321policy and for Air Force audit requirements.5322 What is your view of the importance of AFIPPS?5323 Answer. It is my understanding that the Air Force Integrated5324Personnel and Pay System (AFIPPS) is the DAF's modernized solution to5325link personnel and pay. If confirmed, I will seek a briefing on the5326program and, if necessary, will work with DAF leadership to build a5327strategy to finalize the program.5328 Question. If confirmed, what will you do to ensure AFIPPS delivers5329the promised capability according to latest schedule and cost5330estimates?5331 Answer. Caring for our personnel is a no fail mission. If5332confirmed, I am committed to working with DAF leadership to understand5333where we are with this program and what we need to do moving forward.5334 professional military education5335 Question. What changes or reform would you recommend to the5336professional military education system to ensure that tomorrow's5337leaders have the tools necessary to ensure the Department is able to5338meet the national defense objectives of the future?5339 Answer. If confirmed, I will conduct a comprehensive review of our5340Professional Military Education system, engaging with internal and5341external experts to ensure current delivery models align with mission5342readiness. This includes analyzing curriculum relevance, resource5343allocation, integration of emerging technologies, and strategic5344competition preparedness, to ensure the successful execution of mission5345by the Department.5346 department of the air force civilian workforce5347 Question. How would you describe the current State of the5348Department of the Air Force (including the Space Force) civilian5349workforce, including its morale and the Department's ability to5350successfully recruit and retain top civilian talent?5351 Answer. I believe civilian employees are vital to sustaining the5352readiness of our military forces. If confirmed, I will ensure the5353Department is focused on hiring top talent into positions that directly5354contribute to our warfighting readiness. I also will review the work5355environment and level of employee engagement. If confirmed, I will work5356with DAF leadership to maintain or enhance work environments and5357employee engagement.5358 Question. In your judgment, what is the biggest challenge facing5359the Air Force and Space Force in effectively and efficiently managing5360their civilian workforce?5361 Answer. If confirmed, I would work with DAF leadership to5362understand the challenges DAF faces in managing the workforce. In5363addition, if confirmed, I would maximize the numerous hiring and5364compensation flexibilities and authorities the Congress has provided5365and seek out ways to bring dramatic, long-lasting improvements through5366a meritocratic culture that promotes innovation and excellence. I will5367review our personnel processes and systems and look for efficiencies5368that will enable effective management of the civilian workforce.5369 Question. In your view, do Air Force and Space Force supervisors5370have adequate authorities to address and remediate employee misconduct5371and poor duty performance, and ultimately to divest of a civilian5372employee who fails to meet requisite standards of conduct and5373performance? If so, are both civilian and military supervisors5374adequately trained to exercise such authorities? If not, what5375additional authorities or training do Air Force and Space Force5376supervisors require?5377 Answer. If confirmed, I am committed to making sure the Department5378continues to have the best people. Throughout my career, I have focused5379on getting the right people into the right jobs and in structuring5380organizations to use their people effectively. If I am confirmed, I5381will review the effectiveness of the numerous personnel management5382authorities and systems and explore greater efficiencies. The5383Department must make every effort to create a future-ready, agile and5384adaptive workforce able to meet the rapidly evolving challenges of the538521st century.5386 Congressional Oversight5387 Question. In order to exercise its legislative and oversight5388responsibilities, it is important that this Committee and other5389appropriate committees of Congress are able to receive testimony,5390briefings, reports, records (including documents and electronic5391communications) and other information from the Department.5392 Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on request,5393to appear and testify before this committee, its subcommittees, and5394other appropriate committees of Congress? Please answer with a simple5395yes or no.5396 Answer. Yes.5397 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to5398provide this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees5399of Congress, and their respective staffs such witnesses and briefers,5400briefings, reports, records (including documents and electronic5401communications), and other information as may be requested of you, and5402to do so in a timely manner? Please answer with a simple yes or no.54035404 Answer. Yes.5405 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to5406consult with this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate5407committees of Congress, and their respective staffs, regarding your5408basis for any delay or denial in providing testimony, briefings,5409reports, records--including documents and electronic communications,5410and other information requested of you? Please answer with a simple yes5411or no.54125413 Answer. Yes.5414 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to5415keep this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees of5416Congress, and their respective staffs apprised of new information that5417materially impacts the accuracy of testimony, briefings, reports,5418records--including documents and electronic communications, and other5419information you or your organization previously provided? Please answer5420with a simple yes or no.5421 Answer. Yes.5422 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on5423request, to provide this committee and its subcommittees with records5424and other information within their oversight jurisdiction, even absent5425a formal Committee request? Please answer with a simple yes or no.5426 Answer. Yes.5427 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to5428respond timely to letters to, and/or inquiries and other requests of5429you or your organization from individual Senators who are members of5430this committee? Please answer with a simple yes or no.5431 Answer. Yes.5432 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to5433ensure that you and other members of your organization protect from5434retaliation any military member, Federal employee, or contractor5435employee who testifies before, or communicates with this committee, its5436subcommittees, and any other appropriate committee of Congress? Please5437answer with a simple yes or no.5438 Answer. Yes.5439 ______54405441 [Questions for the record with answers supplied follow:]54425443 Questions Submitted by Senator Tom Cotton5444 re-capitalization5445 1. Senator Cotton. Dr. Meink, what are the steps you will be taking5446to ensure that we have the munitions and combat airframes necessary to5447counter China?5448 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I will assess the Air Force's requirements5449of both munitions and combat air platforms. I also commit to working5450with Geographic Component Commands to address weapon requirements. I5451plan to continue requesting appropriations for as many relevant5452munitions as the industrial base can produce, as well as investing in5453the development of new ones. If confirmed, I look forward to working5454with Congress to obtain appropriations for the procurement of munitions5455and their delivery platforms to maintain a competitive edge in a highly5456contested environment.5457 space force5458 2. Senator Cotton. Dr. Meink, long range kill chain will rely on5459space access. How will you ensure the Joint Force will have durable5460access to the space domain?5461 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I will ensure the United States Space5462Force (USSF) has the resources it needs to protect and enable the Joint5463Force: The USSF continues to provide U.S. forces the freedom of5464maneuver to achieve national strategic objectives and disrupt adversary5465long range kill chains. Achieving this requires an end State where5466adversaries are deterred from using space to counter Joint Force5467activities. To ensure any adversary is deterred we must achieve Space5468Superiority. A principal means to provide Space Superiority is assured5469access to space via space lift and a resilient, hybrid architecture.5470The USSF drives capability and resilience for lift through multiple5471launch sites, supply chains, vehicles, and companies. The USSF stays5472ready to launch payloads when needed through considerations that5473include but are not limited to agile spacecraft integration and ready5474launch vehicles and facilities.5475 The USSF faces a challenge in pursuit of Space Superiority, in5476providing capabilities in the space domain, that is similar to every5477other Armed Service--to balance readiness in the near term with long5478term modernization of our forces. If confirmed, my responsibility will5479be to provide direction and secure resources which establish deterrence5480today while preparing a combat credible force to act as needed in the5481domain in the future.5482 national reconnaissance office and space force5483 3. Senator Cotton. Dr. Meink, the roles of the National5484Reconnaissance Office and the U.S. Space Force are closely aligned and5485sometimes overlap. How do we best leverage the National Reconnaissance5486Office and the U.S. Space Force so that they complement each other?5487 Dr. Meink. As the NRO's Principal Deputy Director, I provided day-5488to-day management of the NRO, including the integration of intelligence5489capabilities to meet mission priorities. If confirmed, I would review5490the space acquisition structure, to include test and evaluation5491processes, with an eye toward streamlining decision-making and5492eliminating bureaucracy, to ensure that doctrine, strategy, and5493operations are all properly aligned to fully exploit the combined5494commercial and exquisite national capabilities of the U.S. Further, I5495would prioritize a review of integration and a secure supply chain5496across the national security space enterprise, to include the5497Intelligence Community, using congressionally established bodies, to5498understand where greater integration and efficiency may be achieved to5499effectively support combatant commands.5500 intelligence5501 4. Senator Cotton. Dr. Meink, a large majority of the Air Force's5502processing, exploitation, and dissemination capacity, over 10,0005503airmen, is funded and tied to the U-2, MQ-9, and RQ-4 through the Air5504Force Distributed Common Ground System. As the Air Force and Space5505Force strategy divests away from air-breathing intelligence,5506surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, and toward space-based5507collectors, how will you ensure that the intelligence airmen providing5508critical intelligence capacity and weapons quality data remain manned5509and funded to enable combat readiness?5510 Dr. Meink. As I understand, the Department of the Air Force (DAF)5511is divesting some of its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance5512(ISR) fleets to transition to more advanced and survivable capabilities5513with sensors in all domains. The DAF is not pivoting completely to5514space. When combined, air and space-based capabilities provide a5515flexible and complimentary force to prevail in any conflict. If5516confirmed, I look forward to better assessing the capabilities,5517including intelligence manpower, needed in the air and space domains.55185519 5. Senator Cotton. Dr. Meink, how will you ensure that the airmen5520and guardians can access and utilize the classified data collected by5521space-based sensors, which are traditionally controlled by the National5522Security Agency (NSA) and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency5523(NGA), to support their theater component commanders?5524 Dr. Meink. The Air Force and Space Force effectively collaborate5525with both NGA and NSA. When it comes to ensuring access to SB-MTI data,5526the Space Force and NGA are developing a joint security classification5527guide that is aggressively pursuing the lowest classification level for5528the data that is safe for national security while meeting warfighting5529needs. On a broader scale, we continue to strengthen our crucial5530partnerships with NGA and NSA, emphasizing timely and secure access to5531relevant and accurate data. Clear policies streamlined vetting of data,5532and system interoperability are critical to enabling Guardians and5533Airmen to support combatant commanders with space-based insights.5534Furthermore, by streamlining security clearance eligibility and5535ensuring timely sponsorship based on validated mission needs, we will5536leverage established frameworks to provide authorized personnel with5537the classified information required for operational success, ultimately5538balancing robust security with the imperative of delivering actionable5539data to the warfighter on tactically relevant timelines.55405541 6. Senator Cotton. Dr. Meink, as the Department of the Air Force5542divests many airborne ISR platforms and re-prioritize toward space-5543based capabilities, how are you going to ensure that theater Air Force5544intelligence collection priorities will be prioritized appropriately5545within a collection process controlled by national Intelligence5546Community (IC) agencies like NSA, NGA, and National Reconnaissance5547Office (NRO)?5548 Dr. Meink. Air Component intelligence collection priorities will5549continue to follow the same process used today. Theater air components5550will prioritize their intelligence collection and submit their5551prioritized list to the Combatant Command for integration into the5552Combatant Command's collection priorities. Once a Combatant Command5553finalizes their prioritized list, DOD and IC systems will collect5554against Combatant Command priorities in accordance with established5555agreements and Combatant Command allocation.5556 u.s. nuclear deterrent5557 7. Senator Cotton. Dr. Meink, on February 25, 2025, Chairman Wicker5558and I wrote a classified letter to Secretary Hegseth and Secretary5559Wright. Will you commit to reviewing this letter and the attached5560documents?5561 Dr. Meink. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. If5562confirmed, I will request a copy of your letter and its attachments and5563review them.5564 __________5565 Questions Submitted by Senator M. Michael Rounds5566 software acquisition pathway5567 8. Senator Rounds. Dr. Meink, as you know, the Software Acquisition5568Pathway (SWP) was established in December 2019 following the enactment5569of the Fiscal Year 2020 NDAA. However, over 6 years later, DOD is still5570not taking full advantage of this authority. Earlier this month5571Secretary Hegseth issued the memo ``Directing Modern Software5572Acquisition to Maximize Lethality'' to direct all DOD components to use5573the SWP as the ``preferred pathway for all software development'' to5574include weapon systems programs. This is a positive development. As the5575memo notes, ``DOD has struggled to reframe its acquisition process from5576a hardware-centric approach to a software-centric approach'' and as a5577result, ``it is the warfighter who pays the price.'' If confirmed, what5578specific actions would you seek to undertake in your organization to5579accelerate software acquisition, especially within collaborative and5580modular autonomous weapons systems, and fully take advantage of the5581more nimble and rapid development that occurs in the commercial5582software sector?5583 Dr. Meink. In my understanding, the DAF has been actively and5584continuously applying the software pathway since its introduction to5585improve the delivery of software capabilities to the warfighter. The5586criticality of modern systems software necessitates leveraging all5587authorities, including Commercial Solutions Openings and Other5588Transactions, to accelerate system delivery and address evolving5589threats. If confirmed, I will review the DAF's application of this5590pathway, improve training on modern software development--emphasizing5591flexible scope and frequent releases, and ensure access to effective5592cost-estimating and management tools compatible with these processes.5593 spectrum5594 9. Senator Rounds. Dr. Meink, as I have shared before, I have heard5595from 24 senior DOD officials in hearings over the past 2 years--5596including the Secretary of Defense, every service chief, and 85597combatant commanders--that forcing DOD to vacate the 3.1-3.45 GHz band5598would have extremely negative and costly effects on our warfighting5599capabilities. If confirmed, what will you do to make sure that the Air5600Force and Department of Defense can maintain access to use of and5601maneuver within the electromagnetic spectrum at home and abroad?5602 Dr. Meink. The 3.1-3.45 GHz band is essential for joint operations.5603This range impacts air-and land-based radars, weapons systems and other5604electronics--such as the station keeping equipment on Air Force C-1305605aircraft. Physics in this band cannot be replicated--ceding 3.1-3.455606GHz will negatively affect national security. If confirmed, I will work5607to ensure the DAF does not lose primacy for the operations and training5608we need in the Lower 3 GHz range, and I will continue working with the5609DOD CIO on how we might dynamically share the spectrum.5610 __________5611 Questions Submitted by Senator Dan Sullivan5612 alaska specific issues5613 10. Senator Sullivan. Dr. Meink, Eielson Air Force Base (AFB) which5614in addition to being home to F-35 squadrons, F-16 interceptors, and KC-5615135s along with hosting many nations each year for Red Flag events,5616still needs many more ``warm'' facilities to house KC-135 airframes. It5617can only really fit two right now. Additionally, other infrastructure5618is very outdated, and facilities are not keeping pace with Wainwright5619Army base. Will you work with me to acquire the infrastructure5620necessary to hold the tankers?5621 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I will ensure infrastructure requirements5622at Eielson AFB are properly assessed and prioritized to support the5623critical missions being conducted from the installation.56245625 11. Senator Sullivan. Dr. Meink, in our discussion in my office we5626spoke about the need for additional hangar and infrastructure5627capability at Deadhorse (near Prudhoe Bay) to help extend the Air5628Force's reach in the Arctic. The U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM)5629Commander, General Gregory Guillot, as well as the U.S. Pacific Air5630Forces (PACAF) Commander, General Kevin Schneider have both expressed5631interest in this location. Will you work with me, if confirmed, to get5632the military construction approved to support operations out of5633Deadhorse?5634 Dr. Meink. The Arctic is critical to our ability to defend the5635homeland and project power internationally. If confirmed, I commit to5636continuing to evaluate our posture in Alaska, and I will work with5637Congress to ensure the Department has sufficient infrastructure to5638support its missions and operations.56395640 12. Senator Sullivan. Dr. Meink, the 18th Fighter Interceptor5641Squadron (FIS) at Eielson AFB is responsible for interception of5642Russian and Chinese strategic bombers and fighters that cross into the5643Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). Oftentimes however the564418th FIS is short of either pilots or mechanics to accomplish their5645mission. They always do accomplish the mission, but often at great5646extra cost in manpower and time (especially as intercepts have5647increased in the last year). Will you commit to looking at the task5648organization and real-life manning of this unit and its sustainers and5649ensure that they are manned 100 percent to finish their mission?5650 Yes, if confirmed, I will commit to reviewing the task organization5651and manning of the 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron and its supporting5652units to ensure they are resourced to effectively carry out their5653critical homeland defense mission.56545655 13. Senator Sullivan. Dr. Meink, as you are aware I've been5656fighting to get the KC-135 Active Association complete at Eielson AFB5657for nearly a decade and your predecessor signed off on it. I appreciate5658your commitment during your hearing to see this through to completion.5659I've ran into a number of issues with the Air Force Site Activation5660Task Force (SATF) which has visited Eielson nearly six times to conduct5661housing surveys. It appears they are using housing data from 2023 to5662make decisions regarding the amount of available housing at Eielson.5663Will you commit to work with me to ensure that SATF is using the most5664current housing data to inform its decisions about housing at Eielson5665and to relook the Air Force's housing requirements as soon as possible5666to ensure we are meeting mission need at the base?5667 Yes if, confirmed, I will review the housing data being used by the5668DAF to inform housing requirements and ensure we are using the most5669current data.56705671 14. Senator Sullivan. Dr. Meink, as part of President Trump's5672Golden Dome program, there will almost certainly be a need to ensure5673that our advanced early warning radar systems like the E-7 are capable5674of detecting incoming aircraft and missile threats both at home and if5675necessary, forward deployed. We have had a number of issues in Alaska5676with E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) readiness rates5677due to aging airframes and parts. Will you commit to reviewing the E-75678program to make sure we are properly resourcing it and work with me to5679ensure that we have that capability on hand when required in Alaska?5680 Dr. Meink. I understand that Golden Dome will require the DAF to5681integrate command and control (C2) processes within the Joint Force,5682NORTHCOM, STRATCOM, and the inter-agency to fully address the threat5683from ballistic, hypersonic, advanced cruise missiles, and other next-5684generation aerial attacks. Airborne Early Warning and Control5685capabilities, like the future E-7A Wedgetail provide agile and5686responsive battlespace C2 and aircraft identification and tracking5687capabilities. If confirmed, I will review the E-7A program to ensure5688the ability to meet the current threats abroad and related to defending5689the homeland. I also commit to delivering the E-7A capability to the5690warfighter as quickly and affordably as possible, with support from5691Congress.5692 aerial refueling5693 15. Senator Sullivan. Dr. Meink, for over 6 years now we've seen5694the new KC-46 aerial refueling tanker being delayed for various issues5695with its manufacturer Boeing. These issues have ranged from cracks in5696critical components to issues with the boom and drag on the aircraft.5697What is your plan to work with Boeing to get this aircraft fully5698operational and to improve its dismal readiness ratings?5699 I understand that the KC-46 is progressing toward full operational5700capability and that the recent strategic pause in deliveries is5701allowing for thorough inspection and repair of the identified cracks.5702If confirmed, I commit to work closely with Boeing to resolve remaining5703issues and deliver a fully operational and ready aircraft.57045705 16. Senator Sullivan. Dr. Meink, as the Air Force has waited for5706the KC-46 to overcome readiness issues, we are continuing to utilize5707the KC-135 (a decades-old aircraft) to conduct refueling operations. As5708a result, our tanker availability gap has grown since the aged aircraft5709has more and more maintenance issues. As you await new KC-46 deliveries5710and satisfactory testing, what will be your plan to increase KC-1355711readiness above its current dismal level?5712 I have seen reports that the KC-135 fleet maintains an aircraft5713availability rate around 60 percent. If confirmed, I commit to reinvest5714in our military ensuring our warfighters have the funding and parts5715needed to boost operational readiness for our platforms and deliver5716meaningful technology.57175718 17. Senator Sullivan. Dr. Meink, can you talk through how you might5719``surge'' maintenance in the event of a conflict?5720 The ability to ``surge'' tomorrow begins today. Three levers affect5721tanker readiness: parts, production, and people. The KC-46 and KC-1355722require a focused investment in critical spare parts and components. I5723plan to work with the industrial base to improve contract reliability5724during a surge to improve parts delivery to depots and operational5725bases. The Total Force tanker fleet also requires a timely and5726predictable depot maintenance schedule that scales to the customer5727demand signal, composed of highly trained and professional civilian and5728contract personnel. Finally, we need high-quality maintainers at all5729our tanker bases manned at or above current levels to ensure enduring5730aircraft availability. Our Airmen are masters at ``surging'' for5731conflict, and it will be my job to set them up for success. If5732confirmed, I plan to influence all these levers and bring the necessary5733tanker readiness required by our combatant commanders.57345735 18. Senator Sullivan. Dr. Meink, what role do you think unmanned5736aerial refueling (like the Navy's MQ-25 Stingray) will play in the5737future of air combat?5738 Dr. Meink. If confirmed I look forward to reviewing the analysis5739that examines concepts for unmanned aerial refueling and working with5740OSD and the other Services to leverage existing technologies.5741 f-47 fighter program5742 19. Senator Sullivan. Dr. Meink, as you are aware the F-47 program5743was awarded recently to Boeing. While I have no doubt that Boeing was5744chosen because it had the best aircraft prototype, I'd like to know how5745you plan to hold contractors (including Boeing) accountable for any5746failures or delays in this program given its recent history with the5747KC-46 which is ongoing?5748 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I commit to work closely with our defense5749industrial base to deliver results while holding each other accountable5750as the Department cannot do this on its own. There must be proper5751alignment of contract types and incentives to the technical risk and5752fielding requirements of our warfighters. We must require open5753architecture compliance and drive continuous competition.57545755 20. Senator Sullivan. Dr. Meink, what do you think we learned from5756these previous programs that we should do differently with the F-47?5757 Dr. Meink. I understand that the F-47 is built on a digital5758foundation that gives the government full visibility and control,5759ensuring knowledge parity with industry partners. This open5760architecture allows seamless integration of new technologies,5761guaranteeing it can continuously meet evolving threats and enable5762competition at the system level. If confirmed, I commit to looking at5763other programs to which we could apply these acquisition principles.5764 small business act 8(a) contractor5765 21. Senator Sullivan. Dr. Meink, in our meeting, you mentioned the5766need to thoroughly review our existing contracts and contract vehicles5767to ensure they are providing the best benefit to the taxpayer. The5768Small Business Act (SBA) 8(a) program, created by Congress, provides a5769contract vehicle through which sole source and set aside contracts can5770be awarded to small businesses owned by Alaska Native corporations,5771Community Development Corporations, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian5772organizations. These corporations are tied to political relationships,5773not racial classifications. They also are some of our most efficient5774contractors, earning stellar Contractor Performance Assessment5775Reporting System (CPARS) marks. Last many of these small businesses5776employ veterans at rates far exceeding the national average, allowing5777our Nation's finest to continue to serve after they take off the5778uniform. Will you commit to me to work to preserve and strengthen 8(a)5779contracting for the Department of the Defense and the Air Force?5780 Dr. Meink. I understand that the Section 8(a) program has provided5781notable benefits both to program participants and to Federal agencies.5782I also understand that the SBA has pursued program improvements to5783ensure that program participation and use decisions are made on sound5784criteria. The 8(a) Program and other Small Business programs are5785valuable tools for strengthening the defense industrial base. If5786confirmed, I will work with Congress, the Department of the Air Force5787Office of Small Business Programs (SAF/SB), and interagency partners5788such as SBA on improving, preserving, and strengthening Section 8(a)5789contracting and other Small Business Programs whenever using them would5790be in the best interest of the Department of the Air Force.57915792 22. Senator Sullivan. Dr. Meink, I recently toured an SBA 8(a)5793contracting operation and saw firsthand the value 8(a) brings to the5794Federal customer in terms of cost and efficiency while delivering5795mission-critical solutions that increase our national security and5796warfighter readiness. When the rate for big government contractors is5797double 8(a) shops and about 45 days for 8(a) contractors versus 35798months for big government contractors, and 8(a) shops give the5799intellectual property (IP) to the Government unlike big government5800contractors--would you agree that the SBA 8(a) program one of the most5801efficient and effective ways to deliver results to the Federal5802Government?5803 Dr. Meink. I understand that the Section 8(a) program has provided5804notable benefits both to program participants and to Federal agencies.5805The 8(a) Program and other Small Business programs are valuable tools5806for strengthening the defense industrial base. If confirmed, I will5807work with Congress, the Department of the Air Force Office of Small5808Business Programs (SAF/SB), and interagency partners such as SBA on5809improving, preserving, and strengthening Section 8(a) contracting and5810other Small Business Programs whenever using them would be in the best5811interest of the Department of the Air Force.5812 alaska energy issues5813 23. Senator Sullivan. Dr. Meink, President Trump's January 20, 20255814order declaring a National Energy Emergency which directs in section 25815to utilize the authorities afforded under the Defense Production Act5816``to facilitate the identification, leasing, siting, production,5817transportation, refining, and generation of domestic energy resources,5818including, but not limited to, on Federal lands.'' and in section 75819states ``(a) In collaboration with the Secretaries of Interior and5820Energy, the Secretary of Defense shall conduct an assessment of the5821Department of Defense's ability to acquire and transport the energy,5822electricity, or fuels needed to protect the homeland and to conduct5823operations abroad, and, within 60 days, shall submit this assessment to5824the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. This5825assessment shall identify specific vulnerabilities, including, but not5826limited to, potentially insufficient transportation and refining5827infrastructure across the Nation, with a focus on such vulnerabilities5828within the Northeast and West Coast regions of the United States. The5829assessment shall also identify and recommend the requisite authorities5830and resources to remedy such vulnerabilities, consistent with5831applicable law.''5832 In Alaska, shortages in natural gas supplies in the Cook Inlet are5833affecting heating and energy usage in Southcentral Alaska--the most5834populated area in Alaska and home to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson5835(JBER) which hosts the 673d Air Base Wing, the headquarters for the5836U.S. Alaskan Command, 11th Air Force, 11th Airborne Division, and the5837Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region.5838 In late January 2024, temperatures dropped to record low5839temperatures (around -20+ F) in the Anchorage area coinciding with5840failures of two of five of the wells at the Cook Inlet Natural as5841Storage (CINGSA) Facility reducing gas deliverability to local5842utilities and led to directing local users, including Joint Base5843Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), to lower thermostats to conserve gas5844consumption. The Alaska LNG project is designed to provide these bases5845with gas and is in the process of providing it for utilities in5846Fairbanks and Southcentral Alaska.5847 Do you see the national security interest in seeing that natural5848gas from the Alaska LNG project is made available to Alaska's military5849bases and recognize the Alaska LNG project as being of strategic5850national importance for our military?5851 Dr. Meink. Expanding our access to available, but underutilized,5852sources of energy, such as natural gas is important to power our5853installations and achieve national energy dominance. If confirmed, I5854will work with OSD, the Department of Energy, the Department of5855Interior, and other stakeholders, such as our utility partners, to5856identify potential solutions to ensure our installations have the power5857they need to meet critical mission requirements.58585859 24. Senator Sullivan. Dr. Meink, will you commit to pursuing5860agreements, pursuant to the President's Executive Order, to power5861Alaska's military bases?5862 Dr. Meink. Energy and water are critical to the Department of the5863Air Force's ability to achieve its mission. If confirmed, I will commit5864to utilizing all available authorities to pursue an ``all-of-the-5865above'' approach to provide reliable energy for our installations in5866Alaska, in accordance with the President's Executive Orders.5867 defense acquisition and procurement5868 25. Senator Sullivan. Dr. Meink, in a recent Readiness Subcommittee5869Hearing on Joint Force Posture, I asked each of the services' vice5870chiefs about budget flexibility and carryover funding authority to5871provide each service with the ability to shift a certain percentage of5872funds among capabilities each year. Do you think that the services5873would benefit from such budget flexibility and how do you think it5874should best be implemented?5875 Dr. Meink. I believe the DAF would benefit greatly from budget5876flexibility--it is imperative that we can move faster while developing5877and procuring capabilities to respond to emerging threats and changing5878technologies. I concur with the PPBE Commission Report's recommendation5879to allow a carryover of 5 percent of Military Personnel and Operation5880and Maintenance annual total obligation authority into the next fiscal5881year. This authority would enable DOD managers to reserve a small5882portion of funds to address late-breaking bills and unanticipated5883expenses. To my knowledge, the current reprogramming limitations hinder5884the DOD's agility to adopt emerging technologies. Increased flexibility5885is crucial and can be achieved by continuing to evaluate Below5886Threshold Reprogramming (BTR) threshold for adjustments. I believe a5887periodic review (e.g., annual or bi-annual) for reprogramming5888thresholds will ensure they remain relevant and address inflationary5889pressures.58905891 26. Senator Sullivan. Dr. Meink, as you probably know, software-5892defined and autonomous systems are vital to U.S. Indo-Pacific5893Commander, Admiral Samuel Paparo's hellscape concept of operations5894(CONOP). And while not a panacea for a potential conflict with China,5895Admiral Paparo recently stated, ``Unmanned systems [are] our force5896multiplier'' and they ``multiply [our] combat power, without5897multiplying our manning requirements.'' Specifically, he emphasized5898that ``we have to build these capabilities at scale . . .'' During his5899nomination hearing, newly confirmed Deputy Secretary of Defense Stephen5900Feinberg agreed stating, ``Clearly, we need to develop autonomy.5901Autonomy in significant numbers with a centralized command . . .5902Additionally, while we continue to heavily invest in new autonomous5903capabilities, we also have hundreds--if not thousands--of legacy5904systems, some in service and others in the boneyard, that could be5905upgraded with 21st Century software.''5906 In your personal opinions, in order to fully ``scale'' autonomous5907and software-defined capabilities ``in significant numbers'' to the5908warfighter, what approach should DOD take in retrofitting--or5909``jailbreaking''--legacy systems (that already exist in large numbers)5910with cutting-edge autonomous software capabilities?5911 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I will make scaling autonomous capability5912across DAF platforms an important priority. I will assess where DAF5913operational capabilities can benefit from advanced technologies and5914then ensure the best engineering and modernization approach is applied.5915I will also reinforce enterprise-wide approaches including open system5916architectures, modern software acquisition approaches, and DevSecOps5917software pipelines to allow delivery of systems at speed and scale to5918the warfighter.59195920 27. Senator Sullivan. Dr. Meink, given the existing contractual5921limitations, what authorities or contractual changes would your teams5922need to execute these retrofits and unlock the latent capabilities5923already resident, but sadly dormant in our existing warfighting5924hardware?5925 Dr. Meink. In my view, the Department should leverage authorities5926like OTAs and streamlined acquisition processes to rapidly prototype5927and accelerate deployment of these capabilities. If confirmed, I will5928review potential contract approaches such as associate contractor5929agreements, consortia, or other contractor teaming arrangements to5930unlock the potential of our fielded fleet.5931 __________5932 Questions Submitted by Senator Kevin Cramer5933 collaborative combat aircraft production5934 28. Senator Cramer. Dr. Meink, the Air Force needs a capability in5935mass to compete with the exponential growth of China's military,5936particularly in the air domain, and this must be achieved at a speed5937and cost not readily available with exquisite, manned aircraft. The5938Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program promises to rapidly and5939affordably deliver highly capable, autonomous air vehicles at the scale5940necessary to deter our adversaries. In today's threat environment, we5941can no longer afford to prototype and iterate on emerging capabilities,5942like CCA, and stop short of fielding them in the nearer term. Instead,5943the service must have in place the acquisition strategy and funding5944needed to advance proven capabilities to the warfighter. Following a5945successful flight demonstration, we understand that the Air Force is5946planning to immediately transition Increment 1 to production to attain5947affordable mass at scale to counter the threat that exists today. As5948Secretary of the Air Force, will you commit to advancing Increment 1 of5949the CCA program into production and fielding at the scale required to5950compete with great power competitors?5951 Dr. Meink. I share your concerns about our adversaries' efforts to5952challenge our air power strength. I understand that the DAF has plans5953for fielding an operational CCA capability before the end of the5954decade, and if confirmed, I'll work to deliver on CCA's promise of an5955affordable, semi-autonomous, rapidly fielded platform at scale.5956 Beyond rapid fielding, the DAF must integrate these new semi-5957autonomous systems, as a lethal force multiplier, into the existing5958force. This requires deliberate effort, as the DAF cannot afford to5959apply traditional operational and maintenance models on these systems.5960If confirmed, I commit to including operational and maintenance5961considerations in the program plan.5962 collaborative combat aircraft acceleration5963 29. Senator Cramer. Dr. Meink, in consideration of the global5964threat environment, in particular China's military investment and the5965implications of great power conflict in the U.S. Indo-Pacifcic5966Command's (INDOPACOM) area of responsibility to U.S. Forces, the5967application of affordable and lethal mass matters. There is little5968doubt that the Air Force will need its exquisite, manned capabilities5969in particular use cases, but there are limits on quantities that can be5970produced, operated and sustained within the constraints of time and5971resources. However, we have seen how lower cost, highly capable5972autonomous aircraft can augment manned fighters and enhance the Air5973Force's ability to project power. One signature example of this is the5974Combat Collaborative Aircraft program. The Air Force has established a5975baseline procurement assumption of 1,000 Collaborative Combat Aircraft5976at an estimated unit cost of one-third the price of crewed fighters.5977With this example in mind, can you describe what the Air Force sees in5978the value of attritable systems and how the service intends to increase5979production and accelerate fielding of systems at scale?5980 Dr. Meink. The DAF should continue to pursue a mix of systems which5981provide operational Commanders flexible options to achieve their5982objectives. For example, while crewed 5th Generation fighters continue5983to play a critical role, they may not be able to be produced on a5984timeline or at a cost which addresses the evolving threats posed by our5985adversaries. I understand that CCA will provide a force multiplier to5986the crewed fighter fleet and will deliver affordable mass by being less5987exquisite and complex but still operationally relevant. This will5988enable shorter manufacturing lead-times, faster production rates, and5989expedited fielding timelines.5990 autonomy software5991 30. Senator Cramer. Dr. Meink, Congress recognizes the value of5992unmanned systems, and we're pleased to see the Air Force and the5993Secretary nominee's focus on these capabilities as well. While we5994strongly support the Air Force focus on building the hardware, we5995recognize that without a pilot in the cockpit, these aircraft will also5996need the advanced autonomy software required to operate. Leading5997autonomy providers in the commercial world, such as OpenAI and Tesla,5998spend billions of dollars on perception and training of their autonomy.5999Meanwhile, the Air Force has budgeted just fractions of this sum for6000the development of software for unmanned systems. What is the Air6001Force's future plans to develop, integrate, and field autonomy6002software?6003 Dr. Meink. We must invest in cutting-edge technologies needed to6004counter the pacing challenge and maintain our edge. I believe6005autonomous and semi-autonomous weapon systems are required for the DAF6006to deter and, if necessary, win in the future fight. If confirmed, I6007will review the current status and plans for the autonomous software6008that supports these critical capabilities.6009 I believe, the Air Force recognizes the growing importance and role6010of autonomy in unmanned systems and autonomous support systems, such as6011analysis and decision-making tools for core functions. The Air Force6012continues to make progress and has formed partnerships in academia and6013industry, but infrastructure, development, and support for autonomy6014software must be accelerated. If confirmed, I will take steps to create6015a unifying strategy to accelerate the development, integration, and6016fielding of autonomous software across our future systems. This6017includes aircraft, munitions, and decision-making tools and required6018infrastructure, data, and policy to rapidly field, iterate, and improve6019systems.60206021 31. Senator Cramer. Dr. Meink, is the Air Force sufficiently6022budgeting for the development, fielding, operations, and sustainment of6023this critical capability in the upcoming budget request and across the6024Future Years Defense Program (FYDP)?6025 Dr. Meink. The field of autonomous software is evolving incredibly6026fast. Budgeting must not only cover current needs but also anticipate6027the resources required to integrate emerging technologies like advanced6028AI, machine learning, and sophisticated sensor fusion. If confirmed, I6029will assess our planned investments against our requirements to ensure6030we not only keep pace with, but stay ahead of, potential adversaries.6031 expanding use of autonomous systems6032 32. Senator Cramer. Dr. Meink, Congress recognizes the value of6033leveraging unmanned assets partnered with exquisite manned aircraft for6034a variety of mission sets across the Air Force. Could you share your6035thoughts regarding the myriad of mission sets that could be levied onto6036unmanned systems, including integration of unmanned systems into6037operations with existing and future manned platforms?6038 Dr. Meink. The Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program is part6039of the Next Generation Air Dominance Family of Systems, a DAF effort to6040equip the force with crewed and uncrewed platforms that can meet the6041pacing challenge. I look forward to working with USAF leaders to6042understand the missions they envision CCAs performing. My understanding6043is, under the umbrella of Autonomous Collaborative Platforms, future6044missions could include Reconnaissance, Mobility, Sensing,6045Communications, Electronic Attack or Refueling. If confirmed, I look6046forward to continuing development of the ACP capabilities.60476048 33. Senator Cramer. Dr. Meink, how are you planning to further6049leverage unmanned assets, including by transitioning certain mission6050sets to unmanned platforms?6051 Dr. Meink. We are increasing automation and efficiency inherent to6052existing unmanned platforms to improve the lethality of our Airmen6053flying and operating those assets. I believe there are few rated and6054enlisted aviators better suited to developing tactics, techniques, and6055procedures for employing manned-unmanned teaming than are found flying6056the MQ-9, RQ-4, and RQ-170's in our inventory today.60576058 34. Senator Cramer. Dr. Meink, in particular, as adversaries have6059pushed their reach out further, our mobility and refueling fleets are6060further challenged. While the Air Force is the cornerstone of the6061Department of Defense's (DOD) tanker capabilities, we are failing to6062maintain the readiness of the minimum quantity of aircraft. We are6063encouraged by the Air Force's Next Generation Aerial Refueling System6064(NGAS) effort, which has the opportunity when fully funded to bring the6065quantities of aircraft to the right levels while also keeping them6066uncrewed to lower risk. Do you remain committed to the success of this6067program?6068 Dr. Meink. It is clear to me the DAF must have a more resilient6069tanking capability and, if confirmed, I look forward to the opportunity6070to increase the resilience of our tanker fleet through the most rapid6071and cost-effective means.60726073 35. Senator Cramer. Dr. Meink, could you expand on other Air Force6074mission sets in particular that could be successfully achieved through6075unmanned systems?6076 Dr. Meink. I believe unmanned aircraft have the potential to6077contribute to the majority of DAF mission sets. To my knowledge, we are6078already employing unmanned systems in lethal environments to mitigate6079risk to individual Airmen against violent adversaries like the Houthis6080in Yemen. We continue to develop and deliver lethal effects through MQ-60819s, specifically, asymmetrically advantaging our ability to persist in6082elevated threat environments.6083 __________6084 Questions Submitted by Senator Ted Budd6085 space force6086 36. Senator Budd. Dr. Meink, the National Reconnaissance Office6087(NRO) has opted not to utilize Space Force's Strategic Launch6088Integration Contract (SLIC), effectively limiting competition and6089reinforcing the dominance of a few providers in the National Security6090Space Launch (NSSL) market. Given the Space Force's role in fostering a6091robust and competitive industrial base, how will you ensure that future6092Space Force launch contract vehicles actively promote competition and6093avoid the consolidation we have seen in recent NRO procurements?6094 Dr. Meink. I support increasing competition in the launch of6095National Security payloads. It is important to maintain a robust and6096competitive launch market that can support enterprise requirements and6097maintain assured access to space while promoting healthy competition6098between commercial launch providers. As I understand, the DOD's6099National Security Space Launch Phase 3 acquisition strategy promotes6100competition and enhances resilience by providing opportunities for6101emerging launch providers to compete for more risk tolerant,6102commercial-like missions, while also ensuring assured access to space6103for critical, no-fail missions. If confirmed, I will ensure the6104Department works with the Space Force and industry to maintain diverse6105space access capabilities.6106 hypersonics6107 37. Senator Budd. Dr. Meink, how concerned are you regarding6108China's hypersonic capabilities and, if confirmed, what should the6109organizations you have been nominated to lead, do to ensure sufficient6110emphasis is placed on and the proper resources are put toward the6111development of critical systems and supporting technologies that would6112help lower the costs and accelerate the fielding of the Department's6113offensive and defensive hypersonic programs of record, including those6114that would support Golden Dome?6115 Dr. Meink. China's hypersonic weapons pose a significant challenge,6116and peace through strength requires a robust response. If confirmed, I6117commit to ensuring the Department of the Air Force emphasizes the6118accelerated fielding of resilient capabilities to ensure seamless6119warning, tracking, custody, and defense against these advanced threats6120in support of the Administration's Golden Dome initiative. I would also6121lead the DAF in partnering with Missile Defense Agency, National6122Reconnaissance Office, and other agencies to align resources to these6123critical hypersonic defense and space-based hypersonic tracking6124programs, to lower costs and meet aggressive fielding schedules. I6125believe the DAF should continue to leverage innovative acquisition6126strategies and existing authorities to accelerate the rapid prototyping6127and fielding of ``best of breed'' technology.61286129 38. Senator Budd. Dr. Meink, if confirmed, are you committed to6130working with this committee to ramp up the Department's efforts in6131critical hypersonic systems and supporting technologies to compete with6132China?6133 Dr. Meink. Yes. The Air Force is focused on deterring China in the6134Indo-Pacific and, should deterrence fail, providing our Nation's6135leadership with the options and military capabilities necessary to6136prevail in a high-end conflict in a highly contested environment. I6137believe that continued effort to develop and field hypersonic air-6138launched weapons is essential and will enable us to hold high-value,6139time-sensitive targets at risk in contested environments from standoff6140distances. If confirmed, I will work to ensure this capability is6141prioritized in the Air Force's plans.6142 __________6143 Questions Submitted by Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand6144 space based tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance6145 39. Senator Gillibrand. Dr. Meink, the Space Force, National6146Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and National Geospatial-Intelligence6147Agency (NGA) are working to establish the policies and procedures that6148will guide DOD's use of space-based tactical intelligence, surveillance6149and reconnaissance (ISR). From your experience in NRO, how do you6150assess the progress of the work so far?6151 Dr. Meink. I believe the Space Force, NRO, NGA, and NSA's6152collaborative efforts on space-based ISR policies and procedures are6153progressing positively. If confirmed, it is my intention to conduct a6154thorough assessment of the results of this partnership and focus on6155ensuring the department has the collection management and data6156dissemination authority to meet warfighter requirements.61576158 40. Senator Gillibrand. Dr. Meink, as you likely step into the role6159as Secretary of the Air Force, what do you view as the proper role for6160the military versus the Intelligence Community (IC) in that6161arrangement?6162 Dr. Meink. It is my understanding that the role of the Secretary of6163the Air Force is to organize, train, and equip the department with6164warfighting capabilities, which is an essential military function.6165Meanwhile, there is a shared responsibility with the Intelligence6166Community (IC), particularly regarding acquiring and operating6167intelligence systems that support military intelligence. The Secretary6168of the Air Force is responsible for the effective supervision and6169control of the intelligence activities of the Department of the Air6170Force. This includes those of the intelligence activities of the Space6171Force IC Element, the newest member of the Intelligence Community.6172 special access programs6173 41. Senator Gillibrand. Dr. Meink, in January of last year, Deputy6174Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks signed a policy change establishing6175a process to enable DOD to bring down classification levels for systems6176previously designated Special Access Programs, or SAPs. Coming from6177your background in the space domain, what is your assessment of the6178implementation of that policy change?6179 Dr. Meink. I am committed to protecting our Nation. This includes6180ensuring systems, capabilities, information, and technologies receive6181an appropriate level of protection without hindering development,6182collaboration, planning, and warfighting. My assessment is the6183implementation of DOD SAP policy is achievable while striking a balance6184between protections and preserving national security.61856186 42. Senator Gillibrand. Dr. Meink, what actions will you take to6187address overclassification while protecting sensitive programs?6188 Dr. Meink. I strongly believe enabling access to information as6189quickly and as broadly as possible is critical to national security. If6190confirmed, I will advocate for accurate classification and automated6191declassification were appropriate, while continuing to protect6192sensitive programs. If confirmed, I will conduct a review to ensure the6193Department classification processes and policies are aligned to prevent6194overclassification and ensure appropriate classification and timely6195downgrading or declassification decisions while protecting sensitive6196programs.6197 __________6198 Questions Submitted by Senator Mazie K. Hirono6199 base energy resiliency6200 43. Senator Hirono. Dr. Meink, many Air Force and Space Force6201installations in Hawaii face climate, energy, and aging infrastructure6202challenges that threaten base resiliency, especially when faced with6203extreme climate events, as seen with the damage at Tyndall Air Force6204Base after Hurricane Michael. What specific steps would you take to6205address these issues and improve long-term operational resiliency at6206these critical bases in the Pacific?6207 Dr. Meink. Air Force and Space Force installations, including those6208in Hawaii, face challenges posed by our adversaries as a well as6209natural hazards. These potential disruptions threaten infrastructure,6210readiness, and operational resilience. If confirmed, I will work to6211prioritize investments in projects that improve infrastructure6212resilience, and I will ensure resilience is embedded in long-term6213planning efforts.62146215 44. Senator Hirono. Dr. Meink, how would you incorporate innovative6216infrastructure solutions--such as microgrids or hardened6217communications--into your broader strategy to ensure that Air and Space6218Force installations are ready for sustained operations?6219 Dr. Meink. I am aware that the DAF recently finalized a new6220Installation Infrastructure Action Plan which will employ innovative6221approaches to infrastructure management to ensure we can continue to6222deliver combat power, and I support implementing the Action Plan.6223 Some of these approaches include expanding the installation of6224microgrids, leveraging innovative contracting approaches to accelerate6225the use of third-party financing, monetizing underutilized land and6226buildings to reduce financial liabilities, proactively divesting6227infrastructure to offset required recapitalization of mission critical6228assets, and prioritizing resources to the most critical war-fighting6229needs while driving down costs.6230 __________6231 Questions Submitted by Senator Elizabeth Warren6232 ethics6233 45. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if you are confirmed, will you6234commit to not seeking any employment with or compensation from a6235defense contractor, including through serving on a board, as a6236consultant, or as a lobbyist, for 4 years after leaving DOD?6237 Dr. Meink. I will abide by the extensive post-government employment6238ethics rules required by Federal law as well as the terms of my Ethics6239Agreement. These provisions set forth comprehensive restrictions6240relating to acceptance of compensation from defense contractors, as6241well as communicating back to the Federal Government on behalf of any6242future employers and clients. I believe that these existing rules are6243appropriate and sufficient to protect the public interest. If6244confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of my office6245honorably, and I will seek any post-government employment in full6246compliance with the applicable ethics rules.62476248 46. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if you are confirmed, will you6249commit to not engaging in any lobbying activities, including6250unregistered ``shadow'' or ``behind-the-scenes'' lobbying under the6251guise of consulting or advising on DOD-related matters, focused on DOD6252or any of its components for 4 years after leaving DOD?6253 Dr. Meink. I will abide by the extensive post-government employment6254ethics rules required by Federal law as well as the terms of my Ethics6255Agreement. These provisions set forth comprehensive restrictions6256relating to acceptance of compensation from defense contractors, as6257well as communicating back to the Federal Government on behalf of any6258future employers and clients. I believe that these existing rules are6259appropriate and sufficient to protect the public interest. If6260confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of my office6261honorably, and I will seek any post-government employment in full6262compliance with the applicable ethics rules.62636264 47. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, during your nomination process, did6265anyone on the Trump campaign, transition team, or other closely related6266entity approach you about your loyalty to President Trump?6267 Dr. Meink. No.6268 48. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if you were approached about your6269loyalty to President Trump, did you sign a loyalty pledge or other6270similar oath? If so, please provide a copy of the text of that pledge6271or oath.6272 Dr. Meink. Not applicable; I was not approached about my loyalty to6273President Trump.62746275 49. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if you were approached about your6276loyalty to President Trump, did you make any verbal representations of6277loyalty? If so, please describe this representation.6278 Dr. Meink. Not applicable; I was not approached about my loyalty to6279President Trump.62806281 50. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, in November 2024, the New York Times6282and other news outlets reported that Boris Epshteyn, a top adviser to6283President Trump, allegedly requested payment from prospective political6284appointees to promote their candidacies for top positions within the6285Administration. Did you discuss the possibility of joining the6286Administration with Mr. Epshteyn at any time?6287 Dr. Meink. No.62886289 51. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if you did discuss the possibility6290of joining the Administration with Mr. Epshteyn, did Mr. Epshteyn seek6291payment from you for promoting your candidacy for a position within the6292Administration?6293 Dr. Meink. Not applicable; I was not approached.62946295 52. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, at any time, did lawyers for6296President Trump or members of President Trump's team approach you6297regarding Mr. Epshteyn and the allegations cited above? If so, please6298explain the information that they provided you, including copies of6299documents, what was discussed during any calls, and any other6300information pertaining to this interaction.6301 Dr. Meink. No.63026303 53. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if you own any defense contractor6304stock, will you divest it to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of6305interest?6306 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I will take action to divest those6307interests identified in my Ethics Agreement. I can pledge to you that I6308will be mindful of not only the legal requirements that govern my6309conduct, but also of the need to ensure that the public has no reason6310to question my impartiality, and I will consult with the Department's6311ethics officials should such issues arise. To the best of my knowledge,6312I have never had an investment that represented a conflict of interest6313throughout my 30 plus year government career.63146315 54. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, will you commit not to retaliate,6316including by denying access to DOD officials or facilities, against6317news outlets or individual journalists who publish articles that are6318critical of you, your office, DOD, or the Trump administration?6319 Dr. Meink. Yes.63206321 55. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, how many times have you been accused6322of sexually harassing, assaulting, or creating a hostile work6323environment for another individual in a personal or professional6324capacity? Provide a list of all instances in which you have been6325accused of sexually harassing, assaulting, or creating a hostile work6326environment for an individual and the behavior of which you were6327accused.6328 Dr. Meink. I have never been accused of this type of behavior.63296330 56. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, have you requested, or has anyone6331requested on your behalf, that any other person or third party sign a6332nondisclosure, confidentiality, non-disparagement, or similar agreement6333regarding your conduct in a personal or professional capacity?6334 Dr. Meink. No.63356336 57. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, will you voluntarily release any6337individual from any such agreements before your nomination hearing?6338 Dr. Meink. Not applicable; I have not requested, or had anyone6339request on my behalf, these types of agreements.63406341 58. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, have you ever paid or promised to6342pay, or has anyone paid or promised to pay on your behalf, an6343individual as part of any non-disclosure, confidentiality, non-6344disparagement, or similar agreement?6345 Dr. Meink. No.63466347 59. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if the answer to the question above6348was yes, how much was promised, how much was paid, and what were the6349circumstances?6350 Dr. Meink. Not applicable.63516352 60. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, Mr. Duffey, Mr. Michael, and Mr.6353Bass, will you commit to not seeking employment, board membership with,6354or another form of compensation from a company that you regulated or6355otherwise interacted with while in government, for at least 4 years6356after leaving office?6357 Dr. Meink. I will abide by the extensive post-government employment6358ethics rules required by Federal law as well as the terms of my Ethics6359Agreement. These provisions set forth comprehensive restrictions6360relating to acceptance of compensation from defense contractors, as6361well as communicating back to the Federal Government on behalf of any6362future employers and clients. I believe that these existing rules are6363appropriate and sufficient to protect the public interest. If6364confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of my office6365honorably, and I will seek any post-government employment in full6366compliance with the applicable ethics rules.63676368 61. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, were you at any time, or are you6369currently, contacted by or under investigation or review by any6370inspector general personnel for your role in contracting decisions, or6371for any other reason?6372 Dr. Meink. No, not to my knowledge.63736374 62. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if so, what is the status of the6375investigation(s)?6376 Dr. Meink. Not applicable; there are no such investigations to my6377knowledge.63786379 63. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if you have not been under6380investigation or review by any inspector personnel, why do you think6381Reuters reported you were?6382 Dr. Meink. I cannot speculate on the impetus for the Reuters6383article referenced in this question.63846385 64. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, have you ever been counseled or6386advised that your working relationship with SpaceX or Mr. Musk creates6387a conflict of interest?6388 Dr. Meink. No.63896390 65. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if the answer to the question above6391is yes, who counseled or advised you of this conflict, and what action6392did you take?6393 Dr. Meink. Not applicable; I have never been counseled or advised6394that I have a conflict of interest.63956396 66. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, what is the nature of your6397relationship with SpaceX and Mr. Musk?6398 Dr. Meink. I have no relationship with SpaceX or Mr. Musk outside6399of a professional relationship in the execution of my current duties.64006401 67. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, what role did Mr. Musk play in your6402nomination to be Secretary of the Air Force?6403 Dr. Meink. None to my knowledge; I was nominated by the President6404of the United States for this position.64056406 68. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, did you ask Mr. Musk to support or6407recommend your nomination?6408 Dr. Meink. No.64096410 69. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, did you have conversations with Mr.6411Musk regarding the nomination? If so, please describe the nature of6412these conversations.6413 Dr. Meink. Mr. Musk was one of many people present at one of the6414interviews I had with President Trump. However, the President was the6415only one who asked me questions. I'm honored President Trump nominated6416me for the position as Secretary of the Department of the Air Force.64176418 70. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, did Mr. Musk ask for anything in6419return for supporting your nomination?6420 Dr. Meink. I reject the premise of this question; I was nominated6421by the President of the United States for this position.64226423 71. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, Reuters reported that you altered6424key details of a major contract, effectively boxing out other companies6425from bidding. Are these reports accurate?6426 Dr. Meink. No.64276428 72. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, did you alter the details of this6429contract?6430 Dr. Meink. No.64316432 73. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if you did alter the details of this6433contract, why did you do so?6434 Dr. Meink. Not applicable; I have not altered the details of any6435contract.64366437 74. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, reports further suggest that you6438threatened to withhold future contracts from L3Harris if the company6439filed a formal complaint. Did you threaten or imply that you would6440withhold future contracts from L3Harris or any other contractors if6441they filed complaints, bid protests, or cooperated with the Inspector6442General's investigation?6443 Dr. Meink. No, and I'm not aware of any investigation.64446445 75. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, would it ever be appropriate to6446threaten or imply that you would withhold future contracts from a6447company if they filed a complaint, bid protest, or cooperated with an6448Inspector General, civil, or criminal investigation?6449 Dr. Meink. Dr. Meink. No, and I'm unaware of any investigation.64506451 76. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, have you ever threatened or implied6452that you would withhold future contracts from a company if they filed a6453complaint, bid protest, or cooperated with an inspector general or6454other investigation?6455 Dr. Meink. No, and I'm unaware of any investigation.64566457 77. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if confirmed to be Secretary of the6458Air Force, what role would you play in DOD acquisition negotiations6459with contractors like SpaceX?6460 Dr. Meink. None; acquisition negotiations would be the purview of6461the acquisition executives in the Department.64626463 78. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, do you think it is valuable to6464encourage competition and innovation in the defense industrial base?6465 Dr. Meink. Yes, and I have helped expand competition to the highest6466levels in my current organization.64676468 79. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, on February 11th, Mr. Musk held a6469press conference in the Oval Office where he claimed that every6470Government contract awarded to SpaceX was ``by far the best value for6471money for the taxpayer.'' If confirmed to be Secretary of the Air6472Force, what measures would you take to ensure a robust bidding process6473to encourage competition for DOD projects?6474 Dr. Meink. I have a long and distinguished record of encouraging6475innovation, competition and expanding the industrial base during my6476time at the NRO. If confirmed, I would bring that experience to the6477Department of the Air Force and ensure that leadership at all levels6478was actively encouraging innovation and competition in the defense6479industrial base.64806481 80. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, in November 2024, Mr. Musk wrote on6482X (formerly Twitter) that ``manned fighter jets are obsolete in the age6483of drones'' and called those building jets like the F-35 ``idiots''. Do6484you agree with Mr. Musk's characterization of fifth-generation stealth6485fighters?6486 Dr. Meink. I do not associate myself with those remarks.6487 congressional oversight and transparency6488 81. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, what is your understanding of the6489role of the Department of Defense Inspector General and service6490Inspectors General?6491 Dr. Meink. To my knowledge, the mission of the DOD IG is to promote6492the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of DOD programs, and the6493integrity of its workforce and operations, through impactful audits,6494evaluations, investigations, and reviews. The role of the Air Force IG6495is to independently and objectively inspect, investigate, and inquire6496into matters of importance to the Department of the Air Force, to6497include waste, fraud, and abuse. I will continue to support the6498independence of the IG as I have done throughout my career.64996500 82. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, will you ensure your staff complies6501with any Inspector General deadlines established for requested6502communications, providing witnesses, providing documents, and that6503those witnesses will be protected from reprisal for their testimony?6504 Dr. Meink. Yes.65056506 83. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if you are not able to comply with6507any Inspector General requests and deadlines, will you notify the6508Republican and Democratic members of the Committee regarding the basis6509for any good faith delay or denial?6510 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I will work to comply with Inspector6511General requests in a timely manner. I would defer to the Office of the6512Inspector General to update members of the Committee regarding the6513progress of the Inspector General's ongoing reviews.65146515 84. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if you are confirmed, will you6516commit to refusing to follow illegal orders from any individual,6517including the President?6518 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I will follow the law and the Constitution6519of the United States.65206521 85. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, what actions would you take if you6522were given an illegal order from any individual, including the6523President?6524 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I would have a duty not to carry out a6525manifestly unlawful order.65266527 86. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, will you commit to testify or6528provide a deposition if you are called upon by Congress to provide a6529deposition voluntarily?6530 Dr. Meink. Yes.65316532 87. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, will you commit to testify or6533provide a deposition to Congress if you are issued a subpoena to6534testify?6535 Dr. Meink. Yes.65366537 88. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, , will you commit to providing6538information or documents to Congress voluntarily if you are requested6539to do so?6540 Dr. Meink. Yes.65416542 89. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, will you provide information or6543documents to Congress if you are issued a subpoena?6544 Dr. Meink. Yes.65456546 90. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, will you commit to following current6547DOD precedent for responding to information requests, briefings, and6548other inquiries from Congress, including the Senate and House Armed6549Services Committees and their minority members?6550 Dr. Meink. Yes.65516552 91. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if confirmed, will you commit to6553posting your official calendar monthly?6554 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I am committed to meeting all legal6555disclosure requirements.65566557 92. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, do you think DOD has an6558overclassification problem? If so, please provide this committee with6559an estimate of the number or percentage of documents that will be under6560your purview that are overclassified.6561 Dr. Meink. I strongly believe enabling access to information as6562quickly and as broadly as possible is critical to national security. If6563confirmed I will continue to work with data owners to ensure data is6564not overclassified.65656566 93. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, to the best of your knowledge, is6567your service or component identifying records for proactive posting in6568compliance with the Freedom of Information Act? If not, please describe6569how you would ensure that they do so to comply with public records law.6570 Dr. Meink. I have not received any briefing on the Department of6571the Air Force's current Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) program. If6572confirmed, I will review that program to ensure it is aligned with law.65736574 94. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if confirmed, do you think your6575department should pursue strategic technology to support automated6576declassification?6577 Dr. Meink. I believe such pursuits would need to be standardized6578throughout the Department of Defense, not just at the military6579Department level. I strongly believe enabling access to information as6580quickly and as broadly as possible is critical to national security. If6581confirmed I will advocate for automated declassification were6582appropriate, while continuing to protect sensitive programs.6583 project 20256584 95. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, have you discussed Project 2025 with6585any officials associated with the Trump campaign, the Trump transition6586team, or other members of the Trump administration? If so, please6587explain what you discussed, when you discussed it, and with whom you6588discussed it.6589 Dr. Meink. No.65906591 96. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, have you discussed Project 2025 with6592any officials associated with the Heritage Foundation? If so, please6593explain what you discussed, when you discussed it, and with whom you6594discussed it.6595 Dr. Meink. No.6596 nuclear weapons and missile defense6597 97. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, what do you understand your role to6598be in ensuring that programs do not reach this significant cost overrun6599threshold if you are confirmed?6600 Dr. Meink. I believe that nuclear deterrence is the foundation of6601our national security. The nuclear modernization of the Department of6602the Air Force includes the ground leg of the nuclear triad, which is6603long overdue for revitalization. If confirmed, I commit to making6604nuclear modernization my highest priority and ensuring that the6605Department is a responsible steward of taxpayer funds for these6606purposes. Furthermore, I see my role as ensuring that leadership at all6607levels in the Department--to include those working on these programs--6608share that philosophy.6609 foreign influence6610 98. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, have you received any payment from a6611foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government within6612the past 5 years?6613 Dr. Meink. No.66146615 99. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, have you communicated with any6616foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government within6617the past 5 years?6618 Dr. Meink. I have provided relevant information in connection with6619my security clearance background check.66206621 100. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, please disclose any communications6622or payments you have had with representatives of any foreign government6623or entity controlled by a foreign government within the past 5 years6624and describe the nature of the communication.6625 Dr. Meink. I have provided relevant information in connection with6626my security clearance background check.6627 sexual assault and harassment6628 101. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, the most recent DOD statistics6629found that about 29,000 Active Duty troops--which accounts for 6.86630percent of female servicemembers and 1.3 percent of male6631servicemembers--experienced unwanted sexual contact in 2023. A Brown6632University study estimates that the actual rates are two to four times6633higher. How do you plan to address and reduce sexual assault and sexual6634harassment in your service or component?6635 Sexual assault and sexual harassment have no place in the Air Force6636or the total force. I am--and always have been--a passionate champion6637of the prevention of sexual harassment and sexual assault. My record at6638the NRO substantiates this and I plan on bringing that same passion to6639the Department. It is my understanding that the Department and its two6640subordinate military services have programs in place to combat these6641harmful behaviors. I believe it takes leadership at all levels,6642however, to enforce healthy and respectful workplace practices within6643their echelons. If confirmed, I commit to bringing the same leadership6644philosophy I have had at NRO to the Department of the Air Force and6645ensuring the healthiest command climates for our Airmen, Guardians,6646civilians and their families.66476648 102. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, how do you plan to support and6649protect your department servicemembers, civilians, grantees, and6650contractors who come forward with reports of sexual assault and sexual6651harassment?6652 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I commit to encouraging healthy command6653climates at all levels that promote greater reporting of sexual assault6654and sexual harassment to connect victims with care and hold alleged6655offenders appropriately accountable. I pledge to communicate6656consistently and persistently that the Department must take allegations6657seriously, respond to them promptly, and comply with the full letter of6658the law.66596660 103. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, the Air Force Academy phased out6661the Enhanced Access Knowledge Act, a sexual assault prevention program6662that showed success at other universities, following a spike in6663unwanted sexual contact among cadets and across the military. If6664confirmed, will you review the adequacy of the Academy's programs to6665prevent and respond to sexual harassment and sexual assault?6666 Dr. Meink. I am not familiar with this program and have not yet6667been briefed on it. If confirmed, I commit to reviewing the adequacy of6668the Academy's sexual assault prevention programs.66696670 104. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, should cadets, servicemembers, or6671civilians who report sexual assault be prosecuted if their report does6672not result in a successful conviction?6673 Dr. Meink. I believe all cadets, servicemembers, and civilians6674should be treated with dignity and respect. The treatment of these6675individuals should furthermore comport with all applicable laws and6676regulations regarding discrimination, bullying and hazing.66776678 105. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, how should cadets, servicemembers,6679or civilians who report sexual assault be treated if their report does6680not result in a successful conviction?6681 Dr. Meink. I believe all cadets, servicemembers, and civilians6682should be treated with dignity and respect. The treatment of these6683individuals should furthermore comport with all applicable laws and6684regulations regarding discrimination, bullying and hazing.66856686 106. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, do you support allowing women who6687have become pregnant or started families to return to the Air Force6688Academy?6689 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, my role as Secretary of the Air Force is6690to organize, train and equip the two subordinate military services.6691While I have not had a chance to review the topic of cadets in these6692situations returning to the Academy, I commit to reviewing the issue6693and complying with all Department of Defense guidance on the topic.6694 retaliation and protecting whistleblowers6695 107. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, do you believe that servicemembers,6696civilians, grantees, and contractors should be protected from any form6697of retaliation for coming forward about an illegal order, sexual6698assault or harassment, negligence, misconduct, or any other concern6699that they wish to raise?6700 Dr. Meink. Yes, I believe that all whistleblower laws should be6701followed, and protections should be provided to whistleblowers6702according to applicable statute.67036704 108. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, have you ever retaliated against6705any individual for coming forward about an illegal order, sexual6706assault or harassment, negligence, misconduct, or any other concern6707that they wish to raise?6708 Dr. Meink. No.67096710 109. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if you are confirmed, will you6711commit to protecting whistleblowers? If so, please specify how you will6712do so.6713 Dr. Meink. Yes, if confirmed, I will commit to protecting6714whistleblowers in accordance with applicable laws. I will work with the6715General Counsel of the Department to ensure compliance with these laws6716throughout the process.6717 impoundment control act6718 110. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, on January 27, 2025, President6719Trump's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo calling for6720the suspension all Federal financial assistance programs (excluding6721``assistance provided directly to individuals''). Do you agree with6722OMB's decision to issue this memo?6723 Dr. Meink. I have not been briefed on the impact, if any, this6724decision has had on the Department of the Air Force. If confirmed, I6725commit to reviewing any impacts this has had on Department missions and6726functions.67276728 111. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, do you believe the Secretary of6729Defense has the legal authority to block the disbursement of funds6730appropriated by Congress?6731 Dr. Meink. I fully acknowledge and respect Congress' constitutional6732role in appropriating funds to be carried out by the executive branch6733for designated purposes. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my6734responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law. I would6735ensure that my actions and advice to the Secretary of Defense on this6736matter are informed by the administration's legal positions and advice6737from the Department's General Counsel's office.67386739 112. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, what is your understanding of the6740Impoundment Control Act (ICA)?6741 Dr. Meink. My understanding is that the Impoundment Control Act6742defines an impoundment as an action or inaction by an officer or6743employee of the United States that delays or precludes the obligation6744or expenditure of budget authority. The Act divides impoundment into6745two categories: recissions or deferrals. Proposals for budget authority6746recissions rest in the President, and deferrals of budget authority may6747be proposed by the President, Secretary of Defense, or the Secretary of6748the Air Force.67496750 113. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, do you commit to following the6751Impoundment Control Act?6752 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I commit to following all laws.67536754 114. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, do you commit to notifying the6755Senate and House Armed Services Committees, including the majority and6756minority, if you are asked not to follow the Impoundment Control Act or6757not to expend the money that Congress appropriates or authorizes?6758 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I commit to complying with applicable6759legal requirements regarding responding to requests from Congress.67606761 115. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, the Constitution's Spending Clause6762(Art. I, Sec. 8, cl. 1) and Appropriations Clause (Art. I, Sec. 9,6763cl. 7) give Congress, not the Executive, power of the purse. The6764Supreme Court has unanimously upheld this power. Do you believe that6765impoundments are constitutional?6766 Dr. Meink. I have not reviewed the constitutionality of6767impoundments and would defer to the judgment of the Supreme Court.67686769 116. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, the funding levels in6770appropriations bills passed into law are not targets or ceilings;6771instead, they are amounts the executive branch must spend, unless6772stated otherwise. Congress could--if it wanted the President to have6773discretion--write those amounts as ceilings. Do you agree?6774 Dr. Meink. I defer to the judgment of Congress on the utility of6775such changes to appropriations bills being passed into law.67766777 117. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, what is your understanding of the6778requirements for DOD to obligate funding that Congress authorizes and6779appropriates, in accordance with the time period that Congress deems it6780to do so?6781 Dr. Meink. As I understand it, the DOD's ability to obligate6782funding is limited to the period of availability stipulated in law. An6783appropriation or fund is therefore not available for expenditure for a6784period beyond that which is authorized by law.67856786 118. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, do you commit to expending the6787money that Congress appropriates and authorizes?6788 Dr. Meink. I commit to being a good steward of taxpayer funds, as I6789have always been in my decades of public service, and will comply with6790all applicable laws regarding the obligation and expenditure of6791appropriations to the Department of the Air Force.67926793 119. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, do you commit to following and6794implementing every provision of the annual National Defense6795Authorization Act passed into law?6796 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I commit to following all laws.6797 civilian harm6798 120. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, do you agree that one difference6799between the United States and its potential adversaries is the greater6800value that the U.S. Government puts on protecting human life and6801liberty at home and abroad?6802 Dr. Meink. Yes.68036804 121. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, what is your understanding of title680510 U.S.C. 184, which established the Civilian Protection Center of6806Excellence?6807 Dr. Meink. I have not received a brief on this, but I understand it6808to fall under the purview of the Secretary of Defense.68096810 122. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, the U.S. military has spent many6811years working to improve its ability to prevent and mitigate civilian6812harm without sacrificing lethality--including through the development6813of the DOD Instruction on Civilian Harm under the first Trump6814administration, which I commend. These efforts received bipartisan6815support from Congress and grew out of a recognition from the U.S.6816military itself that, after over 2 decades of U.S. wars, warfighters6817needed better tools and trustworthy systems to prevent civilian harm,6818uphold U.S. values, and prevent the moral injury and psychological6819trauma that too often comes with deadly mistakes. If confirmed, will6820you commit to continued leadership on civilian harm issues?6821 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I commit to preventing and/or mitigating6822civilian harm without jeopardizing lethality or the safety of our6823Airmen and Guardians.68246825 123. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if you are confirmed, what do you6826understand to be your role and responsibilities regarding civilian harm6827mitigation and response?6828 Dr. Meink. I have not been briefed on my role and responsibilities.6829According to Title 10, the role of the Secretary of the Air Force is to6830organize, train and equip the Department of the Air Force. While the6831operational roles and responsibilities regarding civilian hard6832mitigation and response likely fall under the Combatant Commands, I6833will certainly do everything I can under my Title 10 responsibilities6834to assist.68356836 124. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, what do you understand to be the6837importance of mitigating civilian harm in military operations?6838 Dr. Meink. I believe this mitigation is incredibly important to our6839country and to the Department and is in line with our core values.68406841 125. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if you are confirmed, will you6842commit to supporting and protecting the Civilian Protection Center of6843Excellence?6844 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I commit to reviewing this program and6845better understanding what role, if any, I would have.68466847 126. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, how will you prevent and mitigate6848civilian harm?6849 Dr. Meink. According to Title 10, the role of the Secretary of the6850Air Force is to organize, train and equip the Department of the Air6851Force. While the operational roles and responsibilities regarding6852civilian hard mitigation and response likely fall under the Combatant6853Commands, I will certainly do everything I can under my Title 106854responsibilities to assist.68556856 127. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if you are confirmed, will you6857commit to supporting and implementing the Civilian Harm Mitigation6858Response and Action Plan (CHMR-AP)?6859 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I commit to reviewing this program and6860better understanding what role, if any, I would have.68616862 128. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, do you believe that our troops are6863at higher risk for retribution as the number of civilian deaths from6864U.S. military operations or U.S.-led military operations increases?6865 Dr. Meink. I believe that our servicemembers are placed at risk in6866many military operations throughout the world. If confirmed, I see it6867as my charge to ensure they are the best organized, trained, and6868equipped force to mitigate that risk.6869 blast overpressure6870 129. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if you are confirmed, will you6871commit to protecting servicemembers from blast overpressure and6872increasing their options for seeking care after being exposed?6873 Dr. Meink. Yes.68746875 130. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if you are confirmed, what steps6876will you take to protect servicemembers from blast overpressure and6877increase their options for seeking care after being exposed?6878 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I commit to working with the Defense6879Health Agency as well as my counterparts in our sister services on6880identifying best practices and ensuring that treatment options are6881available to our Airmen and Guardians. I will then work within the6882Department to implement those best practices.68836884 131. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, how do you plan to work with the6885Department of Veterans Affairs to make sure that servicemembers,6886veterans, and their families are aware of the risks of blast6887overpressure and traumatic brain injury?6888 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I would not do this alone; I would work6889with my sister services, in concert with the office of the Secretary of6890Defense, to ensure an information campaign between both Departments was6891in place and, if need be, revitalized. I would then ensure command6892teams at all echelons were educated and informed of the resources6893available to them.68946895 132. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, do you support establishing logs6896for troops on blast overpressure exposure and traumatic brain injury?6897 Dr. Meink. While I have not yet been briefed on this topic, if6898confirmed I would review the efficacy of maintaining such logs if they6899could provide better response options for our Airmen and Guardians.69006901 133. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, do you support requiring6902neurocognitive assessments of troops annually, before they begin6903training to establish a baseline, and before they leave the military to6904determine when their change in cognitive health over time?6905 Dr. Meink. While I have not yet been briefed on this topic, if6906confirmed I would review the efficacy of establishing these baselines6907at these points in their service if they could provide better response6908options for our Airmen and Guardians.69096910 134. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if you are confirmed, how will you6911address the links between blast overpressure exposure and increased6912risks of suicide?6913 Dr. Meink. I have not been briefed on any link between this6914exposure and increased risk of suicide, but, if confirmed, will request6915to learn more about any connections.69166917 135. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, what steps would you take to6918improve suicide prevention efforts, including investing in peer support6919programs, crisis intervention, and community-based mental health6920initiatives?6921 Dr. Meink. While I support the initiatives mentioned in the6922question, I believe the most crucial component to this will be removing6923the stigma sometimes attached to servicemembers who seek help. I6924believe this is a leadership issue. Command teams at all levels need to6925communicate to their formations and be empowered to remove the stigma6926associated with asking for help. If confirmed, I pledge to push that6927philosophy down through every echelon of the Department.69286929 136. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, it appears that U.S. Army Green6930Beret Master Sgt. Matthew Livelsberger, who died by suicide in a6931cybertruck explosion on January 1, 2025, may have had a history of6932traumatic brain injury. What do you understand to be the consequences6933and long-term effects of blast overpressure exposure and brain injury6934on servicemembers?6935 Dr. Meink. While I have not yet been briefed on this topic, if6936confirmed I would review the consequences and long-term effects of6937blast overpressure and seek to understand how such knowledge could6938provide better response options for our Airmen and Guardians.69396940 137. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, do you support addressing the risks6941of blast overpressure to servicemembers through the swift6942implementation of sections 721 through section 725 of the Fiscal Year69432025 NDAA?6944 Dr. Meink. Yes.69456946 138. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, which occupational specialties do6947you understand to be at the highest risk for blast overpressure6948exposure in the Air Force?6949 Dr. Meink. While any Airman or Guardian may be put into harms way6950in the execution of their duties and all specialties/communities within6951our Department must be reviewed, I understand that our Special Tactics6952Airmen and other specialty codes that are often embedded with ground6953maneuver elements of other services are at an increased risk of6954exposure to blast overpressure.6955 right-to-repair6956 139. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, do you believe giving DOD access to6957the technical data rights needed to repair its own equipment could6958advance DOD's readiness?6959 Dr. Meink. Yes.69606961 140. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, do you believe giving DOD access to6962the technical data rights needed to repair its own equipment could help6963reduce DOD's repair and sustainment costs?6964 Dr. Meink. Yes.69656966 141. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, how will you ensure servicemembers6967in your service or component, who are stationed abroad, can timely and6968cost-effectively repair equipment when needed, especially in a6969contested logistics environment?6970 Dr. Meink. As I understand it, the Air Force's Agile Combat6971Employment model may require our forces to operate from austere6972locations with little support and to infil and exfil rapidly from those6973locations. This does not allow for the same logistics timelines to6974which we've been accustomed, and certainly not in a contested6975environment. Our Airmen will need to be authorized and empowered to6976manufacture parts and fix their equipment without relying on normal6977supply chains. This will require greater experimentation with advanced6978and self-sufficient sustainment capabilities. If confirmed, I commit to6979reviewing how we can experiment further with these concepts during our6980exercises.69816982 142. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if you are confirmed, will you6983commit to including right-to-repair/technical data rights clauses in6984acquisition contracts that your service or component enters into?6985 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I commit to complying with laws and6986regulations governing acquisitions. Furthermore, I commit to reviewing6987where we can better leverage right-to-repair in our future acquisition6988contracts and look forward to working with partners at USD A&S on those6989initiatives.69906991 143. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if you are confirmed, will you6992commit to ensuring contractors deliver technical data rights to your6993service or component when their contract requires or allows it?6994 Dr. Meink. Yes.69956996 144. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if you are confirmed, will you6997commit to conducting an assessment of the cost of not having the right-6998to-repair/technical data rights for your service's or component's6999equipment, the results of which you would make public for review by7000Congress and the Department of Government Efficiency?7001 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I commit to conducting an assessment and7002complying with all applicable laws and Department regulations regarding7003the public release of that assessment.7004 acquisition reform7005 145. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, what is your understanding of the7006Procurement Integrity Act and your obligations under that law?7007 Dr. Meink. The law prohibits the release of source selection7008information or information relating to contractor bids or proposals. If7009confirmed as Secretary, I will ensure the Department of the Air Force7010complies with the law.70117012 146. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, do you believe that it is important7013to be able to assess accurate cost and pricing data from contractors,7014especially for sole-or single-source contracts?7015 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I will work with Department stakeholders7016and the acquisition workforce to ensure the Department has access to7017accurate cost and pricing data as required by law.70187019 147. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, how do you plan to obtain cost and7020pricing data from contractors to determine that the cost of DOD7021contracts is fair and reasonable?7022 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I will continue to ensure contractors7023deliver cost and pricing data required by contract. I will use all7024legal tools available to ensure that delivery.70257026 148. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, how do you plan to do so in cases7027where contractors refuse or claim they are unable to turn over this7028data?7029 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I will continue to use all legal tools7030available to ensure that delivery.70317032 149. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if you are confirmed, what steps7033will you take to ensure that contractors are not price gouging or7034overcharging DOD?7035 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I will continue to use all legal tools7036available to ensure that price gouging or overcharging are not taking7037place.70387039 150. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if you are confirmed will you7040commit to seeking refunds from contractors and companies that7041overcharge DOD?7042 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I will continue to seek redress in full7043compliance of what the law will allow.70447045 151. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if so, how do you plan to do so?7046 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I will continue to seek redress in full7047compliance of what the law will allow.70487049 152. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, do you believe there is excessive7050consolidation in the defense industry?7051 Dr. Meink. I believe that a greater number of competitive companies7052is healthy for our defense industrial base.70537054 153. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if so, what do you believe to be7055the ramifications of that consolidation?7056 Dr. Meink. A lack of competition can result in decreased7057innovation, higher costs, lower performance, and longer schedules.70587059 154. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if you are confirmed, how will you7060support competition in the defense industry?7061 Dr. Meink. In my multiple years at the NRO, I have had a strong7062record of encouraging innovation, increasing competition, and expanding7063the industry base. I plan on leveraging that experience and, if7064confirmed, bringing those lessons learned to the Department of the Air7065Force.70667067 155. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, what do you understand to be the7068role of independent cost estimates in the acquisition process?7069 Dr. Meink. I believe independent cost estimates, which are7070generally more accurate, are fundamental to the acquisition process.7071The interchange between cost estimates, requirements and program7072management is critical to successful acquisitions.70737074 156. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, how should DOD establish program7075schedules and milestones?7076 Dr. Meink. The establishment of program schedules and milestones is7077governed by DOD Instruction 5000.02. I would defer to the broader DOD7078acquisition executive and to the Secretary of Defense for changes to7079that instruction. If confirmed, I would work with those offices to7080ensure the Department is in compliance with the instruction.70817082 157. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, would it be appropriate for DOD to7083establish program schedules to achieve partisan electoral outcomes?7084 Dr. Meink. I believe program schedules should serve the American7085people, ensuring that their taxpayer dollars are always considered a7086precious resource, and ensuring that the achievement of national7087security objectives are the highest priority. These are the7088philosophies that should govern program schedules.70897090 158. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, should DOD acquisition decisions be7091influenced by partisan political activities?7092 Dr. Meink. No.70937094 159. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, should DOD acquisition decisions be7095influenced by individuals with conflicts of interest that involve DOD?7096 Dr. Meink. No.7097 research and development7098 160. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, does DOD benefit from partnering7099with colleges, universities, nonprofits, and federally funded research7100and development centers?7101 Dr. Meink. Yes.71027103 161. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, under your leadership, will DOD7104continue to work with colleges, universities, nonprofits, and federally7105funded research and development centers to research and address our7106toughest national security challenges?7107 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I commit to continuing to work with7108colleges, universities, nonprofit organizations, and federally funded7109research and development centers to develop new and transformative7110capabilities for the Warfighter consistent with the Administration's7111mission and priorities.71127113 162. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, on March 20, 2025, DOD announced it7114was terminating $360 million in grants. What is your understanding of7115DOD's criteria for canceling grants?7116 Dr. Meink. I have not been briefed on this decision or the analysis7117that went into that decision. If confirmed, I would request a brief to7118better understand this criteria.71197120 163. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink , what should DOD's criteria for7121canceling grants be?7122 Dr. Meink. I have not been briefed on the criteria that go into7123decisions regarding grants. If confirmed, I would request a brief to7124better understand the criteria.71257126 164. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, who should be involved in decisions7127to cancel DOD grants?7128 Dr. Meink. I have not been briefed on the criteria that go into7129decisions regarding grants. If confirmed, I would request a brief to7130better understand this criteria.71317132 165. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, does DOD invest enough in research7133and development?7134 Dr. Meink. I believe DOD funding for research and development is7135vital. I also believe taking advantage of commercial investments is7136critical as there are many areas where those investments far exceed7137that of the department. In addition, we need to incentivize defense7138industry to focus on long-term production versus short-term profits. By7139doing so, I believe companies will be more likely to use their own7140capital toward greater research and development.71417142 166. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, do defense contractors invest7143enough in research and development?7144 Dr. Meink. I could not make a general statement about all defense7145contractors with my limited knowledge of their R&D expenditures. But as7146stated previously, I believe that we should incentivize defense7147industry to focus on long-term production versus short-term profits. By7148doing so, I believe companies will be more likely to use their own7149capital toward greater research and development.71507151 167. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, what should DOD's top research and7152development priorities be?7153 Dr. Meink. If confirmed I will focus DAF R&D priorities to meet the7154priorities of the SECDEF and the Interim National Defense Strategy7155Guidance. I will ensure DAF R&D is focused to address mission needs to7156deliver these priorities and focused on capability gaps and7157opportunities. Prudent investment also requires leveraging the entire7158DOD ecosystem including Service and Agency partners and the larger7159commercial and industrial base.7160 protecting classified information and federal records7161 168. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, what is your understanding of the7162need to protect operational security, or OPSEC?7163 Dr. Meink. OPSEC is of paramount importance and is everyone's7164responsibility in the Department of Defense. As the Deputy Director of7165the NRO and a member of the IC, I have a strong record of protecting7166OPSEC and encouraging all members of my organization to do likewise.71677168 169. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, what are the national security7169risks of improperly disclosing classified information?7170 Dr. Meink. It is generally accepted that the improper or7171unauthorized disclosure of classified information could be expected to7172cause identifiable or describable damage to national security. The7173describable damage and certainty of that damage would depend on the7174details of the information released, including the level of7175classification, as well as the extent and nature of the disclosure.7176Determining the extent of damage to national security is part of the7177unauthorized disclosure process as outlined in DOD policy, and I would7178defer to the Department for additional specifics.71797180 170. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, is it your opinion that information7181about imminent military targets is generally sensitive information that7182needs to be protected?7183 Dr. Meink. While I do not have enough information to make a7184judgment in the scope of this question, I will commit to adhering to7185the information and security policies of the Department of Defense and7186will ensure all of those who work for me do the same.71877188 171. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, what would you do if you learned an7189official had improperly disclosed classified information?7190 Dr. Meink. I would follow the security protocols governing that7191disclosure as I have for my entire career. If confirmed, I commit to7192adhering to the information and security policies of the Department of7193Defense and will ensure all of those who work for me do the same.71947195 172. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, what is your understanding of7196Government officials' duties under the Federal Records Act?7197 Dr. Meink. It is the responsibility of all government officials in7198Federal agencies to manage their records efficiently, and maintain and7199dispose of them in accordance with governing laws and regulations.72007201 173. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, should classified information be7202shared on unclassified commercial systems?7203 Dr. Meink. As per the DOD's Information Security Program, only7204computers and IT systems approved and accredited for Classified7205National Security Information may be used for classified7206communications.72077208 174. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, is it damaging to national security7209if the pilots flying a mission find out that the official who ordered7210them to perform that mission shared sensitive information that could7211have made it more likely that the mission would fail or they would be7212killed?7213 Dr. Meink. I would have to be familiar with the original7214classification or details of the information to which you are7215referring. I am not in a position to be able to provide an opinion of7216substance without more information.72177218 175. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, if you had information about the7219status of specific targets, weapons being used, and timing for imminent7220U.S. strikes against an adversary, under what circumstances would you7221feel comfortable receiving or sharing that information on an7222unclassified commercial application like Signal?7223 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, I will always follow proper information7224security protocols in accordance with the Department of Defense Policy.7225 information air dominance center7226 176. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, do you support the Air Force7227creating a new Information Dominance Center?7228 Dr. Meink. I have not been fully briefed on the extent of the7229Department of the Air Force's ``Great Power Competition'' initiative,7230to include the Information Dominance Systems Center, to make a7231judgment. If confirmed, I look forward to receiving an in-depth7232briefing on this initiative, reviewing the data and analysis, and7233making my own assessment. I commit to sharing the results of that7234assessment with this committee.72357236 177. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, what do you see as the role of a7237new Information Dominance Systems Center in supporting great power7238competition?7239 Dr. Meink. I have not been fully briefed on the extent of the7240Department of the Air Force's ``Great Power Competition'' initiative,7241to include the Information Dominance Systems Center, to make a7242judgment. If confirmed, I look forward to receiving an in-depth7243briefing on this initiative, reviewing the data and analysis, and7244making my own assessment. I commit to sharing the results of that7245assessment with this committee.72467247 178. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, when do you think you will have7248completed your review of any holds related to re-optimization for great7249power competition?7250 Dr. Meink. I am committed to ensuring our Nation is prepared to7251meet the pacing challenge. If confirmed, I will prioritize my review of7252any holds related to re-optimization for great power competition.7253 __________7254 Questions Submitted by Senator Jacky Rosen7255 nevada test and training range7256 179. Senator Rosen. Dr. Meink, Nevada is proud to host the ``Crown7257Jewel'' of the Air Force, the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR),7258which provides the largest air and ground military training space in7259the lower 48 for testing and evaluation of weapons systems, tactics7260development, and advanced air combat training--without interference7261from commercial aircraft. NTTR modernization has been among the Air7262Force's top priorities to ensure our high-end training keeps pace with7263current and emerging threats and capabilities. I am glad that we were7264finally able to pass modernization in the Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA after7265many years of collaborative work between the Nevada delegation, Air7266Force, Department of Interior, and local stakeholders. What are your7267priorities for future investments in the NTTR?7268 Dr. Meink. If confirmed, my NTTR investment priorities include7269enhancing Live, Virtual, and Constructive training, and modernizing7270threat replication with advanced systems. These investments will ensure7271NTTR remains the premier training and testing environment for our7272warfighters, maintaining our air superiority in the face of evolving7273threats.72747275 180. Senator Rosen. Dr. Meink, how do you envision the range7276evolving to support the Air Force's modernization efforts, particularly7277with emerging technologies like unmanned systems and artificial7278intelligence--such as the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)?7279 Dr. Meink. NTTR's vast airspace and advanced threat replication7280capabilities make it ideal for developing and testing unmanned systems7281and AI, including Collaborative Combat Aircraft. NTTR remains at the7282forefront of Air Force modernization, providing a crucial proving7283ground for these transformative technologies, and ultimately preparing7284our warfighters to dominate in future conflicts.7285 __________7286 Questions Submitted by Senator Mark Kelly7287 air force modernization and readiness7288 181. Senator Kelly. Dr. Meink, since 1987, the Air Force's fighter7289fleet has shrunk by 60 percent. The Air National Guard fighter fleet is7290a significant contributor to our Total Force, with 25 fighter squadrons7291across 22 States, but it's being left behind as the Air Force7292reoptimizes for Great Power Competition. The Air Force is rapidly7293divesting legacy aircraft, including A-10's, F-15Cs and older F-16s,7294which disproportionately affects the National Guard since it operates729527 percent of the Air Force fighters while flying 53 percent of the7296oldest fighters slated for divestment. The lack of a comprehensive plan7297that would provide for the concurrent and proportional modernization7298and recapitalization of the Guard fighter fleet presents a risk to our7299Nation's defense.7300 That's why Senator Crapo and I led the Fighter Force Preservation7301and Recapitalization Act, which was partially included in the NDAA and7302requires the Secretary of the Air Force to develop a plan to sustain7303and recapitalize the ANG fighter fleet a similar rate as the Active7304components of the Armed Forces. I am looking forward to reviewing this7305plan.7306 Are you concerned with the health of the Air National Guard fighter7307fleet?7308 Dr. Meink. Yes, I am concerned with the health of our entire Total7309Force fleet, including the Air National Guard, which plays an out-sized7310role.73117312 182. Senator Kelly. Dr. Meink, what do you believe is the best way7313ensure the Air National Guard has a sufficient fighter force to defend7314Americans at home and abroad?7315 Dr. Meink. While I have not been briefed yet on all of the7316contributions of the Air National Guard to the Air Force's future force7317structure, I am confident that the Guard will continue to play an out-7318sized role. If confirmed, I look forward to conducting my own7319assessment of our force structure and will commit to sharing the7320results of that assessment with you and the Committee.73217322 183. Senator Kelly. Dr. Meink, if confirmed, will you commit to7323working with me and my colleagues to advance Air National Guard fighter7324recapitalization?7325 Dr. Meink. Yes.7326 remote sensing capabilities7327 184. Senator Kelly. Dr. Meink, during your time at the NRO, you7328played a key role in shifting the agency's mindset and actively pushed7329for the incorporating of commercial capabilities, leading a significant7330acquisition of commercial remote sensing capabilities. You achieved7331this through an establishment of an service level agreement (SLA),7332prioritizing and more fully integrating commercial capabilities into7333the planned architecture. This model proved highly effective, and I'm7334interested in seeing it applied to other mission areas, such as Space7335Domain Awareness, where there will be a long-term need for expanded7336tracking and monitoring. How do you view the potential to apply this7337approach as Secretary of the Air Force?7338 Dr. Meink. I believe very strongly that our Space Force will need7339to continue leveraging commercial capabilities to ensure a resilient7340space architecture for our joint force. I fully expect to bring many of7341the lessons learned from my experience at the NRO leveraging commercial7342capabilities to the Department of the Air Force. I have not been fully7343briefed on the Space Force's Commercial Space Strategy, but--if7344confirmed--I look forward to assessing that strategy and I will commit7345to sharing the results of that assessment with you and this Committee.7346 ______73477348 [The nomination reference of Dr. Troy E. Meink follows:]73497350 ______73517352 [The biographical sketch of Dr. Troy E. Meink, which was7353transmitted by the Committee at the time of the nomination was7354referred, follows:]73557356 ______73577358 [The Committee on Armed Services requires all individuals7359nominated from civilian life by the President to positions7360requiring the advice and consent of the Senate to complete a7361form that details the biographical, financial, and other7362information of the nominee. The form executed by Dr. Troy E.7363Meink in connection with his nomination follows:]73647365 ______73667367 [The nominee responded to Parts B-F of the Committee7368questionnaire. The text of the questionnaire is set forth in7369the Appendix to this volume. The nominee's answers to Parts B-F7370are contained in the Committee's executive files.]73717372 ______73737374 [The nomination of Dr. Troy E. Meink was reported to the7375Senate by Chairman Wicker on April 8, 2025, with the7376recommendation that the nomination be confirmed. The nomination7377was confirmed by the Senate on May 13, 2025.]7378 ------73797380 [Prepared questions submitted to Mr. Michael P. Duffey by7381Chairman Wicker prior to the hearing with answers supplied7382follow:]73837384 Questions and Responses7385 duties and qualifications7386 Question. Section 133b of title 10, United States Code, describes7387the duties and powers of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition7388and Sustainment (USD(A&S)).7389 In your opinion, what are the most important roles of the USD(A&S)7390in supporting the missions of the Department of Defense (DOD)?7391 Answer. The USD(A&S) is the Principal Staff Assistant and advisor7392to the Secretary of Defense for all matters relating to acquisition and7393sustainment in the Department of Defense, with responsibility for7394delivering integrated capabilities to our warfighters quickly and at7395scale. This requires that the USD(A&S) maintain effective oversight of7396the full DOD acquisition and sustainment enterprise while establishing7397appropriate policies and processes to drive innovation and production7398at scale; foster a robust defense industrial base; sustain and7399modernize our weapons systems over their full life cycles; build a7400resilient logistics and mission support enterprise; empower the7401acquisition and sustainment workforce to increase cost efficiency and7402reduce delivery timelines; and ensure Service members and their7403families have safe and functional places to live and work.7404 Question. Civilian oversight of the acquisition system was a key7405recommendation of the Packard Commission and with Goldwater-Nichols7406Act. What are your personal views on the principle of civilian control7407of the defense acquisition system?7408 Answer. I support the provisions included in the Goldwater-Nichols7409Act, which provides a clear and streamlined chain of command between7410the Defense Acquisition Executive and Military Service Acquisition7411Executives for effective oversight of the Defense Acquisition System.7412If confirmed, I will work closely with the Service Acquisition7413Executives to reinforce these principles.7414 Question. Do you believe the USD(A&S) has been provided appropriate7415authority over the DOD acquisition and sustainment enterprise?7416 Answer. Based on my current understanding, I believe the USD(A&S)7417has the appropriate authority over the DOD acquisition and sustainment7418enterprise. If confirmed, I will work to further review these7419authorities and, if necessary, identify any potential changes for7420consideration.7421 Question. What changes, if any, would you recommend to section 133b7422of title 10, United States Code?7423 Answer. I do not have any specific recommendations at this time. If7424confirmed, I will work to further review these provisions and, if7425necessary, identify any potential changes for consideration.7426 Question. If confirmed, how do you plan to assess the7427organizational structure, workforce, authorities, and availability of7428resources to ensure that the Office of the USD(A&S) is able to7429effectively execute its mission?7430 Answer. If confirmed, I will work with leadership across the7431Department and my staff to assess how effectively A&S's organizational7432structure, workforce, and resourcing are aligned to the needs of our7433warfighters given the current operational environment and, if7434necessary, identify any potential changes for consideration.7435 Question. If confirmed, what duties and responsibilities would you7436assign to the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and7437Sustainment (DUSD (A&S))?7438 Answer. If confirmed, I will prescribe duties to the DUSD(A&S) in7439accordance with 10 U.S.C. Sec. 137a(b). Close partnership with the7440DUSD is critical to maintain effective oversight of and accountability7441for the full A&S portfolio, and I will work closely with the DUSD to7442set the conditions required to deliver and sustain capabilities to our7443warfighters quickly at scale.7444 Question. If confirmed, what duties and responsibilities would you7445assign to the Assistant Secretaries and other officials (e.g.,7446Executive Director for Business Operations and Special Programs) who7447will report to you or the DUSD (A&S)?7448 Answer. If confirmed, I will prescribe duties to the Assistant7449Secretaries and other direct reports within A&S in accordance with 107450U.S.C. Sec. 138(b), the A&S charter, and their individual7451organizations' charters. In conjunction with the DUSD, I will work7452closely with each to maintain effective oversight of and accountability7453for their respective portfolios. I will set the conditions required for7454them to apply their management and subject matter expertise to support7455our warfighters across the breadth and depth of the full A&S portfolio.7456 Question. If confirmed, you would be responsible for managing the7457defense acquisition system. Section 133b of title 10, United States7458Code, requires the USD(A&S) to have ``an extensive system development,7459engineering, production, or management background and experience with7460managing complex programs.''7461 What background and experience do you have that qualify you for7462this position?7463 Answer. I have more than two decades of experience in the national7464security and technology communities, including nearly 15 years in the7465Department of Defense. I have previously served as Deputy Chief of7466Staff to the Secretary of Defense, Chief of Staff to the Undersecretary7467of Defense for Research and Engineering, and conducted multiple tours7468of duty in the former Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for7469Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology. Having also served in the7470Office of Management and Budget, I have a unique combination of7471perspectives that contribute to enhancing the Department's ability to7472deliver capability to the warfighter quickly at scale. If confirmed, I7473will apply these experiences to bring a holistic approach to increasing7474the effectiveness of the defense acquisition system and enhancing the7475Department's efficiency across the full acquisition and sustainment7476enterprise.7477 Question. If confirmed, how would you leverage the skills and7478knowledge gained through your prior experiences to carry out the duties7479of the USD(A&S)?7480 Answer. The duties of USD (A&S) require a combination of7481programmatic, financial, and organizational management experience at an7482enterprise level. If confirmed, I will directly apply my experience in7483these areas to the duties of the USD(A&S) position by engaging directly7484and deeply with the staff on matters facing the Department to quickly7485work through the range of potential pathways to overcome challenges,7486build a roadmap for thorough implementation, and oversee successful7487execution to accomplish the mission.7488 conflicts of interest7489 Question. Federal ethics laws, to include 18 U.S.C. Sec. 208,7490prohibit government employees from participating in matters where they,7491or certain family members or organizations with which they have certain7492relationships, have a financial interest.7493 Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to disclose any7494potential conflicts of interest, including investments, business ties,7495family relationships, or other connections that could be perceived as7496influencing your decisionmaking?7497 Answer. Yes.7498 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, that7499if a conflict of interest arises, you will recuse yourself from7500participating in any relevant decisions regarding that specific matter?7501 Answer. I will comply with all recusal requirements under 18 U.S.C.7502Sec. 208.7503 Question. Do you commit, without qualification, if confirmed, to7504decisionmaking on the merits and exclusively in the public interest,7505without regard to private gain or personal benefit?7506 Answer. Yes.7507 priorities and challenges7508 Question. If confirmed, what are the top priorities you would plan7509to focus on during your tenure as the USD(A&S)? What would be your7510plans for achieving these priorities?7511 Answer. If confirmed as USD(A&S), my top priorities I plan to focus7512on during my tenure as the USD(A&S) will be to:7513 1. Rebuild our military into a fighting force that will deter and,7514if necessary, decisively defeat our adversaries7515 2. Rapidly accelerate delivery of capability that provides7516dominant military superiority to our warfighter7517 3. Align requirements, budgeting, and acquisition across the7518enterprise to ensure we are focused on funding, buying, and building7519the weapon systems needed most to achieve our national security7520objectives and protect US interests7521 4. Modernize and streamline the defense acquisition system to7522empower our workforce, improve the quality and speed of our internal7523decisionmaking, and attract increased private capital investment and7524new entrants to maximize competition, quality, and affordability in the7525defense industrial base7526 5. Revitalize and reindustrialize our defense industrial base and7527repatriate our supply chains to provide resilience and deliver7528domestically sourced systems and components to provide our military7529with decisive advantage to deter and prevail in future conflict7530 Implementing these priorities will require rapid action to7531implement quick win opportunities that create momentum and build a7532culture that prioritizes accountability, urgency, and performance. If7533confirmed, I intend to immediately assess the current State of the7534USD(A&S) organization and our integration with the broader DOD, the7535health and performance of major defense acquisition programs, and the7536State of the defense industrial base. Throughout this initial review, I7537intend to refine these priorities based on the findings of the review7538and conversations with stakeholders, and build and execute a roadmap7539for rapid implementation of priority initiatives in partnership with7540the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense, the Under Secretary of7541Defense for Research & Engineering, the Military Department leadership,7542and the Congress.7543 Question. In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges facing7544the DOD's acquisition and sustainment communities?7545 Answer. The DOD's acquisition and sustainment communities face7546considerable challenges in executing the mission to ensure our military7547is equipped with the force structure and combat support services7548required to assure mission success. Our acquisition and sustainment7549workforce consists of dedicated, patriotic professionals who are7550committed to achieving this mission with dedication and skill every7551day. However, aligning the incentives and balancing the diverse7552perspectives and priorities of stakeholders across such a broad7553enterprise that includes OUSD(A&S), the broader Office of the Secretary7554of Defense, the Military Departments, the defense industrial base, and7555international allies and partners, presents a difficult challenge to7556the Department and the leadership responsible for delivering results.7557 Additionally, the acquisition and sustainment (A&S) communities7558continually face pressing challenges to balance competing priorities to7559optimize acquisition decisions and execution, including minimizing the7560speed and cost of delivery while ensuring required system performance7561and staying current with emerging technological innovation. A&S must7562also work to effectively manage the healthy tension in its relationship7563with industry, demanding performance and enforcing accountability while7564working to streamline regulations, incentivize innovation, and attract7565new companies to maintain a robust, competitive industrial base that7566rapidly delivers high performance systems within budgeted cost and7567schedule. A&S can only overcome these challenges with strong7568leadership, a culture that prioritizes urgency, performance,7569accountability, and results, as well as a maintaining and improving7570dedicated, capable, motivated, and stable workforce of acquisition7571professionals within government and industry.7572 Question. What would be your plans for addressing these challenges,7573if confirmed?7574 Answer. Overcoming these challenges will require leadership and an7575unrelenting effort to create and maintain the alignment and unity of7576effort to accelerate our acquisition and sustainment of capability that7577is responsive to the needs of the warfighter while balancing speed,7578affordability, and performance. In order to overcome these challenges7579and keep pace with our adversaries in delivering cutting-edge7580technology quickly and affordably, adapting to rapid technological7581change, maintaining a healthy, diverse, competitive, and innovative7582industrial base, ensuring a resilient and secure supply chain, and7583maintaining and improving a 21st century workforce, if confirmed I7584intend to focus on building a culture that values urgency, speed, and7585performance while prioritizing results. This will require a commitment7586to open and frequent communication with the workforce, regular and7587robust engagement with internal and external stakeholders, and7588empowerment of the workforce with the necessary flexibility, authority,7589and resources, enforcement of accountability.7590 In addition to creating and maintaining a workplace culture focused7591on performance and results, if confirmed I intend to drive7592implementation of key initiatives that will keep our acquisition and7593sustainment system at the cutting edge of 21st century management7594practices that drive performance, including implementation of ongoing7595initiatives such as capability portfolio management, the adaptive7596acquisition framework, modular open system architectures, other7597transaction authority contracting, and acquisition workforce7598development. In addition, if confirmed, I intend to prioritize7599initiatives that will align, streamline, and modernize the7600requirements, budget, and acquisition, accelerate modernization,7601digitization, and streamlining of the acquisition process, and7602revitalize the defense industrial base.7603 Question. By what metrics will you measure your progress toward7604achieving these priorities and addressing these challenges?7605 Answer. Effective data collection, measurement, and analytics are7606absolutely essential to aligning an enterprise with the size and impact7607of the defense acquisition and sustainment system and ensuring the7608necessary focus on the results that the Secretary, the President, the7609Congress, and the American people demand from the Department. If7610confirmed, I intend to focus on ensuring our acquisition and7611sustainment system dramatically improves our data collection,7612analytics, and measurement capability and aligns with the cutting edge7613of 21st century corporate management best practices, measuring the7614performance of the overall system and individual components to7615continually assess and respond to dynamic conditions and optimize the7616allocation and application of resources to most effectively deliver7617results.7618 The prioritization of data-driven oversight and decisionmaking will7619enable more robust awareness of system performance in delivering7620results and the effectiveness of reforms while enabling a focus on7621maximizing positive change in metrics such as the US comparative7622advantage in military technological advantage, speed and efficiency of7623acquisition program delivery, program affordability and cost growth,7624current and projected system inventory and readiness levels, industrial7625base health and competitiveness, domestic production capacity and7626procurement rates within critical defense product lines, private sector7627investment in innovation and production, supply chain resilience and7628security, and workforce performance, skills, satisfaction, and7629retention. In addition to monitoring these outcome-based metrics, if7630confirmed, I intend to prioritize monitoring and maximizing the7631effectiveness of our data collection, analysis, and value to7632continually improve A&S decisions and execution.7633 Question. How do you propose to enforce accountability for7634acquisition decisions and processes under your purview, both for7635yourself and for those in your chain of command?7636 Answer. Accountability and transparency are essential to7637maintaining alignment and a focus on delivering the most impactful7638results across the enterprise. If confirmed I would establish and7639reinforce clear lines of authority and responsibility so that the7640Program Managers and Program Executive Officers on the front lines of7641acquiring capability for the warfighter are empowered with the7642authority to make decisions, the resources to execute, the flexibility7643to adapt to changing circumstances, and the accountability to deliver7644results. This includes a clear definition of authorities,7645responsibilities, and expectations throughout the acquisition7646lifecycle.7647 If confirmed, I would also ensure there is a clear chain of command7648for all acquisition programs, with well-defined escalation paths for7649addressing issues and making key decisions. This includes access to7650leadership to quickly resolve issues and move forward with deliberate7651action. If confirmed, I would work to enhance transparency and increase7652data-driven decisionmaking by modernizing the acquisition enterprise,7653digitizing the practice of acquisition, and continually measuring and7654managing through data-driven insights into program execution against7655key performance indicators (KPIs) like schedule, cost, and performance7656goals.7657 If confirmed, I will also seek to leverage data analytics by7658implementing advanced data analytic tools and artificial intelligence7659to identify trends, assess risks, inform decisionmaking throughout the7660acquisition lifecycle, strengthen performance management, and align7661incentives while tying program performance to personnel evaluations and7662prioritizing results over effort. By linking program manager and7663acquisition workforce performance evaluations to program outcomes, we7664can reward success and address underperformance.7665 If confirmed, I would also work with the Military Departments and7666acquisition program leadership to structure contracts with industry7667partners to incentivize on-time delivery, cost controls, and delivery7668to performance specifications, with an intent to recognize and reward7669excellence from individuals and teams that demonstrate exceptional7670performance in acquisition program management. The Department must7671ensure there are appropriate consequences for poor performance,7672focusing on implementing corrective action plans for programs7673experiencing significant schedule delays, cost overruns, or performance7674shortfalls, re-baselining or terminating failing programs, and holding7675individuals accountable for poor performance or misconduct through7676appropriate administrative and disciplinary actions.7677 key relationships7678 Question. Recent National Defense Authorization Acts have directed7679significant changes to the assignment of responsibilities within the7680defense acquisition system. For example, the National Defense7681Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 split the former7682Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology,7683and Logistics (USD(AT&L)) into the USD(A&S) and the Under Secretary of7684Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)).7685 In your view, what are the advantages and disadvantages of having7686two separate organizations: one to manage acquisition and sustainment,7687and one to manage research and engineering?7688 Answer. With two Principal Staff Assistants in the Office of the7689Secretary of Defense, one primarily focused on Acquisition &7690Sustainment and the other focused on Research & Engineering, the7691Department benefits from a sharper focus and increased expertise within7692each respective portfolio, allowing USD(A&S) to focus time, resources,7693and attention on the complex processes of acquiring and sustaining7694weapon systems and ensuring programs are delivered on time and within7695budget to meet our warfighter's most pressing needs. It also allows7696USD(R&E) to concentrate efforts on long-term technological superiority,7697fostering innovation, and working in partnership with USD(A&S) to7698transition cutting-edge technologies from the lab to the battlefield.7699 Two separate offices also allow a tailored approach to developing7700the strategies and policies that are specific to the unique challenges7701of each area, such as streamlining acquisition processes for A&S and7702fostering innovation ecosystems for R&E. This construct also elevates7703the importance of R&E by creating a dedicated voice for science and7704technology at the highest levels of the DOD, emphasizing the critical7705role of innovation in maintaining military advantage.7706 These benefits must overcome some disadvantages, including the7707potential for silos and coordination challenges limiting communication7708and collaboration and hindering the smooth transition of technologies7709from R&E to A&S. There is also risk of duplication from overlapping7710responsibilities, the competition for limited resources, and the7711additional growth of layers of bureaucracy that complicates7712decisionmaking processes if it is not managed effectively.7713 The success of this organizational structure depends heavily on7714effective communication, collaboration, and leadership, including the7715establishment of strong communication channels and the fostering of7716joint initiatives between USD(A&S) and USD(R&E) to ensure seamless7717transition of technologies and alignment of priorities. USD(A&S) and7718USD(R&E) can explore opportunities to develop joint strategic plans and7719technology roadmaps that bridge the gap between R&E and A&S, fostering7720a lifecycle approach to capability development, and measuring success7721with shared metrics and performance goals that incentivize7722collaboration and hold both organizations accountable for successful7723technology transition and fielding.7724 Question. If confirmed as the USD(A&S), how would you envision your7725relationship with the USD(R&E)?7726 Answer. If confirmed, I intend to work collaboratively with7727USD(R&E), building upon our shared commitment to delivering decisive7728technological advantage to the warfighter. Through regular and frequent7729communication and coordination on the implementation of strategic7730priorities, I will seek to promote a shared understanding of the7731challenges and opportunities facing both R&E and A&S, breaking down7732potential silos and fostering a culture of collaboration. Where7733applicable, I would seek to establish joint performance metrics that7734incentivize collaboration and hold both organizations accountable for7735successful technology transition and fielding, including the conduct of7736joint program reviews of key technology development efforts to assess7737progress, identify risks, ensure alignment on goals and objectives, and7738publicly recognize and reward joint successes in technology development7739and transition.7740 Question. DOD continues to struggle with the transition of new7741technologies into existing programs of record. The USD(R&E) enterprise7742has primary responsibility for development of new advanced7743technologies, but the Acquisition and Sustainment enterprise must also7744do its part to address transition of technology development programs7745into procurement and fielding.7746 What impediments to technology transition do you see within the7747Department?7748 Answer. Technology transition is a critical capability that the7749Department has struggled to effectively implement in recent years. The7750problem is magnified by a recent surge in innovative technology7751solutions emerging from commercial, non-traditional, and new defense7752industrial base vendors. The Department must work to tackle the7753challenges that hamper the rapid transition of emerging technology into7754production and delivery to the warfighter.7755 Among those challenges, the Department's labs and technologists are7756often incentivized to prioritize groundbreaking research and7757technological advancements, sometimes at the expense of practical7758considerations like manufacturability, affordability, and integration7759with existing systems. The acquisition enterprise, intentionally7760focused on delivering proven capabilities within cost and schedule7761constraints, can be risk-averse to adopting new and unproven7762technologies, particularly if they require significant modifications to7763existing programs.7764 As separate organizations, R&E and A&S are also at risk of7765operating in separate silos, with decreased communication and7766collaboration during the early stages of technology development. Given7767the expertise each organization provides, it is crucial to prioritize7768collaboration across the lifecycle of developing and acquiring7769capability to address manufacturability, sustainment, and integration7770challenges that can lead to costly redesigns and delays, while ensuring7771that new technologies that often struggle to secure funding within7772existing program budgets can compete for resources. The DOD's7773acquisition regulations and test and evaluation processes, while7774intended to ensure accountability, can be complex and time-consuming,7775hindering the rapid fielding of new technologies.7776 Finally, the DOD lacks a cohesive, department-wide strategy for7777technology transition, leading to inconsistent approaches and missed7778opportunities across different service branches and agencies. Dedicated7779funding for technology transition efforts must be prioritized to bridge7780the ``valley of death'' between R&D and procurement.7781 Question. If confirmed, what steps would you take to increase the7782rate and frequency at which proven technologies developed by DOD,7783defense industry, or the commercial sector are transitioned into7784programs of record?7785 Answer. If confirmed, it would be among my highest priorities to7786increase the rate and frequency at which proven technologies developed7787by DOD, the defense industry, or the commercial sector are transitioned7788into programs of record. If confirmed, I would work to collaborate with7789the joint staff to assess and reform the requirements process to ensure7790we are striking the right balance between adequately communicating the7791needs of the Department and the warfighter for technology to maintain7792dominance on the battlefield while preserving the flexibility for7793creative engineers, technologies, and executives in industry to7794innovate and deliver timely, cost effective, and high performance7795solutions.7796 Additionally, if confirmed, I would seek to work with R&E to assess7797the inventory of available technology, identify quick win opportunities7798to promote adoption and transition of promising emerging technology,7799and develop an improved pathway within the Department to ensure that7800emerging technologies are identified and available without delay. If7801confirmed, I would look to partner with R&E and DIU to assess emerging7802technology and proposed commercial solutions for their readiness and7803availability to improve the warfighter's battlefield advantage,7804including the technology maturity, manufacturability, reproducibility,7805integration risk, maintainability, cost, and other factors that enable7806the Department to introduce new technology into the complex ecosystem7807of sophisticated systems to enhance lethality, tracking,7808communications, and other capabilities essential to success on the7809battlefield.7810 If confirmed, I would also work to shift the culture within the A&S7811enterprise to be more accepting of calculated risks associated with7812adopting new technologies and recognize that not every transition will7813be successful, but the potential benefits of experimentation and7814lessons learned from failure outweigh the costs of excessive risk7815aversion. By developing incentive structures that reward program7816managers and acquisition professionals for successfully integrating new7817technologies into existing programs or creating new pathways for rapid7818fielding, we can promote greater risk tolerance to accelerate learning7819and delivery.7820 Finally, we must develop and track key metrics to measure the7821success of technology transition efforts, such as the time it takes to7822field new capabilities, the number of technologies successfully7823integrated into programs of record, and cost savings achieved through7824technology adoption. By regularly assessing the effectiveness of7825technology transition processes and making adjustments as needed, we7826can more quickly identify the delays in the process and more7827effectively accelerate transition emerging technology into fielded7828capabilities.7829 implementation of acquisition reforms7830 Question. Congress has authorized a range of authorities to tailor7831the acquisition process to enable the rapid delivery of new7832capabilities including the Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA), rapid7833acquisition authority, and the software acquisition pathway.7834 In your view, what benefit has the Department derived from its7835utilization of Middle Tier of Acquisition?7836 Answer. It is my understanding the Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA)7837is designed to streamline the acquisition process for those programs7838that fit under that pathway. From my perspective, MTAs have allowed the7839DOD to deliver critical capabilities to warfighters faster than7840traditional acquisition approaches by employing rapid prototyping,7841experimentation, and fielding of systems in shorter timeframes. MTAs7842have also enabled DOD to be more responsive to evolving threats with7843increased flexibility to adapt requirements and incorporate new7844technologies as they emerge. If confirmed, I would seek ways to7845maximize use of this pathway and incorporate best practices and lessons7846learned to accelerate other acquisition pathways.7847 Question. In your view, what benefit has the Department derived7848from its utilization of the rapid acquisition authority?7849 Answer. In my view, the U.S. warfighter has benefited from the use7850of Rapid Acquisition Authority (RAA) and the Urgent Capability7851Acquisition (UCA) pathway. Both tools enable the Department to rapidly7852address urgent operational needs and respond to emerging threats. If7853confirmed, I will look to leverage all the tools at my disposal, like7854RAA and UCA, to ensure our warfighters are getting the best7855capabilities at speed and scale.7856 Question. In your view, what benefit has the Department derived7857from its utilization of the software acquisition pathway?7858 Answer. I believe a key benefit of the Software Pathway's rapid7859innovation cycles and capabilities has been more streamlined7860acquisition processes and increased Warfighter engagement within the7861development and evaluation of products. If confirmed, I will work7862across the Department to ensure its continued use to rapidly deliver7863capabilities to outpace evolving threats.7864 Question. If confirmed, how will you ensure that rapid acquisition7865pathways are not inundated with unnecessary or unwarranted bureaucratic7866processes?7867 Answer. If confirmed, I will assess whether the acquisition7868workforce is fully leveraging the flexible pathways available in the7869Adaptive Acquisition Framework to maximize speed, deliver capabilities7870to the warfighter at an accelerated pace, and apply lessons learned7871where this has been successful. It is my understanding that, except to7872the extent mandated by statute, the rulesets under each of the7873acquisition pathways are matters of policy established by the USD(A&S).7874If confirmed, I will remain vigilant and seek to ensure that any7875policy-rooted additions are thoroughly scrutinized and fully vetted by7876stakeholders before they are made.7877 Question. If confirmed, how will you seek to balance the need to7878rapidly acquire and field innovative systems while ensuring acquisition7879programs stay on budget and schedule?7880 Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Under Secretary of7881Defense for Research and Engineering and the Military Departments'7882Service Acquisition Executives to ensure the necessary policies are in7883place. It is my understanding that the Department has several7884initiatives and programs to facilitate rapid fielding and innovation7885and, if confirmed, I would seek to leverage and buildupon these7886initiatives where practicable. It is also my understanding that several7887defense acquisition programs are delayed and over budget and, if7888confirmed, I will conduct a thorough review of any such programs.7889Finally, I appreciate that some cost growth and schedule delays are a7890function of optimistic planning at program inception and unrealistic7891expectations of industry. If confirmed, I will seek to ensure that7892disciplined and thoroughly informed baselines are established in the7893first instance in cooperation with the SAEs.7894 Question. In your view, has the Department successfully adopted the7895flexibilities provided in the Adaptive Acquisition Framework? If not,7896what would you do to improve the adoption of the flexible authorities7897to bring innovation into the Department?7898 Answer. The Adaptive Acquisition Framework is a flexible set of7899acquisition pathways for effective, suitable, survivable, sustainable,7900and affordable solutions to deliver advanced capabilities to the end7901user in a timely manner. Yet our holistic acquisition system, including7902the requirements process and resourcing process, is not fast or agile7903enough to provide our men and women in uniform with the most advanced7904equipment available on time and under budget. If confirmed, I will work7905with my staff and the Service Acquisition Executives to leverage the7906flexible authorities granted by Congress to maximize the use of7907competition, disciplined requirements, and the innovation of non-7908traditional vendors to accelerate fielding of advanced capabilities. I7909will also work with the Joint Staff, Services, DIU, Comptroller and7910CAPE to leverage opportunities to rapidly pursue acquisition programs7911and ensure we properly resource those programs once we commit to them.7912 Question. In your view, are there any congressionally mandated or7913Department-driven reforms that you would recommend be modified or7914suspended? If so, why?7915 Answer. If confirmed, I will review the suite of authorities set7916forth in statute and will seek to address any identified shortfalls7917through the legislative proposal process.7918 Question. In your view, of the congressionally mandated or7919Department-driven reforms, which specifically have been the most7920successful and impactful acquisition reform initiatives of the past7921decade?7922 Answer. Other Transaction Authority has provided a key tool for7923adopting new business models and working with non-traditional7924providers. Similarly, the Middle Tier of Acquisition pathway has also7925provided flexibility to move faster to acquire operational7926capabilities. If confirmed, I look forward to reviewing the additional7927impacts, positive and negative, that these and other reforms have had7928on the Defense Acquisition System. If confirmed, I will work with my7929staff to develop a data-driven understanding of the impact of the7930changes in the last few years, and more importantly, identify where we7931must do more or make changes to improve outcomes.7932 software and it acquisition7933 Question. Software has become one of the most critical components7934of DOD systems, but recent studies by the Government Accountability7935Office (GAO), the Defense Innovation Board, and the Defense Science7936Board, among others, show the Department's software development7937practices have not kept up with leading industry practices. While DOD7938has taken significant steps in the last few years, such as establishing7939a software acquisition pathway emphasizing rapid delivery and user7940engagement, programs have yet to consistently incorporate leading7941software development practices.7942 What do you believe are the major barriers to DOD fully adopting7943modern software development approaches, and what additional steps, if7944confirmed, would you take to drive their adoption throughout DOD?7945 Answer. I believe the Department has made considerable progress in7946adopting modern software practices in recent years, but we must7947accelerate the scaling and transformation of our workforce, processes,7948tools, and culture. Secretary Hegseth's recently issued memorandum7949addressing the Software Acquisition Pathway for instance, works to7950initiate a cultural change in how we do business, directly addressing7951the use of rapid acquisition authorities for software programs. If7952confirmed, I will work across the Department and Services to build on7953our early foundations and further optimize rapid software delivery7954through the modernization of our enterprise processes, strategies, and7955culture in line with Secretary Hegseth's guidance. If confirmed, I will7956also ensure the Department has the needed workforce, training,7957resources, and guidance at all levels, such as a Software Cadre, to7958accelerate our cultural shift to modern software practices into our7959programs, policies, and processes.7960 Question. What changes would you recommend to the Software7961Acquisition pathway, if any?7962 Answer. It is my understanding that the Department has been7963proactive in making improvements to the Software Acquisition Pathway7964since its inception in October 2020 and has been working across the7965Department to improve its enterprise processes for requirements,7966testing, costing, and interoperability to support the accelerated7967delivery timelines required by the Software Pathway. For example, the7968recently signed new guidance adds opportunities for Defense Business7969Systems to use the Software Pathway's streamlined modern practices. If7970confirmed, I will work across the Department to optimize our enterprise7971processes, ensure we have the resources to scale wider adoption of this7972pathway, and implement Secretary Hegseth's direction for acquiring7973software components of weapons and business systems.7974 Question. What recommendations do you have to improve the7975understanding and competency of software development and IT skills in7976the workforce to help government decisionmakers be better informed7977consumers of such capabilities?7978 Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure the Department has the needed7979workforce, training, resources, and guidance at all levels to7980accelerate our cultural shift to adopt modern software acquisition and7981development practices into our programs, policies, and processes. In an7982era of software-defined warfare, I believe it is critical to have a7983workforce with the expertise to implement commercial best practices,7984rapid innovation, and streamlined acquisition.7985 Question. What is your assessment of the role of DOD software7986factories?7987 Answer. It is my understanding that the Department continues to7988improve its software production capabilities and to establish digital7989development pipelines and platforms that can accelerate delivery of7990capabilities to the warfighter. If confirmed, I will work across the7991Department to enable programs with the enterprise tools and processes7992it needs to support more rapid and secure digital product delivery.7993 Question. Do you believe that consumption-based solutions, also7994called software-as-a-service, is a contracting methodology that should7995be more widely adopted by DOD? If so, what steps would you recommend to7996encourage the use of consumption-based solutions?7997 Answer. It is my understanding that Software-as-a-Service is7998growing within Defense Business Systems, and I believe the Department7999must continue to team with industry to expand the availability of these8000platforms and services to address military unique challenges. If8001confirmed, I will continue to both enable and encourage consumption-8002based solutions and commercial solutions to update and upgrade our IT8003infrastructure.8004 advanced technology adoption8005 Question. The rapid pace at which our adversaries are fielding8006technological advancements demands the Department establish an8007acquisition system that can deliver capabilities that are responsive to8008new threats and emerging technological opportunities.8009 In your view, do the current policies and practices of the defense8010acquisition system sufficiently encourage and support the adoption of8011disruptive technologies in the Department's acquisition programs? If8012not, what changes would you recommend in support of these initiatives?8013 Answer. I believe that the Department has the right policies and8014practices in place to adopt disruptive technologies, and while some8015modifications may improve the process, the larger challenge we face is8016that the acquisition workforce does not make sufficient use of the new8017agile approaches the Department has developed through the Adaptive8018Acquisition Framework. I also believe that the Department needs to8019better incentivize its acquisition workforce to take risks. If8020confirmed, I will work with my team in A&S, as well as the Service8021Acquisition Executives to assess the effectiveness of the current8022system and how well it is utilized.8023 Question. What do you see as the balance when making tradeoff8024decisions regarding whether to pursue more deliberative major8025capability acquisition pathways versus rapid acquisition processes?8026 Answer. I believe that the type of capability the Department is8027acquiring should drive the means it uses to acquire that capability.8028Where the Department is willing to take more risk, we should prioritize8029the use of accelerated approaches, and when acquiring larger, more8030complex capabilities, a more deliberate process will ensure we are8031correctly managing risk to develop the capability. If confirmed, I8032intend to ensure that where more rapid, iterative processes can be8033applied, the Department will ensure maximized use of rapid pathways.8034 Question. What do you view as the major barriers to entry for new8035companies that want to do business with DOD? How would you address8036these barriers, if confirmed?8037 Answer. New companies face significant hurdles when attempting to8038work with the DOD. Inconsistent demand signals, bureaucratic red tape,8039and a slow acquisition process discourage new companies from navigating8040the complexities of DOD contracts. Addressing these barriers requires a8041multi-pronged approach. This includes streamlining the acquisition and8042budgeting processes to provide clearer demand signals and proactive8043engagement with smaller, lesser-known companies to demonstrate that the8044DOD values their innovation and is committed to expanding the8045industrial base. By taking these steps, the DOD can attract fresh8046talent and ideas, ultimately bolstering its technological edge and8047improving national security.8048 Question. What do you see as the impediments for program managers8049to quickly transition new technologies? What changes would you suggest8050to the program manager and program executive officer authorities?8051 Answer. I believe that program management is primarily about8052managing risk in delivering a critical capability to the warfighter8053while balancing cost, schedule, and performance. Driving disruption8054into the system, where a disruption orientation makes sense, will8055require better incentives in the Department to enable a culture that8056takes more risk and provides greater flexibility and authority to8057program managers with responsibility to deliver results. If confirmed,8058I will work with my team and the Service Acquisition Executives to8059improve our ability, and willingness, to take risks in the system.8060 Question. What recommendations do you have for implementing8061portfolio management in defense acquisition, if any?8062 Answer. It is my understanding that the Department has made8063progress toward implementing portfolio management, including the8064release of a Directive that mandates the use of data-driven and8065mission-focused analysis and cross-Department reviews to better inform8066decisions within and across portfolios and programs. That said, I8067believe that the Department must go further to establish, refine, and8068integrate disciplined decisionmaking processes across all aspects of8069defense acquisition, including how it programs resources, sets8070requirements, and makes acquisition decisions. If confirmed, I will8071work with the key stakeholders across the Department, to include the8072Joint Staff, Comptroller, CAPE, R&E, DIU, and the Military Services to8073enable portfolio management and improve the Department's acquisition8074decisions.8075 Question. What is your understanding of DOD's Capability Advantage8076Pathfinders (CAPs), and in your view, are there any lessons that may be8077learned in improving cross-portfolio capability development?8078 Answer. It is understanding that the Department is utilizing the8079CAP effort to develop innovative approaches to acquisitions utilizing8080current authorities. If confirmed, I will familiarize myself with the8081CAP initiatives and work to implement any critical lessons that could8082be used to accelerate and scale capability delivery.8083 Question. Based on your experience, how would you structure DOD to8084conduct better tradeoff analysis so that programmatic investments are8085not stove-piped and can be assessed against the impact of various8086alternatives?8087 Answer. I believe the Department needs to make better decisions,8088faster. Embracing more mission-focused or portfolio-focused analysis8089can better inform our decisions aligned to Secretary Hegseth's8090priorities. I understand that A&S is leading the way on capability8091portfolio management, and A&S, along with other key stakeholders, is8092executing mission-focused portfolio analysis. If confirmed, I will8093review the capability portfolio management and mission-focused8094analytics ongoing in the Department and look for ways to improve our8095ability to make the right decisions to rapidly and cost-effectively8096deliver capability to the warfighter.8097 other transactions authority (ota)8098 Question. Do you believe DOD's use of the transition to production8099authority under OTAs has been adequately leveraged?8100 Answer. I anticipate there is more the Department can do to8101leverage this important statutory authority for follow-on production of8102prototype OTAs that were competitively awarded and successfully8103completed. I believe the Department should consider potential follow-on8104production early in the process and then assess its use during the8105prototyping phase. If confirmed, I would work to ensure the Department8106clearly communicates to industry the technical success criteria under a8107prototype project to rationalize any transition to production.8108 Question. What steps will you take to promote the appropriate use8109of OTAs to encourage the participation of new and non-traditional8110defense contractors in the defense industrial base?8111 Answer. If confirmed, I will promote the appropriate use of OTAs8112with our defense acquisition workforce by emphasizing the benefits of8113the Department's increased access to the innovative capabilities non-8114traditional defense contractors provide as essential to outpace our8115adversaries. The Department must prioritize the acquisition of8116commercial and other non-developmental capabilities that private sector8117entities have already funded where appropriate. Secretary Hegseth's8118recent Software Acquisition Pathway memorandum directs the use of8119Commercial Solutions Openings and Other Transactions as the default8120solicitation and award approaches for acquiring capabilities under the8121Software Pathway. I believe this memorandum is an important first step8122to encouraging the participation of new and non-traditional defense8123contractors in our defense industrial base, and I look forward to8124partnering with DIU to scale this approach.8125 planning, programming, budgeting, and execution (ppbe)8126 Question. The Department's acquisition process is closely linked8127with its PPBE process, and acquisition programs can move only as nimbly8128as the budget processes that fund them. The National Defense8129Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 established a commission to8130examine and make recommendations for PPBE reform.8131 In your view, which of the Commission on PPBE Reform's final8132recommendations do you believe are most important to improving resource8133allocation and innovation in DOD?8134 Answer. I am committed to aligning the strategy, requirements,8135acquisition, and resource processes to support President Trump and8136Secretary Hegseth's priorities. Today, we are in an age of rapidly8137changing technology where technology becomes obsolete soon after it is8138developed--which means we must work to shorten the acquisition8139lifecycle, enable rapid technology refresh and modernization, and8140prioritize resource allocation against the capabilities that provide8141the most significant military advantage against our adversaries8142 If confirmed, I look forward to working with Congress, Secretary8143Hegseth, Deputy Secretary Feinberg, and across the Department to8144determine the needed changes to the process to ensure we have the8145greatest alignment of strategy, requirements, acquisition, and8146resourcing to achieve President Trump's mandate of Peace through8147Strength.8148 Question. What steps can the Department take to implement changes8149to PPBE of its own accord, and which changes do you think require8150congressional action?8151 Answer. The PPBE Commission devoted considerable time and effort to8152investigate reform opportunities and recommend much needed improvements8153to the Department's Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution8154(PPBE) process. It is my understanding that many of the Commission's8155recommendations may not require congressional action. If confirmed, I8156look forward to working with the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Under8157Secretary for Comptroller, and the Director of Cost Assessment and8158Program Analysis to prioritize the reforms within our control with the8159greatest potential impact to improve the Department's processes. Other8160recommendations that foster innovation and adaptability and provide8161flexibility to the Department will require significant collaboration8162with and action by the congressional defense committees. If confirmed,8163I commit to working with all stakeholders to ensure the strongest ties8164between strategy, acquisition, and resources to support President Trump8165and Secretary Hegseth's priorities.8166 Question. One of the major obstacles to successfully bringing8167emerging technologies into the Department's acquisition system is the8168so-called ``valley of death,'' partially caused by the gap in funding8169between the development of a new technology and its transition into a8170program of record.8171 What changes are needed to the PPBE and other processes to help8172bridge the ``valley of death''?8173 Answer. I believe the Department must find ways to ensure program8174managers and Department officials have the flexibility and authority to8175react to emerging technological opportunities, re-allocate resources as8176needed, and accelerate the transition of critical technologies across8177the valley of death. If confirmed, I will work with my team in A&S, as8178well as my colleagues in Comptroller, to explore acquisition solutions8179for improved operational integration. Moreover, if confirmed, I look8180forward to working with my colleagues in the Military Departments, R&E,8181and DIU to ensure we establish technology transition partnerships and8182plans to ensure we deliver technologies to rapidly address warfighting8183needs.8184 Question. In your view, what changes in the roles of innovation8185offices like Defense Innovation Unit, AFWERX, and the Strategic8186Capabilities Office, or in established program offices, are necessary8187to make sure new technologies have the Doctrine, Organization,8188Training, Materiel, Leadership, Personnel, and Facilities required to8189successfully transition to the field?8190 Answer. Acquisition is a life-cycle management activity that spans8191from basic research to sustainment and disposal. The innovation offices8192throughout the Department will continue to identify, develop, and8193acquire new products and technologies, some of which are not always8194designed with the DOTmLPF requirements in mind. If confirmed, I will8195work with my partners in the innovation community, R&E, the Military8196Services, and the Comptroller, to improve the integration of new8197technology.8198 requirements8199 Question. Section 811 of the fiscal year 2024 National Defense8200Authorization Act required the Joint Staff to take a clean-sheet8201approach to the requirements process and section 884 of the fiscal year82022025 National Defense Authorization Act created an independent advisory8203panel to review the requirements processes of DOD.8204 What is your view of the need for a clean-sheet approach to the8205Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS), or do8206you believe incremental changes are sufficient?8207 Answer. I believe it is important to note that the Department's8208acquisition processes are more than just the DOD 5000 series8209acquisition policy and involve partners from across the Department in8210Joint Staff, CAPE, Comptroller, Policy, and others. Reforms to8211acquisitions can only go so far without related reforms to resourcing8212and requirements processes. Currently, no matter how fast an8213acquisition program can move, it is still locked into lengthy8214requirements and budgeting processes. If confirmed, I will work closely8215with the VCJCS to understand how we can improve requirements processes8216to align with agile acquisition methods, as well as the Comptroller and8217CAPE on how we resource to meet those requirements.8218 Question. If confirmed, what recommendations would you make to the8219requirements process to make it more adaptive to changes in threats and8220technologies?8221 Answer. I believe we can improve how requirements are developed,8222shifting the culture from overly prescriptive requirements that8223narrowly define the solution specifications to broader descriptive8224requirements that define the capability needs while providing8225flexibility to industry to innovate while developing and delivering a8226solution. This reform is essential to address rapidly evolving threats8227posed by our adversaries, such as cybersecurity and electronic warfare,8228as well as enable the incorporation of new technologies to address8229capability needs without prescribing solutions. If confirmed, I will8230work closely with the VCJCS to understand how we can improve8231requirements processes to align with agile acquisition methods.8232 Question. One critique of the requirements process is the8233interaction of ``Big R'' requirements approved, for example, in a8234Capabilities Development Document, and the ``little r'' requirements8235such as technical specifications in a contract solicitation.8236 Do you believe that program managers should have a stronger voice8237in requirements generation to ensure that technical implementation is8238feasible?8239 Answer. It is essential for the success of the Department's8240acquisition process that the requirement offices in the Military8241Departments work with the acquisition community to ensure they are8242incorporating the latest technologies and facts of life into their8243requirements. If confirmed, I will work with the Joint Staff and the8244Military Services to improve our ability to develop more flexible8245requirements and enable the acquisition community to embrace new8246approaches to take greater risk in capability development.8247 Question. If confirmed, how would you improve the feedback between8248program execution and validated requirements when information on8249technologies, threats, and costs become available?8250 Answer. It is my understanding that most of the time, the8251acquisition process follows a sequential approach that develops a8252requirement, budgets for it, then acquires it, meaning the operator8253does not touch it until delivery. I believe that the Department8254requires a more iterative approach to meet the threats of the 21st8255century. If confirmed, I will work with the Joint Staff, the Services,8256and USD(R&E) to improve how we incorporate a warfighter centered design8257process into our acquisition and requirements processes.8258 Question. The USD(A&S) is not a member of the Joint Requirements8259Oversight Council but does advise the Secretary of Defense on how to8260acquire capabilities and what capabilities should be acquired.8261 In your opinion, should the requirements process for new8262capabilities continue to be primarily the province of the military8263departments, and military officers of the Joint Staff and the combatant8264commands?8265 Answer. Yes.8266 Question. In your view, what should be the role of the Joint Staff8267in the requirements process versus the role of the military services?8268 Answer. I believe that it is critical we continue to let the8269Services drive their own requirements; however, I also believe that8270Joint Staff should be working to drive joint mission needs into Service8271requirements and ensuring that there is balance in addressing8272capability needs and gaps across the Services and Combatant Commands.8273We also need to ensure that joint mission needs and requirements are8274appropriately assigned to ensure execution and follow through in8275meeting those warfighting demands. If confirmed, I will work with the8276VCJCS to understand how A&S can better assist to ensure operational8277success in delivering capabilities to the warfighter.8278 Question. If confirmed, in what circumstances would you consider it8279appropriate to recommend that the Secretary invest in a capability you8280consider of high importance, for which there is either no formal8281requirement or no military department is funding a solution to a8282requirement?8283 Answer. I believe that, in special circumstances, the Secretaries8284of the Military Departments or the Secretary of Defense, after8285consulting with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, may8286establish requirements, including providing capabilities for allies or8287partner agencies. I believe that it is the role of the Under Secretary8288of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment to advise the Secretary to8289invest in a capability that addresses critical issues to expedite8290delivery of essential capabilities through use of the Urgent Capability8291Acquisition pathway. I understand that A&S already plays a role in8292pursuing capabilities to address emergent and urgent needs through the8293Joint Rapid Acquisition Cell, even when there is no formally8294established requirement, and no funding programmed by a Military8295Department. By all accounts, this has been a successful approach to8296meet many urgent needs and if confirmed I would seek ways to improve8297it.8298 Question. If confirmed, what actions would you recommend to improve8299joint requirements development and cross service communication in order8300to create more efficiency in the Department?8301 Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the VCJCS and the Services8302to explore how to improve joint requirements and cross-service8303collaboration. Concepts like cross-Service sharing of requirements8304documents, capability needs statements that define an operational8305problem rather than define the solution, and joint requirements8306development that define what the Joint Force needs could improve8307efficiency in our requirements processes.8308 test and evaluation8309 Question. The objective of test and evaluation activities is to8310ensure that system performance meets specifications and requirements,8311and that deployed capabilities are operationally effective against8312threats.8313 Are you satisfied with the Department's test and evaluation8314capabilities? If confirmed, in which areas, if any, do you believe the8315Department should be developing new test and evaluation capabilities?8316 Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the USD(R&E) and the8317Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) to ensure the8318Department of Defense (DoD) prioritizes investments in the most crucial8319test and evaluation (T&E) capabilities, as determined by the Secretary8320of Defense and the National Defense Strategy. As our innovators come up8321with new technologies, the Department will need new T&E capabilities8322and capacity to effectively test those technologies.8323 Question. Do you believe that current DOD test and evaluation8324facilities, personnel, and technical test infrastructure are up to par8325for what is needed for the modernization challenges of the Department8326now and in the near future?8327 Answer. It is important that the DOD maintain modern test and8328evaluation (T&E) infrastructure and a highly qualified workforce where8329necessary to ensure we can successfully test weapon systems that give8330our warfighters a decisive advantage. If confirmed, I will work with8331the DOT&E and the USD(R&E) to ensure A&S cooperation and support where8332the Department seeks to enhance test & evaluation capabilities.8333 Question. In your opinion, what is the appropriate role of8334developmental, operational, and live-fire testing in the acquisition8335process?8336 Answer. Developmental, operational, and live-fire testing are8337important aspects of the acquisition process to ensure our systems8338operate as intended and provide for the safety and security of our8339operators. If confirmed, I will work with the USD(R&E) and the DOT&E,8340to review the role of developmental, operational, and live-fire testing8341across the acquisition process.8342 Question. What recommendations would you make to tailor8343documentation and approvals for test and evaluation for rapid8344acquisition, if any?8345 Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the USD(R&E) and the DOT&E8346to review the existing test and evaluation rapid acquisition8347documentation and approval process to determine if changes or tailoring8348are needed and, if necessary, work to tailor them as appropriate.8349 Question. How should DOD test and evaluation capabilities support8350software and other efforts that require rapid iteration between8351development and deployment?8352 Answer. Early and continuous testing throughout the software life8353cycle is crucial to support effective and efficient evaluations and8354delivery timelines. I support integrating, streamlining, and automating8355testing processes to enable rapid analysis of test data and evaluation8356of system operational effectiveness, suitability, and survivability.8357Program success depends on maximum sharing, reciprocity, availability,8358and reuse of test results and artifacts among testing and certification8359organizations.8360 Question. If confirmed, under what circumstances would you support8361programs accepting more risk upfront (e.g., flight test failures) to8362attempt to accelerate fielding schedules for a potential conflict with8363China?8364 Answer. In recent years, the Department's test and evaluation8365community has sought to integrate aspects of developmental and8366operational testing and conduct such testing early in the acquisition8367process. If confirmed, I would seek pathways to accelerate these8368efforts to ensure early and frequent testing to accelerate fielding.8369 Question. In your view, what are the advantages and disadvantages8370of increasing the integration among the developmental, acquisition, and8371testing communities?8372 Answer. Integration across the acquisition lifecycle through early8373collaborative test planning and execution will work to reduce late8374discovery of system issues and deficiencies.8375 Question. What other reforms would you recommend to improve the8376timeliness, efficiency, and effectiveness of the test and evaluation8377process to more quickly correct technical deficiencies in weapon8378systems?8379 Answer. If confirmed, I would look to increase the use of digital8380ecosystems to integrate mission engineering, systems engineering, and8381test and evaluation to mitigate weapon system deficiencies.8382 Question. What do you see as the operational test and evaluation8383needs for non-developmental or commercial items to ensure they can8384still meet the technical requirements and human factors needs of8385environments often more complex and demanding than commercial settings?8386 Answer. It is vital that we continue to integrate existing8387commercial and non-developmental capabilities to meet our technical8388requirements in efforts to achieve cost effectiveness, resilience, and8389drive rapid innovation. However, commercial technologies often aren't8390designed to operate under contested, high-stress, and complex8391environments--including adversary electronic warfare and cyber8392capabilities. If confirmed, I will work with the USD(R&E) to ensure8393that technology readiness experimentation evaluates commercial8394technologies to measure readiness for the modern battlefield. If8395confirmed, I would look forward to working with industry, particularly8396nontraditional defense contractors, to implement these processes.8397 defense industrial base (dib)8398 Question. Over the past several years, there have been increasing8399concerns in Congress, industry, and the Department over the health of8400the DIB and its ability to reliably meet current and future defense8401needs. The war in Ukraine has showcased how challenging it is to8402restart and increase relevant munitions supply chains. Additionally,8403many supply chains have single points of failure and/or remain reliant8404on non-allied sources of material.8405 If confirmed, what do you assess to be the most significant8406challenges facing the DIB and how would you propose to address them?8407 Answer. It is my understanding that the most significant challenges8408facing the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) stem from steady de-8409industrialization over the last 50 years and the scale of our supply8410chain resilience issues. Unpredictable budgets and investments weaken8411the DOD-industrial base relationship and limit interest in DOD as a8412customer. If confirmed, I will work with Congress to assess the issues8413within the DIB, promote capabilities through targeted investment,8414increase private capital investment to increase production capacity,8415protect against adversarial capital and cyber intrusions, and partner8416with international partners and allies.8417 Question. What steps will you take to ensure that the DIB has the8418appropriate manufacturing and production infrastructure to support8419current and future needs of DOD? Are there additional authorities that8420would be useful?8421 Answer. If confirmed, I will prioritize strengthening the Defense8422Industrial Base's (DIB) manufacturing and production infrastructure to8423meet the DOD's evolving needs. This begins with a comprehensive8424assessment, conducted in close collaboration with the Military8425Departments, to identify current and future production demands and8426pinpoint existing capability gaps.8427 I recognize the importance of the Defense Production Act (DPA) as a8428powerful tool for shaping the industrial base. I am committed to8429utilizing existing DPA authorities when authorized. If confirmed, I8430will actively engage with Congress to explore whether expanding DPA8431authorities would further enhance our ability to build the necessary8432capacities and address emerging challenges in a rapidly evolving8433technological landscape.8434 Question. What do you see as the levers to motivate the defense8435industrial base to make additional capital investment (for facilities8436and tooling), as well as research and development investments to8437increase the capacity of the defense industrial base?8438 Answer. First, the DOD must provide a clear and consistent demand8439signal to industry. This means streamlining the acquisition process,8440reducing regulatory barriers, and increasing the use of multi-year8441procurements to demonstrate a commitment to long-term business and8442incentivize investment. At the same time, fostering competition within8443the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) spurs companies to innovate and8444invest to remain competitive. Finally, we should strategically leverage8445existing investment vehicles, through programs like the Industrial Base8446Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS), to forge strong public-private8447partnerships that share both the risks and rewards of bolstering the8448DIB. If confirmed, I would seek to develop this collaborative approach8449to equip the DIB with the tools and capacity needed to meet current and8450future national security challenges.8451 Question. What steps should the Department take--on its own or as8452part of a ``whole of government'' approach--to increase domestic8453industrial capacity and reduce reliance on suppliers in China and on8454other adversaries?8455 Answer. Reducing reliance on supply chains in adversarial nations,8456particularly China, for critical defense components requires a ``whole-8457of-nation'' approach that prioritizes the growth and resilience of8458America's defense industrial base. The DOD can lead this effort by8459incentivizing commercial industry to onshore supply chains, expanding8460domestic manufacturing capabilities, and prioritizing U.S. productivity8461and competitiveness. This includes working across government agencies,8462such as the State Department and the Department of Commerce, to8463implement strategic export controls, promote fair trade practices, and8464foster a more robust and secure domestic supply chain for critical8465components and platforms.8466 Question. What actions should the Department take to address the8467threat of ``adversarial capital'' from China and other sources that8468seek to gain undue influence over the DIB?8469 Answer. The threat of ``adversarial capital'' from China and other8470foreign adversaries seeking to gain influence over the U.S. Defense8471Industrial Base (DIB) represents a significant and evolving challenge.8472These adversaries employ a range of tactics, including strategic8473investments, corporate acquisitions, and technology transfer, to gain8474access to sensitive technologies, compromise supply chains, and8475potentially undermine U.S. national security.8476 If confirmed, I look forward to countering these threats through an8477approach that leverages the full range of government authorities and8478fosters close collaboration with international allies. This includes8479robust implementation of existing tools like the Committee for Foreign8480Investment in the United States (CFIUS), Team Telecom, and export8481controls to scrutinize foreign investments.8482 Question. In your view, what is the appropriate role for the8483Department with respect to proposed and ongoing private sector merger8484and acquisition activities of DOD contractors?8485 Answer. It is my understanding that DOD's role with respect to8486merger and acquisition (M&A) activities of DOD contractors is to assess8487any anti-competitive implications on the Defense Industrial Base (DIB)8488and to their impacts to the industrial and technological base,8489competition and innovation, and the public interest. Excessive8490consolidation can reduce competition, hurt innovation, and lead to8491higher costs. A vibrant, competitive, and diverse defense industrial8492base is vital to the department. DOD is responsible for ensuring our8493Nation's security and is in a unique position to assess the impact of8494potential defense industry consolidation on its ability to fulfill its8495mission, while maintaining awareness of how ongoing M&A activities8496influence the DIB. In certain cases, the Department should voice8497concerns when a merger or acquisition could adversely impact the cost,8498schedule, or performance of defense acquisition programs, or hinder the8499research and development of critical defense technologies. This8500proactive approach is particularly important when adversary nations and8501their business interests attempt to acquire or influence defense8502industry members or their supporting supply chains.8503 Question. In your view, what actions can be taken to expand8504existing efforts of the Manufacturing Capability Expansion & Investment8505Prioritization office within USD(A&S) to further invest in domestic and8506allied production of required materials and products?8507 Answer. Investment in domestic and allied production of required8508materials and products are important to ensure we maintain a healthy8509and resilient defense industrial base. I am committed to applying8510authorities and resources to maximize the resilience of our defense8511industrial base and prioritize domestic production, and if confirmed,8512look forward to understanding how the Manufacturing Capability8513Expansion and Investment Prioritization (MCEIP) office can better8514utilize the authorities granted by the Defense Production Act (DPA) and8515the Industrial Base Fund to achieve those objectives.8516 Question. How can the Department better leverage suppliers in the8517national technology and industrial base (NTIB) and among other allies8518and partners?8519 Answer. The Department can better leverage suppliers in the NTIB by8520continuing to build and strengthen relationships amongst existing and8521new participants in defense acquisition as well as identifying and8522addressing barriers to integrating ally and partner organizations into8523the DIB. Working closely with private capital, academia, and leaders in8524tech and other Defense-adjacent industries can provide the Department a8525wider array of companies, skillsets, and technologies, which can help8526modernize our overarching technological base and build resiliency.8527 Question. Do you think it is possible for the venture capital and8528private equity community to play some role in supporting the DIB, and8529if so, how?8530 Answer. Yes. These communities are already investing in defense-8531related technologies and supporting the mission, often without cost to8532taxpayers. If confirmed, I am committed to finding effective ways to8533harness private capital to accelerate the growth of a more resilient8534defense industrial ecosystem.8535 To further leverage the potential of these communities, the8536Department must improve transparency regarding its priorities and8537strengthen the consistency of its demand signals. Clear and consistent8538communication will allow investors to make more informed decisions and8539direct capital toward technologies critical to national security. We8540must also strive to better understand how the venture capital and8541private equity communities operate, fostering stronger relationships8542and tailored engagement strategies. By bridging the knowledge gap and8543building trust, we can unlock even greater support for the DIB from8544these vital sources of innovation and capital.8545 Question. The NDAA for fiscal year 2021 established an Assistant8546Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, responsible for8547overseeing the Department's efforts to manage and support the DIB.8548 In your view, what should be the key priorities and activities of8549the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy?8550 Answer. If confirmed in the role of USD(A&S), I will ensure that8551the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy8552(ASD(IBP)) plays a crucial role in assuring the United States maintains8553its military superiority through the DIB. As articulated by the8554President, achieving ``Peace through Strength'' necessitates a robust8555and responsive defense industrial base. Achieving this will require8556strengthening domestic supply chains, particularly in critical areas8557like critical minerals, microelectronics, and hypersonics, while also8558mitigating vulnerabilities and fostering resilience against potential8559disruptions.8560 To effectively execute this mission, the Department should8561prioritize the development and implementation of comprehensive8562strategies that expand and empower the DIB. This requires a thorough8563understanding of the DIB's current capabilities and identification of8564existing gaps that need to be addressed. Equally important is8565leveraging legislative tools like the Defense Production Act to8566incentivize domestic production and innovation. By fostering a healthy8567and diverse industrial base, promoting collaboration, and championing8568technological advancement, we can ensure the U.S. maintains its8569competitive edge in an increasingly complex global landscape.8570 Question. If confirmed, how would you ensure the office of this8571Assistant Secretary is adequately resourced (in terms of personnel,8572budget, and authority) and provided with the high-level support8573necessary to perform its duties and responsibilities?8574 Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to working with Congress and8575across the Department to secure adequate authorities and ensure a team8576with expertise is well positioned to tackle the complexities of the8577DIB. Adequate and appropriate resources and support are crucial to8578effectively carry out Industrial Base Policy's mission.8579 In addition to authorities, consistent and predictable funding is8580crucial for long-term success. Stable funding allows the Department to8581send strong signals to industry partners, enabling them to confidently8582invest in and expand the DIB.8583 In early 2024 the Department released the first ever ``National8584Defense Industrial Strategy'', or NDIS, to guide DIB engagement, policy8585development, and investment over the next several years.8586 Question. If confirmed, how will you retain or adjust the8587priorities established in the National Defense Industrial Strategy?8588 Answer. The National Defense Industrial Strategy and its8589implementation plan outline a framework to address industrial base8590challenges faced by the DOD, Congress, and industry. If confirmed, I8591will adjust and align the NDIS strategic direction to ensure that it8592reflects the new administration's strategic objectives and aligns with8593the National Defense Strategy. It will be important to buildupon the8594momentum initiated by the NDIS, by continuing to integrate and improve8595with new guidance, to further DIB resilience and preparedness for8596future conflicts.8597 defense industrial base cybersecurity8598 Question. What is your understanding of the challenges of enhancing8599cybersecurity of the DIB?8600 Answer. My understanding of the DIB cybersecurity challenge is that8601the cyber landscape changes very rapidly, and it can be difficult to8602balance the pace at which Department of Defense (DoD) and industry need8603to react to evolving threats with the implementation timelines industry8604needs to comply as adversaries continue to evolve their tactics,8605techniques, and procedures (TTP). Cyber-attacks on DIB information8606systems threaten DOD mission execution, reduce warfighting8607capabilities, weaken American technological superiority, and exfiltrate8608both intellectual property and national security information.8609 It is my understanding that the cyber capabilities of the companies8610in the DIB vary greatly. If confirmed, I look forward to reviewing the8611current State of DOD cybersecurity requirements for our industry8612partners and working to ensure we balance a need for security with the8613burdens of excessive regulation.8614 Question. If confirmed, how would you balance the needs of8615improving cybersecurity with the burden of compliance on small and8616medium sized businesses? Are there authorities or resources within DOD8617that could help mitigate some of those compliance burdens?8618 Answer. Bolstering cybersecurity across the DIB without placing8619undue burdens on small and medium-sized businesses is critical. These8620businesses are often more vulnerable to cyberattacks due to resource8621constraints, yet they play a vital role in our Nation's defense.8622 Access to secure facilities, such as SCIFs, is often cost-8623prohibitive for smaller companies. If confirmed, I will actively8624explore the feasibility of multi-use SCIFs and other shared resource8625models to alleviate this burden and ensure equitable access to8626classified information.8627 In the last few years, the focus of the Acquisition & Sustainment8628model has been on one element of the framework: the Cybersecurity8629Maturity Model certification (CMMC).8630 Question. If confirmed, are there any changes you would make or8631recommend to the CMMC efforts beyond those already mandated by the8632Deputy Secretary, including CMMC 2.0?8633 Answer. I recognize the critical importance of ensuring that8634contractual requirements for protecting DOD information are met by8635defense contractors. If confirmed, I will review the current8636requirements of the CMMC program and evaluate options to improve the8637requirements and implementation so that industry can affordably8638maintain pace with current cybersecurity best practices.8639 Question. What is your view of the role of the certified third-8640party assessment organizations?8641 Answer. Managing and assessing cybersecurity compliance are8642important roles to ensure our DIB partners are applying cybersecurity8643best practices to protect critical information. If confirmed, I look8644forward to reviewing current and potential mechanisms to assess8645compliance, including third-party assessment organizations.8646 Question. What do you believe is the appropriate role of the CMMC8647Advisory Board (CMMC-AB)?8648 Answer. Cybersecurity accreditation is an important role to ensure8649our DIB partners understand our requirements in applying cybersecurity8650best practices to protect critical information. If confirmed, I look8651forward to reviewing our accreditation procedures to ensure our8652requirements keep pace with the threat and manage the burden on the8653industrial base.8654 defense production act (dpa)8655 Question. In 2020, the Defense Production Act (DPA) was8656successfully leveraged during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide vital8657response materials, including through Operation Warp Speed,8658accelerating vaccine development and the delivery of other COVID-8659related medical supplies.8660 What is your understanding of how DOD has leveraged DPA8661authorities, including as an interagency funding mechanism, during the8662pandemic and post-pandemic?8663 Answer. My understanding is Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III8664has been leveraged to sustain and expand production in areas where8665national security was considered to be at risk. I understand the8666Department has coordinated with other agencies to understand risks in8667the industrial base that could impact national security, as well as how8668DPA authorities could be leveraged to mitigate them. During the8669pandemic, the Department worked with Health and Human Services (HHS) to8670understand where DPA authorities could be best leveraged to increase8671production capacity to respond to COVID-19. Since the pandemic, DPA8672Title III investments have allowed us to begin removing China from our8673supply chains.8674 Question. What are your views on DOD's use of DPA Title III8675authorities to support the defense industrial base?8676 Answer. The Defense Production Act (DPA) is a critical tool for8677rebuilding our defense industrial base and ultimately reestablishing8678deterrence. We can do more to expedite DPA Title III awards, but I am8679aware the DPA Title III program is already enabling the Department to8680make investments directly in the sub-tiers of the defense industrial8681base, especially into areas where private industry is unwilling to8682invest, which otherwise would not be possible. If confirmed, I look8683forward to ensuring the Department continues to focus our use of the8684DPA on national defense, in line with the President's and Secretary8685Hegseth's priorities, existing statute, and in coordination with8686Congress.8687 Question. What are your views on the DPA loan and loan guarantee8688programs? If confirmed, would you advocate expanding these programs?8689How would you monitor the effectiveness of the loan program?8690 Answer. If confirmed, I would review the benefits and challenges of8691expanding the DPA activities of the Department into loan and loan8692guarantee programs. I understand the Department has established loans8693and loan guarantees in other parts of DOD, like the Office of Strategic8694Capital (OSC), to incentivize private capital investments to transform8695capability for the DIB, and I will look to better understand how an8696expansion of the DPA loan program office can complement and enhance the8697DIB in cooperation with OSC's loan program.8698 Question. Do you have any recommendations to improve the8699effectiveness of how DOD employs DPA Title III authorities?8700 Answer. My understanding is that there are ongoing efforts to8701develop legislative proposals to update the DPA for the modern era. If8702confirmed, I plan to support that process and prioritize the most8703effective application of DPA authorities to strengthen the DIB,8704including expanding the Department's ability to incentivize private8705investment and accelerate its impact in expanding domestic industrial8706base capability and capacity.8707 organic industrial base8708 Question. In your opinion, what role does the organic industrial8709base play in modernization efforts and in the sustainment of8710warfighting capabilities?8711 Answer. The Organic Industrial Base plays an important role in8712bolstering the defense industrial base's primary goal of ensuring8713sustained readiness of DOD weapon systems and equipment throughout the8714lifecycle. By providing essential resources like facilities, skilled8715personnel, technical expertise, and equipment, the OIB supports8716critical activities including maintenance, repair, overhaul, upgrade,8717and manufacturing to meet operational needs. Additionally, the OIB8718enables the Department to rapidly scale production and sustainment8719capabilities during periods of heightened demand.8720 Question. What is your assessment of the status of the facilities8721and workforce in DOD depots, logistics centers, arsenals, and other8722elements of the organic industrial base?8723 Answer. I believe that the Organic Industrial Base, to include our8724depots, logistics centers, and arsenals, serves an important role in8725maintaining military readiness. If confirmed, I will work with the8726Services to formally assess the State of our OIB and assess the need to8727foster continued modernization of the OIB to ensure the Department8728maintains the proper mix of capabilities to meet future warfighting8729needs while staying adaptable for future missions.8730 Question. If confirmed, what steps would you take to strengthen the8731Department's organic industrial base?8732 Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Administration and8733Congress to assess the areas of greatest need and, where necessary,8734request resources to support the modernization and optimization of our8735OIB facilities and workforce, together with other key elements of our8736domestic defense industrial base. This would include a thorough8737analysis of the current State of OIB infrastructure, workforce, and8738capabilities to identify strengths, gaps, and areas requiring urgent8739attention to ensure we are applying the most modern capabilities to8740ensure we maximize the readiness of our military forces.8741 sustainment8742 Question. DOD has committed to rebuild its readiness to conduct8743large-scale combat operations against near-peer competitors such as8744China and Russia. The readiness of critical weapon systems relies on8745the quantity and timeliness of sustainment. However, sustainment8746challenges continue to impede readiness across the warfighting domains8747and military services.8748 What is your assessment of the sustainment challenges facing the8749Department's naval vessels, ground vehicles, and aviation fleets, and8750what actions would you take to improve mission capable rates for these8751fleets?8752 Answer. I understand that sustainment is often an afterthought8753during the acquisition process. And yet, as we saw during the nominee8754for the Secretary of the Navy's confirmation hearing, corrosion and8755other sustainment challenges are limiting the readiness of our critical8756systems and inflating the costs of our weapons systems. I believe that8757renewed focus on anticipating, planning for, and addressing sustainment8758issues on the front end of the lifecycle of weapons systems will help8759the Department improve weapon system reliability and maintainability.8760If confirmed, I will work to ensure that we have the proper policies8761and resources to achieve sustainment priorities in partnership with the8762Military Services.8763 Question. In your opinion, what steps should DOD take to ensure our8764ability to execute the current and expected volume of platform8765maintenance and modernization?8766 Answer. If confirmed, I will work across A&S and with the Military8767Services to understand the specific challenges facing platform8768maintenance and modernization to drive closer collaboration. However,8769in general, I believe that the Department can invest in focused and8770predictable infrastructure upgrades and modernization, workforce8771development, improvement of predictive maintenance practices through8772better data, including technical data, and conduct periodic reviews of8773maintenance and modernization operations to better identify8774bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement. I believe that,8775by taking these actions, the Department can meet both current8776operational demands as well as build a resilient and adaptable8777framework capable of addressing future challenges.8778 Question. In your view, what are the biggest challenges in the8779sustainment of commercial technologies that are fielded to warfighters?8780 Answer. I understand that the sustainment of fielded commercial8781technologies poses significant challenges for warfighter readiness and8782can be expensive because the commercial providers operate outside of8783our acquisition lifecycle and they operate on a proprietary basis which8784may increase the risk of vendor lock. Additionally, I understand that8785the cost for the sustainment of commercial technologies is not always8786programmed. If confirmed, I look forward to working with stakeholders8787across the Department to tackle the challenges associated with the8788sustainment of commercial technologies to ensure the warfighter has8789interoperable tools they need to complete the mission. Our warfighters8790must be adequately trained on rapidly evolving commercial technologies8791while managing long-term sustainment costs of legacy equipment.8792 improving planning for sustainment8793 Question. The GAO has reported that operation and sustainment (O&S)8794costs account for about 70 percent of a system's total lifecycle costs.8795 In your opinion, how well are the Department's acquisition programs8796planning for sustainment?8797 Answer. I strongly believe in the importance of prioritizing8798sustainment planning early in the acquisition process in order to8799reduce life-cycle costs. While I am aware the existing policy currently8800requires this level of planning, there is always potential for further8801improvement. If confirmed, I will collaborate across A&S and the8802Military Services and Defense Agencies to strengthen sustainment8803efforts by continuing to integrate comprehensive planning into new8804programs and focus on refining sustainment strategies for existing8805programs at every stage of a weapon system's lifecycle to enhance8806readiness, efficiency, and long-term effectiveness.8807 Question. Do you believe that the military services are adequately8808resourcing activities to resolve diminishing manufacturing sources and8809material shortages?8810 Answer. Based on my experience, I believe that the Military8811Services are taking diminishing manufacturing sources and material8812shortages and related activities seriously. If confirmed, I will seek8813information on actions being done to address diminishing manufacturing8814sources and material shortages and pursue appropriate solutions to8815reduce associated risks to material readiness.8816 Question. What is your view of the benefits of introducing second8817sources of supply into weapon systems component and parts8818manufacturing, if any?8819 Answer. I believe that introducing second sources of supply by8820qualified vendors enhances competition, reduces dependency on a single8821supplier, prevents vendor lock by introducing competition, improves8822resilience to disruptions, and can lower costs while ensuring a more8823reliable and diversified supply chain for weapon system components.8824Additionally, having more suppliers increases our ability to respond to8825critical backorders from our warfighters, and improves our ability to8826surge.8827 Question. Section 865 of the fiscal year 2025 National Defense8828Authorization Act seeks to expedite qualification and testing of8829alternative sources of supply and section 882 seeks to remove policy8830barriers to reverse engineering.8831 If confirmed, how would you use section 865 and section 882 to8832improve the timeliness of the qualification, certification, and test8833processes for new sources of supply?8834 Answer. If confirmed, I will work to implement authorities from8835Congress that are aimed at removing barriers to securing alternative8836sources of supply across commercial and organic solution types. A8837balance between the need to move quickly with the need to safeguard our8838systems will ensure that any reverse engineering efforts enhance our8839warfighters' ability to protect our national interests and defend our8840homeland. Additionally, if confirmed, I will work expedite the8841qualification of new suppliers in critical areas like energetic8842materials and advanced manufacturing by establishing clear timelines,8843reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and exploring innovative testing8844methods. A streamlined process will attract a wider range of companies,8845fostering competition, innovation, and a more responsive defense8846industrial base.8847 Question. What additional recommendations do you have for expanding8848the industrial base to create more timely and cost-effective supply of8849spare and repair parts?8850 Answer. Increasing the overall production capacity of the DIB is8851paramount as we seek to reduce our reliance on supply chains in8852adversarial nations and increase our domestic supply chain resilience.8853To expand the industrial base to create a more timely and cost-8854effective supply of spare and repair parts, we need to expand8855utilization of existing authorities to help fund new capacity in8856partnership with industry investments. If confirmed, I will buildupon8857this framework to ensure we utilize all funding and acquisition methods8858to increase our industrial capacity.8859 Question. In your opinion, what is the opportunity for advanced8860manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing to reduce cost and lead8861times for parts that are currently ordered in low production volumes?8862 Answer. I believe there is opportunity to use advanced8863manufacturing capabilities, such as 3D printing, to reduce cost and8864lead times for parts that are currently ordered in low production8865volumes. On-Demand manufacturing, decentralized production,8866customization, rapid prototyping, and supply chain resilience can8867translate to substantial cost savings, increased operational readiness,8868and a more agile and resilient military supply chain. If confirmed, I8869will seek to understand what specific advanced manufacturing efforts8870are ongoing at the Department and work with my colleagues at OUSD(R&E)8871to implement advanced manufacturing techniques and standards where8872appropriate to aid the warfighter and reduce sustainment costs.8873 Question. Are there additional incentives or strategies, such as8874royalties, the Department should use when negotiating with industry to8875ensure there are multiple suppliers for spare parts?8876 Answer. Ensuring a robust and diverse supply chain for spare parts8877is critical for maintaining readiness and avoiding single points of8878failure. If confirmed, I will explore a range of incentives to8879encourage multiple suppliers.8880 If confirmed, I will promote the utilization of advanced8881manufacturing techniques, as long as the resulting parts meet8882performance specifications. This approach fosters innovation and8883competition while reducing reliance on traditional sole-source8884providers.8885 Finally, I believe that conducting comprehensive supply chain8886analyses to identify and mitigate risks associated with third, fourth,8887and fifth-tier suppliers is crucial to prevent inadvertent single-8888source dependencies from emerging deeper within the supply chain. By8889implementing these multifaceted strategies, we can foster a healthier8890and more resilient industrial base capable of meeting our spare parts8891needs now and into the future.8892 facilities sustainment8893 Question. To combat the growing $180 billion facilities sustainment8894backlog, in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year88952025, Congress required each of the military departments to budget at8896least 4 percent of their total plant replacement value (PRV) by 2030.8897 If confirmed, what approach will you take to address this backlog,8898ensure the Department is following the law to meet the PRV metrics8899leading up to 2030 and to ensure that facility sustainment funding is8900sufficiently prioritized and funded? Please specify aspects of the8901approach such as increased funding, elimination of excess8902infrastructure, and addressing infrastructure in failing condition.8903 Answer. Our installations are critical to both the warfighting8904mission and the quality of life of our military members and their8905families. If confirmed, I will work with the Military Departments and8906other DOD components to ensure investments in our infrastructure meet8907the requirements of the warfighter and their families, are efficiently8908sized and maintained to provide maximum value to the U.S. taxpayer, and8909are fully compliant with statutory requirements.8910 acquiring commercial technology8911 Question. Since the end of the cold war, Congress and successive8912leaders in DOD have recognized that the technological superiority and8913modernization that is critical to national security increasingly takes8914place in the commercial sector, and that in many technical areas, the8915pace of commercial technological advance is much quicker than that of8916the government.8917 In your view, has DOD adequately complied with statute establishing8918a commercial item preference? Why or why not?8919 Answer. I believe the Department can do more to leverage commercial8920and other non-developmental capabilities that private sector entities8921have already funded. My understanding is that statute directs the8922congressional preference for establishing a commercial item of8923preference. If confirmed, I will review the Department's current8924compliance with this statute, and ensure we are maximizing effective8925application to leverage technological advancements of the commercial8926sector while balancing the need to successfully integrate those8927technologies into the DOD ecosystem.8928 Question. Do you believe that DOD's acquisition practices8929sufficiently incentivize programs to opt for commercial items? If so,8930what processes would you recommend changing?8931 Answer. I believe it is important to ensure the Department is8932incentivizing DOD programs to opt for commercial items where it is most8933beneficial to the warfighter. Secretary Hegseth's recent issuance on8934``Directing Modern Software Acquisition to Maximize Lethality'' is a8935good example of prioritizing commercial solutions. His direction to8936employ the Commercial Solutions Openings and Other Transactions as the8937default solicitation and award approaches for software development will8938drive the Department to prioritize existing capabilities in the8939marketplace.8940 Question. In your view, have Commercial Solutions Openings been a8941useful solicitation process for adopting commercial technologies and8942innovative solutions? What recommendations would you make to improve8943Commercial Solutions Openings, if any?8944 Answer. I understand Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs) have8945proven to be a useful solicitation process to enable the Department to8946adopt commercial technologies and innovative solutions. If confirmed, I8947will examine how the Department has used CSOs, particularly for8948software development as Secretary Hegseth has directed, to understand8949whether any legislative or other improvements are necessary.8950 Question. In your opinion, are there new ways to reward and8951incentivize the acquisition workforce and programs to choose commercial8952solutions, if available?8953 Answer. If confirmed, I will lead a culture in the Department's8954acquisition community that celebrates the adoption of existing8955commercial solutions in support of warfighting and other capabilities8956where it benefits the warfighter. I would seek to establish a culture8957that prioritizes results and provide the necessary resources to8958encourage our workforce to employ modern business approaches to meet8959today's challenges.8960 Question. In your view, how should the USD(A&S) work with the8961Chairman of the Joint Requirements Oversight Council to promote the8962acquisition of commercial technologies?8963 Answer. I believe there should be a close partnership between8964USD(A&S), the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the8965Military Services to modernize DOD's requirements system. If confirmed,8966I would look to partner with the appropriate stakeholders to reform the8967system to integrate operational needs ``requirements pull'' with8968commercial solutions ``tech push,'' informed by experimentation, via a8969collaborative, iterative approach to exploit new technologies and adapt8970our ways of fighting.8971 Question. Do you believe the Department is making the best use of8972both Part 12 and Part 15 of the Federal Acquisition Regulations in8973developing acquisition strategies for programs?8974 Answer. I understand the Administration is advancing a bold8975initiative to overhaul the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and8976that the OUSD(A&S) staff are actively engaged. If confirmed, I will8977lead the effort to understand how FAR Parts 12 and 15 need to be8978transformed to optimize acquisition rules and reduce or eliminate8979costly burdens that stifle broader industry participation.8980 Question. Congress and the Department have prioritized the entry of8981nontraditional defense contractors into the defense industrial base.8982 What changes, if any, would you recommend to the definition of8983nontraditional defense contractors?8984 Answer. I believe any changes to the statutory definition of8985nontraditional defense contractors should be grounded in the principle8986of maximizing competition amongst all types of companies to expand the8987defense industrial base. If confirmed, I will assess this more closely8988and offer any recommendations to the Congress for statutory change.8989 Question. What recommendations do you have to changes to the8990definition of nontraditional defense contractors, if any? Do you8991believe that nontraditional defense contractors should be treated8992commercially to the maximum extent practicable? Why or why not?8993 Answer. If confirmed, I will assess this more closely and will work8994with the Administration to offer any recommendations to the Congress8995for statutory change.8996 Question. Nontraditional defense contractors often take significant8997risk using private sources of funds to develop technologies. What8998recommendations do you have for achieving fair and reasonable pricing8999for products and services supplied by nontraditional defense9000contractors that recognizes their privately funded risk and lack of9001government-compliant business systems?9002 Answer. I believe the current practice for pricing of Defense9003contracts allows for these considerations to be fully addressed,9004compensated in a sole source context, and included as a company sees9005fit in any competitively submitted price proposals. However, there is9006always room for improvement, and if confirmed I would look into this9007issue to see how nontraditional companies can better balance their risk9008to foster increased collaboration with DOD.9009 intellectual property9010 Question. Do you believe that DOD has implemented intellectual9011property (IP) best practices sufficiently to ensure that the government9012has appropriate access to IP and technical data?9013 Answer. I believe that the Department has made progress in9014implementing best practices through updated guidance, training, tools,9015and communication, but the Department has not yet realized the full9016spectrum of intellectual property (IP) best practices necessary to9017ensure that the Government has appropriate access to IP, including9018technical data and associated licensing. I believe the acquisition of9019life-cycle IP early in the program must be a higher strategic priority.9020I believe this will be key to making sustainment more agile and9021affordable and ensure DOD can take full advantage of industry's faster9022pace in technology innovation.9023 Question. What is your view on the Department's adequacy of9024enforcing data rights it has already negotiated onto contracts, such as9025through invalidation of improper rights assertions, and ensuring9026delivery of data ordering?9027 Answer. If confirmed, my initial focus in this area will be to9028better understand the obstacles that DOD program personnel are facing9029in enforcing delivery of data and accompanying rights it has already9030negotiated in contracts. If confirmed, I will review the existing9031mandatory processes and procedures for invalidating improper rights9032assertions and review whether there are constraints on compelling9033contract performance that may be impeding delivery. If confirmed, I9034will also work with the Department's Intellectual Property Cadre to9035understand the challenges regarding available enforcement mechanisms9036and Department practices to support warfighter needs.9037 Question. If confirmed, what adjustments would you make to DOD's9038practices in negotiating IP and technical data rights for programs in9039order to improve DOD's ability to develop, procure, and sustain new9040systems and technologies affordably?9041 Answer. If confirmed, my initial focus in this area will be to9042better understand the practical obstacles that DOD program personnel9043are facing related to IP. To thrive in this environment, I anticipate9044the need to improve our training in identifying IP requirements and9045negotiating to meet the needs. If confirmed, I would ensure the9046workforce takes greater advantage of agile tools and techniques such as9047non-traditional contracting methods, negotiating specialized licenses,9048and fully implementing modular open systems approaches in DOD programs.9049 reform of the protest process9050 Question. To what extent do you think the time required to settle9051protests warrants reform in order to protect the interests of both9052industry and the government?9053 Answer. If confirmed, I will review the regulatory and policy9054approaches along with the recommendations to determine what changes, if9055any, are necessary.9056 Question. Do you have any recommendations on how to improve the9057protest process?9058 Answer. If confirmed, I will review the bid protest processes and9059consider recommendations to improve existing processes where possible.9060 small business9061 Question. In your view, what are the biggest barriers that prevent9062small businesses from doing business with the Department?9063 Answer. In my view, some of the biggest barriers to entry for new9064companies are the number of entry points into the Department, the9065complexity of the DOD procurement process, and the challenges that new9066companies face when seeking to understand and comply with necessary9067industrial security requirements. I understand that the Office of Small9068Business Programs, which reports to the USD(A&S), is the principal9069advisor to this official and the Secretary of Defense on all issues9070affecting small businesses that want to work with the Department. If9071confirmed, I would work with my fellow Under Secretaries of Defense and9072the Director of the Office of Small Business Programs on leveraging the9073tools, programs, and authorities to address these issues and mitigate9074barriers to entry.9075 Question. In your view, what are the biggest barriers that prevent9076small businesses from becoming prime contractors for the Department?9077 Answer. I understand the Office of Small Business Programs provides9078guidance and administers statutory programs to increase the number of9079small business prime contractors and suppliers in the DIB. In my view,9080one of the biggest barriers preventing small businesses from becoming9081prime contractors for the Department is the lack of experience or9082knowledge of defense acquisition processes. If confirmed, I will work9083with the Director of the Office of Small Business Programs to make the9084Department a more attractive customer by reducing administrative9085barriers and supporting the statutory tools and programs that Congress9086has authorized.9087 Question. Do you believe the Department is using all available9088authorities to provide small businesses the opportunity to subcontract9089with existing prime contractors in order to ensure that programs of9090record have access to the most advanced and effective technologies?9091 Answer. My understanding is that the Department has numerous9092authorities and programs that work to ensure small businesses have the9093maximum practicable opportunity to compete for subcontracts, such as9094the DOD Mentor-Protege Program, the DOD APEX Accelerators program, the9095Indian Incentive Program, and the Rapid Integrated Scalable Enterprise,9096among others. If confirmed, I would work with the Director of the9097Office of Small Business Programs to better understand these programs9098and ensure that the Department is leveraging these authorities to9099ensure that Defense programs have access to the most advanced and9100effective technologies.9101 Question. What do you see as the benefits of diversifying the9102defense industrial base through more engagement with small and9103disadvantaged businesses?9104 Answer. The magnitude of demands on DOD is putting compressed needs9105and demands on industry contributions to those efforts, increasing the9106importance of main street small businesses to help fulfill the needs.9107It will require a robust defense industrial ecosystem to successfully9108deter the rising threats to our National Security.9109 A diverse and resilient industrial base, powered by a robust9110ecosystem of small businesses, sends a strong signal to our adversaries9111about our ability to mobilize the full weight of the U.S. economy in9112support of our national security. It demonstrates our capacity to tap9113into the ingenuity and determination that have always defined America,9114and to harness that power in service of our defense.9115 Question. DOD continues to struggle to meet all its small business9116goals. Do you believe the current small business goals for the9117Department are achievable? Should the small business goals be adjusted?9118 Answer. My understanding is that historically the Department of9119Defense has met its overarching small business prime contracting goals.9120I am committed to supporting Department programs and initiatives that9121promote genuine small business participation in the DIB while reducing9122barriers to their participation. My understanding is that, in alignment9123with congressional intent, the small business goals have been adjusted9124to the statutory levels prescribed in the Small Business Act. If9125confirmed, I will work with the Director of the Office of Small9126Business Programs on efforts to achieve the Department's statutory9127small business goals, including regulatory relief and modernizing of9128acquisition processes, and, if necessary, recommend adjustments for9129congressional consideration.9130 acquisition workforce education and training9131 Question. A well-trained and empowered acquisition workforce is a9132critical enabler in the implementation of acquisition reform and in the9133management of acquisition programs.9134 What is your assessment of the Department's acquisition workforce,9135both in terms of its capacity and capability? Does the Department have9136enough acquisition professionals with the right skills?9137 Answer. I believe that the Department of Defense's acquisition9138workforce is critical to equipping the warfighter and maintaining our9139lethality. Rebuilding our military and reestablishing deterrence9140requires an acquisition workforce capable of using innovative practices9141across the full spectrum of the acquisition and sustainment lifecycle.9142If confirmed, I will evaluate the workforce's capacity and capability9143to ensure the Department has the right mix of acquisition professionals9144with the necessary expertise to support the warfighter.9145 Question. In what ways does the DOD civilian workforce take on9146tasks that would otherwise have to be done by military personnel, and9147thus taking them away from their core warfighting functions? What do9148you see as the pros and cons of civilian versus military acquisition9149professionals?9150 Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure the Department maximizes the9151effectiveness of both its civilian and military acquisition9152professionals while prioritizing military readiness and lethality. The9153DOD civilian workforce plays a critical role in sustaining warfighter9154capabilities by handling essential acquisition, logistics, and9155sustainment functions--allowing uniformed personnel to focus on9156operational and warfighting tasks. Civilians provide continuity,9157specialized expertise, and long-term program management critical to the9158defense industrial base. Similarly, our uniformed acquisition9159professionals bring current operational expertise which ensures9160warfighting capabilities are integrated. If confirmed, my focus will be9161on efficiency, accountability, and ensuring that acquisition9162professionals--whether civilian or military--are advancing the9163Department's mission in the most effective manner possible.9164 Question. If confirmed, what steps would you take to ensure the9165acquisition workforce is fully trained on new acquisition authorities9166and best practices, so that it can make informed decisions about when9167and how to use the different acquisition pathways and tools available9168to it?9169 Answer. The President and Secretary Hegseth have made it clear that9170preparing the workforce to meet the challenges we face as a Nation and9171a Department is a top priority. If confirmed, it will be my9172responsibility to support the Military Services and Components in9173developing an agile, responsive Defense acquisition workforce. I9174believe that it is critical to empower the workforce with the tools9175that allow it to innovate, upskill, and operate as an agile and9176enduring advantage supporting the new National Defense Strategy.9177Additionally, training must evolve to align with new acquisition9178approaches, such as the Adaptive Acquisition Framework. I understand9179that there are several workforce initiatives in progress. If confirmed,9180I will review each to make sure we have effective planning and9181investments to support the workforce.9182 Question. What is your assessment of the Department's training,9183education, certification, and credentialing programs for the9184acquisition workforce? Are there ``health metrics'' that the DOD is or9185could be using to help ensure that the acquisition workforce is9186adequately sized for all of the tasks assigned to it?9187 Answer. In our current threat environment, workforce skills9188requirements are constantly evolving and require continuous review and9189iteration. If confirmed, I will review the metrics used and evaluate9190the health of the acquisition workforce. I will also work with the9191Military Services and Defense Acquisition University (DAU) to ensure9192training, education, certification and credentials are optimized to9193equip the acquisition workforce to do their part to rebuild the9194military and reestablish deterrence.9195 Question. Section 832 of the fiscal year 2025 National Defense9196Authorization Act created a program for the Defense Acquisition9197University to implement field training support for the acquisition9198workforce, by which facilitators would teach rapid acquisition and9199commercial contracting in the context of completing a phase of an9200actual acquisition or sustainment program.9201 What is your view of the need for field training to support9202implementation of real-world programs as a complement to traditional9203school-house training provided by the Defense Acquisition University?9204 Answer. I fully support point-of-need field training in the9205workplace. I believe we must equip acquisition program teams to smartly9206use innovative acquisition practices such as the acquisition pathways9207and commercial solutions. The acquisition team is critical to rapidly9208fielding capabilities that rebuild the military and reestablish9209deterrence. If confirmed, I will review and make sure the Defense9210Acquisition University (DAU) is working with the Services to implement9211the DAU field training teams required by Section 832 of the FY25 NDAA.9212 Question. If confirmed, what specific steps would you take to9213improve the effectiveness of the training provided by the Defense9214Acquisition University?9215 Answer. If confirmed, I will thoroughly assess and evaluate DAU9216training to ensure all activities are aligned with the Secretary's9217priorities and to the strategic needs of the acquisition workforce. It9218is my understanding that DAU has endeavored to optimize the way it9219develops and delivers training, as well as strengthening the9220relationships with the Military Services and DOD Components. The9221capabilities of the Defense Acquisition Workforce are vital to9222rebuilding the military and reestablishing deterrence, and if confirmed9223I will review the steps being taken to improve these capabilities.9224 Question. The Acquisition Innovation Research Center (AIRC) is9225intended to engage universities to support acquisition training and9226research, whereas the Systems Engineering Research Center (SERC) is9227intended to engage universities on systems engineering.9228 How do you view the effectiveness of the AIRC, and do you believe9229it is adequately focused on business problems facing the acquisition9230community?9231 Answer. As I understand, the AIRC is DOD's vehicle for improving9232the acquisition system by engaging academia through applied research9233and other activities to innovate acquisition policies, processes,9234tradecraft, education, and outcomes. If confirmed, I will review AIRC's9235accomplishments and ongoing activities to ensure they are focused on9236increasing efficiency, speed and capability fielding to help the9237Military Services rebuild the military and reestablish deterrence.9238 I also understand that AIRC is supporting OSD in implementing the9239ROTC-like Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC) program. My9240understanding is that this program was started under President Trump's9241first Administration by the former USD(A&S) and that the vision was to9242rigorously prepare selected college juniors and seniors to join DOD as9243civilians, ready with the mindset and skills needed in defense9244acquisition. If confirmed, I will review AIRC's work and implementation9245of the DCTC program.9246 Question. Do you believe the AIRC and the SERC have sufficiently9247different research focus to provide value?9248 Answer. It is my understanding that the AIRC and SERC have9249sufficiently different research focus areas and engage faculty with9250unique backgrounds--SERC engages faculty largely from Engineering and9251Computer Science; and AIRC engages faculty from Business, Law, and9252Policy. This diversity of focus areas allows them to benefit their9253respective missions through synergy of research efforts. If confirmed,9254I will ensure that AIRC takes the lead in developing best practices9255across all the functional areas that will create synergistic solutions9256to support the DOD mission.9257 assistant secretary of defense for energy, installations and9258 environment9259 Question. If confirmed, to what extend would you seek to improve9260the incorporation of the energy Key Performance Parameter (KPP) and9261incorporation of operational energy and sustainability into maintenance9262requirements and the acquisition system, which should also save money9263over the lifecycle of a weapons platform?9264 Answer. If confirmed, I will review the integration of the Energy9265Key Performance Parameter (KPP) and operational energy considerations9266throughout requirements, acquisition, and sustainment decisionmaking9267and work closely with the Services to ensure our operational energy9268efforts are focused on enhancing the lethality and cost effectiveness9269of our military's operational capabilities.9270 space9271 Question. As part of the creation of the Space Force, the fiscal9272year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act created a Service9273Acquisition Executive (SAE) for Space to consolidate space acquisition9274functions in the Air Force. The fiscal year 2022 National Defense9275Authorization Act subsequently expanded the role of the SAE to oversee9276space acquisition across the ``space systems and programs of the armed9277forces in support of the Chief of Space Operations.'' This was part of9278a series of reforms to empower the SAE for Space and the Chief of Space9279Operations as the Space Force achieves institutionalization of its9280Title 10 status.9281 If confirmed, will you support the SAE for Space per the duties9282included in the fiscal year 2020 and fiscal year 2022 National Defense9283Authorization Acts?9284 Answer. Yes, if confirmed I will support all SAE's, including the9285SAE for space, in executing their duties.9286 The USD(A&S) co-chairs the Council on Oversight of Defense9287Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Enterprise. The major9288activities of the Council have been to coordinate the Military GPS User9289Equipment (MGUE) across the Department of Defense, given the9290increasingly contested electromagnetic spectrum within which DOD9291systems must operate.9292 Question. If confirmed, what do you see as the major issue(s) with9293acquiring and coordinating the installation of MGUE components across9294the myriad number of DOD systems that rely on GPS signals, to include9295synchronization with the GPS satellites?9296 Answer. If confirmed, I will work closely with the Military9297Services' acquisition organizations to review the installation of MGUE9298components across the Department and identify opportunities to9299accelerate fielding where appropriate, to include the removal of9300unnecessary barriers and optimization of contract structures to better9301incentivize vendors where possible.9302 nuclear modernization9303 Question. The USD(A&S) oversees the programs to modernize U.S.9304nuclear forces, most of which are decades beyond their planned service9305lives. Successfully executing these programs is essential to preserving9306a viable nuclear deterrent for the United States.9307 What is your understanding of the State of U.S. nuclear forces,9308global nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) architecture,9309and the supporting weapons sustainment and production capabilities9310within the National Nuclear Security Administration?9311 Answer. The Nation's nuclear forces, global NC3, and weapon9312sustainment and production capabilities are undergoing large-scale9313recapitalization, replacement, and revitalization. If confirmed, I look9314forward to fully reviewing the status of each of the programs to ensure9315that our current and future capabilities and programs provide a9316reliable and credible nuclear deterrent.9317 Question. Do you agree with the assessment of past Secretaries of9318Defense that nuclear deterrence is DOD's highest priority mission and9319that modernizing our Nation's nuclear forces is a critical national9320security priority?9321 Answer. Yes. Nuclear deterrence is the cornerstone of our national9322security.9323 Question. If confirmed, do you commit to support full funding for9324efforts to comprehensively modernize the Nation's nuclear deterrent9325forces, including supplemental capabilities like the sea-launched9326cruise missile, and accelerate such programs wherever possible?9327 Answer. If confirmed, I am committed to supporting full funding for9328nuclear modernization and acceleration wherever possible, including9329additional capabilities that bolster deterrence.9330 Question. Please describe what you see as the major acquisition9331issues with each of the above.9332 Answer. Nuclear deterrence is DOD's top priority mission, and it is9333critical to maintain our fielded systems while simultaneously9334modernizing all three legs of the triad. If confirmed, I will review9335each of our modernization programs and understand any associated9336acquisition challenges to ensure our modernization programs deliver9337timely capability to the warfighter.9338 Question. The nuclear enterprise functions through collaboration9339among the Navy, the Air Force, the Joint Staff, the Offices of the9340Under Secretaries of Defense for Policy, Acquisition and Sustainment,9341and Research and Engineering, the NNSA headquarters, and the NNSA9342national laboratories and production plants.9343 Do you believe that the current system adequately connects military9344requirements to acquisitions and procurement to technical expertise and9345production?9346 Answer. I believe that Congress has empowered the Nuclear Weapons9347Council and Joint Requirements Oversight Council to coordinate in a way9348that improves upon the current system. If confirmed, I look forward to9349reviewing the processes and understanding options for further9350improvement to provide capabilities to the warfighter.9351 Question. If confirmed, do you have any recommendations for9352improving the functions of the complex?9353 Answer. If confirmed and with my colleagues on the Nuclear Weapons9354Council, I will review the functions of the joint enterprise and be9355prepared to offer recommendations as appropriate.9356 nuclear weapons council9357 Question. Section 179 of title 10, designates the USD(A&S) as the9358Chair of the Nuclear Weapons Council.9359 What is your understanding of this role?9360 Answer. My understanding of the role of Chair of the Nuclear9361Weapons Council is to ensure the Council fulfills the statutory9362requirements set forth in Section 179 of Title 10 and ultimately to9363ensure that the Departments of Defense and Energy are postured to9364ensure a safe, secure, reliable, and effective nuclear deterrent.9365 Question. If confirmed, what steps would you take to ensure that9366the duties and responsibilities of the Nuclear Weapons Council are9367effectively executed?9368 Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that the Nuclear Weapons9369Council is focused on the most critical issues facing the enterprise9370and will work with the Staff Director--the new Assistant Secretary of9371Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical, and Biological Defense Policy9372and Programs--to enable timely, data-driven, risk-informed decisions.9373 Question. What do you see as the primary challenges that the9374Nuclear Weapons Council will face over the next 4 years, and if9375confirmed, what steps will you take as Chair to address these9376challenges?9377 Answer. I understand that the Department of Defense and its9378partners at the Department of Energy face challenges as we work9379together to sustain fielded systems while executing modernization9380programs. If confirmed, I will work with all stakeholders to understand9381and address these challenges, ensuring that the enterprise is prepared9382to meet DOD requirements that can help pace the threat in an evolving9383security environment.9384 Question. In addition to the Department of Defense programs for9385modernizing U.S. nuclear forces and the NC3 system, the Nuclear Weapons9386Council has laid out a schedule for modernization of the nuclear9387weapons stockpile and the supporting National Nuclear Security9388Administration infrastructure.9389 Do you agree that modernizing the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile9390and supporting National Nuclear Security Administration infrastructure9391is a critical national security priority?9392 Answer. Yes, the nuclear weapons stockpile must be underpinned by9393responsive and resilient production capabilities and infrastructure.9394Delivering modern infrastructure with the capabilities and capacity9395necessary to support the stockpile is a critical national security9396priority.9397 Question. Do you support and intend to advocate for all aspects of9398the Nuclear Weapons Council's sustainment and modernization plan for9399the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile and supporting National Nuclear9400Security Administration infrastructure?9401 Answer. The nuclear weapons stockpile must be underpinned by9402responsive and resilient production capabilities and infrastructure.9403Delivering modern infrastructure with the capabilities and capacity9404necessary to support the stockpile is a critical national security9405priority. If confirmed, I will review the Nuclear Weapons Council's9406sustainment and modernization plan for the US nuclear weapons stockpile9407and supporting NNSA infrastructure and advocate for the initiatives and9408resourcing that supports the President's and the Secretary's priorities9409to ensure nuclear deterrence.9410 Question. In your opinion, are the multiple components of the DOD9411and NNSA nuclear modernization plans appropriately sequenced and scoped9412in order to meet the operational needs of the commander of U.S.9413Strategic Command?9414 Answer. If confirmed, I will work closely with the Commander of9415U.S. Strategic Command, through the Nuclear Weapons Council, to9416understand the linkages between challenges facing the scope and9417schedule of the modernization programs and how those challenges9418translate to operational risk.9419 Question. If confirmed, will you commit to working with the other9420members of the NWC and the interagency to ensure that annual budgets9421adequately support the modernization and sustainment of the U.S.9422nuclear weapons stockpile?9423 Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I will commit to working closely with9424other members of the NWC to ensure the U.S. nuclear stockpile remains9425safe, secure, reliable, and effective. Overseeing and ensuring adequate9426funding to support these activities is a core function of the NWC and,9427if confirmed, I look forward to working with my colleagues to tackle9428these issues.9429 Question. If confirmed, how do you plan to leverage the USD(A&S)'s9430various roles within the nuclear enterprise to ensure the health of the9431specialized industrial base needed to produce certain components9432currently being modernized?9433 Answer. If confirmed, I will leverage the important roles of the9434USD(A&S) in stewarding aspects of the nuclear enterprise. If confirmed,9435I will focus on achieving robustness in the specialized and fragile9436industrial base and efficiency in the acquisition system to ensure9437timely support for the modernization of the nuclear deterrent.9438 Question. Do you support the Stockpile Stewardship Program, and9439have you reviewed the elements of this program as conducted by the9440NNSA?9441 Answer. I support the Stockpile Stewardship Program as a9442significant and successful endeavor of the National Nuclear Security9443Administration to ensure a safe, secure, reliable, and effective9444nuclear stockpile in the absence of nuclear testing. If confirmed, I9445will further review the program to understand its many facets.9446 Question. If the technical conclusions and data from the Stockpile9447Stewardship Program could no longer confidently support the annual9448certification of the stockpile as safe, secure, and reliable, what9449would be your recommendation?9450 Answer. I understand that a core function of the Nuclear Weapons9451Council is to provide an annual assessment of the safety, reliability,9452and military effectiveness of the nuclear stockpile, underpinned by9453independent assessments of the national security laboratory leaders and9454the Commander, U.S. Strategic Command. If technical conclusions and9455data could not support this certification, I would seek to work closely9456if confirmed with the laboratory leaders, the Commander, U.S. Strategic9457Command, the Members of the Council, and the Secretaries of Defense and9458Energy to understand the issues and provide the President with a9459recommendation to remedy.9460 Question. Major construction efforts are underway at the NNSA9461laboratories and plants to support the re-establishment of a U.S.9462plutonium pit production capability at the Los Alamos National9463Laboratory and the Savannah River Pit Production Facility, as well as9464the production of uranium components at the Y-12 Plant's Uranium9465Processing Facility.9466 Please explain your understanding of each of these construction9467projects and your views on each relative to statutory and DOD9468requirements.9469 Answer. I acknowledge that the National Nuclear Security9470Administration's laboratories and plants are reestablishing production9471capabilities and capacities not exercised in the U.S. since the end of9472the cold war. I understand that statutory and DOD requirements are9473driving timelines and capacities of these capabilities, and I applaud9474the recent first production unit of a plutonium pit at Los Alamos9475National Laboratory. If confirmed, I will prioritize visiting the sites9476of these construction projects to understand the challenges and provide9477assistance and advocacy.9478 Question. The Nuclear Weapons Council works with the United Kingdom9479through what is known as the ``U.S.--U.K. Mutual Defense Agreement.''9480 Please explain your understanding of the importance of this9481agreement and its effects on DOD policies and programs. Do you support9482continued collaboration with the United Kingdom in the maintenance of9483its independent nuclear deterrent?9484 Answer. The United Kingdom is a critical ally and one that is also9485working to modernize its independent nuclear deterrent, heavily9486leveraging and reliant on U.S. information and capabilities through9487several agreements, including the U.S./UK Mutual Defense Agreement and9488Polaris Sales Agreement. I support, and, if confirmed, look forward to9489continuing the close collaboration and partnership with the UK through9490the U.S./UK Mutual Defense Agreement and through the Nuclear Weapons9491Council.9492 Question. What are your views on the W93 weapon program?9493 Answer. I understand that the U.S. Navy's W93/Mk7 program will9494provide the U.S. Navy with a modern system to meet deterrence9495objectives and also plays an important role in support of the United9496Kingdom's separate but parallel effort. If confirmed, I will prioritize9497gaining a comprehensive understanding of all programs associated with9498the modernization of our nuclear stockpile, particularly the W93/Mk7.9499 assistant secretary of defense for nuclear deterrence, chemical, and9500 biological defense policy and programs9501 Question. The Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act9502restructured the existing Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear,9503Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs into the Assistant Secretary9504of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical, and Biological Defense9505Policy and Programs. Congress took this action to cut through9506bureaucratic stovepipes in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and9507designate a single official as the principal civilian staff assistant9508responsible for nuclear policies, programs, and operations.9509 If confirmed, will you commit to expeditiously implementing this9510reform and working with the Secretary of Defense, the Deputy Secretary9511of Defense, and the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy to ensure9512resources, personnel, and policies are reallocated and revised to9513support the office of the Assistant Secretary?9514 Answer. If confirmed, I will prioritize working with the Secretary9515of Defense, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, and the Under Secretary9516for Policy to implement the fiscal year 2025 National Defense9517Authorization Act provision. Empowering this position with the9518resources, personnel, and policies necessary to achieve congressional9519direction is paramount.9520 guam9521 Question. The USD(A&S) is designated as the Senior Defense Official9522responsible for the development of the Integrated Air and Missile9523Defense of Guam system, and co-chairs the Guam Synchronization9524Oversight Council (GSOC), which is charged with aligning DOD9525investments to support the restoration of DOD infrastructure on the9526island.9527 What is your understanding of the condition of DOD facilities on9528Guam?9529 Answer. Guam is critical to our national security and the9530Department must ensure the warfighters have the right infrastructure to9531provide credible deterrence. If confirmed, I will review the collective9532DOD efforts to ensure the infrastructure and facilities requirements9533meet the operational and support missions necessary to meet the U.S.9534Indo-Pacific Command's requirements.9535 Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to work with your9536GSOC co-chair, the Under Secretary of the Navy, to accelerate efforts9537to reestablish Guam as an effective power projection platform in the9538Western Pacific?9539 Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Under Secretary of the9540Navy to execute my role as the GSOC Co-Chair assessing infrastructure9541requirements to meet the needs of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and helping9542to drive the necessary budgetary requests to support those9543requirements. Furthermore, if confirmed, I look forward to working with9544each of the Military Department's to identify roadblocks to on-going9545efforts and helping to find solutions which meet the needs of the9546Department.9547 Question. In your view, if 2027 is indeed a period of increased9548risk of a conflict with China as multiple commanders of Indo-Pacific9549Command have stated, is DOD moving at an acceptable pace for developing9550and deploying missile defense capabilities to Guam?9551 Answer. If confirmed, I will thoroughly investigate this topic and9552evaluate the role that A&S has had as it relates to these capabilities.9553President Trump has clearly communicated his desire for the Golden Dome9554initiative and, if confirmed, I commit to working with all Department9555stakeholders to review the development and deployment of missile9556defense capabilities to Guam at speed and scale.9557 Question. If confirmed, what adjustments, if any, would you direct9558to the current planning for the Integrated Air and Missile Defense of9559Guam?9560 Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the appropriate A&S teams to9561understand and evaluate existing plans and program information. From9562what is publicly available, it is clear the Integrated Air and Missile9563Defense of Guam plays a significant role in overall homeland defense.9564President Trump signed the Iron Dome for America executive order that9565directs the Department to develop Golden Dome and, if confirmed, I will9566work with all Department stakeholders to review our progress in9567accomplishing that directive.9568 military installation resilience9569 Question. One of the principal responsibilities of the USD(A&S) is9570to develop and update policies, programs, and guidance, and oversee9571compliance within the Department to ensure resilience against the9572current and projected impacts of extreme weather on military9573installations--both in the United States and overseas. In the fiscal9574year 2020 NDAA, Congress amended section 2864 of title 10, United9575States Code, to require that Installation Master Plans include a9576component addressing the weather resilience of both the installation9577and of key supporting civilian infrastructure. Notwithstanding9578Congress' mandate, there does not seem to be any sense of urgency9579within the Department to comply, even at those installations identified9580as most vulnerable to impacts of extreme weather.9581 If confirmed, what steps would you take to increase the pace of the9582required revisions of Installation Master Plans to include this9583resilience component?9584 Answer. If confirmed, I will review the State of military9585installation resilience and the current pace of revisions to9586Installation Master Plans to include this resilience component and9587determine appropriate measures to adjust that pace according to the9588needs of the Department.9589 Question. What steps would you take to ensure that this component9590of such Master Plans addresses both the resilience of the installation9591and the resilience of the key supporting civilian infrastructure?9592 Answer. If confirmed, I will review this component of such Master9593Plans and evaluate what steps would need to be taken to address the9594appropriate resilience of an installation and the key supporting9595civilian infrastructure.9596 relations with congress9597 Question. What are your views on the State of the relationship9598between the Office of the USD(A&S) and the Senate Armed Services9599Committee in particular, and with Congress in general?9600 Answer. USD(A&S) and Congress share a common goal to accelerate the9601acquisition and sustainment of our weapon systems to rapidly deliver9602the most capable systems and services to our warfighters within cost9603and schedule limitations. This shared mission provides the basis for a9604strong relationship between the USD(A&S) and Congress which can and9605should be strengthened by prioritizing transparency, communication, and9606a genuine commitment to working together by pairing Congress' ability9607to mandate change through statute with USD(A&S) commitment to executing9608the mission. This complementary relationship is essential for success9609within the acquisition and sustainment communities.9610 Question. If confirmed, what actions would you take to sustain a9611productive and mutually beneficial relationship between Congress and9612the Office of the USD(A&S)?9613 Answer. Building a productive and mutually beneficial relationship9614between Congress and the Office of the USD(A&S) is essential to achieve9615the mission and implement acquisition reform. If confirmed, I would9616prioritize the development of that relationship by establishing a9617cadence of regular briefings and consultations with key congressional9618committees, including the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and9619House Armed Services Committee (HASC), as well as relevant9620appropriations subcommittees. I would aim to proactively notify9621Congress of any significant program delays, cost overruns, or9622performance issues, providing detailed explanations and proposed9623solutions.9624 I intend to prioritize building personal relationships with key9625Members of Congress and their staff, going beyond formal hearings and9626briefings to engage in dialog, build trust, and understand the9627priorities and concerns of individual members and their constituents. I9628would seek opportunities to organize site visits and program9629demonstrations for Members of Congress and their staff to provide9630firsthand insights into DOD programs and technologies, and engage with9631Congress early in the legislative process, seeking input, sharing9632perspectives, and collaborating on proposed changes to acquisition laws9633and regulations. It is a top priority for me to work collaboratively9634with Congress to develop solutions that overcome the challenges facing9635the defense acquisition and sustainment enterprise.9636 sexual harassment9637 Question. If confirmed, what actions would you take were you to9638receive or become aware of a complaint of sexual harassment,9639discrimination, or other harassment from an employee of the Office of9640the USD(A&S) or an employee of an organization over which the USD(A&S)9641exercises authority, direction, and control?9642 Answer. If confirmed as the USD(A&S), I would take any complaint of9643sexual harassment, discrimination, or other forms of harassment with9644the utmost seriousness. Every individual within the Office of the9645USD(A&S) and in organizations under its purview deserves a safe and9646respectful work environment. I would ensure the safety and well-being9647of the complainant, initiate a prompt and thorough investigation, take9648appropriate disciplinary action, foster a culture of prevention and9649respect, and seek to ensure fairness for all parties involved,9650prioritizing evidence-based findings to prove guilt under any9651investigation.9652 congressional oversight9653 Question. In order to exercise legislative and oversight9654responsibilities, it is important that this committee, its9655subcommittees, and other appropriate committees of Congress receive9656timely testimony, briefings, reports, records--including documents and9657electronic communications, and other information from the executive9658branch.9659 Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on request,9660to appear and testify before this committee, its subcommittees, and9661other appropriate committees of Congress? Please answer the following9662with a simple yes or no.9663 Answer. Yes.9664 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to9665provide this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees9666of Congress, and their respective staffs such witnesses and briefers,9667briefings, reports, records--including documents and electronic9668communications, and other information, as may be requested of you, and9669to do so in a timely manner? Please answer the following with a simple9670yes or no.9671 Answer. Yes.9672 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to9673consult with this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate9674committees of Congress, and their respective staffs, regarding your9675basis for any delay or denial in providing testimony, briefings,9676reports, records--including documents and electronic communications,9677and other information requested of you? Please answer the following9678with a simple yes or no.9679 Answer. Yes.9680 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to9681keep this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees of9682Congress, and their respective staffs apprised of new information that9683materially impacts the accuracy of testimony, briefings, reports,9684records--including documents and electronic communications, and other9685information you or your organization previously provided? Please answer9686the following with a simple yes or no.9687 Answer. Yes.9688 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on9689request, to provide this committee and its subcommittees with records9690and other information within their oversight jurisdiction, even absent9691a formal Committee request? Please answer the following with a simple9692yes or no.9693 Answer. Yes.9694 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to9695respond timely to letters to, and/or inquiries and other requests of9696you or your organization from individual Senators who are members of9697this committee? Please answer the following with a simple yes or no.9698 Answer. Yes.9699 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to9700ensure that you and other members of your organization protect from9701retaliation any military member, Federal employee, or contractor9702employee who testifies before, or communicates with this committee, its9703subcommittees, and any other appropriate committee of Congress? Please9704answer the following with a simple yes or no.9705 Answer. Yes.9706 ______97079708 [Questions for the record with answers supplied follow:]97099710 Questions Submitted by Senator Tom Cotton9711 national environmental policy act9712 1. Senator Cotton. Mr. Duffey, National Environmental Policy Act9713(NEPA) has grown and become so cumbersome, it restricts the Department9714of Defense's (DOD) ability to start or finish critical projects. If9715confirmed, what can we do to speed up these timelines and reduce these9716burdensome requirements?9717 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will work with the Military Departments9718to review current DOD procedures and requirements, identify any9719unnecessary procedures that could be streamlined or eliminated, and9720support expedited environmental reviews where applicable. I will also9721work with other Federal stakeholders and Congress to maximize an9722effective and streamlined process.9723 u.s. nuclear deterrent9724 2. Senator Cotton. Mr. Duffey, on February 25, 2025, Chairman9725Wicker and I wrote a classified letter to Secretary Hegseth and9726Secretary Wright. Will you commit to reviewing this letter and the9727attached documents?9728 Mr. Duffey. Yes, if confirmed, I will ensure a top priority is to9729review this letter and the referenced documents and engage Secretary9730Hegseth on his response.9731 __________9732 Questions Submitted by Senator M. Michael Rounds9733 software acquisition pathway9734 3. Senator Rounds. Mr. Duffey, as you know, the Software9735Acquisition Pathway (SWP) was established in December 2019 following9736the enactment of the Fiscal Year 2020 NDAA. However, over 6 years9737later, DOD is still not taking full advantage of this authority.9738Earlier this month Secretary Hegseth issued the memo ``Directing Modern9739Software Acquisition to Maximize Lethality'' to direct all DOD9740components to use the SWP as the ``preferred pathway for all software9741development'' to include weapon systems programs. This is a positive9742development. As the memo notes, ``DOD has struggled to reframe its9743acquisition process from a hardware-centric approach to a software-9744centric approach'' and as a result, ``it is the warfighter who pays the9745price.'' If confirmed, what specific actions would you seek to9746undertake in your organization to accelerate software acquisition,9747especially within collaborative and modular autonomous weapons systems,9748and fully take advantage of the more nimble and rapid development that9749occurs in the commercial software sector?9750 Mr. Duffey. I am familiar with and understand the importance of9751Secretary Hegseth's memorandum and, if confirmed, I will ensure9752modernizing software acquisition is a top priority. I believe that,9753over the last few years, the Department has made considerable progress9754in adopting modern software practices, but we must accelerate the9755scaling and transformation of our workforce, processes, tools, and9756culture.97579758 4. Senator Rounds. Mr. Duffey, if confirmed, you would be tasked9759with developing and submitting an implementation plan for this effort.9760How will you seek to partner with industry, specifically in our9761Nation's technology hub--Silicon Valley--to fully ``leverage the entire9762commercial ecosystem for defense systems'' as the memo requires?9763 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will execute the Secretary's directive9764on modern software acquisition by fostering competition and expanding9765opportunities for non-traditional contractors. I will work to ensure9766our acquisition and contracting approaches lower barriers to entry,9767enable faster and more flexible solicitation approaches, and speed up9768access to non-traditional players and cutting-edge tech for our9769Warfighters.9770 electronic faults technology9771 5. Senator Rounds. Mr. Duffey, almost 3 years ago the Department of9772Defense estimated that the inability to detect and isolate electronic9773faults in weapon systems resulted in over 383,000 non-mission capable9774days each year and over $5.5 billion in non-value-added sustainment9775costs. In response to this readiness and sustainment challenge, the9776Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) proposed funding for the9777purchase of a readily available, effective, and proven technology to9778address this issue. The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) fully9779supports this technology, and the fiscal year 2024 defense9780appropriation included $35.2 million for it. My concern is that under9781the previous administration, the Army has, instead of acquiring this9782readily available, proven, and extremely cost-effective technology9783despite its powerful support from OSD and SASC, decided to continue to9784only study the issue. Meanwhile, the Navy has outright resisted9785acquisition of the technology. If confirmed, would you commit to9786following up with me on this technology?9787 Mr. Duffey. It is critical that the Department address sustainment9788issues through innovative solutions. If confirmed, I will work with the9789Secretary of the Army to understand the results of the study and commit9790to following up with you on technology solutions for electronic faults.9791Additionally, if confirmed, I will work with the ASD(Sustainment) and9792the Services to address this and other key sustainment issues.97939794 6. Senator Rounds. Mr. Duffey, are you aware that essential DOD9795capabilities rely on use of the lower-3 band?9796 Mr. Duffey. Yes.97979798 7. Senator Rounds. Mr. Duffey, if confirmed, will you commit to9799defending the DOD's access to and unimpeded use of this portion of the9800electromagnetic spectrum?9801 Mr. Duffey. I understand the importance of this spectrum to our9802military and to achieving the objectives of the President and the9803Secretary of Defense. If confirmed, I look forward to receiving further9804briefings on this topic and will work to ensure the Department has the9805spectrum access necessary to achieve national security and homeland9806defense objectives.9807 __________9808 Questions Submitted by Senator Joni K. Ernst9809 small business innovation research program-small business technology9810 transfer programs9811 8. Senator Ernst. Mr. Duffey, the Department of Defense allocates9812more than $2 billion dollars each year for small business research,9813development, and commercialization of new technologies. I recently9814introduced S. 853, the INNOVATE Act, which would reform the SBIR-STTR9815programs to eliminate small business welfare and help scale the best9816battle-ready technologies for deployment with the warfighter. How will9817you work with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and9818Engineering (R&E) to ensure that the most promising SBIR funded9819technologies are properly analyzed for integration into programs of9820record?9821 I understand the Office of the USD(A&S) manages the Rapid9822Integrated Scalable Enterprise (RISE) program, which fields innovative9823technologies from Phase II SBIR/STTR into military systems and programs9824of record. If confirmed, I would also review all of the authorities9825under the Office of the USD(A&S) and work with the USD(R&E) on courses9826of action to properly transition innovative technologies into the hands9827of the Warfighter.9828 __________9829 Questions Submitted by Senator Dan Sullivan9830 alaska specific issues9831 9. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Duffey, in our discussion in my office we9832spoke about the need for additional hangar and infrastructure9833capability at Deadhorse (near Prudhoe Bay) to help extend the Air9834Force's reach in the Arctic. The U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM)9835Commander, General Gregory Guillot, as well as the U.S. Pacific Air9836Forces (PACAF) Commander, General Kevin Schneider have both expressed9837interest in this location. Will you work with me, if confirmed, to get9838the military construction approved to support operations out of9839Deadhorse?9840 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will work with the Secretary of the Air9841Force, Northern Command, and Congress to ensure infrastructure9842investments--including military construction--are prioritized to ensure9843mission success in the Arctic.98449845 10. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Duffey, as part of President Trump's9846Golden Dome program, there will almost certainly be a need to ensure9847that our advanced early warning radar systems like the E-7 are capable9848of detecting incoming aircraft and missile threats both at home and if9849necessary, forward deployed. We have had a number of issues in Alaska9850with E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) readiness rates9851due to aging airframes and parts. Will you commit to reviewing the E-79852program to make sure we are properly resourcing it and work with me to9853ensure that we have that capability on hand when required in Alaska?9854 Mr. Duffey. It is my understanding that the E-3 AWACS low readiness9855rate is one of the primary reasons it is being replaced by the E-79856Wedgetail aircraft. If confirmed, I commit to working with Congress to9857ensure that capability is available when needed in Alaska.9858 aerial refueling9859 11. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Duffey, what role do you think unmanned9860aerial refueling (like the Navy's MQ-25 Stingray) will play in the9861future of air combat?9862 Mr. Duffey. It is my understanding that the MQ-25 Stingray will9863enhance Carrier Air Wing warfighting capabilities. As we develop9864Collaborative Combat Aircraft, we will likely see other opportunities9865to assess and potentially expand on unmanned aerial refueling9866capabilities. If confirmed, I look forward to a briefing on unmanned9867aerial refueling and working with the Department leadership to9868determine appropriate levels of manned and unmanned platforms.9869 f-47 fighter program9870 12. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Duffey, as you are aware the F-47 program9871was awarded recently to Boeing. While I have no doubt that Boeing was9872chosen because it had the best aircraft prototype, I'd like to know how9873you plan to hold contractors (including Boeing) accountable for any9874failures or delays in this program given its recent history with the9875KC-46 which is ongoing?9876 Mr. Duffey. The F-47 will serve an important role in the Next9877Generation Air Dominance Family of Systems and will provide the9878warfighting capabilities necessary to continue U.S. dominance in the9879air domain well into the future. If confirmed, I will work closely with9880the Air Force to ensure that the program has the acquisition support9881required to execute its acquisition plans.98829883 13. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Duffey, what do you think we learned from9884these previous programs that we should do differently with the F-47?9885 Mr. Duffey. The Air Force's acquisition approach for F-47 leverages9886the lessons from recent acquisition programs, which resulted in the9887development of a foundational digital infrastructure. The open9888architecture represents a leap forward in defense acquisition and will9889provide benefits throughout the life of the program. If confirmed, I9890will work with the Air Force Service Acquisition Executive to ensure9891the Air Force is leveraging all relevant acquisition authorities to9892execute the program.9893 small business act 8(a) contractor9894 14. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Duffey, in our meeting, you mentioned the9895need to thoroughly review our existing contracts and contract vehicles9896to ensure they are providing the best benefit to the taxpayer. The9897Small Business Act (SBA) 8(a) program, created by Congress, provides a9898contract vehicle through which sole source and set aside contracts can9899be awarded to small businesses owned by Alaska Native corporations,9900Community Development Corporations, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian9901organizations. These corporations are tied to political relationships,9902not racial classifications. They also are some of our most efficient9903contractors, earning stellar Contractor Performance Assessment9904Reporting System (CPARS) marks. Last many of these small businesses9905employ veterans at rates far exceeding the national average, allowing9906our Nation's finest to continue to serve after they take off the9907uniform. Will you commit to me to work to preserve and strengthen 8(a)9908contracting for the Department of the Defense and the Air Force?9909 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I look forward to reviewing 8(a)9910contracting and prioritizing programs under this contracting authority9911that support and strengthen national defense and Warfighter readiness.99129913 15. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Duffey, I recently toured an SBA 8(a)9914contracting operation and saw firsthand the value 8(a) brings to the9915Federal customer in terms of cost and efficiency while delivering9916mission-critical solutions that increase our national security and9917warfighter readiness. When the rate for big government contractors is9918double 8(a) shops and about 45 days for 8(a) contractors versus 39919months for big government contractors, and 8(a) shops give the9920intellectual property (IP) to the Government unlike big government9921contractors--would you agree that the SBA 8(a) program one of the most9922efficient and effective ways to deliver results to the Federal9923Government?9924 Mr. Duffey. I am aware of the SBA's 8(a) program and that the9925Department has multiple programs that have successfully connected with99268(a) firms to bring their speed and innovation into the industrial9927base. To the extent those firms deliver accelerated capability to the9928warfighter, I would agree that the 8(a) program is a valuable9929contracting tool for the Department of Defense.9930 alaska energy issues9931 16. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Duffey, on January 20, 2025, President9932Trump issued Executive Order 14153 entitled ``Unleashing Alaska's9933Extraordinary Resource Potential'' which mentions the Department of9934Defense in multiple places in multiple places.9935 Section 3(b)(xxiii) directs the Secretary of Interior to ``identify9936and assess, in collaboration with the Secretary of Defense, the9937authorities and public and private resources necessary to immediately9938achieve the development and export of energy resources from Alaska--9939including but not limited to the long-term viability of the Trans-9940Alaska Pipeline System and the associated Federal right-of-way as an9941energy corridor of critical national importance--to advance the9942Nation's domestic and regional energy dominance, and submit that9943assessment to the President.''9944 Section 3(d) says ``In addition to the actions outlined in9945subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary of the Army, acting9946through the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, shall9947render all assistance requested by the Governor of Alaska to facilitate9948the clearing and maintenance of transportation infrastructure,9949consistent with applicable law. All such requests for assistance shall9950be transmitted to the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Interior,9951and Assistant to the President for Economic Policy for approval prior9952to initiation.''9953 How do you intend to work with the Secretary to implement these9954policies and how do you view Alaska natural resource development,9955including development of the vast trove of critical minerals in Alaska,9956as a national strategic priority?9957 Mr. Duffey. Alaska offers abundant resources to support our energy9958dominance. If confirmed, I will work with the Assistant Secretary of9959the Army for Civil Works and other appropriate officials within the9960Department to ensure rapid and thorough implementation of the9961President's direction in Executive Order 14153.99629963 17. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Duffey, the Alaska LNG [liquefied natural9964gas] Project, a proposed 800-mile natural gas pipeline to transport9965natural gas from the Alaska North Slope to the Kenai Peninsula for the9966purposes of in-State energy security and the export of LNG to our Asian9967allies is a priority of the President of the United States. Executive9968Order 14153 entitled ``Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource9969Potential'' in section 2 policy states, ``It is the policy of the9970United States to . . . prioritize the development of Alaska's liquefied9971natural gas (LNG) potential, including the sale and transportation of9972Alaskan LNG to other regions of the United States and allied nations9973within the Pacific region.''9974 Section 3(ii)(a) of President Trump's Executive Order 141539975entitled ``Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential''9976directs ``The heads of all executive departments and agencies,9977including but not limited to the Secretary of the Interior; the9978Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce9979for Oceans and Atmosphere; and the Secretary of the Army acting through9980the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Public Works, shall exercise9981all lawful authority and discretion available to them and take all9982necessary steps to (ii) prioritize the development of Alaska's LNG9983potential, including the permitting of all necessary pipeline and9984export infrastructure related to the Alaska LNG Project, giving due9985consideration to the economic and national security benefits associated9986with such development.''9987 Furthermore, in President Trump's March 4, 2025, Address to a Joint9988Session of Congress he stated ``My administration is also working on a9989gigantic natural gas pipeline in Alaska, among the largest in the9990world, where Japan, South Korea and other nations want to be our9991partner with investments of trillions of dollars each. It's never been9992anything like that one. It will be truly spectacular. It's all set to9993go.''9994 How do you see the Department of Defense's interest and role in9995this project?9996 Mr. Duffey. I believe DOD's interest and role is to ensure a9997thorough evaluation of energy resilience at our installations in Alaska9998and the Indo Pacific region and ensure the inclusion of liquified9999natural gas is evaluated as part of these actions. If confirmed, I will10000also thoroughly investigate the requirements and permitting of the10001proposed pipeline and export infrastructure and support timely10002implementation of the President's direction.1000310004 18. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Duffey, how do you see your role as Under10005Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment in implementing10006the Presidents executive orders on Alaskan energy?10007 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, my role would be to assemble a team of10008subject matter experts on energy, installation, and environmental10009issues from across the Department, determine the best courses of action10010to meet the energy requirements of our armed forces, and recommend10011actions for efficient and effective implementation of the President's10012direction.1001310014 19. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Duffey, President Trump's January 20,100152025 order declaring a National Energy Emergency which directs in10016section 2 to utilize the authorities afforded under the Defense10017Production Act ``to facilitate the identification, leasing, siting,10018production, transportation, refining, and generation of domestic energy10019resources, including, but not limited to, on Federal lands.'' and in10020section 7 states ``(a) In collaboration with the Secretaries of10021Interior and Energy, the Secretary of Defense shall conduct an10022assessment of the Department of Defense's ability to acquire and10023transport the energy, electricity, or fuels needed to protect the10024Homeland and to conduct operations abroad, and, within 60 days, shall10025submit this assessment to the Assistant to the President for National10026Security Affairs. This assessment shall identify specific10027vulnerabilities, including, but not limited to, potentially10028insufficient transportation and refining infrastructure across the10029Nation, with a focus on such vulnerabilities within the Northeast and10030West Coast regions of the United States. The assessment shall also10031identify and recommend the requisite authorities and resources to10032remedy such vulnerabilities, consistent with applicable law.''10033 In Alaska, shortages in natural gas supplies in the Cook Inlet are10034affecting heating and energy usage in Southcentral Alaska--the most10035populated area in Alaska and home to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson10036(JBER) which hosts the 673d Air Base Wing, the headquarters for the10037U.S. Alaskan Command, 11th Air Force, 11th Airborne Division, and the10038Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region.10039 In late January 2024, temperatures dropped to record low10040temperatures (around -20+F) in the Anchorage area coinciding with10041failures of two of five of the wells at the Cook Inlet Natural as10042Storage (CINGSA) Facility reducing gas deliverability to local10043utilities and led to directing local users, including Joint Base10044Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), to lower thermostats to conserve gas10045consumption. The Alaska LNG project is designed to provide these bases10046with gas and is in the process of providing it for utilities in10047Fairbanks and Southcentral Alaska.10048 Do you see the national security interest in seeing that natural10049gas from the Alaska LNG project is made available to Alaska's military10050bases and recognize the Alaska LNG project as being of strategic10051national importance for our military?10052 Mr. Duffey. I understand the Alaska LNG project has the potential10053to alleviate Cook Inlet's natural gas vulnerabilities and bolster10054energy independence. The reliable energy supply to JBER and other10055Alaskan military installations is critical to national security, given10056their strategic location and missions.1005710058 20. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Duffey, will you commit to pursuing10059agreements, pursuant to the President's Executive Order, to power10060Alaska's military bases?10061 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will ensure the Department utilizes all10062available authorities, including evaluating liquified natural gas, to10063enhance infrastructure resilience and energy security. I will work with10064OSD and the Department of Energy to identify opportunities to10065streamline processes and expedite solutions.1006610067 21. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Duffey, one possible option to help see10068the Alaska LNG project to completion that is both in the interest of10069the Department and the President's broader objective of unleashing10070Alaska's energy potential is the Department of Defense reserving the10071capacity in the pipeline. The Department could then have the10072prerogative of offloading this capacity to Alaskan utilities resulting10073in no cost to the Department or it could maintain rights to the fuel in10074the event of a national emergency. An early commitment from the10075Department to reserve capacity in the pipeline would enable an10076accelerated timeline for securing private financing the project at the10077lowest possible cost of capital. Do you recognize the positive impact10078this course of action would have on meeting the intention of Executive10079Order 14153 and fulfilling the Department's obligations under it?10080 Mr. Duffey. I recognize the potential benefits of leveraging DOD10081involvement to de-risk the project, attract private investment, and10082potentially secure fuel for national emergencies. If confirmed, I will10083ensure a thorough evaluation of its cost-effectiveness, alignment with10084the Department's needs and strategy, impact on Alaskan utilities, legal10085implications, market viability, and environmental consequences.1008610087 22. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Duffey, will you work with me, the State10088of Alaska and the project's lead developer to fully explore this option10089and if advisable, and at all possible execute it?10090 Mr. Duffey. Yes, if confirmed, I commit to working with you,10091Alaska, and the developer to fully explore this option and, if10092advisable and feasible, work toward its execution.1009310094 23. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Duffey, forward deployed U.S. Forces at10095bases in Japan and Korea depend on the national power grids to operate.10096The Department, therefore, has a direct interest in the security of10097Japanese and Korean energy. Do you see how Alaska LNG shipped to our10098allies, through sea lanes with no choke points or obstructions, and10099with the implicit protection of the U.S. Navy, can contribute to the10100security and safety of our own bases in Japan and South Korea in10101furtherance of their mission to deter adversaries in the region,10102including China and North Korea?10103 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will work across OSD and with the10104Department of Energy to ensure we thoroughly explore and, where it is10105in our national interest, support the export of Alaskan LNG energy to10106assure the energy resilience and safety of bases in Japan and Korea and10107across the entire Indo-Pacific region.10108 defense acquisition and procurement10109 24. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Duffey, in a recent Readiness10110Subcommittee Hearing on Joint Force Posture, I asked each of the10111services' vice chiefs about budget flexibility and carryover funding10112authority to provide each service with the ability to shift a certain10113percentage of funds among capabilities each year. Do you think that the10114services would benefit from such budget flexibility and how do you10115think it should best be implemented?10116 Mr. Duffey. I believe the Department should work with Congress to10117ensure program managers and Department officials have the flexibility10118and authority, to potentially include budget flexibility and carryover10119funding authority, to react to emerging technological opportunities,10120reallocate resources as needed, and accelerate the transition of10121critical technologies to rapidly address warfighter needs.1012210123 25. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Duffey, as you probably know, software-10124defined and autonomous systems are vital to U.S. Indo-Pacific10125Commander, Admiral Samuel Paparo's hellscape concept of operations10126(CONOP). And while not a panacea for a potential conflict with China,10127Admiral Paparo recently stated, ``Unmanned systems [are] our force10128multiplier'' and they ``multiply [our] combat power, without10129multiplying our manning requirements.'' Specifically, he emphasized10130that ``we have to build these capabilities at scale . . .'' During his10131nomination hearing, newly confirmed Deputy Secretary of Defense Stephen10132Feinberg agreed stating, ``Clearly, we need to develop autonomy.10133Autonomy in significant numbers with a centralized command . . .10134Additionally, while we continue to heavily invest in new autonomous10135capabilities, we also have hundreds--if not thousands--of legacy10136systems, some in service and others in the boneyard, that could be10137upgraded with 21st Century software.''10138 In your personal opinions, in order to fully ``scale'' autonomous10139and software-defined capabilities ``in significant numbers'' to the10140warfighter, what approach should DOD take in retrofitting--or10141``jailbreaking''--legacy systems (that already exist in large numbers)10142with cutting-edge autonomous software capabilities?10143 Mr. Duffey. The development and deployment of autonomous platforms10144will significantly alter the landscape of future conflicts,10145particularly conflict with technologically advanced adversaries. As the10146Department works to scale our current manned fighter platforms with10147autonomous unmanned systems, I believe it is important to ensure10148autonomy can be trusted to safely operate an aircraft, particularly10149through the challenging maneuvers inherent in future fight. As we10150integrate artificial intelligence into existing air platforms, I10151believe we should work to leverage the platform data already available10152and identify ways to accelerate the collection and use of that data to10153build autonomous algorithms to support future unmanned systems and10154retrofit legacy systems. If confirmed, I will work with Department10155leadership to determine the appropriate level of manned versus unmanned10156systems needed to defeat our adversaries.1015710158 26. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Duffey, given the existing contractual10159limitations, what authorities or contractual changes would your teams10160need to execute these retrofits and unlock the latent capabilities10161already resident, but sadly dormant in our existing warfighting10162hardware?10163 Mr. Duffey. I agree with Deputy Secretary Feinberg that the10164Department should always seek opportunities for modernization such as10165those presented by unmanned autonomous capabilities. If confirmed, I10166will review existing contracts to consider whether there are potential10167contractual changes that could unlock capabilities within legacy10168systems.1016910170 27. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Duffey, last year, Congress received the10171report of the Commission on Planning, Programming, Budgeting and10172Execution (PPBE) Reform--a comprehensive report that outlined issues10173with the Department of Defense's defense acquisition system. I plan to10174lead efforts to cut bureaucracy and speed up innovation in the Pentagon10175and defense technology sector and I believe the recommendations in this10176report are a crucial step in doing so. Many of the reforms in that10177report do not need congressional legislation to execute but rather can10178be enacted by the Department of Defense and you, if confirmed. Will you10179commit to review the findings of that report and direct a Pentagon10180working group to begin implementation of the reform measures it10181outlined?10182 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will review and pursue the most10183promising opportunities to rapidly implement PPBE Commission report10184recommendations that improve resourcing flexibility and accelerate10185acquisition. I believe the acquisition cycle must be far shorter than10186those of our legacy systems, and we must prioritize resource allocation10187against the most significant threat. This will require the Department10188to modernize how it manages the integration of requirements, budgeting,10189and acquisition process, aligning incentives to deliver results.1019010191 28. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Duffey, I am working with the Pentagon10192and through legislation to lead efforts that help innovative defense10193startups avoid the ``Valley of Death'' which results in long-10194procurement timelines and shuttered defense firms. Will you commit to10195work with me to fix this issue and to get feedback from non-traditional10196defense technology leaders and scholars to reform the Pentagon's10197processes?10198 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I commit to collaborate with Congress and10199this committee, as well as other stakeholders, to take actions that10200address the ``Valley of Death.'' I believe it is paramount for the10201Department to access new and emerging technologies from innovative10202defense startups and connect those promising solutions with warfighting10203needs, enabling more rapid delivery of capabilities.1020410205 29. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Duffey, will you commit to reviewing the10206Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) as outlined10207in the PPBE Reform Commission report and provide Congress with updates10208as to the regulations that need to be removed or amended to speed up10209acquisition?10210 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will review the DFARS and assess10211options to remove or amend regulatory requirements that preclude the10212Department from meeting warfighting capability needs at the speed that10213is necessary to deter or defeat our adversaries. I will also commit to10214working with this Administration's legislative process to identify10215statutory requirements that are the basis for DFARS language which10216could be repealed or amended to enable the Department to speed up10217acquisition.10218 __________10219 Questions Submitted by Senator Ted Budd10220 hypersonics10221 30. Senator Budd. Mr. Duffey, how concerned are you regarding10222China's hypersonic capabilities and, if confirmed, what should the10223organizations you have been nominated to lead, do to ensure sufficient10224emphasis is placed on and the proper resources are put toward the10225development of critical systems and supporting technologies that would10226help lower the costs and accelerate the fielding of the Department's10227offensive and defensive hypersonic programs of record, including those10228that would support Golden Dome?10229 Mr. Duffey. I am deeply concerned about China's rapid advancement10230in hypersonic capabilities. If confirmed, I will work to ensure America10231restores our technological edge in these critical capabilities.10232Additionally, I will commit to working to ensure the appropriate10233emphasis, to include sufficient funding and appropriate authorities, is10234placed on the development of the Nation's offensive and defensive10235hypersonic capabilities and accelerate fielding of these capabilities10236for many mission areas, to include the Golden Dome for America10237Integrated Air and Missile Defense systems.1023810239 31. Senator Budd. Mr. Duffey, if confirmed, are you committed to10240working with this committee to ramp up the Department's efforts in10241critical hypersonic systems and supporting technologies to compete with10242China?10243 Mr. Duffey. I am fully committed to working closely with this10244committee to accelerate the Department's efforts in hypersonic systems10245and supporting technologies. I believe open communication and10246collaboration with Congress are essential for ensuring we have the10247resources and strategic direction necessary to maintain our competitive10248edge against China in this critical area. If confirmed, I look forward10249to engaging with you on this vital issue and welcome your insights and10250guidance.10251 __________10252 Questions Submitted by Senator Jack Reed10253 defense contracts10254 32. Senator Reed. Mr. Duffey, do you agree that it is hard to10255signal to industry that DOD is a consistent customer when the current10256administration is indiscriminately canceling contracts with little or10257no explanation?10258 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I intend to actively engage with defense10259industry senior executives who are responsible to develop and produce10260the defense capabilities our warfighters require. I also intend to10261review the Department's programs to ensure that we are sending a10262consistent and stable demand signal to industry that is focused on10263maximizing the lethality of the warfighter.1026410265 33. Senator Reed. Mr. Duffey, do you commit to providing this10266committee a full accounting of the contracts canceled for convenience10267since the beginning of this administration, including any associated10268fees or contracts costs as a result of canceling for convenience10269(versus canceling for cause, or simply not renewing contract options)?10270 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I intend to review contract cancellations10271and commit to open and transparent communication with the Committee10272regarding all contract terminations10273 __________10274 Questions Submitted by Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand10275 compliance with subpoenas10276 34. Senator Gillibrand. Mr. Duffey, in your response to both the10277advance policy questions (APQ) and the initial questions from Chairman10278Wicker, you agreed that, if confirmed, you will ``appear and testify10279before this Committee when requested''. Despite your current10280assurances, this is not the position you took during your tenure in the10281first Trump administration. To the contrary, you actively refused to10282comply with congressional subpoenas. Why should this Committee believe10283your assurances that you will comply and appear before this Committee?10284 Mr. Duffey. I will appear and testify before the Committee and the10285Congress when requested.10286 apex accelerator program10287 35. Senator Gillibrand. Mr. Duffey, the APEX Accelerator Program is10288housed in the Department's Office of Small Business Programs. New York10289is home four APEX Accelerators in Rochester, Utica, Manhattan, and10290Queens, bringing roughly $5.7 billion value in contracts and10291subcontracts to New York's defense industrial base. Could you speak to10292the value of the APEX Accelerator Program and your plans and vision for10293the program?10294 Mr. Duffey. It is my understanding that the APEX Accelerator10295program brings tremendous value to the government, our Nation's10296Warfighters, and our national security. If confirmed, I will work with10297the Office of Small Business Programs to review the APEX Accelerator10298program and support efforts to mitigate barriers to entry, increase10299competition, and innovation in the industrial base.10300 __________10301 Questions Submitted by Senator Mazie K. Hirono10302 acquisition reform to support for u.s. indo-pacific command10303 36. Senator Hirono. Mr. Duffey, reforming acquisition practices to10304support forward-deployed forces in the region is critical to deterrence10305and readiness in the Indo-Pacific. However, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command10306(INDOPACOM) provided Congress with $11 billion dollars in unfunded10307priorities in fiscal year 2025. How will you align acquisition and10308sustainment strategies with the unique operational needs of Indo-10309Pacific Forces, particularly those stationed in Hawaii and operating10310from Pacific Island chains?10311 Mr. Duffey. Secretary Hegseth has established deterring aggression10312in the Indo-Pacific as a top priority of the Department. Modernizing10313the Department's acquisition and sustainment practices is key to10314achieving this goal. If confirmed, I will work with the Combatant10315Commanders and the Military Services to review existing acquisition and10316sustainment strategies in the Indo-Pacific and ensure these strategies10317are enabling the Department to field and sustain forward deployed10318forces in a contested environment. Additionally, if confirmed, I will10319ensure that existing bilateral and multilateral logistics and10320sustainment forums result in mutually beneficial Joint and Combined10321Force access to critical sustainment capabilities while increasing ally10322and partner burden sharing and strengthening the U.S. defense10323industrial base.1032410325 37. Senator Hirono. Mr. Duffey, given the need to respond quickly10326to evolving threats while safeguarding public funds, what specific10327reforms would you pursue to balance rapid fielding of new systems with10328strong oversight and accountability?10329 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will act swiftly to leverage the full10330range of authorities provided by Congress to enable rapid fielding of10331new systems. I also commit to examining the effectiveness of existing10332statutory authorities, and to working with this committee and the10333Congress to recommend any additional reforms that might be necessary.10334At the same time, I will continue to be mindful that the Department's10335efforts to acquire systems more rapidly do not restrict oversight or10336accountability.1033710338 38. Senator Hirono. Mr. Duffey, how do you plan to incentivize the10339use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions to meet immediate10340DOD's needs while maintaining flexibility for future upgrades?10341 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will emphasize the importance of10342diligent and detailed market research to ensure DOD's understanding of10343the marketplace to maximize the use of COTS solutions. I believe the10344Department needs to consider flexible, adaptable, and maintainable10345systems from the start to maintain competition and source upgrades in10346the future. Excellent systems engineering and design is a key enabler10347and will be one of my focus areas. In addition, I will emphasize the10348importance of defining requirements in terms that balance flexibility10349to maximize industry innovation with appropriate specificity to10350accurately represent the needs of the warfighter.10351 small businesses and cybersecurity maturity model certification10352 39. Senator Hirono. Mr. Duffey, small businesses with DOD contracts10353are struggling under the cost burden and complex processes of the10354Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) implementation. Even10355DOD recognizes that implementation can cost up to $100,000. I recognize10356that it is important to address cybersecurity threats, but we risk many10357small businesses going out of business because of the extremely high10358costs of the cybersecurity certification process. How will you address10359the cost burden of this process on small businesses?10360 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will review the procurement process and10361CMMC implementation to minimize costs and incentivize small businesses10362to meet the cybersecurity requirements.1036310364 40. Senator Hirono. Mr. Duffey, I am also concerned about feedback10365we have heard that in the Department's attempts to cut costs, there is10366consideration of gutting the Office of Small Business Programs, which10367includes the long-standing funding to help small businesses, like10368Project Spectrum and the APEX Accelerators. What do you see as the role10369or benefit of the Office of Small Business Programs, and how do they10370help small businesses navigate the cyber certification processes?10371 Mr. Duffey. It is my understanding that the Office of Small10372Business Programs is essential to maximizing small business10373contributions to the defense industrial base. These businesses offer10374great value in rebuilding the industrial base, re-establishing10375deterrence, and modernizing acquisition processes, and I intend to10376prioritize balancing our need to incentivize cybersecurity protections10377in industry while minimizing the cost to do so.1037810379 41. Senator Hirono. Mr. Duffey, do you commit to working with my10380office on addressing these challenges and supporting our small10381businesses in this process?10382 Mr. Duffey. Yes, if confirmed I would commit to working with your10383office on addressing these challenges and supporting small business10384contributions to our national security.10385 demand signals to defense industrial base10386 42. Senator Hirono. Mr. Duffey, the Department of Defense has a10387poor track record of effectively communicating demand signals to the10388defense industrial base, which makes strategic planning a challenge,10389especially for small businesses. How will you coordinate to improve10390communication to the defense industrial base, particularly to small10391businesses, about the Department's needs, planned investments, and10392business opportunities?10393 Mr. Duffey. In my view, the Department should be communicating10394clear and sustained demand signals to the defense industrial base in10395order to ensure that the DIB can support DOD's warfighting needs. These10396demand signals can be in the form of multi-year procurements, strategy-10397driven outreach efforts, forum-driven outreach efforts, and more.10398Overall, the DOD can improve communication of demand signals through10399strengthening internal coordination within the DOD, sharing long-term10400strategic priorities, and enhancing forecasting.10401 acquisition reform10402 43. Senator Hirono. Mr. Duffey, the FORGED Act calls for numerous10403reforms to the defense acquisition system. Included in these reforms is10404the repeal of the roles and responsibilities of the Under Secretary of10405Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, as well as the Service10406Acquisition Executives (section 101(a)(7)). Do you support this change?10407 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will work with the SAEs, my staff, and10408this committee to understand all implications of the proposed reform10409and what policies might be enacted to achieve the intent of the10410proposed legislation. I commit to engaging with Congress on any10411implications of the language.1041210413 44. Senator Hirono. Mr. Duffey, if this legislation were enacted,10414what impact would it have on your ability to serve as the USD(A&S)10415without clear statutory direction regarding your roles and10416responsibilities?10417 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will work closely with the SAEs and10418this committee to address the pending legislation to offer my10419recommendations.10420 acquisition workforce10421 45. Senator Hirono. Mr. Duffey, Secretary Hegseth has committed to10422a strategic reduction in the DOD workforce of 5-8 percent, or10423approximately 50,000-60,000 employees. While the Defense Department's10424acquisition budgets have grown significantly in recent years, senior10425DOD officials have reported that there are not enough contracting10426officers to manage the increasing workload and large programs. Given10427the direction from the Secretary to cut the DOD's workforce across all10428components, how will you ensure that acquisition programs remain on10429schedule while reducing the acquisition workforce?10430 Mr. Duffey. I believe contracting officers are a force-multiplier10431in delivering and sustaining lethal capabilities to the warfighter and10432driving efficiency for the American taxpayer. As part of the multi-10433functional acquisition team, contracting professionals, engineers,10434logisticians, testers, program managers, and a host of others serve as10435business advisors and work with program managers to drive optimal cost,10436schedule, and contractor performance in providing timely delivery of10437requirements needed by the warfighter. While the Department's contract10438spend has increased in recent years, the DOD workforce continues to10439demonstrate resilience and dedication in supporting and executing major10440acquisition programs, and we must continue to attract, grow, and retain10441a capable workforce. If confirmed, I will direct the Defense10442Acquisition University to review and, if necessary, update training to10443the acquisition workforce and determine if any additional authorities10444are needed for the acquisition workforce to be successful.1044510446 46. Senator Hirono. Mr. Duffey, furthermore, how will you manage10447employee retention, development, and recruitment given the high10448expected increase in workload?10449 Mr. Duffey. Retaining and developing a highly skilled acquisition10450workforce is critical to achieving the Secretary of Defense's priority10451to rebuild the military. If confirmed, I will focus on targeted10452retention initiatives to keep experienced professionals engaged and10453motivated. I will also ensure critical and necessary investment in10454professional development to upskill our acquisition workforce and10455ensure they are prepared for evolving acquisition challenges.10456Additionally, I will work with the A&S team to refine our recruitment10457strategies to attract top talent, including leveraging hiring10458authorities and programs to bring in personnel with critical skills.10459 __________10460 Questions Submitted by Senator Elizabeth Warren10461 ethics10462 47. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if you are confirmed, will you10463commit to not seeking any employment with or compensation from a10464defense contractor, including through serving on a board, as a10465consultant, or as a lobbyist, for 4 years after leaving DOD?10466 Mr. Duffey. I will abide by the extensive post-government10467employment ethics rules required by Federal law as well as the terms of10468my Ethics Agreement. These provisions set forth comprehensive10469restrictions relating to acceptance of compensation from defense10470contractors, as well as communicating back to the Federal Government on10471behalf of any future employers and clients. I believe that these10472existing rules are appropriate and sufficient to protect the public10473interest. If confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of my10474office honorably, and I will seek any post-government employment in10475full compliance with the applicable ethics rules.1047610477 48. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if you are confirmed, will you10478commit to not engaging in any lobbying activities, including10479unregistered ``shadow'' or ``behind-the-scenes'' lobbying under the10480guise of consulting or advising on DOD-related matters, focused on DOD10481or any of its components for 4 years after leaving DOD?10482 Mr. Duffey. I will abide by the extensive post-government10483employment ethics rules required by Federal law as well as the terms of10484my Ethics Agreement. These provisions set forth comprehensive10485restrictions relating to acceptance of compensation from defense10486contractors, as well as communicating back to the Federal Government on10487behalf of any future employers and clients. I believe that these10488existing rules are appropriate and sufficient to protect the public10489interest. If confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of my10490office honorably, and I will seek any post-government employment in10491full compliance with the applicable ethics rules.1049210493 49. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, during your nomination process, did10494anyone on the Trump campaign, transition team, or other closely related10495entity approach you about your loyalty to President Trump?10496 Mr. Duffey. Not that I recall.1049710498 50. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if you were approached about your10499loyalty to President Trump, did you sign a loyalty pledge or other10500similar oath? If so, please provide a copy of the text of that pledge10501or oath.10502 Mr. Duffey. Not that I recall.1050310504 51. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if you were approached about your10505loyalty to President Trump, did you make any verbal representations of10506loyalty? If so, please describe this representation.10507 Mr. Duffey. Not applicable.1050810509 52. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, in November 2024, the New York10510Times and other news outlets reported that Boris Epshteyn, a top10511adviser to President Trump, allegedly requested payment from10512prospective political appointees to promote their candidacies for top10513positions within the Administration. Did you discuss the possibility of10514joining the Administration with Mr. Epshteyn at any time?10515 Mr. Duffey. No.1051610517 53. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if you did discuss the possibility10518of joining the Administration with Mr. Epshteyn, did Mr. Epshteyn seek10519payment from you for promoting your candidacy for a position within the10520Administration?10521 Mr. Duffey. No.1052210523 54. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, at any time, did lawyers for10524President Trump or members of President Trump's team approach you10525regarding Mr. Epshteyn and the allegations cited above? If so, please10526explain the information that they provided you, including copies of10527documents, what was discussed during any calls, and any other10528information pertaining to this interaction.10529 Mr. Duffey. No.1053010531 55. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if you own any defense contractor10532stock, will you divest it to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of10533interest?10534 Mr. Duffey. I will comply with all Department and legal ethical10535requirements.1053610537 56. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, will you commit not to retaliate,10538including by denying access to DOD officials or facilities, against10539news outlets or individual journalists who publish articles that are10540critical of you, your office, DOD, or the Trump administration?10541 Mr. Duffey. I will follow Department public affairs guidance on all10542media engagement.1054310544 57. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, how many times have you been10545accused of sexually harassing, assaulting, or creating a hostile work10546environment for another individual in a personal or professional10547capacity? Provide a list of all instances in which you have been10548accused of sexually harassing, assaulting, or creating a hostile work10549environment for an individual and the behavior of which you were10550accused.10551 Mr. Duffey. None.1055210553 58. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, have you requested, or has anyone10554requested on your behalf, that any other person or third party sign a10555nondisclosure, confidentiality, non-disparagement, or similar agreement10556regarding your conduct in a personal or professional capacity?10557 Mr. Duffey. No.1055810559 59. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, will you voluntarily release any10560individual from any such agreements before your nomination hearing?10561 Mr. Duffey. Not applicable.1056210563 60. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, have you ever paid or promised to10564pay, or has anyone paid or promised to pay on your behalf, an10565individual as part of any non-disclosure, confidentiality, non-10566disparagement, or similar agreement?10567 Mr. Duffey. No.1056810569 61. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if the answer to the question above10570was yes, how much was promised, how much was paid, and what were the10571circumstances?10572 Mr. Duffey. Not applicable.1057310574 62. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, will you commit to recuse yourself10575from all particular matters involving your former clients and employers10576for at least 4 years?10577 Mr. Duffey. I will abide by the extensive post-government10578employment ethics rules required by Federal law as well as the terms of10579my Ethics Agreement. These provisions set forth comprehensive10580restrictions relating to acceptance of compensation from defense10581contractors, as well as communicating back to the Federal Government on10582behalf of any future employers and clients. I believe that these10583existing rules are appropriate and sufficient to protect the public10584interest. If confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of my10585office honorably, and I will seek any post-government employment in10586full compliance with the applicable ethics rules.1058710588 63. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, will you commit to not seeking10589employment, board membership with, or another form of compensation from10590a company that you regulated or otherwise interacted with while in10591government, for at least 4 years after leaving office?10592 Mr. Duffey. I will abide by the extensive post-government10593employment ethics rules required by Federal law as well as the terms of10594my Ethics Agreement. These provisions set forth comprehensive10595restrictions relating to acceptance of compensation from defense10596contractors, as well as communicating back to the Federal Government on10597behalf of any future employers and clients. I believe that these10598existing rules are appropriate and sufficient to protect the public10599interest. If confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of my10600office honorably, and I will seek any post-government employment in10601full compliance with the applicable ethics rules.1060210603 64. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, would it ever be appropriate to10604threaten or imply that you would withhold future contracts from a10605company if they filed a complaint, bid protest, or cooperated with an10606Inspector General, civil, or criminal investigation?10607 Mr. Duffey. I will follow law and Department policy regarding10608protests.1060910610 65. Senator Warren. Dr. Meink, have you ever threatened or implied10611that you would withhold future contracts from a company if they filed a10612complaint, bid protest, or cooperated with an inspector general or10613other investigation?10614 No, and I'm unaware of any investigation.1061510616 66. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, do you think it is valuable to10617encourage competition and innovation in the defense industrial base?10618 Mr. Duffey. We must deepen our understanding of the strengths and10619vulnerabilities within our defense industrial base and seek to10620revitalize through reindustrialization, increased investment, flexible10621contracting, enhanced workforce recruitment and training, and increased10622competition. I believe it is essential to encourage competition and10623innovation in the defense industrial base. Competition and innovation10624play an important role in the defense industrial base and are critical10625to the Department. Competition drives innovation, leading to more10626advanced and capable systems for our warfighters, while simultaneously10627helping to control costs. If confirmed, I will prioritize policies that10628encourage competition and reduce barriers to entry for new and10629innovative companies. If confirmed, I will continue to reduce barriers10630to market entry to make the bestnnovations available to the Department.10631 congressional oversight and transparency10632 67. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, what is your understanding of the10633role of the Department of Defense Inspector General and service10634Inspectors General?10635 Mr. Duffey. It is my understanding that the role of the Department10636of Defense Inspectors General is to conduct independent audits and10637investigations relating to DOD's programs and operations to promote10638economy, efficiency, and effectiveness and to prevent and detect fraud10639and abuse.1064010641 68. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, will you ensure your staff complies10642with any Inspector General deadlines established for requested10643communications, providing witnesses, providing documents, and that10644those witnesses will be protected from reprisal for their testimony?10645 Mr. Duffey. Yes.1064610647 69. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if you are not able to comply with10648any Inspector General requests and deadlines, will you notify the10649Republican and Democratic members of the Committee regarding the basis10650for any good faith delay or denial?10651 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will work to comply with Inspector10652General requests in a timely manner. I would defer to the Office of the10653Inspector General to update members of the Committee regarding the10654progress of the Inspector General's ongoing reviews.1065510656 70. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if you are confirmed, will you10657commit to refusing to follow illegal orders from any individual,10658including the President?10659 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will follow the law and the10660Constitution of the United States.1066110662 71. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, what actions would you take if you10663were given an illegal order from any individual, including the10664President?10665 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I would have a duty not to carry out a10666manifestly unlawful order.1066710668 72. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, will you commit to testify or10669provide a deposition if you are called upon by Congress to provide a10670deposition voluntarily?10671 Mr. Duffey. Yes.1067210673 73. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, will you commit to testify or10674provide a deposition to Congress if you are issued a subpoena to10675testify?10676 Mr. Duffey. Yes.1067710678 74. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, will you commit to providing10679information or documents to Congress voluntarily if you are requested10680to do so?10681 Mr. Duffey. Yes.1068210683 75. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, will you provide information or10684documents to Congress if you are issued a subpoena?10685 Mr. Duffey. Yes.1068610687 76. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, will you commit to following10688current DOD precedent for responding to information requests,10689briefings, and other inquiries from Congress, including the Senate and10690House Armed Services Committees and their minority members?10691 Mr. Duffey. Yes.1069210693 77. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if confirmed, will you commit to10694posting your official calendar monthly?10695 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will commit to transparency consistent10696with the law and Department policy regarding disclosure of sensitive10697information.1069810699 78. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, do you think DOD has an10700overclassification problem? If so, please provide this committee with10701an estimate of the number or percentage of documents that will be under10702your purview that are overclassified.10703 Mr. Duffey. It is my understanding that overclassification persists10704at the Department, though the exact extent of overclassification is not10705well understood at this time. If confirmed, I will work with the10706USD(I&S) to support investment in tools to assist in accurate10707classification--like machine learning and AI--which have shown promise10708in reducing human error and should be further employed to improve the10709classification, marking, and declassification of the Department's10710sensitive information.1071110712 79. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, to the best of your knowledge, is10713your service or component identifying records for proactive posting in10714compliance with the Freedom of Information Act? If not, please describe10715how you would ensure that they do so to comply with public records law.10716 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will review Acquisition & Sustainment10717(A&S) Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) business processes to ensure10718compliance with applicable legal requirements.1071910720 80. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if confirmed, do you think your10721department should pursue strategic technology to support automated10722declassification?10723 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will commit to working with my10724colleagues in OUSD(I&S) and across the Department to review existing10725processes and determine steps necessary to explore the possibility of10726automated declassification.1072710728 81. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, why did you refuse to answer the10729subpoena that the House issued you after the December 2019 impeachment10730of the President?10731 Mr. Duffey. I complied with guidance and direction from White House10732Counsel and the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel.10733 project 202510734 82. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, have you discussed Project 202510735with any officials associated with the Trump campaign, the Trump10736transition team, or other members of the Trump administration? If so,10737please explain what you discussed, when you discussed it, and with whom10738you discussed it.10739 Mr. Duffey. I have not discussed Project 2025 with the Trump10740campaign, the Trump transition team, or other members of the Trump10741administration in the past year.1074210743 83. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, have you discussed Project 202510744with any officials associated with the Heritage Foundation? If so,10745please explain what you discussed, when you discussed it, and with whom10746you discussed it.10747 Mr. Duffey. As part of my role in preparing for a potential10748transition, I discussed multiple national security reform proposals10749with Heritage Foundation officials.1075010751 84. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, the Project 2025 chapter to which10752you contributed states that the Office of Federal Procurement Policy10753``should be engaged early and often in OMB's [Office of Management and10754Budget] effort to drive policy, including by obtaining transparency10755about entities that are awarded Federal contracts and grants and by10756using Government contracts to push back against woke policies in10757corporate America.'' As Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and10758Sustainment (USD(A&S)), would your priority be using Government10759contracts to advance U.S. national security and support our10760servicemembers or to police the personnel and human resources (HR)10761decisions of defense contractors?10762 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will prioritize ensuring government10763contracts deliver the best value to the Department and the American10764taxpayer.10765 acquisition10766 85. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, how do you plan to use your role to10767influence the ``woke'' policies in corporate America?10768 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will prioritize ensuring industry10769partners deliver the best value to the Department and the American10770taxpayer.1077110772 86. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, which policies do you plan to10773target?10774 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will promote policies that ensure10775partners deliver the best value to the Department and the American10776taxpayer.1077710778 87. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if you are confirmed as USD(A&S),10779what standards will you follow to determine which programs are10780``outdated or underperforming''?10781 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will work with my counterparts in the10782Combatant Commands, the Joint Staff, and on the Joint Requirements10783Oversight Council to review program requirements and determine if they10784are still relevant for national security. I will also conduct an10785assessment of programs with requirements that are no longer relevant to10786national security and identify programs that cannot meet current10787requirements or are experiencing high-cost overruns and severe delays1078810789 88. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, what guardrails will you put in10790place to prevent undue influence from defense contractors in10791determining which programs are outdated or underperforming?10792 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will comply with legal requirements and10793Department policy to ensure determinations are made without undue10794influence and use objective cost, schedule, and performance data.1079510796 89. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, do you support Project 2025's10797recommendation to create a ``Night Court'' and ``terminate outdated or10798underperforming programs''?10799 Mr. Duffey. I support ensuring the Department's entire portfolio of10800programs meets or exceeds performance expectations and provides the10801greatest capability to our men and women in uniform.1080210803 90. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if so, how will you approach this10804process to ensure that decisions are fair, transparent, and non-10805political?10806 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will commit to ensuring that any10807decisions to terminate ``outdated'' or ``underperforming'' programs are10808fair, transparent, non-political, and consistent with Secretary10809Hegseth's priority to rebuild our military by matching threats to10810capabilities.1081110812 91. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, do you support ``reducing the10813number of procurement competitions''? If you do, why?10814 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will partner with my colleagues across10815the Department to achieve an optimal balance between open competition10816and streamlined acquisition processes. I believe that the decision of10817whether to reduce the number of procurement competitions should be made10818on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific10819circumstances, risks, and potential benefits of each approach. I10820strongly support streamlining and accelerating the acquisition process.1082110822 92. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, how do you think reducing10823competition impacts the quality of the products and weapons systems10824that DOD uses?10825 Mr. Duffey. A competitive and diverse defense industrial base is10826vital to the Department's ability to fulfill its mission. In my10827opinion, healthy competition produces better quality, pricing,10828innovation, and access to technical data and intellectual property10829rights, whereas in most cases reduced competition can lead to lower10830quality, limited innovation, and higher prices that can hinder the10831research and development of critical defense technologies and adversely10832impact the cost, schedule, or performance of defense acquisition10833programs.1083410835 93. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, do you agree that ``[t]he critical10836shortage of trained and certified acquisition personnel must be10837addressed with urgency in order to support DOD mission objectives and10838goals?''10839 Mr. Duffey. A well-trained, certified, and experienced acquisition10840workforce is fundamental to executing DOD's mission effectively.10841Addressing key acquisition and sustainment roles is imperative, and, if10842confirmed, I am committed to ensuring that we take decisive action to10843build and sustain a strong talent pipeline.1084410845 94. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if so, how do you plan to address10846this shortage if you are confirmed as USD(A&S)?10847 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will evaluate the workforce's capacity10848and capability to ensure the Department has the right mix of10849acquisition professionals with the necessary expertise to support the10850warfighter. I will commit to strengthening recruitment and retention10851efforts, particularly in areas where we face skill gaps. Additionally,10852I will prioritize an acquisition workforce capable of using innovative10853practices across the full spectrum of the acquisition and sustainment10854lifecycle and ensure acquisition professionals have clear career10855development pathways.10856 nuclear weapons and missile defense10857 95. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, do you support ``[a]ccelerat[ing]10858the development and production of the Sentinel intercontinental10859ballistic missile?''10860 Mr. Duffey. Nuclear deterrence remains the DOD's top priority10861mission, and I fully support modernization of the nuclear triad. If10862confirmed, I will review the Sentinel program status following last10863year's critical Nunn-McCurdy breach and will support opportunities,10864where possible, to accelerate the development and production of the10865Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program.1086610867 96. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if so, why do you support a program10868with an 81 percent cost overrun?10869 Mr. Duffey. ICBMs serve as the triad's most responsive leg, and the10870Sentinel program remains a critical component of the nuclear10871modernization Program of Record and our national security. If10872confirmed, I will have an opportunity as the Milestone Decision10873Authority to regularly review the program and will work closely with10874the Air Force to control cost and deliver timely capability to the10875warfighter.1087610877 97. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, what is your understanding of the10878significance of a Nunn-McCurdy breach?10879 Mr. Duffey. I understand that a critical Nunn-McCurdy breach10880represents a juncture for an acquisition program that requires a series10881of activities to determine whether it is in the national interest to10882continue the program. If certified to continue, the program must10883address root causes and implement corrective actions. The Department of10884Defense must ensure that we are acting as responsible stewards of10885taxpayer resources.1088610887 98. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, what do you understand your role to10888be in ensuring that programs do not reach this significant cost overrun10889threshold if you are confirmed?10890 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed as the Under Secretary for Acquisition and10891Sustainment, my role as the Defense Acquisition Executive and Milestone10892Decision Authority for certain programs is to provide direction to and10893oversight of acquisition programs. This responsibility requires careful10894balance and deep understanding of cost, schedule, and performance risks10895and mitigation opportunities. Preventing cost overrun hinges on10896realistic program baselines and, if confirmed, I will work with the10897SAEs to provide proper guidance and oversight in their acquisition10898programs.1089910900 99. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, do you support ``[r]eject[ing] any10901congressional proposals that would further extend the service lives of10902U.S. capabilities such as the Minuteman III (MMIII) intercontinental10903ballistic missile (ICBM)?''10904 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I would collaborate closely with the10905Commander of U.S. Strategic Command, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force to10906understand the technical and operational risks associated with further10907extension of today's systems if modernized systems were not available10908to field on schedule.1090910910 100. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if so, why do you support this10911despite DOD providing testimony that the ``Air Force, with the support10912of Congress, continue investments to ensure sustainment of MMIII to10913manage end-of-life margin until it is fully replaced by a modern ICBM10914weapon system''?10915 Mr. Duffey. I support ensuring that the United States maintains a10916safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent. While the Department is10917committed to the modernization of the Nation's nuclear forces,10918continued sustainment of fielded systems is imperative to avoiding a10919deterrence shortfall and to mitigate risk during the transition to10920modernized systems.1092110922 101. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, do you agree with any of these10923statements: (1) ``all U.S. nuclear capabilities and the infrastructure10924on which they rely date from the cold war and are in dire need of10925replacement,'' (2) ``Missile defense has been underprioritized and10926underfunded in recent years,'' or (3) ``[t]he United States manifestly10927needs to modernize, adapt, and expand its nuclear arsenal?'' If so,10928specify which ones.10929 Mr. Duffey. I agree with each of these three statements and, if10930confirmed, will gain a deeper understanding of nuclear capabilities and10931infrastructure, missile defense, and the current and planned10932capabilities of the nuclear arsenal.1093310934 102. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, how much funding will be needed to10935update nuclear capabilities? Please provide a dollar amount.10936 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I look forward to reviewing our nuclear10937modernization programs and fully understanding the total costs10938associated with modernizing the Nation's nuclear capabilities.1093910940 103. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, do you support expanding the U.S.10941nuclear arsenal? If so, please specify with which weapons.10942 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I look forward to reviewing the current10943and planned capabilities of the U.S. nuclear arsenal as the Chair of10944the Nuclear Weapons Council to ensure the United States continues to10945deter aggression from our adversaries and defend the Homeland.1094610947 104. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, which systems in the U.S. nuclear10948arsenal do you consider out of date?10949 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I look forward to reviewing the current10950and planned capabilities of the U.S. nuclear arsenal and identifying10951those programs that require modernization.1095210953 105. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, how do you think increasing our10954nuclear weapons spending will impact our adversaries' interest in doing10955the same?10956 Mr. Duffey. Our adversaries have already committed to and10957demonstrated increased spending on nuclear weapons, independent of the10958U.S. levels of funding.1095910960 106. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, which conventional weapons should10961be cut to pay for nuclear modernization or missile defense systems?10962 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I intend to review nuclear and10963conventional weapons programs to ensure the Department addresses gaps10964in warfighting capability, and develops and produces the right10965capabilities, in both type and capacity, to meet requirements to defend10966the Homeland and deter adversaries. If confirmed, I look forward to10967ensuring the warfighter has the necessary capabilities to meet those10968requirements.10969 foreign influence10970 107. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, have you received any payment from10971a foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government10972within the past 5 years?10973 Mr. Duffey. No.1097410975 108. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, have you communicated with any10976foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government within10977the past 5 years?10978 Mr. Duffey. No.1097910980 109. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, please disclose any communications10981or payments you have had with representatives of any foreign government10982or entity controlled by a foreign government within the past 5 years10983and describe the nature of the communication.10984 Mr. Duffey. None.10985 retaliation and protecting whistleblowers10986 110. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, do you believe that10987servicemembers, civilians, grantees, and contractors should be10988protected from any form of retaliation for coming forward about an10989illegal order, sexual assault or harassment, negligence, misconduct, or10990any other concern that they wish to raise?10991 Mr. Duffey. I do.1099210993 111. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, have you ever retaliated against10994any individual for coming forward about an illegal order, sexual10995assault or harassment, negligence, misconduct, or any other concern10996that they wish to raise?10997 Mr. Duffey. No.1099810999 112. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if you are confirmed, will you11000commit to protecting whistleblowers? If so, please specify how you will11001do so.11002 Mr. Duffey. I will comply with law and Department policy regarding11003whistleblower protection.11004 impoundment control act11005 113. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, on January 27, 2025, President11006Trump's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo calling for11007the suspension all Federal financial assistance programs (excluding11008``assistance provided directly to individuals''). Do you agree with11009OMB's decision to issue this memo?11010 Mr. Duffey. I support the President's efforts to streamline the11011Federal Government and ensure that it is carrying out Federal programs11012in an efficient and economical manner. That said, I am not aware of the11013how this memorandum would impact DOD. If confirmed, I will review the11014memo and work to implement the President's direction.1101511016 114. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, do you believe the Secretary of11017Defense has the legal authority to block the disbursement of funds11018appropriated by Congress?11019 Mr. Duffey. I fully acknowledge and respect Congress'11020constitutional role in appropriating funds to be carried out by the11021executive branch for designated purposes. I commit, if confirmed, to11022executing my responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the11023law. I would ensure that my actions and advice to the Secretary of11024Defense on this matter are informed by the administration's legal11025positions and advice from the Department's General Counsel's office.1102611027 115. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, what is your understanding of the11028Impoundment Control Act (ICA)?11029 Mr. Duffey. My understanding is that Congress passed the11030Impoundment Control Act in 1974. This Act provides a framework for11031handling circumstances in which the President seeks to defer or cancel11032execution of appropriated funds. I commit, if confirmed, to executing11033my responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on11034this matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice11035to the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by the11036administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's11037General Counsel's office.1103811039 116. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, do you commit to following the11040Impoundment Control Act?11041 Mr. Duffey. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my11042responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on this11043matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice to11044the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by the11045administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's11046General Counsel's office.1104711048 117. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, do you commit to notifying the11049Senate and House Armed Services Committees, including the majority and11050minority, if you are asked not to follow the Impoundment Control Act or11051not to expend the money that Congress appropriates or authorizes?11052 Mr. Duffey. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my11053responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on this11054matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice to11055the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by advice the11056administration's legal positions and from the Department's General11057Counsel's office.1105811059 118. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, the Constitution's Spending Clause11060(Art. I, Sec. 8, cl. 1) and Appropriations Clause (Art. I, Sec. 9,11061cl. 7) give Congress, not the Executive, power of the purse. The11062Supreme Court has unanimously upheld this power. Do you believe that11063impoundments are constitutional?11064 Mr. Duffey. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my11065responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on this11066matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice to11067the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by the11068administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's11069General Counsel's office.1107011071 119. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, the funding levels in11072appropriations bills passed into law are not targets or ceilings;11073instead, they are amounts the executive branch must spend, unless11074stated otherwise. Congress could--if it wanted the President to have11075discretion--write those amounts as ceilings. Do you agree?11076 Mr. Duffey. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my11077responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on this11078matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice to11079the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by the11080administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's11081General Counsel's office.1108211083 120. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, what is your understanding of the11084requirements for DOD to obligate funding that Congress authorizes and11085appropriates, in accordance with the time period that Congress deems it11086to do so?11087 Mr. Duffey. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my11088responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on this11089matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice to11090the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by the11091administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's11092General Counsel's office.1109311094 121. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, do you commit to expending the11095money that Congress appropriates and authorizes?11096 Mr. Duffey. I commit to being a good steward of taxpayer funds, as11097I have always been in my decades of public service, and will comply11098with all applicable laws regarding the obligation and expenditure of11099appropriations to the Department of the Air Force.1110011101 122. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, do you commit to following and11102implementing every provision of the annual National Defense11103Authorization Act passed into law?11104 Mr. Duffey. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my11105responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on this11106matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice to11107the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by advice the11108administration's legal positions and from the Department's General11109Counsel's office.1111011111 123. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, do you support addressing the11112risks of blast overpressure to servicemembers through the swift11113implementation of sections 721 through section 725 of the Fiscal Year111142025 NDAA?11115 Mr. Duffey. I am committed to prioritizing the health and safety of11116our service members. If confirmed, I look forward to working with11117officials from across the Department to review sections 721 and 725 of11118the FY2025 NDAA and to better understand and address the risks of blast11119overpressure to servicemembers.11120 right-to-repair11121 124. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, do you believe giving DOD access11122to the technical data rights needed to repair its own equipment could11123advance DOD's readiness?11124 Mr. Duffey. I believe the Department should procure the necessary11125data and associated rights to enable repair of its own equipment. If11126confirmed, I will direct a review of the Department's internal policies11127regarding the acquisition of technical data rights, and the impact on11128readiness.1112911130 125. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, do you believe giving DOD access11131to the technical data rights needed to repair its own equipment could11132help reduce DOD's repair and sustainment costs?11133 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will direct a review of the11134Department's internal policies regarding the acquisition of technical11135data rights, and the impact on repair and sustainment costs.1113611137 126. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, how will you ensure servicemembers11138in your service or component, who are stationed abroad, can timely and11139cost-effectively repair equipment when needed, especially in a11140contested logistics environment?11141 Mr. Duffey. The ability to quickly and cost-effectively repair,11142maintain, and overhaul equipment is essential to reestablishing11143deterrence. If confirmed, I will ensure that the Department's11144acquisition and sustainment strategies strengthen the U.S. defense11145industrial base, utilize innovative solutions like advanced11146manufacturing, and leverage co-sustainment opportunities with allies11147and partners closer to the point of need, to ensure our ability to11148operate in contested logistics environments.1114911150 127. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if you are confirmed, will you11151commit to including right-to-repair/technical data rights clauses in11152acquisition contracts that your service or component enters into?11153 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I am committed to carefully reviewing the11154Department's current policies and practices regarding right-to-repair11155and technical data rights within acquisition contracts. I will explore11156how best to leverage rights-to-repair and technical data rights in11157acquisition contracts to enhance competition, control costs, and foster11158innovation within the defense industrial base.1115911160 128. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if you are confirmed, will you11161commit to ensuring contractors deliver technical data rights to your11162service or component when their contract requires or allows it?11163 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I commit to understanding the obstacles11164defense program personnel are facing in enforcing data rights already11165negotiated in contracts and review the existing processes and11166procedures for remedy.1116711168 129. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if you are confirmed, will you11169commit to conducting an assessment of the cost of not having the right-11170to-repair/technical data rights for your service's or component's11171equipment, the results of which you would make public for review by11172Congress and the Department of Government Efficiency?11173 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will review the Department's current11174policies and practices regarding right-to-repair and technical data11175rights under acquisition contracts and work with Congress toward11176balancing the need to control costs and enhance competition while11177promoting a healthy defense industrial base to support the warfighter.11178 acquisition reform11179 130. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, the FORGED Act calls for numerous11180reforms to the defense acquisition system. Included in these reforms,11181is the repeal of the roles and responsibilities of the Under Secretary11182of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, as well as the Service11183Acquisition Executives (Sec. 101(a)(7)). Do you support this change?11184 Mr. Duffey. I agree with and support many of the reforms proposals11185within the FORGED Act. If confirmed, I look forward to assessing the11186impacts of all provisions of the proposed legislation on the11187Department's ability to accelerate acquisition and will work closely11188with the SAEs and this committee to address these proposed reforms and11189to offer my recommendations on any statute changes.1119011191 131. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if this legislation were enacted,11192what impact would it have on your ability to serve as the Under11193Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment without clear11194statutory direction regarding your roles and responsibilities?11195 Mr. Duffey. I agree with and support many of the reform proposals11196within the FORGED Act. If confirmed, I look forward to assessing the11197impacts of all provisions of the proposed legislation on the11198Department's ability to accelerate acquisition and will work closely11199with the SAEs and this committee to address these proposed reforms and11200to offer my recommendations on any statute changes.1120111202 132. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, what is your understanding of the11203Procurement Integrity Act and your obligations under that law?11204 Mr. Duffey. My understanding of the Procurement Integrity Act is11205that, as a government official, I am obligated to protect competitive11206source selection information from unauthorized disclosure. Safeguarding11207this sensitive information is essential to maintaining the integrity of11208the procurement process and ensures all prospective contractors have11209the fair opportunity to compete for Federal contracts. I understand the11210Procurement Integrity Act also restricts former Government officials11211from accepting compensation from contractors under certain conditions.1121211213 133. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, do you believe that it is11214important to be able to assess accurate cost and pricing data from11215contractors, especially for sole-or single-source contracts?11216 Mr. Duffey. I believe that competition is the preferred way to11217obtain fair and reasonable pricing. In instances where competition is11218not available, the Truthful Cost and Pricing Data Act provides access11219to information that places the Government and the contractor on an11220equal footing as it relates to facts that could significantly affect11221the negotiation of contract price. If confirmed, I will work with11222Department stakeholders and the acquisition workforce to ensure the11223Department has access to accurate cost and pricing data as required by11224law.1122511226 134. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, how do you plan to obtain cost and11227pricing data from contractors to determine that the cost of DOD11228contracts is fair and reasonable?11229 Mr. Duffey. As long as existing statutory requirement for cost and11230pricing data remains in place, the Government has authority to obtain11231certified cost and pricing data from contractors unless an exception11232applies. A notable exception to the Truthful Cost and Pricing Data Act11233is competition, which will always be my preference, and I will11234encourage competition to the maximum extent I can.1123511236 135. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, how do you plan to do so in cases11237where contractors refuse or claim they are unable to turn over this11238data?11239 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I look forward to working with our11240contracting and acquisition subject matter experts to understand and,11241where necessary, apply the tools and authorities at our disposal to11242ensure contractor compliance with legal and contractual requirements.1124311244 136. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if you are confirmed, what steps11245will you take to ensure that contractors are not price gouging or11246overcharging DOD?11247 Mr. Duffey. It is my understanding the Department takes a proactive11248approach to safeguarding against price gouging through several11249initiatives, including fostering competition, obtaining and analyzing11250data in sole source situations, and working with the Congress on11251legislative initiatives. When circumstances warrant, it is my11252understanding that the Department also uses reverse engineering to seek11253new sources and obtain the benefits of competition. If confirmed, I11254will work to review and, where beneficial to the Department, expand our11255efforts in these areas.1125611257 137. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if you are confirmed will you11258commit to seeking refunds from contractors and companies that11259overcharge DOD?11260 Mr. Duffey. Yes. I am committed to sound financial management of11261the resources authorized and appropriated to the Department of Defense,11262to include seeking refunds when funds are otherwise not recoverable11263through the terms and conditions of the contract.1126411265 138. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if so, how do you plan to do so?11266 Mr. Duffey. It is my understanding that the Department has11267established guidance for the workforce to seek voluntary refunds from11268contractors when overpayments or otherwise inappropriate payments are11269not recoverable through the terms and conditions of the contract. If11270confirmed, I will support our contracting officers in instances where11271voluntary refunds are the most appropriate tool for recovering funds in11272defense of the taxpayer.1127311274 139. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, do you believe there is excessive11275consolidation in the defense industry?11276 Mr. Duffey. I am concerned that there has been significant11277consolidation in the defense industry over the past few decades that11278restrict competition.1127911280 140. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if so, what do you believe to be11281the ramifications of that consolidation?11282 Mr. Duffey. In my view, the ramifications of consolidation include11283reduced competition (which can mean higher prices), less innovation,11284and a lack of incentive to improve efficiencies. Additionally,11285consolidation can lead to supply chain issues as only a small number of11286organizations maintain all the supply chains needed to maintain the11287DIB. To increase innovation and burden sharing, we need to explore11288options to expand capability and capacity across both traditional and11289non-traditional vendors.1129011291 141. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if you are confirmed, how will you11292support competition in the defense industry?11293 Mr. Duffey. I believe that the Department must prioritize fostering11294a competitive defense industrial base. Competition is crucial for11295innovation, affordability, resilience, and our ability to produce11296critical capabilities at speed and scale. If confirmed, I believe we11297should work to incentivize private sector investments to increase11298production capacity from existing vendors and new entrants. We can11299leverage existing tools such as SBIR/STTR programs and authorities like11300OTAs and other streamlined acquisition processes, and consider11301expanding them to reach a wider range of innovators, streamline11302regulations and provide more accessible information about defense11303needs. Addressing barriers to entry for smaller businesses, promoting11304open architectures, and investing in workforce development will ensure11305we have a robust industrial base with the skilled workforce necessary11306to support the warfighter's needs.1130711308 142. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, what do you understand to be the11309role of independent cost estimates in the acquisition process?11310 Mr. Duffey. Independent Cost Estimates (ICE) are an important tool11311for planning, budgeting, market research, program baseline and should11312cost analyses, cost realism in competitive acquisitions, and many other11313activities throughout the lifecycle of the program. They can also be11314useful in comparing sole source proposals to what the Government11315expected to pay based upon independent data sources.1131611317 143. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, how should DOD establish program11318schedules and milestones?11319 Mr. Duffey. Program schedules and milestones will be unique to each11320acquisition programs. If confirmed, I will ensure the acquisition11321workforce has the training and experience needed to determine the best11322and most appropriate acquisition approach for programs, as well as11323robust technical planning and credible baselines. Additionally, I will11324work with the SAEs to ensure programs are moving at speed and scale so11325warfighters have the capabilities they need to deter conflict and11326defeat our adversaries.1132711328 144. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, would it be appropriate for DOD to11329establish program schedules to achieve partisan electoral outcomes?11330 Mr. Duffey. The DOD should align acquisition program schedules to11331prioritize the rapid delivery and sustainment of preeminent11332capabilities to support our warfighters and promote our national11333security interests at home and abroad.1133411335 145. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, should DOD acquisition decisions11336be influenced by partisan political activities?11337 Mr. Duffey. The acquisition program decisions must prioritize the11338rapid delivery and sustainment of preeminent capabilities to support11339our warfighters and promote our national security interests at home and11340abroad.1134111342 146. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, should DOD acquisition decisions11343be influenced by individuals with conflicts of interest that involve11344DOD?11345 Mr. Duffey. DOD acquisition program decisions must prioritize the11346rapid delivery and sustainment of preeminent capabilities to support11347our warfighters and promote our national security interests at home and11348abroad.11349 research and development11350 147. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, does DOD benefit from partnering11351with colleges, universities, nonprofits, and federally funded research11352and development centers?11353 Mr. Duffey. Partnerships with academic institutions, nonprofits,11354and federally Funded Research and Development Centers provide the11355Department with access to cutting-edge research, innovative11356technologies, and subject matter expertise. These partnerships provide11357vital research, innovation, and expertise that strengthen DOD11358capabilities and acquisition strategies. If confirmed, I will partner11359with these institutions to support the innovation needs of the A&S11360community and the Department as a whole.1136111362 148. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, under your leadership, will DOD11363continue to work with colleges, universities, nonprofits, and federally11364funded research and development centers to research and address our11365toughest national security challenges?11366 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I am committed to continuing these11367partnerships to drive innovation and ensure our technological edge.11368These institutions have played a critical role in helping us develop11369emerging technologies, improve acquisition methodologies, and address11370strategic threats. I am committed to leveraging all partnerships,11371including these key organizations, to accelerate innovation and ensure11372we deliver the best capabilities to our warfighters.1137311374 149. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, on March 20, 2025, DOD announced11375it was terminating $360 million in grants. What is your understanding11376of DOD's criteria for canceling grants?11377 Mr. Duffey. I understand the Department is reinvesting in critical11378mission needs through the review of identified programs, contracts, and11379grants. If confirmed, I will work with Department leadership to11380determine any potential impact to the acquisition and sustainment11381community.1138211383 150. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, what should DOD's criteria for11384canceling grants be?11385 Mr. Duffey. I understand Secretary Hegseth's desire to to focus11386Department spending on mission critical needs. If confirmed, I will11387work closely with the USD(R&E) to better understand the existing11388criteria for canceling grants, identify opportunities for change, and11389promote transparent and justifiable outcomes.1139011391 151. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, who should be involved in11392decisions to cancel DOD grants?11393 Mr. Duffey. Decisions to cancel DOD grants are complex and should11394involve key stakeholders and the General Counsel to ensure legal11395compliance and fair, transparent, and justifiable outcomes. If11396confirmed, I will work with the relevant Department stakeholders to11397determine impact to the OUSD(A&S).1139811399 152. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, does DOD invest enough in research11400and development?11401 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I commit to working with Secretary11402Hegseth, the Comptroller and the Under Secretary of Defense for11403Research & Engineering to recommend the President's budget include a11404sufficient investment in research and development.1140511406 153. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, do defense contractors invest11407enough in research and development?11408 Mr. Duffey. While defense contractors make significant R&D11409investments, fostering a collaborative environment between government,11410industry, and academia is crucial to ensure sufficient investment11411aligned with long-term national security needs. Current contractor R&D11412efforts demonstrate strengths in certain areas, but opportunities exist11413for improvement and strategic redirection to address emerging threats11414and technological gaps.1141511416 154. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, what should DOD's top research and11417development priorities be?11418 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will partner with the Under Secretary11419of Defense for Research and Engineering to shape and prioritize the11420Department's research and development investments, balancing near-term11421needs with long-term vision and focusing on both disruptive innovation11422and the maturation of critical existing technologies.11423 ukraine aid11424 155. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, when did you first learn, during11425President Trump's first term, that he wanted to freeze aid to Ukraine?11426 Mr. Duffey. June 19th, 20191142711428 156. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, when did you first learn that11429President Trump wished to withhold this aid in order to pressure11430Ukraine into investigating President Biden and his son?11431 Mr. Duffey. This was not communicated to me.1143211433 157. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, in what manner did you learn this11434information? Please include any details on whom you learned this11435information from as well as whether this was during a verbal11436conversation, phone call, email, or otherwise.11437 Mr. Duffey. Not applicable.1143811439 158. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, did you instruct an OMB official11440on July 25 to insert ``a footnote into the budget document that11441prohibited the Pentagon from spending any of the aid until Aug. 5''?11442 Mr. Duffey. I do not recall the precise details or timing, but I11443did direct the footnote to withhold the Ukraine Security Assistance11444Initiative funding.1144511446 159. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, why did the Trump administration11447take the ``very unusual step'' of removing the career OMB official's11448authority to oversee the aid freeze?11449 Mr. Duffey. It is the discretion of the President and the Director11450to delegate the apportionment authority to the official he or she sees11451fit.1145211453 160. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, why did you decide to freeze this11454aid, despite concerns that this would violate the ICA?11455 Mr. Duffey. All funds were spent and the programmatic delay caused11456by the hold did not violate the ICA.1145711458 161. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, please provide unredacted copies11459of any emails, correspondence, or other materials related to the11460freezing of aid to Ukraine.11461 mr. duffey. those materials are not in my possession.1146211463 162. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, have you been approached by any11464Russians, or any other foreign countries, including for business11465opportunities, since 2016?11466 Mr. Duffey. No.1146711468 163. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, please disclose any foreign11469contacts you have had since 2016.11470 Mr. Duffey. My foreign contacts are listed, as required, on my SF-1147186.1147211473 164. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, when do you think it is11474appropriate to not spend money that is authorized or appropriated by11475Congress?11476 Mr. Duffey. The executive branch is tasked with executing11477congressional direction in the most efficient way possible.1147811479 165. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, as a political appointee, what do11480you understand your role to be in seeking and listening to the advice11481of career civil servants?11482 Mr. Duffey. Career civil servants provide continuity and technical11483expertise in advising political appointees.1148411485 166. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if you are confirmed as USD(A&S),11486do you commit to enacting the laws set by Congress?11487 Mr. Duffey. I do.1148811489 167. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, if you are confirmed as USD(A&S),11490do you commit to upholding and following the Constitution, including11491ensuring that the President must ``take care that the laws be11492faithfully executed''?11493 Mr. Duffey. I do.1149411495 168. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, what is your understanding of the11496authority of lawmaking power that the Constitution vests to Congress?11497 Mr. Duffey. The Constitution vests the Congress with power to make11498all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into11499Execution all Powers vested by the Constitution.11500 protecting classified information and federal records11501 169. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, what is your understanding of the11502need to protect operational security, or OPSEC?11503 Mr. Duffey. Operational Security is practiced to deny adversaries11504the opportunity for an advantage over U.S. forces. Proper OPSEC11505protects critical information and the mission and the men and women11506executing it.1150711508 170. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, what are the national security11509risks of improperly disclosing classified information?11510 Mr. Duffey. It is generally accepted that the improper or11511unauthorized disclosure of classified information could be expected to11512cause identifiable or describable damage to national security. The11513describable damage and certainty of that damage would depend on the11514details of the information released, including the level of11515classification, as well as the extent and nature of the disclosure.11516Determining the extent of damage to national security is part of the11517unauthorized disclosure process as outlined in DOD policy, and I would11518defer to the Department for additional specifics.1151911520 171. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, is it your opinion that11521information about imminent military targets is generally sensitive11522information that needs to be protected?11523 Mr. Duffey. The Department has robust policies and processes11524dedicated to determining the sensitivity of information related to11525military targets. If confirmed, I will ensure that myself and those11526under my organizational control will adhere to those processes and11527standards.1152811529 172. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, what would you do if you learned11530an official had improperly disclosed classified information?11531 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I would report any such incident, or11532suspected incident, to the appropriate security office.1153311534 173. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, what is your understanding of11535Government officials' duties under the Federal Records Act?11536 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will adhere to the Federal Records Act11537and the applicable DOD policies that implement it, which ensure that11538the Federal records I create or receive are appropriately maintained.1153911540 174. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, should classified information be11541shared on unclassified commercial systems?11542 Mr. Duffey. As per the DOD's Information Security Program, only11543computers and IT systems approved and accredited for Classified11544National Security Information may be used for classified11545communications.1154611547 175. Senator Warren. Mr. Duffey, is it damaging to national11548security if the pilots flying a mission find out that the official who11549ordered them to perform that mission shared sensitive information that11550could have made it more likely that the mission would fail or they11551would be killed?11552 Mr. Duffey. The Department of Defense places the utmost importance11553on mission success and the safety of the men and women carrying out the11554mission, making it the finest fighting force in the world. If11555confirmed, I will endeavor to carry on that tradition of excellence11556supporting the men and women of the armed forces in my role as the11557USD(A&S).1155811559 176. Mr. Duffey, if you had information about the status of11560specific targets, weapons being used, and timing for imminent U.S.11561strikes against an adversary, under what circumstances would you feel11562comfortable receiving or sharing that information on an unclassified11563commercial application like Signal?11564 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I commit to adhering to the information11565security policies of the Department of Defense.11566 __________11567 Questions Submitted by Senator Mark Kelly11568 innovation and modernization efforts11569 177. Senator Kelly. Mr. Duffey, the People's Republic of China11570(PRC) is our pacing threat, they've made incredible technological leaps11571in hypersonic capabilities. While the Department has made progress, it11572is lagging behind, and this is just one example of PRC technological11573investment. We face delays and program management problems across the11574Department. What steps will you take to ensure the Department maintains11575technological overmatch?11576 Mr. Duffey. Streamlining acquisition program timelines and11577utilizing existing flexible procurement authorities is critical to11578accelerate development. The faster we can test, deploy, and scale11579production of critical technologies, the more rapidly we will restore11580our technological advantage. If confirmed, I will work with the Under11581Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering and the Military11582Departments to prioritize these investments and ensure our continued11583overmatch.1158411585 178. Senator Kelly. Mr. Duffey, how will you direct the Department11586to foster innovation across broad ecosystems to deliver new technology11587to the field and present rapidly deployable technological solutions?11588 Mr. Duffey. Streamlining acquisition program timelines and11589utilizing existing flexible procurement authorities is critical to11590foster innovation and accelerate development. The faster we can test,11591deploy, and scale production of critical technologies, the more rapidly11592we will restore our technological advantage. If confirmed, I will work11593with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering, the11594Defense Innovation Unit, and the Military Departments to prioritize11595these investments and ensure our continued overmatch.11596 domestic production of critical minerals11597 179. Senator Kelly. Mr. Duffey, despite cobalt playing an essential11598role in critical defense technologies, the United States does not11599process cobalt domestically at a commercial scale. The United States11600imports nearly 100 percent of our cobalt sulfate and cobalt metal11601requirements, leaving the U.S. cobalt supply chain vulnerable.11602Meanwhile, China produces more than 70 percent of the world's refined11603cobalt. It is important that the Department of Defense bolster efforts11604to substantially domesticate and expeditiously de-risk our critical11605mineral supply chain from China. To that end, given the national11606security importance of building a domestic critical mineral supply11607chain, can I get your commitment that, if confirmed as the Under11608Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment, you will work to11609support American cobalt processing companies?11610 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will review our supply chain11611vulnerabilities am committed to working across the government to11612bolster domestic critical mineral production, including cobalt, where11613needed to reduce our reliance on foreign sources and strengthen11614national security.1161511616 180. Senator Kelly. Mr. Duffey, additionally, on March 20, 2025,11617President Trump released an Executive Order entitled ``Immediate11618Measures to Increase American Mineral Production''. However, due to an11619Executive Order on March 14, 2025, rescinding multiple Defense11620Production Act Presidential Determinations, many pending Defense11621Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) grants are on hold until further11622notice, leaving in limbo all previously recommended awards for U.S.11623critical mineral projects, including those for cobalt. Can I get your11624commitment that, if confirmed, you will support reinstating the DIBC11625awards for Critical Mineral Projects in the United States, or support11626their expedited consideration for new programs?11627 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will assess the impact of the rescinded11628Presidential Determinations on DIBC grants for critical mineral11629projects and determine the appropriate next steps to support domestic11630critical mineral capabilities.11631 semiconductor innovation and integration into department of defense's11632 acquisition and sustainment systems11633 181. Senator Kelly. Mr. Duffey, as you both know, DOD has struggled11634to utilize commercial leading-edge semiconductors in DOD acquisition11635programs because the pace of innovation moves faster than our11636procurement process. In recent years, and with the support of this11637Committee, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has11638carried out several programs to address this program, including the11639Rapid Assured Microelectronics Prototypes--Commercial (RAMP-C) program,11640the State-of-the-Art Heterogeneous Integrated Packaging (SHIP) program,11641and the Joint University Microelectronics Program (JUMP). How would you11642access the success of these programs?11643 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I look forward to working across the DOD11644and with other agencies to review and assess the successes of RAMP-C,11645SHIP, and JUMP, specifically focusing on RAMP-C's rapid prototyping of11646secure microelectronics, SHIP's advancements in heterogeneous11647integration for more powerful chips, and JUMP's fostering of11648university-government research collaborations. I commit to supporting11649these programs where they can directly improve our ability to11650accelerate adoption of advanced microelectronics into our weapon11651systems.1165211653 182. Senator Kelly. Mr. Duffey, what are the next steps R&E and11654DARPA should be taking to buildupon the success of these research and11655development programs and integrate their funding into DOD procurement11656processes?11657 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I will work with the USD(R&E) to assess11658the progress of these R&D programs and identify ways to transition11659successful technologies into fielding state-of-the-art semiconductors11660that support critical warfighting platforms.1166111662 183. Senator Kelly. Mr. Duffey, what lessons should A&S learn from11663R&E's work to find ways to integrate leading-edge commercial11664microelectronics at scale into DOD programs of record?11665 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I look forward to working closely with11666R&E to identify best practices and lessons learned from their efforts11667to integrate leading-edge commercial microelectronics into programs of11668record.1166911670 184. Senator Kelly. Mr. Duffey, how will you ensure A&S works11671closely with commercial partners in the semiconductor industry to11672ensure leading-edge microchips can be integrated into DOD's acquisition11673process, while maintaining appropriate safeguards?11674 Mr. Duffey. If confirmed, I look forward to building strong,11675collaborative partnerships with commercial semiconductor companies and11676exploring opportunities for streamlining the secure integration of11677leading-edge microchips into DOD programs.11678 ______1167911680 [The nomination reference of Mr. Michael P. Duffey11681follows:]11682[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]11683 ______1168411685 [The biographical sketch of Mr. Michael P. Duffey, which11686was transmitted to the Committee at the time the nomination was11687referred, follows:]11688[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]11689 ______1169011691 [The Committee on Armed Services requires all individuals11692nominated from civilian life by the President to positions11693requiring the advice and consent of the Senate to complete a11694form that details the biographical, financial, and other11695information of the nominee. The form executed by Mr. Michael P.11696Duffey in connection with his nomination follows:]11697[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]11698 ______1169911700 [The nominee responded to Parts B-F of the committee11701questionnaire. The text of the questionnaire is set forth in11702the Appendix to this volume. The nominee's answers to Parts B-F11703are contained in the committee's executive files.]11704 ------1170511706 [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]1170711708 ------1170911710 [The nomination of Mr. Michael P. Duffey was reported to11711the Senate by Chairman Wicker on April 8, 2025, with the11712recommendation that the nomination be confirmed. The nomination11713was confirmed by the Senate on June 3, 2025.]11714 ------1171511716 [Prepared questions submitted to Mr. Emil Michael by11717Chairman Wicker prior to the hearing with answers supplied11718follow:]1171911720 Questions and Responses11721 duties and qualifications11722 Question. Section 133a of title 10, U.S. Code, provides that the11723Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E))11724shall be appointed from civilian life from among persons who have an11725extensive technology, science, or engineering background and experience11726with managing complex or advanced technological programs.11727 What is your understanding of the duties and functions of the Under11728Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering?11729 Answer. The Under Secretary serves as the Principal Staff Assistant11730(PSA) and advisor to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense for11731all matters regarding the Department of Defense (DOD) Research and11732Engineering (R&E) Enterprise, technology development, technology11733transition, developmental prototyping, experimentation, and11734developmental testing activities and programs, and, most importantly,11735unifying defense R&E efforts across DOD.11736 From many of the duties assigned, chief among them is that the11737Under Secretary serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of DOD11738with the mission of advancing technological innovation. The CTO11739provides technical leadership and oversight, establishes strategic11740priorities, issues guidance, and acts as the senior responsible11741official for the supervision of all programs and activities pertaining11742to the R&E Enterprise across DOD. The USD(R&E) also establishes11743policies and strategic technical guidance to ensure that all programs11744receive an objective viewpoint as to their technical feasibility and11745the tradeoffs among different technology approaches and leads defense11746research, engineering, developmental prototyping and experimentation,11747developmental test and evaluation, and microelectronics activities11748across DOD Components.11749 Question. What background and experience do you possess that11750qualify you to perform these duties?11751 Answer. If confirmed, I would bring my decades of leadership across11752many different technology businesses and management of large and11753complex organizations, including my time Chief Business Officer at11754Uber, to ensure that the United States has the most technologically11755sophisticated and affordable arsenal of defense systems in the history11756of the world. I have been involved with over fifty different technology11757companies during my career and have learned the hard tradeoffs that11758have to be made to bring new ideas to fruition based on advancements in11759state-of-the-art innovations.11760 conflicts of interest11761 Question. Federal ethics laws, to include 18 U.S.C. Sec. 208,11762prohibit government employees from participating in matters where they,11763or certain family members or organizations with which they have certain11764relationships, have a financial interest.11765 Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to disclose any11766potential conflicts of interest, including investments, business ties,11767family relationships, or other connections that could be perceived as11768influencing your decisionmaking?11769 Answer. Yes, I agree.11770 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, that11771if a conflict of interest arises, you will recuse yourself from11772participating in any relevant decisions regarding that specific matter?11773 Answer. I will comply with all recusal requirements under 18 U.S.C.11774Sec. 208.11775 Question. Do you commit, without qualification, if confirmed, to11776decisionmaking on the merits and exclusively in the public interest,11777without regard to private gain or personal benefit?11778 Answer. Yes, I agree.11779 relationships11780 Question. Please describe your understanding of the relationships11781and areas of collaboration between the USD(R&E) and the following11782officials and organizations:11783 The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment11784 Answer. Prior to 2017, the duties and roles of the USD(R&E) and the11785Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (USD(A&S))11786were combined under the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition,11787Technology, and Logistics. While the present organizational structure11788charges two Under Secretaries with important missions independent of11789one another, the two offices must work closely together to ensure that11790DOD is able to rapidly insert the latest technologies into the next11791generation of weapons systems while ensuring that the projects are11792feasible, and the timelines and costs are predictable. If confirmed, I11793am committed to working in close collaboration with USD(A&S) to ensure11794that DOD makes real progress on all of its priorities.11795 Question. The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy11796 Answer. The USD(R&E) supports policy development in multiple11797spheres, including on matters of missile defense; for joint research11798and engineering programs with our Allies; for program and technology11799protection plans in consultation with the Defense Technology Security11800Administration (DTSA); and in the development of the roadmaps for the11801critical technology areas, which need to be informed by various policy11802and strategy directorates. If confirmed, I am committed to working11803closely with the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy to ensure we11804maintain and expand collaborative relationships across the two11805organizations.11806 Question. The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and11807Readiness11808 Answer. Critical to the Department's success in developing11809technology superiority is building a culture of innovation in its11810people. The USD(R&E) and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel11811and Readiness (USD(P&R)) must work closely together to make sure that11812DOD makes the best use of its hiring flexibilities and is recruiting a11813workforce that is ready to implement the Secretary's priorities of11814restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding our military, and11815reestablishing deterrence. In particular, the recruitment and retention11816of research and engineering talent in a world of increasing private11817sector options is a key priority I intend to work on closely with the11818USD (P&R).11819 Question. The Director of Operational Test and Evaluation11820 Answer. Under the USD(R&E) resides the responsibility for11821developmental test oversight and policy, as well as the Test Resource11822Management Center which oversees the test capability development and11823test capacity of the entire test and evaluation (T&E) ecosystem of the11824Department. If confirmed, I would work with the Director of Operational11825Test and Evaluation to enhance the effectiveness, suitability, and11826survivability of DOD systems. I would communicate frequently with the11827Director to discuss strategic T&E policy and review the status of11828current collaboration efforts. There is a lot that can be done in11829collaboration between the USD(R&E) and the Director of Operational Test11830and Evaluation to smooth and speed up the transition of weapon systems11831from developmental testing to operational testing. If confirmed, I11832would look forward to strengthening our T&E ecosystem alongside the11833Director of Operational Test and Evaluation.11834 Question. The Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency11835 Answer. The USD(R&E) works closely through the Under Secretary of11836Defense for Intelligence and Security (USD(I&S)) to communicate the11837intelligence needs of the DOD R&E Enterprise to the Director of the11838Defense Intelligence Agency, and also to the wider Intelligence11839Community, in order to make informed technology development decisions.11840As our adversaries have greater capability to intrude in our systems11841and in our work product, collaboration with the USD (I&S) is vital to11842the retaining the value we are creating across the R&E Enterprise.11843 Question. The Director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects11844Agency (DARPA)11845 Answer. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is a11846Defense Agency under the authority, direction, and control of the11847USD(R&E). I am committed to ensuring that DAPRA, one of the crown11848jewels of DOD, continues to have the support it needs to conduct the11849breakthrough research, but that it also is focused on missions that11850most align with a rapidly changing world and is a beacon of excellence11851within the R&E Enterprise.11852 Question. The Director of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)11853 Answer. The Director, DIU, is now a PSA to the Secretary and has a11854mandate for accelerating the adoption of commercial technology11855throughout the DOD. Until recently, the Director, DIU, directly11856reported to the USD(R&E). As such, I understand the working11857relationships between the DIU and the Office of the USD(R&E) are11858collaborative and, if confirmed, I would strive to continue this11859constructive collaboration to ensure that relevant technologies,11860whether commercially or government derived, can successfully transition11861from research and development, to prototype, to fielded into the hands11862of our warfighters.11863 Question. The Director of the Office of Strategic Capital (OSC)11864 Answer. The Director of the Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) is a11865direct report to the USD(R&E). OSC develops and implements strategies11866and partnerships to accelerate and scale private investment in critical11867technologies needed for national security with new tools for the11868Department through Federal financing. While there are currently many11869Federal financing programs across the Government, before the OSC none11870existed to address technology investment shortfall issues at DOD. OSC11871works within the Federal Government to ensure that DOD leverages U.S.11872advantages in private capital markets to achieve national security11873priorities. I will do everything possible to support and, potentially11874expand, the mission of the Director of OSC.11875 Question. The Director of the Defense Microelectronics Activity11876 Answer. The Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA) is critical,11877organizational element of the Department providing reliable11878microelectronics products and solutions to DOD. The DMEA was part of11879OUSD(R&E) until January 2021, when DMEA was transferred and placed11880under the authority, direction, and control of the USD(A&S). If11881confirmed, I will work closely with the USD(A&S) and the Director of11882the DMEA to co-develop and expand assurance techniques for11883microelectronics and to collaboratively ensure DMEA's role in the11884Department's organic manufacturing industrial base is aligned to both11885sustainment and research objectives.11886 Question. The Administrator of the Defense Technical Information11887Center11888 Answer. The Administrator of the Defense Technical Information11889Center (DTIC) is a direct report to the USD(R&E). On behalf of11890OUSD(R&E), the DTIC administers science and technology (S&T) policy,11891captures the results of research into a central repository of11892knowledge, and delivers that knowledge to the community. DTIC reaches11893across Military Service and Defense Agency silos to connect people and11894activities. On behalf of the OUSD(R&E), DTIC operates information11895analysis centers that manage research and development contracts11896supporting research and analysis services to DOD. If confirmed, would11897look for opportunities to increase the value that DTIC could provide to11898DOD.11899 Question. The Director of the Test Resource Management Center11900 Answer. The Director of the Test Resource Management Center (TRMC)11901is a direct report to the USD(R&E). The TRMC is charged with oversight11902of the Department's testing and range facilities, as well as certifying11903the sufficiency of DOD Components' budgeted investments in test11904infrastructure, maintenance, and upgrades. If confirmed, I look forward11905to providing direction to ensure the TRMC is able to accomplish its11906departmental roles and responsibilities supporting DOD needs.11907 Question. The Director of the Chief Digital and Artificial11908Intelligence Office11909 Answer. Trusted artificial intelligence and autonomy (TAI&A) is one11910of the DOD Critical Technology Areas under the OUSD(R&E). Therefore,11911the Director of the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office11912(CDAO) and the USD(R&E) should work closely on areas of overlapping11913interest, to ensure deconfliction of efforts, and to take mutually11914reinforcing positions.11915 Question. The Director of the Defense Digital Service11916 Answer. The Defense Digital Service (DDS), now under the Director,11917CDAO, offers a software engineering and a product management approach11918to solving problems across DOD. If confirmed, I would seek to leverage11919the expertise the DDS offers to further advance the modernization11920priorities of Department.11921 Question. The Director of the Space Development Agency11922 Answer. The Director of the Space Development Agency (SDA) is11923developing critical space architecture that will support missile11924defense capabilities; therefore, the SDA and the OUSD(R&E) should have11925a collaborative relationship that ensures interoperability between all11926phases of the missile defense kill chain.11927 Question. The Director of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA)11928 Answer. The Director of MDA is a direct report to the USD(R&E).11929Areas of collaboration include a heavy emphasis on advanced11930capabilities to include directed energy, hypersonic defense and various11931special access programs. Additionally, the USD(R&E) chairs the Missile11932Defense Executive Board.11933 Question. The Service Acquisition Executives11934 Answer. Service Acquisition Executives lead development,11935procurement, and fielding of materiel solutions for the Military11936Services. The USD(R&E), through their relationships with the Joint11937Staff and Combatant Commands, can align technology development to joint11938requirements to inform S&T and prototyping investments. Portfolio leads11939from the Critical Technology Areas also work across the Military11940Services with the Service Acquisition Executives to support transition11941of critical technologies from the respective roadmaps. The USD(R&E)11942must continue to work closely with the Military Services to integrate11943roadmaps and leverage prototyping and experimentation investments for11944joint applications.11945 Question. The Service Science and Technology Executives11946 Answer. The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science &11947Technology, who reports directly to the USD(R&E), chairs the S&T11948Executive Committee composed of the S&T Executives from the Military11949Services and Defense Agencies with equity in the S&T Enterprise. This11950committee provides a forum to unify and coordinate S&T strategies,11951budgets, and execution decisions. In coordination with the Military11952Services' and Defense Agencies' S&T Executives via the S&T Executive11953Committee, the OUSD(R&E) oversees, coordinates, and aligns investments11954to maximize the Department's resources, avoid unnecessary duplication,11955and create the future capabilities required by the Nation.11956 Question. The Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC)11957 Answer. The USD(R&E) serves as a Statutory Advisor to the JROC. I11958understand that in this role the USD(R&E) advises the Joint Staff on11959the status of technology development to shape requirements development11960(e.g., capability portfolio management review) and to conduct mission11961analysis to provide oversight to relevant working groups. Additionally,11962the Joint Staff and the USD(R&E) partner to operationalize the Joint11963Warfighting Concept through multi-year experimentation campaigns. If11964confirmed, I would seek to continue these important avenues of11965collaboration and ensure that the viewpoint of the CTO on the11966feasibility of requirements is represented.11967 Question. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States11968 Answer. It is my understanding that the USD(R&E) provides expert11969technical subject matter expertise, especially on critical technology11970areas, in support of the Under Secretary for Acquisition and11971Sustainment (USD(A&S)), who represents the Secretary before the11972Committee in the review of foreign investments for national security11973considerations. If confirmed, I will ensure my organization continues11974to provide this objective and timely expert technical advice associated11975with each foreign investment related to U.S. critical technology,11976defense critical infrastructure, and sensitive data, and the11977corresponding risk to national security and U.S. technological11978advantage.11979 Question. The Defense Science Board (DSB)11980 Answer. The Defense Science Board (DSB) is a Federal Advisory11981Committee tasked with providing independent advice and recommendations11982on matters supporting the DOD's scientific and technical enterprise.11983The DSB is supported through the OUSD(R&E), which helps ensure11984compliance with the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act,11985``the Sunshine Act,'' and DOD policies and procedures. The DSB focuses11986on specific tasks in response to the USD(R&E) or from the Secretary of11987Defense and is an extremely valuable source of independent advice for11988the Department. If confirmed I will fully support DSB as it engages its11989important mission.11990 Question. The Defense Innovation Board11991 Answer. The Defense Innovation Board (DIB), previously under11992OUSD(R&E) and now under DIU, brings together experts from outside the11993government, offering fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that the11994DOD can draw upon. The DIB advises on projects and initiatives related11995to defense innovation and also shares information and best practices to11996promote a more innovative culture within DOD.11997 Question. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers11998 Answer. The USD(R&E) is charged with the oversight of the11999Department's 10 federally Funded Research and Development Centers12000(FFRDCs). I understand the FFRDCs were established to assist DOD in12001meeting long-term strategic needs in engineering, research and12002development, or in other analytic areas essential to the Department's12003mission and operations. If confirmed, I will work to ensure that the12004FFRDCs fully address the most important challenges that DOD faces.12005 Question. The Commanding General of Army Combat Capabilities12006Development Command12007 Answer. The Army Combat Capabilities Development Command executes12008the majority of the Army's S&T enterprise investments, along with the12009Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center and the Space12010and Missile Defense Command Technical Center. If confirmed, I will work12011closely with the Commanding General, Army Combat Capabilities12012Development Command to collaborate on DOD S&T priorities with the Army.12013 Question. The Chief of Naval Research12014 Answer. The Chief of Naval Research is responsible for ensuring the12015Navy's S&T enterprise investments are unified and coordinated to meet12016Navy's capabilities needed for the future. If confirmed, I will work12017closely with the Chief of Naval Research to collaborate on DOD S&T12018priorities with the Navy.12019 Question. The Commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory12020 Answer. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is the primary12021scientific research and development center for the Department of the12022Air Force and the Space Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading12023the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting12024technologies for our air, space, and cyberspace force. AFRL is an12025integral partner with OUSD(R&E) to ensure our military remains at the12026cutting edge of weapons technology. If confirmed I will work closely12027with the Commander of the AFRL to collaborate DOD S&T with Air Force12028S&T.12029 Question. The Director of the White House Office of Science and12030Technology Policy12031 Answer. The USD(R&E) works with the Director of the White House12032Office of Science and Technology Policy on topics of interest to both12033the White House and across the Federal Government. Also, it is my12034understanding that the Office of Science and Technology Policy12035establishes committees to work on issues including science, technology,12036engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and workforce12037development, research security, and other matters as they arise. These12038committees are composed of experts from each of the Federal science12039funding agencies and work on reports and memoranda that advance the12040Administration's scientific agenda.12041 office of the under secretary of defense for research and engineering12042 Question. What is your vision for the Office of the USD(R&E)?12043 Answer. It is critical that the Department innovates more quickly12044and with more efficiency. If confirmed, I would look for opportunities12045to implement, as appropriate, best practices that I've used in the12046private sector to drive innovation at speed and with efficiency12047throughout the organization. I would seek to impact a culture that can12048be overly risk averse. To benefit from an innovative culture, it must12049be understood that there is knowledge to be gained from experimental12050failures and without such failures, the pace of innovation will12051necessarily be slow. I am committed to working with Congress to develop12052newer, higher quality and more efficient systems for the warfighter.12053 Question. If confirmed, what recommendations, if any, would you12054make regarding changes to the organization, management, and resourcing12055of the Office of the USD(R&E) so as better to execute its duties and12056responsibilities?12057 Answer. If confirmed, one of my first actions will be to review the12058organization for how to foster an innovative culture that can move with12059speed while being efficient. I will work to ensure that our priorities12060are aligned with the Administration's policies and that our resources12061have a clear strategy against which to operate. If confirmed, I look12062forward to reviewing the OUSD(R&E)'s budget including its plans for the12063fiscal year 2026 budget submission.12064 Question. Are there other assets, including staffing and resources12065that you believe the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for12066Research and Engineering requires to optimize mission accomplishment?12067 Answer. A thorough review of the staffing and resources within the12068OUSD(R&E) is critical to ensure that the Department is aligned with the12069President's and Secretary Hegseth's national security priorities.12070Before taking decisive actions, I will want to thoroughly examine the12071organization's programs, budget, and authorities and solicit feedback12072from key stakeholders. Undoubtedly, the OUSD(R&E) can play a role in12073speeding up, reducing costs, and improving the performance of the12074innovation ecosystem. As the percentage of any system that is reliant12075on both new software and hardware technologies has increased12076dramatically in the last decade, the need for the OUSD(R&E) to be an12077effective voice on feasibility, cost and fostering an innovation12078ecosystem is more critical than ever.12079 Question. What is your understanding of the role of the USD(R&E) in12080advising and supporting acquisition programs for the Department of12081Defense?12082 Answer. As someone from the business community, I believe I can12083bring a unique perspective. My understanding is that research and12084engineering can play a key role in improving the acquisition outcomes,12085particularly by providing unbiased and deep expertise to identify12086technical risk early on in acquisition programs. Recognizing that we12087are in a competitive race, I would work with my counterparts to12088evaluate whether the value provided by each step in the process is12089sufficient to justify burden on innovators and the cost and schedule12090impacts. If confirmed, I would work closely with my counterparts to12091bring best practices from the private sector and to be relentlessly12092clear-eyed about the tradeoffs that must be made between schedule,12093capability and cost.12094 Question. If confirmed, how would you ensure effective12095collaboration between your office, the Office of the Under Secretary of12096Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, and the Services?12097 Answer. These are critical relationships and in this age of great12098power competition the stakes are too high to get it wrong. The statute12099that established the USD(R&E) gave it the mission of advancing12100technology and innovation, including by supervising technology12101transition. Helping to overcome the so-called valley of death is a core12102statutory responsibility that I am enthusiastic about. If confirmed, I12103will work to ensure that these relationships are functioning12104effectively to drive the innovation ecosystem.12105 major challenges and priorities12106 Question. What are the major challenges that confront the next12107USD(R&E), in your view?12108 Answer. The USD(R&E) plays a key role in revitalizing the defense12109industrial base, creating competition, and building a modern and lethal12110arsenal. As the Department's CTO, the USD(R&E) also helps to secure our12111supply chains, prevent intellectual property theft and cyber-12112intrusions, and develop President Trump's Golden Dome air and missile12113defense system to protect our homeland. Further, the culture of the R&E12114Enterprise must evolve to one that delivers the best capabilities at a12115pace that exceeds that of our adversaries. This must include the12116reduction of duplicative efforts and re-focusing on key priorities that12117are clear and understandable to everyone at DOD.12118 Question. If confirmed, what would you do to address each of these12119challenges?12120 Answer. The challenges of revitalizing the industrial base and12121building a modern and lethal arsenal requires matching the appropriate12122DOD investment or development mechanism to each opportunity. For12123example, the OSC seeks to address industrial base and supply chain12124issues through long-term investments in companies with tremendous up-12125side for DOD, while development and transition tools like prototyping,12126experimentation and the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of12127Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program address the challenge of12128building modern and lethal capabilities while increasing the size of12129the defense industrial base, creating competition and opportunities for12130new and non-traditional defense contractors. Keystone initiatives like12131the President's Golden Dome air and missile defense system will require12132the systems engineers across the Department to collaborate on12133architecture and software, in collaboration with the development and12134acquisition communities.12135 Question. If confirmed, what broad priorities would you establish12136that you believe should be addressed by the USD(R&E)? What12137recommendations would you make regarding those priorities?12138 Answer. Capitalizing on technology leaps that arise once in a12139generation is the key broad priority for the USD(R&E). For example,12140learning how to leverage and safely deploy artificial intelligence12141capabilities to the maximum extent while leveraging private sector12142innovation and investments; ensuring the military fully benefits from12143the revolution of quantum computing; and pioneering novel and advanced12144domestically developed materials. If confirmed, I would assess the12145Department's efforts in these pivotal technologies to ensure the12146Department is able to take the lead over our near-peer adversaries.12147 Question. In your view, what technologies do you consider the12148highest priorities for DOD to develop, based on their ability to12149contribute to the Department's mission in the short-and longer-terms?12150 Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to being briefed on the Global12151Research Watch Programs and on the most recent horizon scans across the12152U.S. and adversaries' technology landscapes to inform my priorities.12153The USD(R&E) must balance addressing short-term capability gaps with12154the need to invest in long-term strategies to meet the missions of the12155future, while being fully informed on the threat perspective and armed12156with the most relevant intelligence reports. Without being read-in at12157the necessary levels, it is difficult to forecast technology priorities12158beyond highlighting artificial intelligence, autonomous systems,12159quantum computing, directed energy, and hypersonic capabilities.12160 Question. If confirmed, how would you connect your technology12161strategies and plans with the efforts of other military services and12162combatant commands?12163 Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about the12164OUSD(R&E)'s technology strategies and fostering strong working12165relationships with the Military Services and the Combatant Commands.12166The relationship between the OUSD(R&E) and the Military Services and12167the Combatant Commands is critical to ensuring that the United States12168maintains a technological advantage over our adversaries and the12169warfighter has the capabilities needed to deter and defeat our12170adversaries. The combatant commands are the first place to understand12171the needs of the warfighter and with the enormous R&E capabilities that12172the Services have, these relationships are key to the success of the12173USD(R&E).12174 Question. What scientific fields do you consider the most important12175for shaping and developing new technologies, concepts, and capabilities12176that will be the most relevant for future warfighting and defense12177missions?12178 Answer. Prior to being briefed on the important work already12179occurring in the S&T and engineering portfolios, I am reticent to name12180a single scientific field as the most critical. As the nominee to be12181the DOD CTO, if confirmed, I would be the champion for every critical12182field across the S&T and engineering enterprise that is contributing to12183rebuilding our military and reestablishing deterrence. However, across12184any of these fields, innovation is the most relevant concept that will12185contribute contributing to our future warfighting and defense missions.12186Central to technological innovation is speed. Innovation does not stop12187at the invention of new weapons and defense systems but also in12188improving them reducing their cost over time. Innovation requires12189leadership that is willing to take bets on things that do not work but12190has the discipline to stop them with haste. Finally, innovation means12191focusing investments in S&T to the concepts that are aligned with our12192Peace through Strength Mission. Time and speed must be driving factors12193in all our decisions, particularly as a sophisticated near-peer, China,12194accelerates their research and engineering at a faster rate due to12195lower labor costs and shortcuts through intellectual property theft.12196 Question. In your view, are there any technology areas that should12197be added or removed from the current list of DOD's modernization12198priorities? If so, please explain your rationale.12199 Answer. It is my understanding that there are currently 14 Critical12200Technology Areas identified by the Department as vital to maintaining12201U.S. national security. If confirmed, I look forward to reviewing the12202work being done in all 14 Critical Technology Areas and ensuring the12203Department's resources are focused on our most critical challenges with12204the right amount of weight behind each area.12205 Question. Based on your experience, are there enduring technology12206areas that might not be considered emerging (for example, energetic12207materials, or corrosion control) that the Department should remain12208focused on as categories outside of the modernization priorities? How12209should the Department make investment decisions to balance the needs12210between these emerging and enduring technology areas?12211 Answer. The DOD should constantly review and update its12212modernization priorities to ensure it is responsive to the needs of the12213warfighter and is addressing critical threats, capabilities, and12214opportunities. For example, outside of the 14 Critical Technology12215Areas, the OUSD(R&E) also focuses on research in munitions; energetics;12216alternative positioning, navigation, and timing capabilities; counter-12217unmanned systems; nuclear modernization; autonomous systems; and12218advanced materials. If confirmed, I will ensure the Department12219allocates its resources in an appropriate manner to address the threats12220from our adversaries.12221 chief technology officer12222 Question. If confirmed as USD(R&E), you would serve as the Chief12223Technology Officer (CTO) of the Department of Defense. What do you12224perceive to be the current role of the CTO of the Department of12225Defense?12226 Answer. From my understanding, the CTO serves as the principal12227advisor to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense for all12228matters regarding advancing technological innovation. The CTO provides12229technical leadership and oversight, establishes strategic priorities,12230issues guidance, and acts as the senior responsible official for the12231supervision of all programs and activities pertaining to the R&E12232Enterprise across DOD.12233 Question. Based on your experience, how do you think this differs12234from a CTO role in industry? Are there aspects that you think should be12235integrated into the USD(R&E) role? Please provide details on your12236response.12237 Answer. I have been fortunate enough to have formative experiences12238in the private sector throughout my career. I am a firm believer that12239bringing best practices from the private sector into the Department is12240a top priority because, if adopted effectively, they will streamline12241operation and allocate resources more appropriately. In industry, the12242CTO role does not advise multiple separate entities and is focused on12243one entity and commonly has all the engineers developing a product in12244their organization. The CTO of DOD advises many different organizations12245with different systems, therefore broad expertise and an understanding12246of how others build things is most critical. The key practice that is12247relevant is that the CTO in private industry makes hard tradeoffs12248consistently. The choice of feasibility, capability and speed is a12249constant decision framework. I believe that the CTO of DOD could bring12250that practice to DOD, and it would drive important culture change.12251 Question. Should the role of the CTO be modified in other ways to12252enhance its effectiveness?12253 Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to reviewing how the role of12254CTO is currently supporting the mission of advancing technology and12255innovation. I look forward to advising Secretary Hegseth on how the CTO12256role can be modified, if necessary, to best support the mission.12257 Question. Given the growing role of information technology and12258software in military capabilities, what do you understand to be the12259differences in roles, responsibilities, and authorities between the DOD12260Chief Information Officer (CIO) and the CTO?12261 Answer. The DOD CIO and the DOD CTO must work closely together. The12262CIO ensures that the department has a solid information technology (IT)12263foundation upon which the CTO can build, while the CTO's insights help12264the CIO anticipate future challenges and strategic opportunities. While12265the two offices focus on seemingly separate efforts, their12266collaboration is key as they are essential for ensuring that DOD can12267effectively leverage the power of information technology and maintain12268its technological edge given the increasing value of data and of12269systems that can interoperate.12270 Question. Do you believe the position of USD(R&E) currently12271possesses adequate authorities to exercise the responsibilities of a12272CTO? Please explain your answer.12273 Answer. If confirmed, one of my first actions will be to review the12274organization. I will work to ensure that our priorities are aligned12275with the Administration's policies and that we have the appropriate12276resources and tools to appropriately address our critical threats.12277OUSD(R&E) authorities will be a part of that review. I look forward to12278working with the Committee to ensure that the Department has the12279appropriate tools to carry out our mission.12280 investment in science and technology12281 Question. If confirmed, what metrics would you use to assess the12282suitability of the portfolio of investments made under the defense12283science and technology (S&T) program, to include the magnitude and12284diversity of the investments?12285 Answer. The Department's S&T investments can and should align to12286key operational challenges and opportunities faced by the Joint Force,12287and if confirmed, I will assess the DOD S&T portfolios to see if the12288research areas are well mapped to address capability shortfalls and12289stay ahead of the threats. Such challenges and opportunities are driven12290both by top-level strategic guidance as well as by direct interaction12291and collaboration with the Military Services, the Combatant Commands,12292Allies, and partners. Science and technology often takes a longer view12293than other investments, addressing future military needs through12294deliberate, targeted investment. Since there is uncertainty about which12295technologies could provide revolutionary capabilities in the future,12296robust S&T investments must ensure our Nation is able to exploit12297emerging technology areas, informing new asymmetric warfighting12298capabilities and reduce risk of technological surprise by potential12299adversaries. An important metric would be comparison in capability to12300our adversaries, but also the degree to which DOD has advanced new12301technologies that don't exist elsewhere and doing so at a predictable12302cost and timeframe.12303 Question. In your view, should the Secretary of Defense's Defense12304Planning Guidance include guidance for the science and technology12305programs of the Military Departments? Please explain your answer.12306 Answer. Yes, maintaining robust investment in S&T is vital to our12307Nation's future security. S&T can be used to rapidly mature advanced12308technology in response to operational need, but it is also the12309foundation of future military concepts. Thus, there should be guidance12310in the Defense Planning Guidance to ensure minimum levels of funding12311for that security.12312 Question. Do you believe that the Defense Planning Guidance should12313include guidance on minimum investment levels for the research and12314testing infrastructure of the Military Departments? Please explain your12315answer.12316 Answer. As noted by Secretary Hegseth, it is President Trump's12317priority to achieve peace through strength. If confirmed, I understand12318it would be my role to make recommendations to the Secretary on the12319budgets for research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E), and12320that would include participating in the development of the Defense12321Planning Guidance (DPG) that influences the budgets of the Military12322Departments. I will work with the requisite stakeholders to ensure the12323Military Department budgets are sufficient to accomplish RDT&E missions12324for the entire DOD.12325 Question. What role should the USD(R&E) play in the detailed12326development and coordination of Military Department and Defense Agency/12327Field Activity S&T investment strategies, programs, and budgets, in12328your view?12329 Answer. The USD(R&E) should play a critical role in the development12330and coordination of S&T investment strategies, programs, and budgets12331for the Military Departments and the Defense Agency/Field Activities12332maximizing return on investments for joint applications.12333 Question. What role should the USD(R&E) play in the development and12334coordination of Military Department research and test infrastructure12335investment strategies, programs, and budgets, in your view?12336 Answer. The USD(R&E) is responsible for ensuring the priorities of12337the President's National Security Strategy and Secretary of Defense's12338National Defense Strategy are reflected in RDT&E strategies, programs,12339and budgets. In general, the USD(R&E) focuses on cross-cutting12340investments that go beyond a single Military Department. The USD(R&E)12341serves as an accelerator to use innovative contracting vehicles and12342relationships with private industry and academia to develop, test, and12343field new capabilities in coordination with the Combatant Commanders.12344 Question. What S&T areas, if any, do you consider underfunded by12345the DOD?12346 Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to reviewing the OUSD(R&E)'s12347budget, including its plans for the fiscal year 2026 budget submission,12348to understand what, if any, S&T areas may need additional funding.12349 Question. In your judgment, will the lack of funding in these areas12350affect the Department's ability to meet the threats of the future?12351Please explain your answer.12352 Answer. In general, the Department should seek to fully fund12353critical S&T areas to meet current and future threats. As mentioned12354above, if, confirmed I would look forward to reviewing the Department's12355S&T budget plans to understand what, if any, S&T areas may need12356additional resources.12357 Question. If confirmed, what factors would you consider in12358assessing whether the Department's S&T investment strategy strikes the12359appropriate balance between funding innovative, disruptive technologies12360and addressing near-term operational needs and military requirements?12361 Answer. Balancing near-term and long-term investments is a12362persistent, multifaceted challenge that demands addressing immediate12363warfighting needs while also maintaining long term technical12364superiority over adversaries. Key to this task is aligning investments12365in critical technology and capabilities with warfighter needs that are12366derived from our national strategy. This involves balancing multiple12367lines of effort, including modernizing existing systems, developing new12368emerging technologies, and ensuring a robust, vibrant national security12369industrial base. Short term investments should include transitioning12370impactful capability to operational use, while long term investments12371should involve higher risk, high reward activities that have the12372potential for revolutionary leaps in capability. An important enabler12373for striking this balance between incremental vs. disruptive progress12374is continual risk assessment and adaptive budget processes to keep pace12375with ever-evolving adversaries. I would coordinate closely with the12376Joint Staff, Combatant Commands, and Services to ensure our investments12377are aligned to Warfighter needs. The Department must also possess12378transparent, effective accounting systems to track spending, such as12379the Transition Tracking Action Group.12380 The Department's S&T activities form the basis of new technology12381components and system capabilities. High fidelity models and wargaming12382can provide insight into the effectiveness of innovative disruptive12383technologies vs. near-term systems to meet operational needs. A12384collective informed decision can then be made to balance near-term12385needs vs the potential of a disruptive capability. In collaboration12386with other elements of the Office of the Secretary of Defense,12387especially the USD(A&S), I will support forming new pathways to get the12388most promising and relevant component technologies into integrating12389prototypes for rapid transition to operating forces while ensuring our12390developmental technologies always have an eye toward the next fight and12391the next challenge.12392 Question. If confirmed, how would you ensure the Department's12393leadership is aware of successful efforts resulting from investments in12394science and technology programs and organizations in supporting defense12395missions?12396 Answer. If confirmed, I will seek opportunities to ensure the12397Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and other senior leaders are made aware of12398successful efforts resulting from S&T investments, including by12399promoting their participation in engagements such as R&E's12400experimentation program. Additionally, I will communicate success12401stories up the chain of command and throughout the senior leadership.12402 Question. In your view, what are the critical legacy technology12403areas where DOD has needs that may not be met by industry or academia12404and we should be maintaining steady, sustaining investments to ensure12405warfighting capability?12406 Answer. This is an important question which is probably best12407answered after I have been fully informed. In my preparation for this12408hearing, I have seen multiple examples of ``dual use'' technologies12409where the Department benefits from the economies of scale and12410performance improvement pace that is driven by demanding civilian12411commercial competition. The Critical Technology Areas have a mix of12412suppliers ranging from existing companies with established commercial12413markets to new companies with yet-to-be established emerging commercial12414markets. Maintaining investments to ensure competitive opportunities to12415those with established commercial markets has the desired effect of12416increasing resilience if a portion of them have U.S.-based supply12417chains. Likewise, maintaining steady investments to ensure competitive12418opportunities to those with emerging commercial markets has the desired12419effect of increasing diversity by adding multiple reliable suppliers12420for DOD to access.12421 basic research12422 Question. Given the continuing nature of basic research and the12423broad implications and applications of discovery-focused and12424innovation-focused sciences, what criteria would you use to measure the12425success of DOD basic research programs and investments, if confirmed?12426 Answer. Basic research programs have played a unique and critical12427role in exploring new scientific directions for revolutionary12428technology development in support of the DOD mission and continue to do12429so. For example, in the near-term, success includes generating a12430talented workforce that is able to continue developing solutions for12431DOD, and the emergence of technologies into production by DOD and the12432private sector. The velocity of basic research maturing into usable12433technology is a key measure that allows for more long-term investment12434because of the confidence it builds in the choices that lead to the12435start of new investments. Longer-term success involves technologies12436taken from the laboratories into programs of record and dual-use12437technologies acquired by the Department. New and well-integrated12438approaches to evaluate the potential impact of discovery-focused basic12439research programs are needed to facilitate the planning of transition12440efforts, accelerate innovation, but also better assess the DOD-relevant12441scientific innovations versus those of our pacing competitors.12442 Question. What concerns do you have, if any, about current levels12443of funding for Department of Defense basic research? How would you plan12444to address those concerns, if confirmed?12445 Answer. DOD basic research programs have benefited from consistent12446budgetary support over the last decade, but near-peer competitors,12447especially China, are increasing their investments in basic research12448more quickly than DOD while experiencing lower labor costs and12449benefiting from intellectual property theft. It is vital to have strong12450support for basic research in the Department, because otherwise there12451is a significant risk that China and other nations will be in the lead12452in fields critical to DOD in the future, but it is incumbent on the R&E12453Enterprise to be efficient in using its budget to produce more than it12454has in the past.12455 research security and program protection planning12456 Question. If confirmed, how would you ensure that DOD's basic and12457applied research programs are executed in a manner consistent with12458National Security Decision Directive 189 and National Security12459Presidential Memorandum 33?12460 Answer. It is my understanding that National Security Decision12461Directive (NSDD) 189 has been executed through previous USD(R&E)12462memoranda and broadly defines fundamental research at the Department as12463basic and applied research performed at universities, or basic research12464performed at defense labs and in industry. National Security12465Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) 33 directs review of all fundamental12466research projects to protect against foreign government interference12467and exploitation. If confirmed, I would continue to carry out these12468NSPMs unless modified or superseded by new directives promulgated by12469the President.12470 Question. What efforts would you make, if confirmed, to enable the12471Department to benefit from open innovation in fundamental research,12472while protecting such research from undue foreign interference?12473 Answer. Fundamental research is critical to the Department in12474generating the science behind the next great warfighter capabilities.12475If confirmed, I would seek to balance open inquiry against the12476Department's research security needs as currently described in NSPM 3312477and other relevant statues and directives.12478 Question. If confirmed, what are your ideas for working with the12479academic community to limit undue foreign influence on university12480research programs, and limit unwanted foreign access to research12481expertise and results, without creating an undue burden on the open and12482collaborative nature of the research community?12483 Answer. I believe that the academic community, DOD, and the science12484funding agencies should work collaboratively to solve the problem of12485undue foreign influence on university research programs in an efficient12486and implementable way. If confirmed, I will work with the Office of12487Science and Technology Policy and other interested science funding12488agencies to implement consistent policies and procedures for our12489research community. Consistent training, awareness, and education to12490and by the institutions are critical to limit undue foreign influence12491in university research programs that supports the Department.12492 Question. In your view, what steps could the USD(R&E) put in place12493to ensure that regulations pertaining to Department-funded university12494research are consistently applied and monitored by DOD and ensuring12495they are well understood by the university community?12496 Answer. If confirmed, I would prioritize promulgating and12497implementing clear, consistent policies across the Department with12498exceptions made speedily if proven to be needed. Finally, I believe the12499Department should work with university leaders to clearly explain what12500the Department wants and also to learn from them where burdens can be12501reduced without reducing effectiveness.12502 Question. If confirmed, what steps would you take to protect U.S.12503research and intellectual property from undue foreign influence,12504without unjustly singling out researchers from certain nations?12505 Answer. Intellectual property generated by industry and the results12506of U.S. funded research is the bedrock of our economic and national12507security. If confirmed, I will ensure the Department's due diligence12508reviews for small businesses and university research are conducted12509based on a clear set of objective criteria in alignment with statute12510and this Administration's priorities.12511 Question. In your opinion, are there ways to better coordinate and12512streamline the research security guidance to universities and the12513Program Protection Planning carried out by the government? For example,12514are there data sharing systems to improve visibility for academia,12515industry and the government?12516 Answer. A holistic approach to research security and program12517protection, to include improving and streamlining information sharing,12518is vital to rapidly and securely fielding capabilities to our12519warfighters. If confirmed, I will pursue digital modernization12520opportunities to improve visibility of relevant information such as12521adversaries' problematic behavior, potential mitigating actions, and12522security posture best practices while reducing administrative burden to12523academia, industry, and program offices.12524 expanding the dod academic research base12525 Question. If confirmed, what steps would you take increase DOD12526engagement with universities participating in the Defense Established12527Program to Stimulate Competitive Research?12528 Answer. My understanding is that the Defense Established Program to12529Stimulate Competitive Research works to increase research capacity at12530universities that have not worked with the Department much in the past.12531If confirmed, I would make sure that the Department is engaging with12532these universities as much as possible to help researchers there better12533align with DOD research priorities and better understand how to work12534with the Department. The Department's research efforts can only benefit12535from having more universities to work with. Based on what I know about12536the program, I would intend to be very supportive.12537 Question. If confirmed, what steps would you take to increase the12538funding for and quality of fundamental research at defense12539laboratories?12540 Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure a balanced research portfolio12541to include looking for opportunities for collaboration with academia12542and industry, increasing scientific integrity, and actively engaging12543with our Allies.12544 science and technology activities of civilian agencies12545 Question. Do you believe that Department of Defense and other12546national security missions benefit from robust funding for scientific12547research in civilian agencies? Please explain your answer.12548 Answer. I believe that national security in general, and the12549Department specifically, absolutely benefit from robust funding at12550civilian science agencies. At the same time, DOD should not ignore12551private sector innovations either. The DOD must apply a broad sense of12552non-duplication.12553 Question. If confirmed, how would you work with other Federal12554agencies and the Office of Science and Technology Policy to improve12555coordination of research activities and harmonization of research12556funding decisions?12557 Answer. It is critical that Federal research agencies coordinate12558their research activities. There are limited resources for research and12559the pace of technological development is constantly increasing.12560Coordination is key to making sure we develop new technologies12561efficiently and quickly. This coordination should happen across the12562Federal agencies, from the leadership level on strategic issues down to12563the programmatic level on more tactical, project-by-project level12564decisions. If confirmed, I would want to have regular meetings with my12565counterparts at other Federal agencies and ensure that those that work12566within the OUSD(R&E) does the same. Within the OUSD(R&E), technology12567transition portfolio managers throughout the innovation ecosystem can12568work to harmonize funding for critical technologies across their12569research and acquisition lifespan.12570 technology strategy12571 Question. What weaknesses, if any, do perceive in the current12572defense S&T strategic planning process?12573 Answer. Each Military Service carries out its S&T planning to12574address its specific needs. This is necessary, but there is a risk that12575needs that are common across the Military Services are not adequately12576prioritized by each Military Service. The OUSD(R&E) is crucial to12577ensuring that the individual Military Service plans take in to account12578Joint needs and new technology opportunities. The oversight of Military12579Service S&T planning and fostering of collaboration between the12580Military Services on technology development in areas of common interest12581is a critical role that the OUSD(R&E) must fulfill to ensure a strategy12582that results in a robust, truly Joint S&T Enterprise. Further,12583cooperation with the various S&T organizations could help to limit12584`requirements creep' and any capability falling through the cracks of12585various organizations.12586 Question. What do you believe to be the key attributes of a good12587technology strategic plan and how could these attributes be carried12588through effectively to the DOD programming and budgeting purposes?12589 Answer. Very little technology development has an impact in a12590vacuum. Good strategic planning must incorporate the many stakeholders12591involved in research, qualification, acquisition, fielding, and12592sustainment. Strategic planning for groundbreaking technology must also12593identify connections to Military Services and program offices to12594influence requirements rather than just respond to them. Moreover, a12595good technology strategic plan should balance technology push for12596global competitiveness with requirements pull, both addressing future12597warfighter needs. The plan should include near-, mid-, and far-term12598capability goals and technology objectives, and integrated across the12599department to ensure meaningful and cost-efficient progress. Last, an12600effective technology strategic plan should provide clear development12601metrics, identify where defense fits into the larger commercial12602investments in dual use technologies, and define a timeline for12603technology insertion into the acquisition process.12604 Question. If confirmed, how would you ensure reliance on technology12605strategic plans as foundational elements of the budget, planning, and12606programming process?12607 Answer. The OUSD(R&E) maintains senior officials for technology12608areas deemed critical to national defense, who are responsible for12609ensuring that science, technology, engineering, prototyping, and12610demonstration investments are effectively leveraged and fully aligned12611with DOD's priorities. If confirmed, I will assess if the Critical12612Technology Areas are well aligned with the National Defense Strategy. I12613will ensure that senior officials, as well as other staff within the12614OUSD(R&E), collaborate closely with the Director of Cost Assessment and12615Program Evaluation, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense12616(Comptroller), and the Military Services to ensure that technology12617strategic plans are foundational elements of the budget, planning, and12618programming process. There, however, must be an acknowledgement that12619the validity of any strategic plan has been reduced in time. As such,12620these plans must have elements that can be revisited in shorter12621timeframes if the situation demands.12622 technology transition12623 Question. How would you assess the effectiveness of current12624transition processes and systems?12625 Answer. The current technology transition process is challenged.12626The primary challenge is the availability of funding in the year of12627execution or lack of clarity that the capability is on the path to12628becoming a funded program. As technologies mature and are proven12629funding must be available to support transition. The current PPBE12630process does not provide flexibility for accelerated fielding and DOD12631must improve the visibility in gives to the suppliers on their chances12632of succeeding within DOD.12633 Question. In your view, what challenges exist in technology12634transition in DOD?12635 Answer. The pace of change in technology development and on the12636battlefield has become much faster than the pace of change of12637requirements. The Department is too slow to develop the demand signal12638for a new capability to be relevant. If confirmed, I will attempt to12639help make the OUSD(R&E) a driver of future requirements to ensure we12640are investing in and fielding the right things at the right time.12641 Question. What would you do, if confirmed, to address each of these12642challenges?12643 Answer. The USD(R&E) can leverage the Accelerate the Procurement12644and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program to address the12645problem of the mismatch between the pace of budgeting and the pace of12646development; the APFIT program is successfully enabling innovative12647companies to bridge funding timelines and get technology into12648production up to 2 years sooner. The Department can also continue12649improve the relevance of its technology development cycles through12650leveraging multi-service collaboration and operational experimentation12651with the Combatant Commands.12652 Question. As compared to other technologies, do you believe that a12653different methodology is needed to transition software capabilities12654from research to operational use?12655 Answer. I was excited to see that Secretary Hegseth recently signed12656a memorandum recognizing that today's reality is ``software-defined12657warfare'' and directing all DOD Components to broadly modernize their12658approach to software acquisition. I look forward to bringing my12659experience from the private sector to support the Secretary in driving12660software modernization across the research and engineering portfolio.12661 Question. What are your views as to whether DOD's approach to and12662processes for funding technology transition must be changed? What sort12663of changes, if any, would you recommend, if confirmed?12664 Answer. An important challenge is the traditional budget process12665for emerging solutions. This has historically posed significant12666challenges for small businesses and other innovative businesses that12667desire to work with DOD. The APFIT program provides a model which has12668been successful at bridging the gap. Flexibility in funding is critical12669to accelerate prototyping, transition, and fielding, but also DOD must12670endeavor to make decisions faster and communicate more clearly to12671ensure that indecision fatigue does not set in with aspiring vendors.12672 commercial technologies12673 Question. What steps would you take to make appropriate use of12674commercial technologies for the benefit of DOD institutions and the12675warfighter?12676 Answer. We must utilize the strength and innovation of the U.S.12677commercial sector, particularly dual-use technology, to bolster DOD and12678improve Warfighter lethality. In my role as USD(R&E), if confirmed, I12679will advocate for the Department to fully leverage U.S. industry. There12680are programs in OUSD(R&E), such as Technology Readiness Experimentation12681(T-REX), that inform DIU procurement of commercial technologies for the12682Warfighter.12683 Question. What do you believe to be the most significant barriers12684to Program Executive Offices or prime contractor adoption and12685transition of new technologies, including but not limited to commercial12686technologies, into acquisition programs? What should be done to address12687such barriers, in your view?12688 Answer. It is my understanding that Program Executive Offices face12689many barriers when adopting and transitioning new technologies into12690acquisition programs. Such barriers include the misalignment of12691technology development throughout the community with acquisition12692requirements, a lack of program plans that include insertion points,12693and a lack of funding to incorporate technology transitions. If12694confirmed, I will work with USD(A&S) and DIU to remove these barriers,12695so technology adoption and transition is easier for the Program12696Executive Offices.12697 Question. In your view, would there be benefit to the Department's12698establishment of a comparative testing program for domestic commercial12699technologies--perhaps a program modeled on the successful Foreign12700Comparative Testing program?12701 Answer. The Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) program has done an12702excellent job at determining procurement alternatives for current and12703emerging requirements, capitalizing on partner and ally investments and12704expertise in many warfighting capability areas. FCT authorities that12705allow follow-on procurement without additional competition could be12706applied to current defense innovation acceleration efforts to enable12707similar benefits domestically.12708 Question. What do you see as the test and evaluation needs for non-12709developmental or commercial items to ensure they can still meet the12710technical requirements and human factors needs of environments often12711more complex and demanding than commercial settings?12712 Answer. It is vital that the Department continues to integrate12713existing commercial and non-developmental capabilities to meet12714technical requirements in efforts to achieve cost effectiveness,12715resilience, and drive rapid innovation. However, commercial12716technologies often are not designed, in the first instance, to operate12717under contested, high-stress, and complex environments--including12718adversary electronic warfare and cyber capabilities. In my role as12719USD(R&E), if confirmed, I will ensure that technology readiness12720experimentation evaluates commercial technologies to measure readiness12721for the modern battlefield. I look forward to working with industry,12722particularly nontraditional defense contractors, to implement these12723processes. I believe that many commercial technology providers will12724work with DOD to adapt their technologies for dual use if the process12725is simplified and streamlined.12726 systems engineering and prototyping12727 Question. Does the Department of Defense have sufficient systems12728engineering expertise in its current workforce and contractor base?12729 Answer. Without having experience with this workforce and12730contractor base, I would want to fully assess the capabilities of these12731groups, if confirmed. Regardless, in order to address emerging12732challenges, we need to continuously enhance this expertise. The12733OUSD(R&E) leads a number of initiatives to upskill the systems12734engineering workforce. These efforts focus on equipping individuals12735with the necessary skills to perform critical acquisition tasks, such12736as systems engineering, digital engineering, production, quality12737assurance, manufacturing, information technology, agile software12738development, and testing. It is also important that we enable new12739contractors to compete for DOD business so that we have a more robust12740ecosystem.12741 Question. What changes, if any, do you believe should be made in12742the Department's systems engineering organizations and practices?12743 Answer. Engineering serves as the foundation for technology12744development, transition, acquisition, and sustainment. Studies of DOD12745acquisition outcomes have shown that implementing rigorous foundational12746engineering activities early in the capability life cycle leads to12747improved cost, schedule, and performance results. To achieve this, the12748Department must prioritize modular open systems architecture, digital12749engineering, and workforce training to deliver capabilities to the12750warfighter. By doing so, it can effectively identify, mitigate, and12751prevent potential challenges in development, manufacturing, deployment,12752and sustainment.12753 Question. What role does prototyping play in efforts to increase12754the success of the Department's acquisition efforts?12755 Answer. The development of advanced prototypes, coupled with12756rigorous experimentation in representative environments, has rapidly12757fielded warfighting capability. When coupled with appropriate, timely12758resource planning, prototyping and experimentation has enabled the12759Department to bring operational capabilities to the force two to 512760years faster than traditional acquisition pathways. If confirmed as the12761USD(R&E), I will explore seek to exploit the full potential of this12762approach with the Military Services and acquisition leaders.12763 Question. If confirmed, how would you work to increase the breadth12764and scope of systems engineering projects and prototyping efforts12765undertaken by the Department and its contractor base?12766 Answer. Mission engineering processes provide the approach for12767systems analysis across complex operational environments. This approach12768defines breadth and scope of system engineering projects and12769prototyping efforts to fill critical warfighting gaps. These gaps are12770shared across the development community, academia, and industry for12771common understanding. This approach aligns a common threat, mission12772thread, and systems-of-systems architectures across the community.12773Shared development results in comprehensive solutions for acquisition.12774 Question. What are your views on the maturity and availability of12775digital twin or model-based systems engineering tools in the commercial12776space, and their potential applicability for DOD needs. Please explain12777your answer.12778 Answer. Industry has seen notable progress in digital twin and12779model-based systems engineering tools. These technologies demonstrate12780the ability to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance system12781availability. DOD must overcome barriers to scalability, complexity,12782security, and interoperability to fully realize the benefits of these12783tools. To this end, the OUSD(R&E) must continue to improve policy,12784guidance, and digital standards consistent with commercial best12785practices in this field.12786 venture capital and private equity12787 Question. In your view, what role should venture capital and12788private equity firms play in the Department's investments in developing12789technologies, including in the Small Business Innovation Research12790program?12791 Answer. Venture capital (VC) and private equity investment in12792defense technologies could play an even bigger role in the12793revitalization of the defense industrial base, particularly for small12794businesses seeking to gain entry and provide innovative solutions to12795meet evolving warfighter demands, delivering breakthrough, war-winning12796capabilities. Programs such as Small Business Innovation Research/Small12797Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) provide opportunities for12798small businesses--many of which are VC-backed--to be a part of these12799revitalization efforts. If confirmed, I would pursue opportunities12800within the Defense SBIR/STTR programs that allows for small businesses12801to leverage critical defense VC investment, increasing the ability to12802rapidly develop and field critical capabilities at scale.12803 Question. What advantages and disadvantages do you see in the use12804of venture capital and private equity strategies?12805 Answer. Through programs at the Office of Strategic Capital, DOD12806leverages one of the U.S. strengths by leveraging the investment acumen12807and skillsets of successful and experienced fund managers who act as a12808force multiplier to surface, foster, and develop new critical12809technologies, components, and production processes vital to national12810and economic security. Such strategies can involve risk, particularly12811given investments in emerging technology companies, but funds can12812mitigate that risk by taking a portfolio approach while programs, such12813as SBIR/STTR, provide opportunities to fuse Government research and12814development funding with private capital from defense venture and12815private equity firms. Technology transition programs focused on12816bridging innovative solutions developed through the SBIR/STTR programs12817can benefit from contracting with venture-backed small businesses. With12818the Department's strategic efforts to acquire dual-use technologies in12819lieu of home-grown solutions, firms backed by private VC demonstrate12820strong commercial demand, which provides a level of both cost and12821technical risk mitigation when the Government is assessing investment12822of finite sources toward a particular solution or capability.12823 One disadvantage of VC and private equity strategies is that12824investors may need to see returns on a shorter timeframe, which may not12825be conducive for certain research projects. However, with clearer12826communication and changes that enable funding in earlier intervals, we12827could improve the effectiveness.12828 Question. Should the Department decide to use venture capital and12829private equity strategies, what steps do you believe should be taken to12830ensure that Department funds are invested in technologies and companies12831that properly reflect national defense priorities, avoid the potential12832for conflicts of interest by industry partners, and to ensure that the12833Department's investments are not diluted?12834 Answer. The DOD National Defense Science and Technology Strategy12835specifies 14 Critical Technology Areas vital to national security.12836Within that framework and consistent with statute, the OSC Investment12837Strategy further identifies and prioritizes integrated strategies for12838maintaining and enhancing competitive advantage. Investments can fail12839to reap synergies that might otherwise be available through12840coordination, both within OSC's portfolio and with the adjacent efforts12841of interagency partners and the private sector.12842 A foundational component of OSC's activities with VC and private12843equity funds is the requirement for participating funds to invest a12844significant portion of its portfolio in the DOD Critical Technology12845Areas. OSC, though its own authorities and interagency partnerships,12846embraces these target areas for investment and implements programs12847aligned with DOD needs. Furthermore, OSC's initial program invest in12848the funds (rather than competing with industry as a direct venture or12849private equity investor), which alleviates inherent conflicts. OSC's12850mandate could be further extended to back-up financing to even further12851extend its purview.12852 Question. How can the Department leverage other innovative12853financing strategies, like loans, loan guarantees, equity or12854reinsurance to help support the technology development strategies of12855the Department?12856 Answer. Capital markets are a major source of strength for the12857United States in the global competition for technological advantage.12858DOD can leverage the advantage provided by capital markets through12859financial instruments like loans and loan guarantees, equity, and re-12860insurance, all of which have been used as part of proven strategies to12861attract and scale private capital in support of national security12862priorities, including the development of critical technologies, their12863components, and the ability to grow and scale production. When paired12864with DOD's expertise with promising critical technologies, supply12865chains, and broader industrial base requirements, these tools enable12866efficient investments that deliver unprecedented value to DOD and the12867taxpayer.12868 Question. What other strategies do you intend to employ, if12869confirmed, to ensure that the Nation's most innovative companies work12870on the Department's research and engineering programs?12871 Answer. OSC works with the private sector to strengthen12872technological advantages in the United States. By aligning Government12873and private sector incentives around technology areas vital to national12874security and economic security, DOD uses the power of the market and12875economic competition to attract the capital required for critical12876technology investment through organizations like OSC and programming12877like the SBIR/STTR Strategic Funding Increase.12878 beneficial ownership concerns12879 Question. What concerns do you have regarding foreign beneficial12880ownership of DOD contractors and subcontractors, especially those with12881venture capital or private equity funding?12882 Answer. My expectation is that all DOD contractors and12883subcontractors, regardless of ownership and regardless of funding12884mechanism, work toward DOD's goals and objectives. Malign foreign12885influence, intellectual property escape, and poor cybersecurity are12886concerning issues that are also applicable to the entire defense12887industrial base.12888 Question. If confirmed, what steps would you take to ensure12889continuous monitoring and assessment of the beneficial ownership of DOD12890contractors and subcontractors?12891 Answer. If confirmed, I will work closely with the USD(A&S) to12892ensure appropriate reporting of DOD contractor ownership and any12893subcontractors that would risk our supply chain.12894 operational energy and energy resilience12895 Question. The Department defines operational energy as the energy12896required for training, moving, and sustaining military forces and12897weapons platforms for military operations, including the energy used by12898tactical power systems, generators, and weapons platforms. Today, DOD12899energy requirements are projected to increase geometrically due to12900technological advances in weapons systems and distributed operations12901over longer operating distances.12902 If confirmed, how would you lead the Department in harnessing12903innovations in operational energy in order to reduce contested12904logistics vulnerabilities for warfighters?12905 Answer. If confirmed, I will work closely with the USD(A&S), the12906Joint Staff, the Military Services, the Combatant Commands, the S&T12907community, and industry to pursue opportunities to reduce the12908military's energy logistics vulnerabilities both domestically and12909abroad. I will support resilient, secure, and innovative energy12910solutions, including advanced power generation and storage, microgrids,12911and nuclear power, as well as advances to reduce operational energy12912needs to increase military capabilities while reducing logistics12913burdens associated with providing energy to the warfighter.12914 international research cooperation12915 Question. In your view, how should increased globalization of12916defense technology affect the Department of Defense's research and12917technology development and investment strategy?12918 Answer. If confirmed, I would seek to increase opportunities for12919industry to provide commercial solutions to the hardest defense12920problems. I would also engage with our Allies and partners to leverage12921their technological capabilities to complement and protect the12922Department's strategic investments in technology maturation and12923capability delivery. The OUSD(R&E) investment strategy should focus on12924reestablishing deterrence and maintaining strategic advantage while12925preventing critical technologies from falling into the hands of global12926adversaries or competitors.12927 Question. What do you perceive to be the most significant obstacles12928to effective international research and development cooperation, and,12929if confirmed, how would you address those obstacles?12930 Answer. From my perspective, the most significant obstacles to12931effective international research and development cooperation are12932conflicting priorities. If confirmed, I would increase awareness across12933the DOD Components' international science and technology activities to12934promote transparency and accountability across the Department as well12935as ensuring the DOD Research and Engineering Enterprise pursues12936international collaboration, both government-to-government and with12937industry, in support of the Secretary's strategic priorities and to12938deliver capabilities at the speed of relevance. Finally, I intend to12939work with the DOD Components to identify funding that will be used12940specifically to pursue international cooperation with Allies and12941partners that bring an equitable investment to collaborative12942activities.12943 Question. How would increased international technology cooperation12944and procurement of foreign goods and services affect our domestic12945defense industrial base, in your opinion?12946 Answer. If confirmed, I would work with the DOD Components to12947consider acquisition and sustainment pathways early in the co-12948development process. This will allow the U.S. defense industrial base12949to leverage the industrial bases of trusted Allies and partners to meet12950DOD procurement and production demands, potentially leading to a more12951competitive and innovative ecosystem.12952 Question. What best practices should govern Departmental monitoring12953and assessment of the research capabilities of our global partners and12954competitors, and of the global commercial sector?12955 Answer. While other parts of DOD and the U.S. national security12956community writ large provide critical functions of monitoring and12957assessing the research capabilities of global partners and competitors,12958if confirmed, I would also leverage the opportunities and insights12959offered by regionally embedded personnel exchanges and in-country12960stationed DOD technical experts. These individuals provide valuable12961insights into allied and partner capabilities and investments, which in12962turn can inform best practices for pursuing collaborative activities12963with those countries. Another example is expanding joint12964experimentations and demonstrations. If confirmed, I will encourage12965more opportunities to include allied and partner participation in DOD12966experimentations and demonstrations to assess and evaluate their12967capabilities.12968 test and evaluation12969 Question. What are your views on the adequacy and effectiveness of12970the Department of Defense's developmental test and evaluation12971activities?12972 Answer. Thorough testing in an operationally realistic environment12973is critical for informing acquisition decisionmaking, identifying12974programmatic opportunities to apply additional engineering and risk12975mitigation resources, and ensuring operational readiness. I believe12976that DOD still has work to do to align its test activities with the new12977Adaptive Acquisition Framework and to ensure that test and evaluation12978processes are properly structured to assess software-intensive systems,12979new capabilities such as artificial intelligence-enabled autonomous12980systems, and to leverage new systems engineering approaches such as12981digital engineering.12982 Question. What modifications would you recommend to the test and12983evaluation processes in the Department to more efficiently and quickly12984develop and deliver operationally effective and suitable technologies12985to the warfighter?12986 Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to improving the Department's12987use of digital ecosystems across the capability lifecycle from science12988and technology work through systems delivery and sustainment while12989providing data-driven decisionmaking through a campaign of learning,12990all focused on delivering operationally effective and suitable12991technologies to the warfighter.12992 Question. What role do you believe OSD should play in developmental12993test and what type of organizational structure and staffing is required12994to effectuate this role?12995 Answer. Per section 133a of title 10, U.S. Code, the USD(R&E) is12996responsible for establishing policies on and supervising developmental12997testing activities and programs across the Department. If confirmed, I12998will review the existing organizational structure and staffing and from12999that determine what, if any, changes are needed to maintain an13000effective developmental test and evaluation role across the Department.13001 Question. What are your views with respect to the Test Resources13002Management Center and in particular with respect to ensuring the13003services budget appropriately funding for Major Range Test Facility13004Bases such as the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Test Site?13005 Answer. I support the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal13006year 2025, which gives the TRMC additional authorities to oversee the13007support infrastructure on the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands,13008which encompasses the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Test Site. If13009confirmed, I look forward to working with the Director of the TRMC and13010the Secretary of the Army to ensure these facilities are adequately13011maintained and upgraded consistent with Secretary Hegseth's priorities.13012 Question. Do you believe the Office of the Test Resource Management13013Center (TRMC) has sufficient resources and authority to manage the test13014and evaluation infrastructure of the Department? If not, what changes13015would you recommend?13016 Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to working with the TRMC to13017understand its current resources and authorities and to determine if13018those are sufficient to manage the T&E infrastructure for the13019Department.13020 Question. Do you believe the Department has sufficient test and13021evaluation infrastructure to support the needs of both research and13022development and acquisition? If not, how would you ensure DOD has13023sufficient test and evaluation infrastructure?13024 Answer. As I understand it, the Department faces big challenges in13025meeting the projected demand for testing new technologies like13026hypersonic weapons. If confirmed, I will need to verify that the13027Department's current and planned T&E infrastructure will be sufficient13028to meet projected demand. I would work with the requisite stakeholders13029to determine sufficiency of current T&E infrastructure and make any13030necessary adjustments.13031 small business issues13032 Question. The Department of Defense has the largest Small Business13033Innovation and Research Program (SBIR) government wide. In 2025, the13034SBIR program will be up for renewal.13035 What recommendations do you have to improve the Department's use of13036the Small Business Innovation Research programs in order to develop and13037field new, advanced capabilities?13038 Answer. The SBIR/STTR programs are important tools to grow the13039small business ecosystem that is critical to Department's modernization13040efforts. These programs have delivered numerous technologies and13041capabilities that have been adopted by warfighters and commercial13042entities. It is essential that the programs are executed in a manner13043that prioritizes Departmental needs, ensures merit-based selection13044procedures, and decreases barriers to entry to ensure a robust defense13045industrial base. If confirmed, I look forward to reviewing the SBIR and13046STTR programs to build on existing improvement initiatives and ensuring13047robust delivery of critical capabilities expeditiously and consistent13048with the demands of the Department.13049 Question. If confirmed, how would you work to ensure that the Small13050Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is an integral part of DOD13051modernization strategies and activities?13052 Answer. The DOD invests over $3 billion each fiscal year through13053the SBIR/STTR programs in innovative technologies to meet critical13054needs of the warfighter and grow and modernize the defense industrial13055base while ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds. If13056confirmed, I am committed to working with Congress, the Service13057Acquisition Executives, and all other parties of interest to ensure13058that the SBIR/STTR programs are fulfilling their missions of developing13059and delivering innovation, consistent with the Department's13060modernization strategies and Critical Technology Areas.13061 Question. If confirmed, how might you modify the SBIR program to13062improve the transition of S&T capabilities into acquisition programs?13063 Answer. Many game-changing technologies adopted by DOD came from13064small innovative businesses. The SBIR and STTR programs are important13065tools to support the small business ecosystem. If confirmed, I look13066forward to reviewing these programs and driving efficiencies. I will13067work closely with Congress and with my counterpart, the Under Secretary13068of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, to make appropriate13069improvements to the SBIR program.13070 Question. If confirmed, how might you modify the SBIR program to13071improve its ability to attract new entrants into the defense ecosystem,13072such as small startup companies, as participants?13073 Answer. Small business concerns, including nontraditional defense13074contractors, may require additional assistance to understand13075Government-specific processes and procedures such as proposal13076submission requirements, pre-award activities, cybersecurity rules and13077practices, and foreign disclosure requirements. If confirmed, I would13078work with the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and13079Sustainment and the Director of the DOD Office of Small Business13080Programs to review ways to increase opportunities to educate small13081business concerns, ensuring the Department is making a concentrated13082effort to educate small businesses on how to do business with DOD.13083 Question. If confirmed, what steps would you take to improve DOD's13084consideration of intellectual property rights as an incentive for small13085business to engage with the Department?13086 Answer. Many game-changing technologies adopted by DOD came from13087small innovative businesses. The SBIR and STTR programs are important13088tools to support the small business ecosystem. If confirmed, I look13089forward to reviewing these programs and working with my counterpart,13090the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, on ways13091to improve how the Department incentivizes small business to engage13092with intellectual property rights.13093 Question. What emphasis would you place, if confirmed, on13094participation by the acquisition community in setting research13095priorities for the SBIR program and in incorporating new technologies13096and methods into existing programs of record?13097 Answer. Many game-changing technologies adopted by DOD came from13098small innovative businesses. The SBIR program is an important tool to13099support the small business ecosystem. If confirmed, I look forward to13100reviewing this program and working with my counterpart, the Under13101Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, to involve the13102acquisition community in setting research priorities for the program13103and incorporating new technologies and methods into existing programs13104of record.13105 Question. The 2022 reauthorization of the Small Business Innovation13106and Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) place13107several due diligence requirements on all participating agencies,13108required a certain number of ``open topic'' solicitations, and set13109minimum performance standards for experienced SBIR firms.13110 As Congress focuses on reauthorization of SBIR and STTR in 2025, in13111your view, are there authorities that could be expanded to incentivize13112the number of new entrants into the SBIR program?13113 Answer. The SBIR program is an important tool to support the small13114business ecosystem. If confirmed, I look forward to reviewing this13115program and exploring how the Department can incentivize new entrants13116into the SBIR program and improve its effectiveness. Current13117authorities lack a clear definition of open topics, so I believe a13118clearer definition is needed to ensure consistency of open topic13119generation across the Department. Additionally, I would like to see the13120Department have a delegation of authority for setting threshold amounts13121for Sequential Phase II awards to more effectively take innovative13122solutions across the valley of death, scale production or operational13123testing, and reach program transition or commercialization.13124 Question. If confirmed, what steps would you take to improve13125existing risk management processes to ensure intellectual property and13126technology do not end up with adversaries?13127 Answer. If confirmed, I will review the current policies and data13128captured by the Defense SBIR/STTR Program Office with regards to due13129diligence and explore how to work with different stakeholders to13130improve existing risk management to ensure intellectual property and13131technology do not end up in the hands of adversaries.13132 Question. In what ways can the Department balance the desire for13133new entrants into the defense space with the need for veteran SBIR13134providers that have a successful track record for delivering needed13135technology solutions to the Department?13136 Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Defense SBIR/STTR13137Program Office to review the current ratio of new entrants to existing13138awardees and commit to ensure that policies are in place to meet the13139needs of the Warfighter.13140 Question. How can we better collect and align data on SBIR between13141the DOD components and that collected and presented by the Small13142Business Administration to ensure consistent analysis of outcomes?13143 Answer. If confirmed, I would explore opportunities to improve data13144collection.13145 defense laboratories13146 Question. What is your overall assessment of the technical13147capabilities and quality of Defense laboratories relative to their13148peers at the Department of Energy, and in federally Funded Research and13149Development Centers (FFRDCs), industry, and academia--both foreign and13150domestic?13151 Answer. Defense laboratories and FFRDCs can play a critical role in13152national security by conducting specialized research and developing13153technologies not easily replicable elsewhere. Comparing them to other13154sectors, including the foreign sector, requires careful consideration13155of their distinct missions, strengths, and limitations.13156 Question. In your view, are there specific or unique capabilities13157the defense laboratories provide the Department that industry would not13158be capable of providing?13159 Answer. The defense laboratories have world-class scientists and13160engineers capable of leading the development of technologies critical13161to the distinctive needs of the military fighting force. With quality13162scientists and engineers and unique laboratories and testing13163facilities, the defense laboratories are capable of tackling high risk13164technical challenges that may be in some cases beyond what industry and13165academia can achieve on their own. In addition, as leaders in13166technology development, the defense laboratories and test centers focus13167on the needs of the warfighter as their top priority.13168 Question. What do you believe to be the most effective management13169and human resources approaches for personnel at these Defense13170laboratory facilities?13171 Answer. An innovative and empowered workforce requires a flexible13172and progressive human resources system. My understanding is that the13173Department's Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratory (STRL)13174Personnel Demonstration Program (Lab Demo), managed by the OUSD(R&E),13175may meet this need. The OUSD(R&E) collaborates with the STRLs to13176leverage congressional workforce authorities and to develop new13177personnel flexibilities to enable them to recruit, retain and cultivate13178a quality and optimized DOD Laboratory workforce.13179 Question. If confirmed, what specific steps, if any, would you take13180to improve the quality, technical capabilities, and mission performance13181of the Defense laboratories?13182 Answer. If confirmed, I would seek to review the defense13183laboratories and identify ways to improve quality, technical capability13184and mission performance across the enterprise.13185 federally funded research and development centers (ffrdcs) and13186 university affiliated research centers (uarcs)13187 Question. In your opinion, what role do the FFRDCs play in the13188defense research ecosystem? How would you characterize the value of13189such organizations to DOD?13190 Answer. It is my understanding that FFRDCs can be an important part13191of the DOD S&T ecosystem. At their best, FFRDCs can provide objective13192technical expertise, long-term vision, and a unique ability to bridge13193the gap between research and operational implementation.13194 Question. If confirmed, what suggestions would you make to better13195utilize FFRDCs across the Department?13196 Answer. If confirmed, I will review the current policies and use of13197the FFRDCs to explore how the Department might more efficiently and13198effectively use the FFRDCs.13199 Question. In your opinion, how do the UARCs differ in role and13200purpose from FFRDCs, defense labs, and defense contract research13201organizations?13202 Answer. UARCs are university-based research institutions focused on13203long-term research with broad national security implications. The13204FFRDCs are objective advisors that provide technical expertise and13205analysis to address specific complex challenges, the defense13206laboratories conduct research, development, and testing directly tied13207to the specific needs of the Military Services, and defense contract13208research organizations are private companies that primarily engage in13209research and development driven by commercial interests.13210 Question. In your opinion looking across the full landscape of13211current UARCs, do you see any major technical discipline or research13212capability gaps that are not being currently addressed and would13213therefore benefit from a dedicated UARC? Are there any UARCs that in13214your opinion have outlived their useful purpose?13215 Answer. While I cannot currently make definitive pronouncements13216about specific UARCs outliving their purpose, if confirmed, I will13217review the current policies, UARC strategic alignment, and potential13218for adaptation.13219 Question. How do the UARCs help with STEM and workforce development13220that supports DOD?13221 Answer. Given proper direction, UARCs can promote appropriate STEM13222education, workforce development, and knowledge transfer that directly13223benefit DOD.13224 Question. If confirmed, what suggestions would you make to better13225utilize UARCs across the Department?13226 Answer. If confirmed, I will review the current policies and use of13227the UARCs to explore how the Department might more efficiently and13228effectively use them.13229 workforce issues13230 Question. What is your perception of the particular workforce13231challenges confronting the DOD research enterprise?13232 Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about the13233research enterprise's particular workforce challenge and finding ways13234to appropriately address those challenges.13235 Question. How would you work with the personnel policy and13236management communities in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and13237the Military Departments to enhance the human resources flexibilities13238available to DOD labs, test ranges, and other research and engineering13239components of the DOD with a view to improving productivity,13240performance, and mission accomplishment?13241 Answer. It is my understanding that the OUSD(R&E) executes13242oversight of Lab Demo, the STRL personnel system. If confirmed, I will13243work with the Military Departments to assess their needs to continue13244supporting their human capital requirements across the research13245enterprise.13246 Question. How would you work with the DOD lab, test range, and13247other research and engineering components of the DOD to maximize13248utilization of human resources flexibilities currently in place or13249newly authorized?13250 Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about13251existing and potential human resource flexibilities relevant to these13252components.13253 Question. If confirmed, what actions would you take to increase the13254recruiting and retention of scientists, engineers, software coders, and13255other technical positions across the Department's research enterprise?13256 Answer. Recruiting and retaining top scientists and engineers is a13257priority for the Department's research efforts. If confirmed, I look13258forward to learning more about ways to increase the recruiting of key13259technical positions across the research enterprise.13260 Question. Are there ``health metrics'' that the DOD is or could be13261using to help ensure that the DOD research enterprise workforce is13262adequately sized for all of the tasks assigned to it?13263 Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to learning about ways to13264analyze and appropriately size DOD research enterprise workforce to13265ensure that it is capable of carrying out the priorities of the13266President and the Secretary of Defense.13267 Question. Are there additional workforce hiring or retention13268authorities that you would recommend to ensure the DOD research13269enterprise can attract and retain world-class scientists, engineers,13270and other technical professionals who are also highly sought after by13271industry?13272 Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about13273existing and potentially new hiring and retention authorities.13274 space issues13275 Question. What is your understanding of the relationship between13276the Office of the USD(R&E) and the Space Force? How can the USD(R&E)13277best support space research and engineering, without duplicating13278functions properly assigned to the Space Force?13279 Answer. The Nation is at a tipping point of maintaining or losing13280its advantage in the space domain. Given limitations in vital technical13281skills and the flexibility the United States must maintain for expanded13282maneuvering in space, the OUSD(R&E) and the U.S. Space Force must work13283synergistically to meet the needs of the Commander, U.S. Space Command.13284This means investing in research efforts that lead to joint material13285and non-material solutions that can be supported by operators from any13286Military Service. If confirmed, I look forward to ensuring that the13287OUSD(R&E) maintains a strong relationship with the U.S. Space Force.13288 missile defense agency13289 Question. If confirmed, what steps would you take to expedite the13290Missile Defense Agency's shift in focus to research and development?13291 Answer. My understanding is that MDA is prioritizing a greater13292focus on research and development with increased emphasis on13293nontraditional defense contractors. Specifically, MDA has stood-up an13294Advanced Capability Program Executive Office focused on rapidly13295developing critical missile defense technologies and capabilities.13296 If confirmed, I plan on reviewing the Department's approach to13297research and development, the utilization of prototyping, artificial13298intelligence in weapon system development, and expanding the13299technological advantages available to the Department and the13300warfighter. The Department must invest in critical technology areas13301vital to maintaining the U.S. national security and must develop and13302apply 21st century technologies and accelerate transitioning key13303technologies to the Military Services and the Combatant Commands to13304maintain the U.S. technology advantage.13305 Question. What are your views with respect to divestiture of13306management responsibilities for existing weapon systems to the Military13307Departments?13308 Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to understanding how the MDA13309and the Military Departments work together on managing, operating and13310sustaining the Nation's missile defense capabilities.13311 Question. Should specific missile defense systems be transferred to13312the Military Departments, in your view?13313 Answer. It is my understanding the Department has examined this13314issue over the last several Administrations. If confirmed, I look13315forward to understanding how the MDA and the Military Departments work13316together on managing, operating and sustaining the Nation's missile13317defense capabilities.13318 defense advanced research projects agency (darpa)13319 Question. What adjustments would you expect to make, if confirmed,13320in the current style of DARPA research program management and13321investment strategy?13322 Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about DARPA's13323program management and investment strategy.13324 Question. What is the appropriate relationship between DARPA and13325the Military Service S&T programs and laboratories?13326 Answer. It is my current understanding that DARPA executes its13327high-risk model because of the existence of the Military Service S&T13328organizations that diligently pursue more evolutionary requirements-13329driven research. While the Military Service laboratories frequently13330provide the ``Plan A'' baseline for program advancements, DARPA offers13331a disruptive ``Plan B,'' that if successful, creates leap-ahead13332capabilities, accelerated timelines, and/or dramatically reduced costs.13333Sometimes DARPA proves that a new technological vector is possible but13334needs the Military Service laboratories to carry out the maturation and13335system application work necessary to scale the new technology. The key13336to making these handoffs effective is ensuring that the Military13337Services don't get stuck in ``sunk cost'' or ``not invented here''13338thinking that would keep them from embracing DARPA-created disruption13339and that the Military Services have the budget flexibility to be able13340to quickly pivot to new DARPA-driven opportunities.13341 Question. If confirmed, what steps would you take to improve13342DARPA's effectiveness in transitioning successful programs and13343innovations to the Services?13344 Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about DARPA's13345approach to, and record of, transition to the Services.13346 office of strategic capital13347 Question. What is your understanding of the role and function of13348the OSC?13349 Answer. It is my understanding that the OSC's role is to attract13350and scale private capital investment in critical technologies and13351critical components in the supply chain to support American national13352and economic security. The OSC leverages the inherent competitive13353advantage of U.S. capital markets through loans and loan guarantees to13354motivate capital markets to support investments in areas that have been13355deemed critical by DOD. These priorities include production and13356component-level technologies critical to national security that13357adversaries are also currently prioritizing.13358 Question. How does OSC play a role in accomplishing the13359Department's core missions and functions?13360 Answer. The United States is in a technological-economic13361competition with global adversaries such as China. That competition13362requires critical component and production-level inputs that feed into13363both defense and commercial capabilities that advance U.S. national13364security in this competition. I understand DOD has historically13365provided grants for research and development and contracts for13366capabilities; however, the OSC uses Federal credit to incentivize13367capital markets to make investments into those component and13368production-level critical technologies that are critical for present13369and future national security. These direct investments address a13370``missing middle'' segment of the current market and increase13371competitiveness and resiliency in the U.S. industrial base and supply13372chains.13373 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (stem) education13374 Question. Do you agree with the premise that the Department of13375Defense specifically, and the Nation as a whole, are facing a crisis in13376STEM education?13377 Answer. I agree that as a Nation, the United States generally lags13378in many areas compared to peer adversaries and other advanced economies13379in preparing our youth for postsecondary studies and careers in STEM. I13380believe that it is a national security imperative that our Nation, DOD,13381and U.S. industry and academia have enduring access to STEM talent.13382 Question. In your view, how have deficiencies in STEM education13383affected the Department's ability to execute its missions?13384 Answer. The ability to meet the national security mission and to13385ensure that the Warfighters have the technologies they need to complete13386their mission depends on the research and technology innovations that13387the scientists and engineers conduct at DOD research laboratories,13388engineering centers, and other defense agencies, as well as in industry13389and academia. Deficiencies in STEM education will lead to a short13390supply of talented candidates equipped to support national security13391missions.13392 Question. What role do you think the Department should play in13393supporting STEM education writ large, and also for service members and13394their dependents?13395 Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about the13396role that the Department plays in STEM education. Clearly, the13397Department relies on talented scientists and engineers in the public13398and private sectors to carry out its mission.13399 Question. What role should the Department play in other K-12 STEM13400educational activities?13401 Answer. If confirmed, I would want to understand the current role13402that the Department plays in K-12 STEM educational activities and make13403assessments guided by direction provided by the Secretary of Defense.13404 manufacturing13405 Question. What role should DOD play in investing in manufacturing13406innovation and ensuring that the resultant innovations are adopted into13407defense industry and the organic industrial base?13408 Answer. The DOD's role in manufacturing innovation dates back to13409the Second World War. Today, the United States faces a more diverse13410range of adversaries, notably China, where the government has for13411decades subsidized the growth of Chinese manufacturing. The United13412States must routinely and effectively deploy advanced manufacturing13413solutions if the domestic industrial base is to outpace that of China's13414in economic or armed conflict. My sense is that DOD should accelerate13415the development and adoption of advanced innovative technologies and13416processes for manufacturing and sustainment applications across the DOD13417enterprise.13418 Question. What is your assessment of the performance and impacts of13419the DOD Manufacturing Technology program, including the Manufacturing13420Institutes? How are these institutes linked with the research and13421testing organizations in the Department?13422 Answer. I'm aware of the Manufacturing Technology Program,13423including the Manufacturing Innovation Institutes (MIIs) and I look13424forward to learning more, if confirmed. My understanding is that they13425both play a vital role in supporting innovation and the translation of13426technology breakthroughs into products. The public-private partnerships13427created by the MIIs provide an opportunity for the Department to13428leverage industry, academia, and State and local entities in a unique13429way that infuses the commercial and defense industrial bases with13430advanced manufacturing capabilities.13431 microelectronics13432 Question. If confirmed, specifically what steps would you take to13433ensure that the Department of Defense has assured access to the13434microelectronics it requires for defense systems?13435 Answer. I understand the OUSD(R&E) manages the Trusted and Assured13436Microelectronics Program (T&AM) program and the Microelectronics13437Commons Program. Initiatives under the T&AM program include13438accelerating access to the most advanced microelectronics technologies13439from domestic foundries, development of methods to verify and validate13440the integrity of microelectronics procured for DOD missions, and13441promoting technology refresh on DOD platforms through prototype and13442demonstrations of improvements in capabilities derived from13443incorporating advanced microelectronics into systems. If confirmed, I13444look forward to learning more about the on-going efforts within the13445OUSD(R&E) and with interagency partners to ensure that DOD has access13446to the microelectronics it requires for defense systems.13447 Question. What is your assessment of the Department of Defense's13448microelectronics needs, to include both legacy, state-of-the-practice,13449and state-of-the-art?13450 Answer. It is my understanding the Department has the need for a13451variety of microelectronics including legacy, state-of-the-practice,13452and state-of-the-art. Some of these needs are specific to DOD, such as13453radiation-hardened microelectronics, and others are needs shared with13454the commercial sector. If confirmed, I look forward to ensuring that13455the Department has access to the many types of microelectronics it13456requires for defense systems.13457 Question. If confirmed, what steps would you take to ensure that13458the Nation has an effective microelectronics research enterprise?13459 Answer. Microelectronics has been designated as a Critical13460Technology Area under the OUSD(R&E) which constructs research and13461technology roadmaps with reference to microelectronics research13462activities at other agencies. I would consider assessments of the13463microelectronics workforce, infrastructure, and industrial base13464capabilities are conducted and updated to identify gaps and13465opportunities that can be addressed with DOD research initiatives.13466 Question. What role should the Department of Defense play in13467supporting the commercial microelectronics industry?13468 Answer. The DOD relies on a robust microelectronics industrial base13469to manufacture the components needed to ensure that DOD systems deliver13470the capabilities needed by the warfighter. Research and development to13471accelerate DOD adoption of the most advanced microelectronics13472technologies supports the commercial microelectronics industry to the13473benefit of both defense and economic security. In addition, if13474confirmed I will support technology transfer of the results of DOD13475microelectronics research and development to the commercial electronics13476industry.13477 Question. What role should the Department of Defense play in13478working with the interagency regarding domestic production of13479microelectronics?13480 Answer. The DOD and the rest of the U.G. Government, collectively,13481can help aggregate demand for microelectronics supported through13482onshore full lifecycle capabilities. Communication and collaboration13483across the U.S. Government is key to identifying critical needs that13484are shared across agencies and prioritizing domestic production.13485Interagency engagement is a key element of the OUSD(R&E)'s mandate to13486construct research and development roadmaps and perform industrial base13487assessments of capabilities. I look forward to engaging across the U.S.13488Government to ensure DOD's needs are met.13489 Question. How can the Department of Defense reduce or mitigate its13490dependence on foreign sources of microelectronics for its systems and13491programs?13492 Answer. Onshoring of both advanced microelectronics manufacturing13493and the supply chains that support the industrial base will reduce DOD13494reliance on foreign sources. I look forward to learning more about the13495OUSD(R&E)'s efforts under the T&AM program to promote domestic13496manufacturing of advanced microelectronics.13497 sexual harassment13498 Question. If confirmed, what actions would you take were you to13499receive or become aware of a complaint of sexual harassment,13500discrimination, or other harassment from an employee of the Office of13501the USD(R&E) or an employee of an organization over which the USD(R&E)13502exercises authority, direction, and control?13503 Answer. I have always conducted myself with integrity and13504professionalism in every role I have held. I stand by my track record13505as a business leader who has successfully led major innovation efforts13506and worked with teams across industries and governments to solve13507complex problems. I will State categorically that sexual assault and13508harassment have no place in our country's military and Defense13509Department. If confirmed, I commit to upholding all appropriate13510standards of conduct in the Under Secretary's office and will also13511familiarize myself with the Department's resources in instances of13512alleged misconduct, including at the Office of the Inspector General,13513and any tools from human resources and victim advocates, where13514appropriate.13515 congressional oversight13516 Question. In order to exercise legislative and oversight13517responsibilities, it is important that this committee, its13518subcommittees, and other appropriate committees of Congress receive13519timely testimony, briefings, reports, records--including documents and13520electronic communications, and other information from the executive13521branch.13522 Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on request,13523to appear and testify before this committee, its subcommittees, and13524other appropriate committees of Congress? Please answer with a simple13525yes or no.13526 Answer. Yes.13527 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to13528provide this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees13529of Congress, and their respective staffs such witnesses and briefers,13530briefings, reports, records--including documents and electronic13531communications, and other information, as may be requested of you, and13532to do so in a timely manner? Please answer with a simple yes or no.13533 Answer. Yes.13534 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to13535consult with this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate13536committees of Congress, and their respective staffs, regarding your13537basis for any delay or denial in providing testimony, briefings,13538reports, records--including documents and electronic communications,13539and other information requested of you? Please answer with a simple yes13540or no.13541 Answer. Yes.13542 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to13543keep this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees of13544Congress, and their respective staffs apprised of new information that13545materially impacts the accuracy of testimony, briefings, reports,13546records--including documents and electronic communications, and other13547information you or your organization previously provided? Please answer13548with a simple yes or no.13549 Answer. Yes.13550 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on13551request, to provide this committee and its subcommittees with records13552and other information within their oversight jurisdiction, even absent13553a formal Committee request? Please answer with a simple yes or no.13554 Answer. Yes.13555 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to13556respond timely to letters to, and/or inquiries and other requests of13557you or your organization from individual Senators who are members of13558this committee? Please answer with a simple yes or no.13559 Answer. Yes.13560 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to13561ensure that you and other members of your organization protect from13562retaliation any military member, Federal employee, or contractor13563employee who testifies before, or communicates with this committee, its13564subcommittees, and any other appropriate committee of Congress? Please13565answer with a simple yes or no.13566 Answer. Yes.13567 ______1356813569 [Questions for the record with answers supplied follow:]1357013571 Questions Submitted by Senator Roger F. Wicker13572 needed authorities13573 1. Senator Wicker. Mr. Michael, with the enactment of the Fiscal13574Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the Under13575Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (AT&L)13576was split into two separate secretariats, one of which was the Under13577Secretary of Defense of Research and Engineering, and the other was13578Under Secretary of Defense of Acquisition and Sustainment. Prior to13579this split, the Under Secretary of AT&L had specific authorities to13580control the research and development efforts of each service if they13581were not realizing the original goals set forth by the Office of the13582Secretary of Defense. After the organizational split, the Under13583Secretary for Research and Engineering no longer had that authority.13584However, the Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment maintained13585that control over acquisition programs.13586 Do you believe the Under Secretary of Research and Engineering has13587the authority necessary to influence the research and development13588efforts of the services and components, or do you believe changes are13589necessary?13590 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, one of my first actions will be to13591review the organization and review if any additional authorities would13592be necessary to make the organization more effective. I will work to13593ensure that our priorities are aligned with the Administration's13594policies and that we have the appropriate resources and tools to13595address critical threats. The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense13596for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) authorities will be a part of13597that review. I look forward to working with the Committee to ensure13598that the Department of Defense (DoD) has the appropriate tools to carry13599out its mission.13600 __________13601 Questions Submitted by Senator Tom Cotton13602 golden dome13603 2. Senator Cotton. Mr. Michael, the President has made missile13604defense a priority. Golden Dome will need to protect America from13605cruise missiles, hypersonics, and maneuverable re-entry vehicles13606released by intercontinental ballistic missiles. What do you view are13607the requirements for America's Golden Dome?13608 Mr. Michael. President Trump's Golden Dome is a key initiative that13609will provide air and missile defense to protect our homeland. If13610confirmed, I look forward to better understanding and having input on13611the requirements, including for specific missions and systems13612identified in the President's Executive Order for Golden Dome.1361313614 3. Senator Cotton. Mr. Michael, what critical technologies already13615exist, and what technologies must be developed and implemented to13616complete the Golden Dome?13617 Mr. Michael. I understand that some of the critical technologies13618necessary for Golden Dome for America may exist. As a nominee for Under13619Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)), I do not13620have access to controlled unclassified information or classified13621information that would inform a thorough answer. That said, I13622understand that the Golden Dome for America requires a wide range of13623developmental technologies that are specifically called out in the13624President's Executive Order, such as space-based intercept13625capabilities. If confirmed, I look forward to reviewing the critical13626technologies necessary to implement the Golden Dome.13627 __________13628 Questions Submitted by Senator M. Michael Rounds13629 software acquisition pathway13630 4. Senator Rounds. Mr. Michael, as you know, the Software13631Acquisition Pathway (SWP) was established in December 2019 following13632the enactment of the Fiscal Year 2020 NDAA. However, over 6 years13633later, DOD is still not taking full advantage of this authority.13634Earlier this month Secretary Hegseth issued the memo ``Directing Modern13635Software Acquisition to Maximize Lethality'' to direct all DOD13636components to use the SWP as the ``preferred pathway for all software13637development'' to include weapon systems programs. This is a positive13638development. As the memo notes, ``DOD has struggled to reframe its13639acquisition process from a hardware-centric approach to a software-13640centric approach'' and as a result, ``it is the warfighter who pays the13641price.'' If confirmed, what specific actions would you seek to13642undertake in your organization to accelerate software acquisition,13643especially within collaborative and modular autonomous weapons systems,13644and fully take advantage of the more nimble and rapid development that13645occurs in the commercial software sector?13646 Mr. Michael. I was encouraged to see that Secretary Hegseth13647recently signed a memorandum that directed all DOD Components to13648modernize their approaches to software acquisition. I understand that13649the OUSD(R&E) has already been engaged in software modernization13650activities, working closely with the DOD Chief Information Officer and13651the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and13652Sustainment (OUSD(A&S)). If confirmed, I commit to taking swift action13653consistent with OUSD(R&E) authorities to advance a culture of agile13654software acquisition and to promote agile development and procurement13655approaches, including the Software Acquisition Pathway. I look forward13656to bringing my experience from the private sector to support the13657Secretary in driving software modernization across the research and13658engineering portfolio.13659 spectrum13660 5. Senator Rounds. Mr. Michael, are you aware that essential DOD13661capabilities rely on use of the lower-3 band?13662 Mr. Michael. Yes, I am aware that the lower-3 GHz band is home to13663several critical ground, maritime, and airborne radar systems. My13664understanding is that these frequencies have properties that make them13665critical for our radar systems to find, discriminate, and track targets13666in all weather conditions. If confirmed, I would look forward to13667understanding the Department's specific spectrum needs and programs.13668Clearly, we must ensure that our warfighters have the appropriate,13669safe, and secure access to the right spectrum when they need it to13670complete the mission, and that it is secure for our national security13671needs.1367213673 6. Senator Rounds. Mr. Michael, if confirmed, will you commit to13674defending the DOD's access to and unimpeded use of this portion of the13675electromagnetic spectrum?13676 Mr. Michael. Mr. Michael. I understand the importance of this13677spectrum to our military and to achieving the objectives of the13678President and the Secretary of Defense. If confirmed, I look forward to13679receiving further briefings on this topic and will work to ensure the13680Department has the spectrum access necessary to achieve national13681security and homeland defense objectives.13682 __________13683 Questions Submitted by Senator Joni K. Ernst13684 small business innovation research program-small business technology13685 transfer reauthorization13686 7. Senator Ernst. Mr. Michael, the Department of Defense allocates13687more than $2 billion dollars each year for small business research,13688development, and commercialization of new technologies. I recently13689introduced S. 853, the INNOVATE Act. The bill would reauthorize the13690Small Business Innovation Research Program-Small Business Technology13691Transfer (SBIR-STTR) programs and enact reforms to accelerate13692commercialization of battle-ready technologies from innovative small13693businesses, strengthen research security measures to ensure that13694taxpayer-funded innovations do not benefit America's adversaries, and13695structure this program as a source of merit-based seed funding rather13696than welfare for small businesses. Will you commit to working with me13697and supporting the efforts I am leading in the upcoming SBIR-STTR13698reauthorization?13699 Mr. Michael. The DOD invests over billions each fiscal year through13700the SBIR/STTR programs in innovative technologies to meet critical13701needs of the warfighter and grow and modernize the defense industrial13702base while ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds. If13703confirmed, I am committed to working with you, the Congress, the13704Service Acquisition Executives, and engaging with all other parties of13705interest to ensure that the SBIR/STTR programs are merit-based and13706fulfilling their missions of developing and delivering innovation,13707consistent with the Department's modernization strategies and Critical13708Technology Areas.13709 department of defense research funding for academic and research13710 institutions13711 8. Senator Ernst. Mr. Michael, we must take all steps to ensure13712that academics receiving Department of Defense (DOD) research funding13713are not collaborating with malign foreign academic and research13714institutions. Therefore, Congress has required the Department to ban13715funding for academics with ties to malign institutions on the section137161286 list. Unfortunately, R&E has set a policy where malign13717institutions are added to the list only if they meet a very high13718threshold of evidence, such as a Chinese legal document attesting to a13719university's ties to the military. If confirmed, will you work with me13720to lower that threshold of evidence so that all foreign institutions13721that are reasonably and plausibly believed to be malign are added to13722the section 1286 list?13723 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I look forward to working with you, in13724coordination with other Department experts as appropriate, on re-13725evaluating the thresholds of evidence for including malign institutions13726in accordance with the criteria established in section 1286 to ensure13727that we protect our intellectual property against foreign adversaries.13728 9. Senator Ernst. Mr. Michael, the Department of the Air Force's13729China Aerospace Studies Institute published a study in 2020 detailing1373037 officer and noncommissioned officer academic institutions in China.13731(URL here: https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/CASI/Display/Article/137322216778/the-peoples-liberation-armys-academic-institutions/). If13733confirmed, will you work to ensure that all of these institutions, and13734any successor institutions, are added to the section 1286 list?13735 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I look forward to working with you, in13736coordination with other Department experts as appropriate, and13737leveraging available resources to include malign institutions in13738accordance with section 1286 requirements both technically and13739substantively. I look forward to learning more about the specific13740institution that you have identified.13741 __________13742 Questions Submitted by Senator Dan Sullivan13743 alaska specific issues13744 10. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Michael, as part of President Trump's13745Golden Dome program, there will almost certainly be a need to ensure13746that our advanced early warning radar systems like the E-7 are capable13747of detecting incoming aircraft and missile threats both at home and if13748necessary, forward deployed. We have had a number of issues in Alaska13749with E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) readiness rates13750due to aging airframes and parts. Will you commit to reviewing the E-713751program to make sure we are properly resourcing it and work with me to13752ensure that we have that capability on hand when required in Alaska?13753 Mr. Michael. I have not been briefed on this Air Force issue. If13754confirmed, I would look forward to learning more about the Air Force's13755plans in this area, including a review of the E-7 program.13756 aerial refueling13757 11. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Michael, what role do you think unmanned13758aerial refueling (like the Navy's MQ-25 Stingray) will play in the13759future of air combat?13760 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I am interested in learning more about13761this important capability. My understanding is that the MQ-25 and13762unmanned refueling in general is especially critical in operations13763within the western Pacific in which extended People's Republic of China13764air defense ranges and surface-to-ship missiles require extended13765carrier standoff. I look forward to studying these opportunities if13766confirmed and acting with purpose to ensure that we are ensuring the13767best capabilities are deployed as quickly as possible.13768 f-47 fighter program13769 12. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Michael, as you are aware the F-4713770program was awarded recently to Boeing. While I have no doubt that13771Boeing was chosen because it had the best aircraft prototype, I'd like13772to know how you plan to hold contractors (including Boeing) accountable13773for any failures or delays in this program given its recent history13774with the KC-46 which is ongoing?13775 Mr. Michael. Accountability for contractors is more essential than13776ever. The OUSD(R&E) plays an important role in acquisition, including13777through conducting independent technical risk assessments that identify13778technical problems early on in the acquisition process. If confirmed, I13779will work to provide independent technical risk and schedule13780assessments in support of these activities, in compliance with DOD13781authorities.1378213783 13. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Michael, what do you think we learned13784from these previous programs that we should do differently with the F-1378547?13786 Mr. Michael. As a nominee for the USD(R&E), I do not have access to13787controlled unclassified information or classified information that13788would inform a thorough answer. That said, in general, my understanding13789is that previous programs of a similar nature to the F-47 program have13790struggled with single-vendor, total system contracts that pose13791challenges from limited competition, flexibility, responsiveness, and13792contract structures that do not have incentives aligned with the13793mission. In addition, previous programs have been challenged by lack of13794access to modern data and business systems to effectively provide13795oversight. The convergence of digital engineering, systems engineering,13796and agile, iterative development will provide more effective capability13797development. If confirmed, I look forward to reviewing these issues13798carefully and with speed and purpose.13799 defense acquisition and procurement13800 14. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Michael, in a recent Readiness13801Subcommittee Hearing on Joint Force Posture, I asked each of the13802services' vice chiefs about budget flexibility and carryover funding13803authority to provide each service with the ability to shift a certain13804percentage of funds among capabilities each year. Do you think that the13805services would benefit from such budget flexibility and how do you13806think it should best be implemented?13807 Mr. Michael. Yes, given the pace of change in technology13808development and its use on the battlefield, additional flexibility to13809shift funding among capabilities, particularly in research and13810development, would provide benefit to the Services in accelerating13811prototyping, transition, and fielding solutions. Consolidating RDT&E13812budget line items or even budget activities combined with increases in13813the current reprogramming thresholds would provide greater flexibility13814to transition programs and avoid start-stop funding, which delays13815technological deployment.1381613817 15. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Michael, as you probably know, software-13818defined and autonomous systems are vital to U.S. Indo-Pacific13819Commander, Admiral Samuel Paparo's hellscape concept of operations13820(CONOP). And while not a panacea for a potential conflict with China,13821Admiral Paparo recently stated, ``Unmanned systems [are] our force13822multiplier'' and they ``multiply [our] combat power, without13823multiplying our manning requirements.'' Specifically, he emphasized13824that ``we have to build these capabilities at scale . . .'' During his13825nomination hearing, newly confirmed Deputy Secretary of Defense Stephen13826Feinberg agreed stating, ``Clearly, we need to develop autonomy.13827Autonomy in significant numbers with a centralized command . . .13828Additionally, while we continue to heavily invest in new autonomous13829capabilities, we also have hundreds--if not thousands--of legacy13830systems, some in service and others in the boneyard, that could be13831upgraded with 21st Century software.''13832 In your personal opinions, in order to fully ``scale'' autonomous13833and software-defined capabilities ``in significant numbers'' to the13834warfighter, what approach should DOD take in retrofitting--or13835``jailbreaking''--legacy systems (that already exist in large numbers)13836with cutting-edge autonomous software capabilities?13837 Mr. Michael. As we are seeing in Ukraine, retrofitting legacy13838systems can be effective. Often, retrofitting existing systems with13839software solutions is also the most cost-effective option. If13840confirmed, I look forward to learning more about the programs within13841the OUSD(R&E) to drive technology to retrofit systems. Wherever13842possible, we should use novel approaches to upgrade legacy systems to13843current missions as both a way to save time and money.1384413845 16. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Michael, given the existing contractual13846limitations, what authorities or contractual changes would your teams13847need to execute these retrofits and unlock the latent capabilities13848already resident, but sadly dormant in our existing warfighting13849hardware?13850 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I look forward to understanding any13851potential contractual and authority limitations and taking full13852advantage of opportunities to leverage significant latent capabilities13853in systems that are already on hand and other dual-use technology13854opportunities, in coordination with appropriate DOD Components and in13855compliance with DOD policy and regulations. It should be a priority for13856the DOD to request all additional authorities to leverage the installed13857base of systems to unlock new capabilities.1385813859 17. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Michael, as the chief advisor for DOD13860Research and Engineering, you are charged with rapidly advancing13861technology and innovation and quickly delivering these innovative13862capabilities into the hands of our warfighters. Along these lines, in13863Secretary Hegseth's advance policy questions, he addressed the13864importance of autonomous systems in future conflicts. He stated, ``It13865is clear that unmanned systems are a fundamental part of the future13866warfighting environment,'' and ``recent events have shown that . . .13867autonomy . . . among [other factors] will play a key role in future13868near-peer conflicts.'' Given the clear priority and need for autonomous13869systems in future conflicts, if confirmed, how would you seek to remake13870and accelerate the development and deployment of warfighting autonomous13871capabilities?13872 Mr. Michael. I understand that the OUSD(R&E) has been a leader in13873the development of advanced autonomous capabilities. If confirmed, I13874anticipate driving these initiatives further and faster as a key13875Department priority. Accelerating these capabilities requires13876partnerships across the DOD, engagement with academia and industry, and13877engagement with partner nations to identify emerging solutions and13878conduct advanced prototype experimentation. Joint experimentation13879serves to demonstrate technical feasibility, determine utility for the13880warfighter, and help develop combined and joint concepts of operation13881for multi-domain autonomous platforms and command and control. USD(R&E)13882industry engagement forums and partners like the Defense Innovation13883Unit (DIU) serve to connect emerging solutions to DOD's challenges. For13884example, the Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve (RDER) program, in13885conjunction with the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of13886Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program, have successfully accelerated13887autonomous capabilities from nontraditional defense contractors for13888Combatant Commanders. We must catch up to our adversaries where behind13889and accelerate faster where we are ahead on autonomous systems.1389013891 18. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Michael, is a national imperative needed13892to help us ensure our competitive edge against our adversaries?13893 Mr. Michael. I agree that it is a national imperative to ensure our13894competitive edge against our adversaries and that we need to take13895faster action that may involve more risk to do so. The USD(R&E) plays a13896key role in revitalizing the defense industrial base, creating13897competition, and building a modern and lethal arsenal. As the13898Department's Chief Technology Officer, the USD(R&E) also helps to13899secure the Department's supply chains, prevent intellectual property13900theft and cyber-intrusions, and develop President Trump's Golden Dome13901air and missile defense system to protect the homeland.13902 19. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Michael, last year, Congress received the13903report of the Commission on Planning, Programming, Budgeting and13904Execution (PPBE) Reform--a comprehensive report that outlined issues13905with the Department of Defense's defense acquisition system. I plan to13906lead efforts to cut bureaucracy and speed up innovation in the Pentagon13907and defense technology sector and I believe the recommendations in this13908report are a crucial step in doing so. Many of the reforms in that13909report do not need congressional legislation to execute but rather can13910be enacted by the Department of Defense and you, if confirmed. Will you13911commit to review the findings of that report and direct a Pentagon13912working group to begin implementation of the reform measures it13913outlined?13914 Mr. Michael. It is critical that the Department innovate more13915rapidly and with more efficiency. If confirmed, I would look for13916opportunities to implement, as appropriate, best practices that I've13917used in the private sector to drive innovation with efficiency13918throughout the organization. The challenge of building a modern and13919lethal arsenal requires matching the appropriate DOD investment or13920development mechanism to each opportunity. If confirmed, I commit to13921review the PPBE reform measures and form whatever working groups and13922guidance are necessary to quickly implement reforms to ensure the13923Department is able to take the lead over our near-peer adversaries and13924are aligned with our peace through strength mission.1392513926 20. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Michael, I am working with the Pentagon13927and through legislation to lead efforts that help innovative defense13928startups avoid the ``Valley of Death'' which results in long-13929procurement timelines and shuttered defense firms. Will you commit to13930work with me to fix this issue and to get feedback from non-traditional13931defense technology leaders and scholars to reform the Pentagon's13932processes?13933 Mr. Michael. Yes, I commit to working with Congress on this13934important issue without hesitation. The statute that established the13935USD(R&E) gave the official the mission of advancing technology and13936innovation, including by supervising technology transition. Helping to13937overcome the ``Valley of Death'' is a core statutory responsibility13938that I am enthusiastic about. If confirmed, I will work to ensure that13939relationships with non-traditional defense technology leaders and13940scholars are functioning effectively to drive the innovation ecosystem.1394113942 21. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Michael, will you commit to reviewing the13943Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) as outlined13944in the PPBE Reform Commission report and provide Congress with updates13945as to the regulations that need to be removed or amended to speed up13946acquisition?13947 Mr. Michael. Yes, I commit to reviewing the recommendations in the13948PPBE Reform Commission report to update regulations and speed up13949acquisition. And I commit to working closely with my USD(A&S)13950counterpart on this important issue.13951 __________13952 Questions Submitted by Senator Ted Budd13953 united states-israel cooperation13954 22. Senator Budd. Mr. Michael, can you speak to your views on13955United States-Israel Cooperation programs, particularly for anti-13956tunneling, counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and research on13957emerging technologies?13958 Mr. Michael. I have not had the briefings or access necessary to13959provide an informed assessment of current U.S.-Israel collaboration. If13960confirmed, however, I would investigate these issues and provide an13961assessment upon request. I do commit to strongly encourage and promote13962such collaboration and look for ways that emerging technologies might13963improve it.13964 hypersonics13965 23. Senator Budd. Mr. Michael, how concerned are you regarding13966China's hypersonic capabilities and, if confirmed, what should the13967organizations you have been nominated to lead, do to ensure sufficient13968emphasis is placed on and the proper resources are put toward the13969development of critical systems and supporting technologies that would13970help lower the costs and accelerate the fielding of the Department's13971offensive and defensive hypersonic programs of record, including those13972that would support Golden Dome?13973 Mr. Michael. Hypersonic technology development is critical given13974advancement by our adversaries. I expect that the Golden Dome for13975America effort will galvanize a national effort to develop and field13976hypersonic systems both for offensive and defensive use. I understand13977that the OUSD(R&E) established hypersonics as a modernization priority13978and Critical Technology Area in 2018, partly in response to the growing13979Chinese hypersonic threat. The OUSD(R&E) leads the development of the13980Department's vision, strategy, and roadmap for hypersonic technologies.13981If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about the Department's13982hypersonic activities, including those that will support the Golden13983Dome. This technology development must be combined with prioritization13984by all the relevant components of the DOD to both speed deployment and13985reduce duplicative efforts that could result in less focus on the13986realization of such capabilities.1398713988 24. Senator Budd. Mr. Michael, if confirmed, are you committed to13989working with this committee to ramp up the Department's efforts in13990critical hypersonic systems and supporting technologies to compete with13991China?13992 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I commit to working with the Committee13993to advance America's hypersonic technologies. I understand that the DOD13994has made progress developing air-, land-, and sea-based hypersonic13995weapon systems along with both terminal and glide phase hypersonic13996defenses. The DOD must continue to increase the pace at which it13997develops and demonstrates new hypersonic technologies and concepts,13998must improve the affordability and producibility of current hypersonic13999systems, must expand testing infrastructure for more frequent and agile14000ground and flight tests, and, finally, must invest in the national14001hypersonics industrial base to support the DOD's needs.14002 __________14003 Questions Submitted by Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand14004 research and critical technologies14005 25. Senator Gillibrand. Mr. Michael, the University of Rochester's14006Laboratory for Laser Energetics, or LLE, is primarily supported by the14007National Nuclear Security Administration and drives innovation in14008inertial fusion, high-energy-density science, and intense lasers for14009the stockpile stewardship mission. The LLE is also leveraging their14010expertise and making great advances in laser science and technology to14011support DOD. What future role do you see for DOD to continue to14012leverage Department of Energy (DOE) capabilities to keep the United14013States at the forefront of innovation and high-tech education by14014advancing faster than international competitors like China?14015 Mr. Michael. I see a significant role for DOD collaboration with14016the DOE areas. The Nation's research universities possess unique,14017world-class capabilities that benefit both the DOE and DOD. If14018confirmed, I look forward to the opportunity to learn more about the14019Stockpile Stewardship Program and to collaborate with the Administrator14020of the National Nuclear Security Administration and academia on14021critical programs that address emerging threats, deter adversaries, and14022assure allies.14023 26. Senator Gillibrand. Mr. Michael, America's leading research14024universities, including those in my State, have a long history of14025significant contributions to national security through science and14026technology research and development. Under your leadership, how will14027DOD continue to partner with research universities?14028 Mr. Michael. Basic research programs have played a unique and14029critical role in exploring new scientific directions for revolutionary14030technology development in support of the DOD mission and continue to do14031so. U.S. research universities employ some of the top scientific minds14032from around the world and have been responsible for many transformative14033research developments in national security-related areas. If confirmed,14034I will work to ensure that Department-funded research continues to14035deliver greater capabilities to the Warfighter at the fastest pace14036possible.14037 27. Senator Gillibrand. Mr. Michael, basic (6.1) and applied (6.2)14038research projects are the seeds for future innovations that will become14039new military capabilities. The Federal Government is the main funding14040source for the early stages of these long-term investments. How does14041the department plan to align incentives to drive faster tech adoption14042when funds for basic (6.1) and applied (6.2) research programs have14043consistently been cut by the Department?14044 Mr. Michael. Basic and applied research programs are the lifeblood14045of future technological advancement driving future capabilities. If14046confirmed, I commit to working with Congress to ensure that 6.1 and 6.214047research has an appropriate level of funding to ensure that the U.S.14048maintains a technological advantage over its competitors. Additionally,14049speeding up the timeframes from basic and applied innovation to14050prototypes and fielding of systems will be important proof points as to14051the value of these areas.14052 28. Senator Gillibrand. Mr. Michael, the Trump administration has14053expressed interest in cutting down the current 14 critical technology14054areas. How will those technology areas be chosen and what, if any,14055technologies do you currently believe belongs on that list?14056 Mr. Michael. It is my understanding that there are currently 1414057Critical Technology Areas identified by the Department as vital to14058maintaining U.S. national security. If confirmed, I look forward to14059reviewing the work being done in all 14 Critical Technology Areas and14060ensuring the Department's resources are focused on our most critical14061challenges with the right amount of weight behind each area. I intend14062to review these areas from first principles based on the current14063missions and will not hesitate to contract or expand them based on14064today's realities.14065 29. Senator Gillibrand. Mr. Michael, if confirmed, will you commit14066to working with universities and academic institutions to help identify14067them?14068 Mr. Michael. Before taking decisive actions, I will want to14069thoroughly examine the critical technology areas and solicit feedback14070from key stakeholders, to include universities.14071 My review of the work being done in the current 14 Critical14072Technology Areas will include work being done by the Government,14073private industry, and universities and academic institutions.14074 30. Senator Gillibrand. Mr. Michael, how is the Department working14075to ensure that while focusing on technology translation and other14076commercialization efforts, it will support our top researchers in14077continuing their efforts to develop revolutionary technologies that14078will meet the most pressing national security concerns of the future?14079 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I will work to ensure a balanced14080research portfolio to include looking for opportunities for14081collaboration with academia and industry and technology transition and14082commercialization efforts.14083 __________14084 Questions Submitted by Senator Mazie K. Hirono14085 missile defense14086 31. Senator Hirono. Mr. Michael, in December, your predecessor14087highlighted that developing a hypersonic missile defense capability is14088an urgent priority as near-peer adversaries develop advanced long-range14089weapons. Hawaii, as the strategic center of the Indo-Pacific and home14090to key command and control nodes, is particularly vulnerable to these14091emerging threats. Do you agree that defending Hawaii against advanced14092missile threats--including hypersonics--should be a top priority for14093the Department?14094 Mr. Michael. Yes, I agree that the defense of the homeland,14095including Hawaii, is a top Administration priority as evidenced by14096efforts to build the Golden Dome. I expect that the Golden Dome will14097galvanize a national effort to develop and field advanced missile14098threat defenses. If confirmed, I look forward to working with the14099numerous DOD Components that are developing the capabilities necessary14100to defend the U.S. homeland.1410114102 32. Senator Hirono. Mr. Michael, will you commit to accelerating14103the research, testing, and deployment of technologies that could enable14104a missile defense capability for Hawaii?14105 Mr. Michael. The Golden Dome for America will, in its ultimate full14106realization, will safeguard the entire Nation and its citizens through14107a next-generation missile defense shield. The Golden Dome architecture14108will use next generation and non-traditional advanced technologies--14109including space-based sensing, space and terrestrial based intercepting14110capabilities, left of launch defense capabilities, and both kinetic and14111non-kinetic defeat mechanisms to counter all threats to the homeland.14112 research and engineering workforce14113 33. Senator Hirono. Mr. Michael, the Trump administration is14114conducting mass firings of probationary employees and those hired14115through nontraditional pathways--like Highly Qualified Expert or14116``HQEs''. Many fill critical technical positions in USD(R&E) and come14117from STEM [science, technology, engineering, and math] or the14118commercial industry. DOD has yet to conduct the required analysis to14119assess the impacts of these cuts on DOD readiness. Will you commit to14120following the law and conduct the required readiness analysis before14121terminating your employees?14122 Mr. Michael. Recruiting and retaining top scientists and engineers14123is a priority for the Department's research efforts. If confirmed, I14124look forward to learning more about ways to increase the recruiting of14125and retention of key technical employees across the research enterprise14126which includes assessments of readiness.14127 34. Senator Hirono. Mr. Michael, what specific policies or14128oversight will you implement to ensure that critical technical14129personnel are not dismissed because of the Trump administration's mass14130firings?14131 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about14132the research enterprise's workforce challenges and finding ways to14133appropriately address retention and recruitment of critical technical14134personnel.14135 working with allies and partners14136 35. Senator Hirono. Mr. Michael, the Department of Defense must14137rapidly develop and integrate cutting-edge technologies alongside our14138allies and partners to meet the pacing challenge posed by China. How14139will you expand collaboration with Indo-Pacific allies and partners,14140including joint technology development or testing programs, to ensure14141interoperability and speed-to-fielding of key capabilities?14142 Mr. Michael. The Indo-Pacific remains the Department's priority14143theater, even as the region is marked by increasing tension. I14144understand that efforts like RDER are leveraging joint and coalition14145experimentation opportunities in the Indo-Pacific theater now, and14146there are opportunities to expand collaborative experimentation through14147AUKUS Pillar II and with other interested nations. If confirmed, I will14148work to understand and leverage these opportunities and extend14149international collaboration in the Indo-Pacific theater so that the14150maximum possible synergies are realized while ensuring protection of14151our innovations.14152 defense established program to stimulate competitive research program14153 36. Senator Hirono. Mr. Michael, the FORGED Act also calls for14154eliminating the Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive14155Research (DEPSCoR) Program, a capacity-building program designed to14156strengthen the basic research infrastructure at institutions of higher14157education in underutilized States and Territories (section14158101(a)(107)). If this legislation were enacted, what impact would this14159have on DOD's ability to conduct research in underutilized States such14160as Rhode Island?14161 Mr. Michael. My understanding is that the Defense Established14162Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) program works to14163increase research capacity at universities that have not worked with14164the Department much in the past. If confirmed, I would make sure that14165the Department is engaging with such universities as much as possible14166to help researchers there better align with DOD research priorities and14167better understand how to work with the Department. The Department's14168research efforts can only benefit from having more universities to work14169with. Based on what I know about the DEPSCoR program, I would intend to14170be very supportive of the DEPSCOR program.1417114172 37. Senator Hirono. Mr. Michael, would the impact be similar for14173other underutilized States?14174 Mr. Michael. Yes, my understanding is that if the DEPSCoR program14175is eliminated, all States that participate in the program would be14176similarly impacted.1417714178 38. Senator Hirono. Mr. Michael, do you support eliminating the14179DEPSCoR Program?14180 Mr. Michael. Based on what I know about it, I would intend to be14181very supportive of the DEPSCoR program. If confirmed, I look forward to14182reviewing the DEPSCoR program.14183 scaling prototypes14184 39. Senator Hirono. Mr. Michael, the Pentagon often struggles to14185transition promising prototypes into large-scale programs. What14186barriers do you see preventing the rapid fielding of innovative14187capabilities, and how would you address them to ensure we can operate14188at scale?14189 Mr. Michael. An important challenge for emerging solutions is the14190traditional budget process and the traditional requirements process.14191The traditional budget process has historically posed significant14192challenges for small businesses and other innovative organizations14193seeking to work with the DOD. Flexibility in funding is critical to14194accelerate prototyping, transition, and fielding. The APFIT program is14195an example of a successful model designed to bridge this funding gap.14196 Acquisition Executives also face barriers when adopting and14197transitioning new technologies into acquisition programs. Such barriers14198include the misalignment of technology development with acquisition14199requirements, program plans that fail to include insertion points, and14200a lack of funding to incorporate technology transitions.14201 40. Senator Hirono. Mr. Michael, how will you work with the Office14202of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and14203other components to address these challenges?14204 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I will work with the USD(A&S) to14205understand and remove these barriers to technology adoption and14206transition. I will look to leverage and improve models like the APFIT14207program to overcome challenges with the budget process and accelerate14208solutions in partnership with the USD(A&S). I will engage with user14209representatives and the Joint Staff early in the requirements process14210and encourage a re-evaluation of how the requirements process works. I14211will be well positioned to assist the USD(A&S) with identifying and14212addressing technical risks across the development lifecycle.14213 __________14214 Questions Submitted by Senator Elizabeth Warren14215 ethics14216 41. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, if you are confirmed, will you14217commit to not seeking any employment with or compensation from a14218defense contractor, including through serving on a board, as a14219consultant, or as a lobbyist, for 4 years after leaving DOD?14220 Mr. Michael. I will abide by the extensive post-government14221employment ethics rules required by Federal law as well as the terms of14222my Ethics Agreement. These provisions set forth comprehensive14223restrictions relating to acceptance of compensation from defense14224contractors, as well as communicating back to the Federal Government on14225behalf of any future employers and clients. I believe that these14226existing rules are appropriate and sufficient to protect the public14227interest. If confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of my14228office honorably, and I will seek any post-government employment in14229full compliance with the applicable ethics rules.1423014231 42. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, if you are confirmed, will you14232commit to not engaging in any lobbying activities, including14233unregistered ``shadow'' or ``behind-the-scenes'' lobbying under the14234guise of consulting or advising on DOD-related matters, focused on DOD14235or any of its components for 4 years after leaving DOD?14236 Mr. Michael. I will abide by the extensive post-government14237employment ethics rules required by Federal law as well as the terms of14238my Ethics Agreement. These provisions set forth comprehensive14239restrictions relating to acceptance of compensation from defense14240contractors, as well as communicating back to the Federal Government on14241behalf of any future employers and clients. I believe that these14242existing rules are appropriate and sufficient to protect the public14243interest. If confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of my14244office honorably, and I will seek any post-government employment in14245full compliance with the applicable ethics rules.1424614247 43. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, during your nomination process,14248did anyone on the Trump campaign, transition team, or other closely14249related entity approach you about your loyalty to President Trump?14250 Mr. Michael. No.1425114252 44. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, if you were approached about your14253loyalty to President Trump, did you sign a loyalty pledge or other14254similar oath? If so, please provide a copy of the text of that pledge14255or oath.14256 Mr. Michael. No, I was never approached.14257 45. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, if you were approached about your14258loyalty to President Trump, did you make any verbal representations of14259loyalty? If so, please describe this representation.14260 Mr. Michael. No, I was not approached.14261 46. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, in November 2024, the New York14262Times and other news outlets reported that Boris Epshteyn, a top14263adviser to President Trump, allegedly requested payment from14264prospective political appointees to promote their candidacies for top14265positions within the Administration. Did you discuss the possibility of14266joining the Administration with Mr. Epshteyn at any time?14267 Mr. Michael. No.14268 47. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, if you did discuss the possibility14269of joining the Administration with Mr. Epshteyn, did Mr. Epshteyn seek14270payment from you for promoting your candidacy for a position within the14271Administration?14272 Mr. Michael. No.1427314274 48. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, at any time, did lawyers for14275President Trump or members of President Trump's team approach you14276regarding Mr. Epshteyn and the allegations cited above? If so, please14277explain the information that they provided you, including copies of14278documents, what was discussed during any calls, and any other14279information pertaining to this interaction.14280 Mr. Michael. No, I was never approached.1428114282 49. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, if you own any defense contractor14283stock, will you divest it to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of14284interest?14285 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, the Ethics Agreement I signed on March1428610, 2025, which was previously provided to the Committee, sets forth my14287ethics commitments.1428814289 50. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, what do you consider the role of14290the press in a democracy?14291 Mr. Michael. I strongly support a free press as a critical part of14292democracy.1429314294 51. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, do you think it would be an14295appropriate use of taxpayer resources to ``dig up dirt'' on journalists14296who investigate or criticize you, your office, DOD, or the Trump14297administration?14298 Mr. Michael. Absolutely not.1429914300 52. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, will you commit not to retaliate,14301including by denying access to DOD officials or facilities, against14302news outlets or individual journalists who publish articles that are14303critical of you, your office, DOD, or the Trump administration?14304 Mr. Michael. Yes.1430514306 53. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, how many times have you been14307accused of sexually harassing, assaulting, or creating a hostile work14308environment for another individual in a personal or professional14309capacity? Provide a list of all instances in which you have been14310accused of sexually harassing, assaulting, or creating a hostile work14311environment for an individual and the behavior of which you were14312accused.14313 Mr. Michael. None.1431414315 54. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, have you requested, or has anyone14316requested on your behalf, that any other person or third party sign a14317nondisclosure, confidentiality, non-disparagement, or similar agreement14318regarding your conduct in a personal or professional capacity?14319 Mr. Michael. No.1432014321 55. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, will you voluntarily release any14322individual from any such agreements before your nomination hearing?14323 Mr. Michael. Not applicable.1432414325 56. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, have you ever paid or promised to14326pay, or has anyone paid or promised to pay on your behalf, an14327individual as part of any non-disclosure, confidentiality, non-14328disparagement, or similar agreement?14329 Mr. Michael. No.1433014331 57. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, if the answer to the question14332above was yes, how much was promised, how much was paid, and what were14333the circumstances?14334 Mr. Michael. Not applicable.1433514336 58. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, will you commit to recuse yourself14337from all particular matters involving your former clients and employers14338for at least 4 years?14339 Mr. Michael. I will abide by the extensive post-government14340employment ethics rules required by Federal law as well as the terms of14341my Ethics Agreement. These provisions set forth comprehensive14342restrictions relating to acceptance of compensation from defense14343contractors, as well as communicating back to the Federal Government on14344behalf of any future employers and clients. I believe that these14345existing rules are appropriate and sufficient to protect the public14346interest. If confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of my14347office honorably, and I will seek any post-government employment in14348full compliance with the applicable ethics rules.14349 59. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, will you commit to not seeking14350employment, board membership with, or another form of compensation from14351a company that you regulated or otherwise interacted with while in14352government, for at least 4 years after leaving office?14353 Mr. Michael. I will abide by the extensive post-Government14354employment ethics rules required by Federal law as well as the terms of14355my ethics agreement. These provisions set forth comprehensive14356restrictions relating to acceptance of compensation from defense14357contractors, as well as communicating back to the Federal Government on14358behalf of any future employers and clients. I believe that these14359existing rules are appropriate and sufficient to protect the public14360interest. If confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of my14361office honorably and I will seek any post-Government employment in full14362compliance with the applicable ethics rules.1436314364 60. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, would it ever be appropriate to14365threaten or imply that you would withhold future contracts from a14366company if they filed a complaint, bid protest, or cooperated with an14367Inspector General, civil, or criminal investigation?14368 Mr. Michael. No, that would not be appropriate.1436914370 61. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, do you think it is valuable to14371encourage competition and innovation in the defense industrial base?14372 Mr. Michael. Yes, I believe that it is valuable to encourage14373competition and innovation in the defense industrial base.14374congressional Oversight and Transparency1437514376 62. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, what is your understanding of the14377role of the Department of Defense Inspector General and service14378Inspectors General?14379 Mr. Michael. It is my understanding that the role of the Department14380of Defense Inspector General is to conduct independent audits and14381investigations relating to DOD's programs and operations to promote14382economy, efficiency, and effectiveness and to prevent and detect fraud14383and abuse. It is my understanding that the Service Inspectors General14384perform similar functions, independently assessing for the Secretaries14385of the Military Departments matters such as economy, efficiency, and14386readiness.1438714388 63. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, will you ensure your staff14389complies with any Inspector General deadlines established for requested14390communications, providing witnesses, providing documents, and that14391those witnesses will be protected from reprisal for their testimony?14392 Mr. Michael. Yes.1439314394 64. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, if you are not able to comply with14395any Inspector General requests and deadlines, will you notify the14396Republican and Democratic members of the Committee regarding the basis14397for any good faith delay or denial?14398 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I will work to comply with Inspector14399General requests in a timely manner. I would defer to the Office of the14400Inspector General to update members of the Committee regarding the14401progress of the Inspector General's ongoing reviews.1440214403 65. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, if you are confirmed, will you14404commit to refusing to follow illegal orders from any individual,14405including the President?14406 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I will follow the law and the14407Constitution of the United States.1440814409 66. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, what actions would you take if you14410were given an illegal order from any individual, including the14411President?14412 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I would have a duty not to carry out a14413manifestly unlawful order.1441414415 67. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, will you commit to testify or14416provide a deposition if you are called upon by Congress to provide a14417deposition voluntarily?14418 Mr. Michael. Yes.1441914420 68. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, will you commit to testify or14421provide a deposition to Congress if you are issued a subpoena to14422testify?14423 Mr. Michael. Yes.1442414425 69. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, will you commit to providing14426information or documents to Congress voluntarily if you are requested14427to do so?14428 Mr. Michael. Yes.1442914430 70. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, will you provide information or14431documents to Congress if you are issued a subpoena?1443214433 Mr. Michael. Yes.1443414435 71. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, will you commit to following14436current DOD precedent for responding to information requests,14437briefings, and other inquiries from Congress, including the Senate and14438House Armed Services Committees and their minority members?14439 Mr. Michael. Yes.1444014441 72. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, if confirmed, will you commit to14442posting your official calendar monthly?14443 Mr. Michael. If confirmed I will commit to transparency consistent14444with the law.? For example, if my official calendar is requested14445pursuant to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, I will commit14446to releasing responsive agency records subject to any withholding under14447applicable FOIA exemptions.1444814449 73. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, do you think DOD has an14450overclassification problem? If so, please provide this committee with14451an estimate of the number or percentage of documents that will be under14452your purview that are overclassified.14453 Mr. Michael. I believe the Department has done a tremendous amount14454of work to reduce overclassification and ensure that information is14455properly classified and declassified in accordance with Executive Order1445613526. Despite these past efforts, it is my understanding that14457overclassification persists at the Department, though the exact extent14458of overclassification is not well understood by me at this time. If14459confirmed, I will work with the USD(I&S) to support investment in tools14460to assist in accurate classification--like machine learning and AI--14461which have shown promise in reducing human error and should be further14462employed to improve the classification, marking, and declassification14463of the Department's sensitive information.1446414465 74. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, to the best of your knowledge, is14466your service or component identifying records for proactive posting in14467compliance with the Freedom of Information Act? If not, please describe14468how you would ensure that they do so to comply with public records law.14469 Mr. Michael. I have not been briefed on the organization's14470compliance posture with the Freedom of Information Act. However, I14471fully support complying with all public records laws and would ensure14472the OUSD(R&E) follows these laws.1447314474 75. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, if confirmed, do you think your14475department should pursue strategic technology to support automated14476declassification?14477 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about14478strategic technologies that hold promise to improve business practices14479and make information sharing at the appropriate classification level14480more efficient.14481 project 202514482 76. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, have you discussed Project 202514483with any officials associated with the Trump campaign, the Trump14484transition team, or other members of the Trump administration? If so,14485please explain what you discussed, when you discussed it, and with whom14486you discussed it.14487 Mr. Michael. No, I was never approached.1448814489 77. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, have you discussed Project 202514490with any officials associated with the Heritage Foundation? If so,14491please explain what you discussed, when you discussed it, and with whom14492you discussed it.14493 Mr. Michael. No, I was never approached.14494 nuclear weapons and missile defense14495 78. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, what do you understand your role14496to be in ensuring that programs do not reach this significant cost14497overrun threshold if you are confirmed?14498 Mr. Michael. I have not been briefed on the details of the Sentinel14499program. That said, modernizing the nuclear triad is a critical issue14500for the country. As a statutory member of the Nuclear Weapons Council,14501the USD(R&E) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the Nation maintains a14502safe, secure and effective strategic nuclear deterrent now and in the14503future. The USD(R&E) also provides independent technical risk14504assessments for weapon systems, ensuring that acquisition decisions are14505fully informed by a methodological approach. If confirmed, my role as14506the USD(R&E) would be to identify technical risks and performance14507shortfalls across the development lifecycle to inform critical14508engineering and acquisition decisions. For major programs, this14509engagement could include assessing technical risks and technical14510maturity early on, assessing system performance as testing unfolds, and14511assessing schedule risks as program development proceeds. I look14512forward to fulfilling that role and ensuring the Department is14513modernizing to meet future threats.14514 foreign influence14515 79. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, have you received any payment from14516a foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government14517within the past 5 years?14518 Mr. Michael. No.1451914520 80. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, have you communicated with any14521foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government within14522the past 5 years?14523 Mr. Michael. I have disclosed relevant contacts and communications14524in my SF-86 and my Senate Armed Services Committee questionnaire.1452514526 81. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, please disclose any communications14527or payments you have had with representatives of any foreign government14528or entity controlled by a foreign government within the past 5 years14529and describe the nature of the communication.14530 Mr. Michael. I have disclosed relevant contacts and communications14531in my SF-86 and my Senate Armed Services Committee questionnaire.14532 retaliation and protecting whistleblowers14533 82. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, do you believe that14534servicemembers, civilians, grantees, and contractors should be14535protected from any form of retaliation for coming forward about an14536illegal order, sexual assault or harassment, negligence, misconduct, or14537any other concern that they wish to raise?14538 Mr. Michael. Yes, all whistleblowers should be protected consistent14539with the law.1454014541 83. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, have you ever retaliated against14542any individual for coming forward about an illegal order, sexual14543assault or harassment, negligence, misconduct, or any other concern14544that they wish to raise?14545 Mr. Michael. No.1454614547 84. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, if you are confirmed, will you14548commit to protecting whistleblowers? If so, please specify how you will14549do so.14550 Mr. Michael. Yes, I will protect whistleblowers by fostering a14551culture of high integrity where everyone knows that we will follow the14552law.14553 impoundment control act14554 85. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, on January 27, 2025, President14555Trump's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo calling for14556the suspension all Federal financial assistance programs (excluding14557``assistance provided directly to individuals''). Do you agree with14558OMB's decision to issue this memo?14559 Mr. Michael. I support the President's efforts to streamline the14560Federal Government and ensure that it is carrying out Federal programs14561in an efficient and economical manner. This is vital given the fiscal14562constraints our country is facing that the President has pointed out,14563and thus to making our national security policies and organizations14564sustainably effective. That said, I am not aware of the how this14565memorandum has been interpreted and applied among the relevant14566executive branch agencies, including DOD. Therefore, I am not in a14567position to provide an informed assessment of the matter. If confirmed,14568however, I would look forward to learning more and helping to14569facilitate solutions that reflect the President's and the Secretary of14570Defense's priorities and are consistent with the law.1457114572 86. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, do you believe the Secretary of14573Defense has the legal authority to block the disbursement of funds14574appropriated by Congress?14575 Mr. Michael. I fully acknowledge and respect Congress'14576constitutional role in appropriating funds to be carried out by the14577executive branch for designated purposes. I commit, if confirmed, to14578executing my responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the14579law. I would ensure that my actions and advice to the Secretary of14580Defense on this matter are informed by the administration's legal14581positions and advice from the Department's General Counsel's office.1458214583 87. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, what is your understanding of the14584Impoundment Control Act (ICA)?14585 Mr. Michael. My understanding is that Congress passed the14586Impoundment Control Act in 1974. This Act provides a framework for14587handling circumstances in which the President seeks to defer or cancel14588execution of appropriated funds. I commit, if confirmed, to executing14589my responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on14590this matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice14591to the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by the14592administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's14593General Counsel's office.1459414595 88. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, do you commit to following the14596Impoundment Control Act?14597 Mr. Michael. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my14598responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on this14599matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice to14600the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by the14601Administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's14602General Counsel's office.1460314604 89. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, do you commit to notifying the14605Senate and House Armed Services Committees, including the majority and14606minority, if you are asked not to follow the Impoundment Control Act or14607not to expend the money that Congress appropriates or authorizes?14608 Mr. Michael. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my14609responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on this14610matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice to14611the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by advice the14612administration's legal positions and from the Department's General14613Counsel's office.1461414615 90. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, the Constitution's Spending Clause14616(Art. I, Sec. 8, cl. 1) and Appropriations Clause (Art. I, Sec. 9,14617cl. 7) give Congress, not the Executive, power of the purse. The14618Supreme Court has unanimously upheld this power. Do you believe that14619impoundments are constitutional?14620 Mr. Michael. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my14621responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on this14622matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice to14623the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by the14624administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's14625General Counsel's office.1462614627 91. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, the funding levels in14628appropriations bills passed into law are not targets or ceilings;14629instead, they are amounts the executive branch must spend, unless14630stated otherwise. Congress could--if it wanted the President to have14631discretion--write those amounts as ceilings. Do you agree?14632 Mr. Michael. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my14633responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on this14634matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice to14635the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by the14636Administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's14637General Counsel's office.1463814639 92. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, what is your understanding of the14640requirements for DOD to obligate funding that Congress authorizes and14641appropriates, in accordance with the time period that Congress deems it14642to do so?14643 Mr. Michael. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my14644responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on this14645matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice to14646the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by the14647administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's14648General Counsel's office.1464914650 93. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, do you commit to expending the14651money that Congress appropriates and authorizes?14652 Mr. Michael. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my14653responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on this14654matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice to14655the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by advice the14656administration's legal positions and from the Department's General14657Counsel's office.1465814659 94. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, do you commit to following and14660implementing every provision of the annual National Defense14661Authorization Act passed into law?14662 Mr. Michael. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my14663responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law,14664including the National Defense Authorization Acts.14665 right-to-repair14666 95. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, do you believe giving DOD access14667to the technical data rights needed to repair its own equipment could14668advance DOD's readiness?14669 Mr. Michael. Ensuring DOD's readiness is a critical mission that14670the Department must undertake. If confirmed, I look forward to14671reviewing how having access to the technical data rights needed to14672repair equipment could advance DOD's readiness but would want to ensure14673that the Department is using its maximum power to repair equipment so14674long as it's more efficient than alternatives.1467514676 96. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, do you believe giving DOD access14677to the technical data rights needed to repair its own equipment could14678help reduce DOD's repair and sustainment costs?14679 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I look forward to exploring ways that14680the OUSD(R&E) can reduce costs for the DOD and taking appropriate14681action and would be in favor of exercising all existing rights to14682repair so long as it's more efficient than alternatives.1468314684 97. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, how will you ensure servicemembers14685in your service or component, who are stationed abroad, can timely and14686cost-effectively repair equipment when needed, especially in a14687contested logistics environment?14688 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I look forward to supporting OUSD(A&S)14689in ensuring that servicemembers have the proper training and14690information to timely and cost-effectively repair equipment, especially14691in a contested logistics environment.1469214693 98. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, if you are confirmed, will you14694commit to including right-to-repair/technical data rights clauses in14695acquisition contracts that your service or component enters into?14696 Mr. Michael. My understanding is that the OUSD(R&E) does not enter14697into acquisition contracts.1469814699 99. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, if you are confirmed, will you14700commit to ensuring contractors deliver technical data rights to your14701service or component when their contract requires or allows it?14702 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I look forward to working with the14703USD(A&S) and the Military Services to use any contractually permissible14704rights to make repairs more efficient.1470514706 100. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, if you are confirmed, will you14707commit to conducting an assessment of the cost of not having the right-14708to-repair/technical data rights for your service's or component's14709equipment, the results of which you would make public for review by14710Congress and the Department of Government Efficiency?14711 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I look forward to working with the14712USD(A&S) and the Military Services to understand the potential benefits14713of requiring contractors to provide technical data rights to Services14714or Components.14715 acquisition reform14716 101. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, what is your understanding of the14717Procurement Integrity Act and your obligations under that law?14718 Mr. Michael. The Procurement Integrity Act prohibits certain14719activities by personnel involved in the procurement process. If14720confirmed, I will be responsible for ensuring disclosure, protection,14721and proper marking of contractor bid or proposal information and source14722selection information, disqualifying any employee with financial14723conflicts of interest, and determining the impact of reported14724violations on pending awards or selections.1472514726 102. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, do you believe that it is14727important to be able to assess accurate cost and pricing data from14728contractors, especially for sole-or single-source contracts?14729 Mr. Michael. I believe it is important to be able to assess14730accurate cost and pricing data from contractors in order to ensure the14731DOD is paying a fair price for critical services.1473214733 103. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, how do you plan to obtain cost14734and pricing data from contractors to determine that the cost of DOD14735contracts is fair and reasonable?14736 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I will want to thoroughly examine the14737organization's programs, budget, contracts and authorities and solicit14738feedback from key stakeholders so as to ensure the DOD is paying fair14739and reasonable costs.1474014741 104. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, how do you plan to do so in cases14742where contractors refuse or claim they are unable to turn over this14743data?14744 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I look forward to fully reviewing these14745types of issues with the OUSD(A&S) and have the DOD receive as much14746relevant data as possible to be efficient with taxpayer dollars.1474714748 105. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, if you are confirmed, what steps14749will you take to ensure that contractors are not price gouging or14750overcharging DOD?14751 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I look forward to supporting OUSD(A&S)14752should it decide to review any current contracts in order to ensure14753that fair prices are being paid in exchange for critical services.1475414755 106. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, if you are confirmed will you14756commit to seeking refunds from contractors and companies that14757overcharge DOD?14758 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I look forward to supporting OUSD(A&S)14759should it decide to review any current contracts in order to ensure14760that fair prices are being paid in exchange for critical services and14761any refunds due are collected.1476214763 107. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, if so, how do you plan to do so?14764 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I look forward to supporting OUSD(A&S)14765should it decide to review any current contracts in order to ensure14766that fair prices are being paid in exchange for critical services with14767all available DOD resources.1476814769 108. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, do you believe there is excessive14770consolidation in the defense industry?14771 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I look forward to assessing14772consolidation in the defense industry relevant to research,14773development, and engineering. It is inarguable that more competition14774benefits the DOD.1477514776 109. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, if so, what do you believe to be14777the ramifications of that consolidation?14778 Mr. Michael. One of the ramifications of consolidation is the14779emergence of chokepoints in the supply chain throughout the industrial14780and critical technology ecosystem, which has led to vulnerabilities in14781the development of capabilities needed for national defense. In14782addition, if more consolidation leads to less competition, then its14783inherently less efficient than the alternative.1478414785 110. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, if you are confirmed, how will14786you support competition in the defense industry?14787 Mr. Michael. Competition has been the lifeblood of U.S. innovation.14788If confirmed, I would look to remove barriers to entry for new partners14789in the defense industrial base and to encourage competition.1479014791 111. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, what do you understand to be the14792role of independent cost estimates in the acquisition process?14793 Mr. Michael. Independent and sound cost estimates are vital for14794effective acquisition decisionmaking and oversight. Cost estimates14795support efficient resource allocation decisions. Independent cost14796estimates should encompass all lifecycle costs including development,14797production, deployment, operations and support, and disposal.1479814799 112. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, how should DOD establish program14800schedules and milestones?14801 Mr. Michael. I understand that the USD(R&E) provides oversight and14802analysis on developmental test, test and evaluation master plans,14803digital engineering approaches and engineering modernization, and14804independent technical risk assessments. Each of these categories of14805analysis should inform program schedules and milestones that are14806technically feasible and realistic.1480714808 113. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, would it be appropriate for DOD14809to establish program schedules to achieve partisan electoral outcomes?14810 Mr. Michael. It would not be appropriate for DOD to establish14811program schedules to achieve partisan electoral outcomes.1481214813 114. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, should DOD acquisition decisions14814be influenced by partisan political activities?14815 Mr. Michael. Acquisition decisions should not be influenced by14816partisan political activities.1481714818 115. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, should DOD acquisition decisions14819be influenced by individuals with conflicts of interest that involve14820DOD?14821 Mr. Michael. Acquisition decisions should not be influenced by14822individuals with material conflicts of interest that involve DOD.14823 research and development14824 116. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, does DOD benefit from partnering14825with colleges, universities, nonprofits, and federally funded research14826and development centers?14827 Mr. Michael. Maintaining efficient investments in science and14828technology (S&T) is vital to our Nation's future security. S&T can be14829used to rapidly mature advanced technology in response to operational14830need, but it is also the foundation of future military concepts.14831Collaborating with colleges, universities, nonprofit organizations,14832national labs and federally funded research and development centers are14833critical to the success of the S&T ecosystem. U.S. research14834universities and federally funded research and development centers14835employ some of the top scientific minds from around the world and have14836been responsible for many transformative research developments in14837national security-related areas.1483814839 117. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, under your leadership, will DOD14840continue to work with colleges, universities, nonprofits, and federally14841funded research and development centers to research and address our14842toughest national security challenges?14843 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I commit to continuing to work with14844colleges, universities, nonprofit organizations, and federally funded14845research and development centers to develop new and transformative14846capabilities for the Warfighter consistent with the Administration's14847mission and priorities.1484814849 118. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, on March 20, 2025, DOD announced14850it was terminating $360 million in grants. What is your understanding14851of DOD's criteria for canceling grants?14852 Mr. Michael. I have not been briefed on the Department's grants nor14853its recent grant cancellation decisions, but I support aligning DOD14854spending with the Secretary's stated goals of restoring the warrior14855ethos, rebuilding our military by matching threats to capabilities, and14856reestablishing deterrence by defending our homeland. The Department's14857grants should align with these priorities.1485814859 119. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, what should DOD's criteria for14860canceling grants be?14861 Mr. Michael. The DOD should focus its resources on essential14862technologies that will support its core national missions as determined14863by the Secretary and the Administration. If confirmed, I will ensure14864that OUSD(R&E) activities align with the Administration's commitment to14865efficiency and support the military to rebuild and develop capabilities14866that meet the current threat landscape.1486714868 120. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, who should be involved in14869decisions to cancel DOD grants?14870 Mr. Michael. Decisions to terminate grant awards may be necessary14871to ensure that the Department makes the best use of available14872resources. These decisions are most often made by those responsible for14873the individual program the grant supports but can also be determined by14874DOD leadership in accordance with Department priorities or the14875Administration consistent with its policy objectives.1487614877 121. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, does DOD invest enough in14878research and development?14879 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I look forward to assessing whether DOD14880invests enough in research and development (R&D). Balancing near-term14881and long-term investments is a multifaceted challenge that demands14882addressing immediate warfighting needs while also maintaining long term14883technical superiority over adversaries. The Department's S&T activities14884form the basis of new technology components and system capabilities. If14885confirmed, I commit to reviewing the DOD R&D budget to ensure that it14886is consistent and sufficient to ensure the Department addresses14887Warfighter needs while investing in securing its technological14888advantage.1488914890 122. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, do defense contractors invest14891enough in research and development?14892 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I commit to reviewing the R&D14893investments made by defense contractors to encourage industry to14894optimally contribute to the Department's future capabilities through14895their independent R&D investments.1489614897 123. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, what should DOD's top research14898and development priorities be?14899 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I will assess the DOD's R&D priorities,14900including through review of the 14 Critical Technology Areas, and help14901ensure that the Department is delivering on the priorities it14902establishes consistent with the missions the Administration has14903articulated.14904 defense established program to stimulate competitive research program14905 124. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, the FORGED Act calls for14906eliminating the Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive14907Research (DEPSCoR) Program, a capacity-building program designed to14908strengthen the basic research infrastructure at institutions of higher14909education in underutilized States and Territories (Sec. 101(a)(107)).14910If this legislation were enacted, what impact would this have on the14911Department of Defense's ability to conduct research in underutilized14912States such as Rhode Island?14913 Mr. Michael. My understanding is that the Defense Established14914Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) program works to14915increase research capacity at universities that have not worked with14916the Department much in the past. If confirmed, I would make sure that14917the Department is engaging with such universities as much as possible14918to help researchers there better align with DOD research priorities and14919better understand how to work with the Department. The Department's14920research efforts can only benefit from having more universities to work14921with. Based on what I know about the DEPSCoR program, I would intend to14922be very supportive of the DEPSCOR program.1492314924 125. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, would the impact of this14925legislation be similar for other underutilized States?14926 Mr. Michael. Yes, my understanding is that if the DEPSCoR program14927is eliminated, all States that participate in the program would be14928similarly impacted.1492914930 126. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, do you support eliminating the14931DEPSCoR program?14932 Mr. Michael. Based on what I know about it, I would intend to be14933very supportive of the DEPSCoR program. If confirmed, I look forward to14934reviewing the DEPSCoR program.14935 protecting classified information and federal records14936 127. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, what is your understanding of the14937need to protect operational security, or OPSEC?14938 Mr. Michael. Operations Security is practiced to deny adversaries14939the opportunity for an advantage over U.S. forces. Proper OPSEC14940protects critical information and the mission and the men and women14941executing it.1494214943 128. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, what are the national security14944risks of improperly disclosing classified information?14945 Mr. Michael. It is generally accepted that the improper or14946unauthorized disclosure of classified information could be expected to14947cause identifiable or describable damage to national security. The14948describable damage and certainty of that damage would depend on the14949details of the information released, including the level of14950classification, as well as the extent and nature of the disclosure.14951Determining the extent of damage to national security is part of the14952unauthorized disclosure process as outlined in DOD policy, and I would14953defer to the Department for additional specifics.1495414955 129. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, is it your opinion that14956information about imminent military targets is generally sensitive14957information that needs to be protected?14958 Mr. Michael. The Department has robust policies and processes14959dedicated to determining the sensitivity of information related to14960military targets. If confirmed, I will ensure that myself and those14961under my organizational control will adhere to those processes and14962standards.1496314964 130. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, what would you do if you learned14965an official had improperly disclosed classified information?14966 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I would report any such incident, or14967suspected incident, to the appropriate security office. It is the14968responsibility of all DOD personnel--military, civilian, contractors--14969to promptly report security incidents, including unauthorized14970disclosures, to ensure that such incidents are properly examined and14971that necessary actions are taken to mitigate adverse effects of the14972loss of control of classified information. Regardless of intent or14973culpability, unauthorized disclosures of classified information are14974anathema to protecting our Nation and our troops.1497514976 131. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, what is your understanding of14977Government officials' duties under the Federal Records Act?14978 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I will adhere to the Federal Records Act14979and the applicable DOD policies that implement it, which ensure that14980the Federal records I create or receive are appropriately maintained.1498114982 132. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, should classified information be14983shared on unclassified commercial systems?14984 Mr. Michael. As per the DOD's Information Security Program, only14985systems approved and accredited for Classified National Security14986Information may be used for classified communications.1498714988 133. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, is it damaging to national14989security if the pilots flying a mission find out that the official who14990ordered them to perform that mission shared sensitive information that14991could have made it more likely that the mission would fail or they14992would be killed?14993 Mr. Michael. The Department of Defense places the utmost importance14994on mission success and the safety of the men and women carrying out the14995mission, making it the finest fighting force in the world. If14996confirmed, I will endeavor to carry on that tradition of excellence14997supporting the men and women of the armed forces in my role as the14998USD(R&E).1499915000 134. Senator Warren. Mr. Michael, if you had information about the15001status of specific targets, weapons being used, and timing for imminent15002U.S. strikes against an adversary, under what circumstances would you15003feel comfortable receiving or sharing that information on an15004unclassified commercial application like Signal?15005 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I commit to adhering to the information15006security policies of the Department of Defense. Beyond that, I cannot15007speculate about my actions in response to hypothetical or uncertain15008circumstances.15009 __________15010 Questions Submitted by Senator Mark Kelly15011 innovation and modernization efforts15012 135. Senator Kelly. Mr. Michael, defense modernization is a top15013priority of mine. I co-chair the Defense Modernization Caucus and take15014the future of the Department very seriously. The technological15015supremacy the United States held over our adversaries for the past 4015016years is rapidly diminishing. It is apparent to many of us that the15017future of defense based technological innovations rests in artificial15018intelligence (AI), cyber, quantum computing, advanced microelectronics,15019and the rapid proliferation of drones. This creates an imperative to15020leverage innovation across industry. If confirmed, what steps will you15021take to bridge the gap over the so-called valley of death?15022 Mr. Michael. I appreciate the important work that the Defense15023Modernization Caucus is doing to bring more attention and focus to15024critical technologies. The statute that established the USD(R&E) gave15025the role the mission of advancing technology and innovation, including15026by supervising technology transition. Helping to overcome the so-called15027valley of death is a core statutory responsibility that I am15028enthusiastic to address. To leverage innovation across industry, we15029must address the challenges of revitalizing the industrial base while15030building a modern and lethal arsenal. This requires matching the15031appropriate DOD investment or development mechanism to each15032opportunity. For example, the Office of Strategic Capital seeks to15033address industrial base and supply chain issues through long-term15034investments in companies with tremendous up-side for DOD, while15035development and transition tools like prototyping, experimentation and15036the APFIT program address the challenge of building modern and lethal15037capabilities while increasing the size of the defense industrial base,15038creating competition and opportunities for new and nontraditional15039defense contractors. Keystone initiatives like the President's Golden15040Dome air and missile defense system will require systems engineers15041across the Department to collaborate on architecture and software, in15042collaboration with the development and acquisition communities. In15043addition, the Department should reduce duplicative efforts where the15044private sector has invested dramatically more and achieved breakthrough15045advancements to adapt or utilize those paid-for innovations for15046Department use.1504715048 136. Senator Kelly. Mr. Michael, one program I worked to establish15049in NDAA and secured $500 million in funding for in the CHIPS and15050Science Act was a program within R&E called the Microelectronics15051Commons. It created a network of research and development (R&D)15052facilities across the country dedicated to providing researchers and15053innovators in the semiconductor industry access to manufacturing-grade15054capabilities to help test innovative new microchips at scale--bridging15055the valley of death. That program was established in late 2023 and is15056already enabling groundbreaking research. Are you familiar with the15057Microelectronics Commons? If confirmed, will you commit to ensuring R&E15058remains dedicated to advancing groundbreaking innovations in the15059semiconductor industry?15060 Mr. Michael. I understand that the OUSD(R&E) manages the Trusted15061and Assured Microelectronics program and the Microelectronics Commons15062and am familiar with the publicly available information on it. If15063confirmed, I look forward to learning more about the on-going efforts15064within the OUSD(R&E) and with interagency partners to ensure that DOD15065has access to the microelectronics it requires for defense systems and15066to innovation to ensure the Nation is not dependent on adversaries for15067such critical capabilities.1506815069 137. Senator Kelly. Mr. Michael, the People's Republic of China15070(PRC) is our pacing threat, they've made incredible technological leaps15071in hypersonic capabilities. While the Department has made progress, it15072is lagging behind, and this is just one example of PRC technological15073investment. We face delays and program management problems across the15074Department. What steps will you take to ensure the Department maintains15075technological overmatch?15076 Mr. Michael. Hypersonic technology development is critical. I15077expect that the Golden Dome for America effort will galvanize a15078national effort to develop and field hypersonic systems. I understand15079that the OUSD(R&E) established hypersonics as a modernization priority15080and Critical Technology Area in 2018, partly in response to the growing15081Chinese hypersonic threat. The OUSD(R&E) leads the development of the15082Department's vision, strategy, and roadmap for hypersonic technologies15083and works to ensure that Military Service and Defense Agency efforts15084are consistent with those roadmaps. If confirmed, I look forward to15085learning more about the Department's hypersonic activities, including15086those that will support the Golden Dome.1508715088 138. Senator Kelly. Mr. Michael, how will you direct the Department15089to foster innovation across broad ecosystems to deliver new technology15090to the field and present rapidly deployable technological solutions?15091 Mr. Michael. It is critical that the Department innovates more15092quickly and with more efficiency. If confirmed, I will look for15093opportunities to implement, as appropriate, best practices that I've15094used in the private sector to drive innovation at speed and with15095efficiency throughout the organization. As a starting place, I would15096attempt to alter an overly risk adverse culture. To benefit from an15097innovative culture, it must be understood that there is knowledge to be15098gained from experimental failures, and without such failures, the pace15099of innovation will necessarily be slow. I am committed to working with15100Congress to develop newer, higher quality and more efficient systems15101for the warfighter. Further, where commercially available technology15102exists, the Department needs to remove unnecessary barriers to adopt it15103if it will save time and money.15104 semiconductor innovation and integration into department of defense's15105 acquisition and sustainment systems15106 139. Senator Kelly. Mr. Michael, as you both know, DOD has15107struggled to utilize commercial leading-edge semiconductors in DOD15108acquisition programs because the pace of innovation moves faster than15109our procurement process. In recent years, and with the support of this15110Committee, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has15111carried out several programs to address this program, including the15112Rapid Assured Microelectronics Prototypes--Commercial (RAMP-C) program,15113the State-of-the-Art Heterogeneous Integrated Packaging (SHIP) program,15114and the Joint University Microelectronics Program (JUMP). How would you15115access the success of these programs?15116 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about15117the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency's (DARPA) work on15118microelectronics. It is critical that the Nation maintains its15119technological edge in microelectronics and DARPA has historically15120proven capable of being part of important successes.15121 140. Senator Kelly. Mr. Michael, what are the next steps R&E and15122DARPA should be taking to buildupon the success of these research and15123development programs and integrate their funding into DOD procurement15124processes?15125 Mr. Michael. It is my current understanding that DARPA executes its15126high-risk model because of the existence of the Military Service S&T15127organizations that diligently pursue more evolutionary, requirements-15128driven research. While the Military Service laboratories frequently15129provide the ``Plan A'' baseline for program advancements, DARPA offers15130a disruptive ``Plan B,'' that if successful, creates leap-ahead15131capabilities, accelerated timelines, and/or dramatically reduced costs.15132Sometimes, DARPA proves that a new technological vector is possible but15133needs the Military Service laboratories to carry out the maturation and15134system application work necessary to scale the new technology. The key15135to making these handoffs effective is ensuring that the Military15136Services embrace DARPA's unique mission and have the budget flexibility15137to be able to quickly pivot to new DARPA-discovered opportunities if15138it's the best solution for our warfighters regardless of the source of15139such innovation. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about15140DARPA's approach to, and record of, technology transition to the15141Military Services.15142 Senator Tammy Duckworth15143 quantum technologies15144 141. Senator Duckworth. Mr. Michael, what is your perspective on15145how you would prioritize and drive the adoption of quantum technologies15146to enhance the effectiveness of the warfighter?15147 Mr. Michael. Quantum science is a Critical Technology Area for the15148Department with many applications and with great promise from industry.15149I understand that the Department continues to pursue quantum science15150and its applications--from better clocks and sensors to the potential15151of quantum computation. If confirmed as the Department's Chief15152Technology Officer, I look forward to learning more at the classified15153level and ensuring that the Department has the technological advantage15154in this critical field.15155 142. Senator Duckworth. Mr. Michael, to date, the Department of15156Defense has made initial investments to advance quantum capabilities.15157Should you be confirmed, can I get your commitment to not only continue15158these efforts but also to ensure sustained Office of the Secretary of15159Defense (OSD)-level investments that align with DOD priorities?15160 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about15161the Department's investments in quantum capabilities. I will support15162appropriate investments that align with DOD priorities.15163 143. Senator Duckworth. Mr. Michael, would you commit to taking a15164proactive role in collaborating with the individual services to15165identify and integrate the most promising quantum applications that15166directly enhance warfighter effectiveness?15167 Mr. Michael. Quantum science is currently a Critical Technology15168Area with great potential. If confirmed, I look forward to working with15169the Military Services on technology transition opportunities.15170 bioindustrial manufacturing15171 144. Senator Duckworth. Mr. Michael, biotechnology and15172biomanufacturing provide innovative tools and capabilities that15173directly support Department of Defense missions, strengthen domestic15174supply chains, and reduce reliance on foreign sources for critical15175materials. Would you commit to providing a timeline outlining BioMADE's15176plans to deploy all remaining DOD-provided funds allocated, including15177timelines for issuing Requests for Proposals (RFPs), selecting sites,15178and initiating construction or partnership activities?15179 Mr. Michael. I support efforts to strengthen our supply chains and15180reduce our reliance on foreign sources of critical materials. If15181confirmed, I look forward to learning more about the BioMADE15182Manufacturing Innovation Institute, its biomanufacturing efforts, and15183how BioMADE aligns with Department priorities.1518415185 145. Senator Duckworth. Mr. Michael, would you be willing to commit15186to identify a senior official or office within DOD responsible for15187overseeing and ensuring U.S. leadership in biomanufacturing as a15188critical technology area?15189 Mr. Michael. I understand that biotechnology is a designated15190Critical Technology Area for the Department. As such, there is15191currently a Principal Director for Biotechnology who is considered the15192senior official for R&D work in biotechnology, which includes15193biomanufacturing.1519415195 146. Senator Duckworth. Mr. Michael, would you be able to provide a15196detailed description of the selection criteria BioMADE uses when15197implementing DOD-funding to support infrastructure investments?15198 Mr. Michael. If confirmed, I would look forward to reviewing the15199selection criteria that the BioMADE Manufacturing Innovation Institute15200uses to support infrastructure investments. Given that many of these15201programs are classified, I cannot provide an informed answer as of this15202time.1520315204 147. Senator Duckworth. Mr. Michael, can you provide an accounting15205of how DOD-provided funds and those collected through BioMADE15206membership fees have been utilized by the institute to date, specifying15207funded projects, partnerships established, outcomes achieved thus far,15208and how these expenditures align with broader DOD strategic objectives15209in biomanufacturing?15210 Mr. Michael. As a nominee for the USD(R&E), I do not have access to15211controlled unclassified information. If confirmed, I look forward to15212reviewing and assessing the BioMADE program, to include its accounting,15213plans, partnerships, and goals and how those align with DOD priorities.15214 ______1521515216 [The nomination reference of Mr. Emil G. Michael follows:]1521715218 [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]1521915220 ______1522115222 [The biographical sketch of Mr. Emil G. Michael, which was15223transmitted by the Committee at the time of the nomination was15224referred, follows:]15225[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]15226 ______1522715228 [The Committee on Armed Services requires all individuals15229nominated from civilian life by the President to positions15230requiring the advice and consent of the Senate to complete a15231form that details the biographical, financial, and other15232information of the nominee. The form executed by Mr. Emil G.15233Michael in connection with his nomination follows:]15234[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]15235 ______1523615237 [The nominee responded to Parts B-F of the Committee15238questionnaire. The text of the questionnaire is set forth in15239the Appendix to this volume. The nominee's answers to Parts B-F15240are contained in the Committee's executive files.]1524115242 ______1524315244 [The nomination of Mr. Emil G. Michael was reported to the15245Senate by Chairman Wicker on April 8, 2025, with the15246recommendation that the nomination be confirmed. The nomination15247was confirmed by the Senate on May 14, 2025.]15248 ------1524915250 [Prepared questions submitted to Mr. Keith Bass by Chairman15251Wicker prior to the hearing with answers supplied follow:]1525215253 Questions and Responses15254 duties and qualifications15255 Question. What is your understanding of the duties and functions of15256the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs (ASD(HA))?15257 Answer. The ASD(HA) is the advisor to the Secretary of Defense and15258Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness for health15259policy and medical resources as well as leader of the Military Health15260System (MHS). The ASD(HA) has authority, direction, and control over15261the Defense Health Agency (DHA) and Uniformed Services University of15262the Health Sciences (USUHS) and, working with the Military Departments15263and Joint Staff, oversees all DOD medical capabilities, medical15264personnel, and medical readiness.15265 Question. If confirmed, what duties and functions do you expect the15266Secretary of Defense to prescribe for you?15267 Answer. If confirmed, I expect the Secretary of Defense to charge15268me with stabilizing and modernizing the MHS. I will support rebuilding15269our warfighter ethos by increasing medical force generation and15270sustainment through improved military and civilian staffing at military15271medical treatment facilities (MTFs) and more integrated relationships15272with Federal and private sector partners.15273 Question. What background and experience do you have that qualify15274you for this position?15275 Answer. I spent two decades in uniform, both as an enlisted sailor15276and officer in the Navy, aboard ships, supporting humanitarian15277missions, in MTFs, at the White House, intelligence headquarters, and15278the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. After retiring from Active15279Duty, I served in executive leadership roles in the private sector15280before returning as a civilian hospital leader at the Department of15281Veterans Affairs. These experiences gave me a deep understanding at all15282levels of the MHS and military medicine.15283 major challenges and priorities15284 Question. In your view, what are the major challenges confronting15285the next ASD(HA)?15286 Answer. With the increasing cost of health care, the most15287significant challenge is improving medical readiness in a resource15288constrained environment. As briefed recently in open testimony, DOD15289needs to quickly stabilize the MHS to rebuilding medical capabilities15290and improve readiness.15291 Question. If confirmed, how would you address each of those15292challenges? Please be specific in your responses.15293 Answer. I support continuing to stabilize and optimize the MHS by15294more appropriately staffing the MTFs and strengthening our partnerships15295with other Federal health care systems and leading private sector15296health care organizations. I also believe that we need to improve our15297medical logistics to better supply equipment, supplies, and15298pharmaceuticals to our MTFs and operational medical missions.15299 Question. If confirmed, what would be your top priorities for the15300military health system (MHS)?15301 Answer. My top priorities for the MHS would be improving medical15302readiness, stabilizing the MHS, and focusing on mental health and15303suicide prevention. The MHS underwent tremendous transformation over15304the past decade. It is now time to use these modernizations to refocus15305efforts on generating, sustaining, and maintaining medical readiness at15306MTFs, operational units, and partnerships. I understand that there are15307significant fiscal constraints in and long-term underfunding of the MHS15308and my priority will be to ensure we are maximizing the return on15309investment of current resources.15310 relations with congress15311 Question. What are your views on the State of the relationship15312between the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health15313Affairs (OASD(HA)) and the Senate Armed Services Committee in15314particular, and with Congress in general?15315 Answer. The relationship to the Members of the Senate Armed15316Services Committee, and Congress broadly, is one of the most important15317relationships for the ASD(HA). The House and Senate represent the will15318of the people, and moreover represent the constituency of millions of15319TRICARE beneficiaries. In my view, it is vital that the ASD(HA) has a15320strong, open, transparent, and trusting relationship with the Senate15321Armed Services Committee and the whole of Congress. If confirmed, I15322will do everything in my power to ensure this relationship is15323strengthened, robust, and enduring.15324 Question. If confirmed, what actions would you take to sustain a15325productive and mutually beneficial relationship between Congress and15326the OASD(HA)?15327 Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that the relationship between15328Congress and the OASD(HA) builds on trust and transparency. I pledge15329that Congress will have open lines of communication to the OASD(HA),15330that we provide regular updates, and respond to inquiries or requests15331for information. If confirmed, I will also continue to participate in15332regular updates to the House and Senate Armed Services Committee, as I15333understand is the current practice of the OASD(HA) and the Director of15334the Defense Health Agency.15335 national defense strategy15336 Question. If confirmed, how would you position the MHS to support15337more fully the Department's National Defense Strategy?15338 Answer. It is my understanding from earlier testimony that Defense15339Department has not fully utilized the potential of industrial and15340innovation bases to deliver necessary military capabilities efficiently15341and at the required pace of the National Defense Strategy. If15342confirmed, I will improve how we resource and staff medical15343capabilities, including more agile and modernized contracting15344practices, medical industrial base policy, and holistic assessments of15345military and civilian medical personnel resources in the MHS.15346 Question. If confirmed, what immediate changes would you make in15347the MHS to better support the National Defense Strategy?15348 Answer. If confirmed, first and foremost I will look at the15349footprint, policies, and resources of the MHS to ensure it best aligns15350to the National Defense Strategy. I will overlay the DOD's medical go-15351to-war, combat casualty, and readiness requirements with opportunities15352for collectively sharing resources with other Federal partners and15353working with the civilian sector where appropriate. I will then look at15354all the revenue streams into the MHS to make sure we are most15355efficiently maximizing the use of all the resourcing opportunities.15356 joint medical estimate and combat casualty care15357 Question. The most recent Joint Medical Estimate, required by15358section 732 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019,15359identified significant concerns related to the Military Health System's15360ability to provide required care to injured personnel in certain combat15361scenarios and the Department's contested medical logistics15362capabilities.15363 If confirmed, how would you evaluate and mitigate the risks15364identified in the Joint Medical Estimate within the MHS?15365 Answer. As I understand it, the Defense Department recently15366implemented new policy to take an enterprise-wide perspective to15367address, analyze, and mitigate risks identified by the Joint Medical15368Estimate. This would be a significant evolution for the MHS. I believe15369continuing to implement these new policies will increase the15370effectiveness and efficiency of planning, programming, and budgeting15371for the Unified Medical Budget and Defense Health Program. If15372confirmed, I will use these policies to drive strategic change to15373improve the allocation of taxpayer resources to rebuilding military15374medical capabilities to support our warfighters, including the world's15375most advanced aeromedical evacuation and medical logistics.15376 Question. In the September 16th, 2020 issue of JAMA Surgery, Dr.15377Jeremy Cannon, a retired Air Force trauma surgeon, and current faculty15378member at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, warned of15379the ``peacetime effect'' that happens when the military medical15380establishment returns home at the conclusion of a major conflict. He15381wrote, ``Once fighting ends, wartime surgeons and medical specialists15382disperse, casualty care systems dismantle, military-specific15383publications in the medical literature significantly decline, and the15384focus on injury-related education and training wanes. During these15385times, Military Health System (MHS) leaders prioritize the mission of15386wellness among active duty members and other beneficiaries over combat-15387relevant training. Then, when the military mobilizes for the next war,15388the MHS is ill-equipped for combat and its members are unprepared to15389manage casualties.'' We see this occurring now at the Walter Reed15390National Military Medical Center, the Department's premier military15391hospital.15392 Do you believe the MHS is adequately focused on combat-related15393medical capability?15394 Answer. We know that the peacetime effect is very pronounced across15395the MHS. As described above, I believe the MHS needs to rebuild medical15396readiness and combat-related medical capabilities. The MHS really needs15397to refocus its strategy and modernizations to improve support to the15398Combatant Commands and our warfighters downrange.15399 Question. If confirmed, how will you ensure the MHS is properly15400prepared to avoid the consequences of the ``peacetime effect'' in the15401next major conflict?15402 Section 735 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and15403National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 established the15404Indo-Pacific Medical Readiness Program. In recognition of the15405importance of medical readiness in this Combatant Command area of15406responsibility, as well as the vast geographical distances involved,15407this section provides for accreditation of foreign medical facilities15408and procedures to facilitate access to such facilities by U.S.15409personnel. This new initiative also reflects the need for effective15410partnering with allies to improve medical readiness.15411 Answer. If I am confirmed, I would need to understand why we are15412unable to fully generate and sustain our medical forces. From recent15413testimony and reports, I know that DOD's largest medical platforms do15414not have the staff, supplies, and resources to reattract complex care.15415Without these complex patients, our providers and health care teams15416will naturally lose their skillsets. We have an opportunity as a Nation15417to train our medical personnel with our Allies and partners while15418simultaneously sustaining and maintaining clinical skills by partnering15419with medical facilities in these host countries. Doing so gives our15420medical forces training nearer to the fight, an understanding of the15421challenges they may face, and helps our Allies and partners advance15422their own capabilities.15423 Question. Will you commit to working with the Joint Staff, the15424Combatant Commands, and other DOD components to implement effective15425collaboration and partnering with medical systems of allies to improve15426medical readiness?15427 Answer. Yes, I commit to working closely and better integrating15428health policy and medical capabilities with the Joint Staff, Combatant15429Commands, Military Departments, DHA, and USUHS to improve collaboration15430across the DOD, the Federal Government, and our Allies and partners,15431especially those across the Indo-Pacific's vast geography. We need to15432make sure that military medical personnel understand and can work15433inoperably with these Allies and partners, and we must also ensure that15434our Allies and partners can work with us without degrading the high-15435quality clinical care we provide to American men and women in uniform.15436 managing the cost of health care15437 Question. In your view, what is the greatest threat to the long-15438term viability of the military health system?15439 Answer. From my time in uniform and as a civilian health care15440leader, I believe the greatest threat to the MHS is fiscal instability.15441Rising health care costs are directly impacting the Department. The MHS15442must manage growth in health care costs while ensuring medical15443readiness and the care of our servicemembers, retirees and family15444members are not compromised. Like other large health systems in the15445United States, the MHS is confronting significant medical inflation and15446labor shortages. Unlike other health systems though, the MHS is also15447confronting the rise of China as a near-peer threat to our military.15448Getting the funding and resourcing right is the biggest challenge and15449most important step to rebuilding readiness in the MHS.15450 Question. What is your assessment of the long-term impact of the15451Department's health care costs on military readiness and overall15452national security?15453 Answer. Rising health care costs are a national problem. The15454Department will continue to provide a robust health benefit to attract15455and retain military personnel as well as for those who dedicate their15456lives and careers to the military. As these costs rise above the15457average growth rate of the Department's topline budget, there is the15458real risk that rising health care costs will compete with resources15459needed to invest in other warfighting platforms and Department-wide15460organizational reforms. To alleviate these burdens, DOD must continue15461to transform and modernize the MHS to improve effectiveness while15462realizing efficiencies by reducing less productive and unnecessary15463redundancy.15464 Question. If confirmed, what actions would you take to address the15465effect of the Department's medical costs on the Department's top-line15466budget, while simultaneously implementing programs to improve health15467outcomes and to enhance the experience of care for all beneficiaries?15468 Answer. If confirmed, I will lead the ongoing modernization of the15469MHS with renewed focus on effectiveness, infrastructure, and staffing.15470I will advocate for the appropriate budget while searching for15471efficiencies to ensure we are good stewards of the taxpayer's funding.15472There is a delicate balance between maintaining a focus on professional15473development, quality of care goals, and the primary focus of combat15474casualty care.15475 Question. If confirmed, what would you do to create a value-based15476military health system--a system that delivers quality health care and15477improves health outcomes for beneficiaries at reasonable costs both to15478beneficiaries and to the Department?15479 Answer. We need a MHS that delivers on its unique value to the15480Nation: a health care system that sustains fighting forces, deploys15481into combat and contested environments, receives combat casualties, and15482provides day-to-day health care for 9.5 million beneficiaries. If15483confirmed, I will accelerate efforts to become a value-based care15484system by ensuring accurate requirements and resourcing strategies15485based on readiness and health outcomes for both direct care and private15486sector care.15487 space available care15488 Question. Federal law generally limits the authority of the15489Secretary of Defense to provide access to military treatment facilities15490(MTF) to military personnel and covered TRICARE beneficiaries. In15491certain circumstances MTFs may provide care on a ``space available''15492basis when such care would not interfere with access to care for15493covered beneficiaries.15494 What is your view of the availability of space available care for15495non-covered personnel (e.g. civilian employees, contractors, their15496families)?15497 Answer. The MHS exists first and foremost to provide, support, and15498promote military readiness. ASD(HA) has a role in providing medical15499capacity for the Total Force, including civilian employees and15500contractors who work at military installations in rural, remote, and15501austere locations. However, the MHS continues to remain focused on our15502Servicemembers, their families and dependents, and retirees, while15503increasing volume to the maximum extent possible to maintain the15504appropriate skills for our providers and staff. As always, the MTFs15505will remain available to provide emergency care on military15506installations.15507 Question. Do you believe the Department of Defense should expand15508the availability of space available care for non-covered beneficiaries?15509 Answer. With on-going medical personnel labor shortages across the15510United States, I am hesitant to recommend expanding availability of15511space available care without looking into this further. I believe the15512Department could increase space available care to non-covered15513beneficiaries where it makes sense from a readiness perspective. Brooke15514Army Medical Center in my home State of Texas is a good example of a15515partnership with the local community to provide trauma services for15516non-covered beneficiaries to generate, sustain, and maintain ready15517medical forces.15518 Question. How should the DHA account, and in what circumstances15519should it waive payment, for the provision of space available care to15520non-covered beneficiaries?15521 Answer. I believe that waiving payment for space available care to15522non-beneficiaries should be limited to those whose health care directly15523contributes to medical readiness or those who are truly uninsured and15524unable to pay. This perspective supports the intent of the James M.15525Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, Section15526716, ``Improvements to processes to reduce financial harm caused to15527civilians for care provided at military medical treatment facilities.''15528 medical provider productivity15529 Question. If confirmed, what would you do to improve provider15530productivity in the MHS?15531 Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure manpower models are realistic15532and standardized, especially with respect to provider-to-support staff15533ratios by specialty area. I will ensure we have the proper support15534staffing to help facilitate care, reduce administrative burdens to15535focus on patient care, and reduce burn out. These manpower models must15536also support determinations of the optimal military and civilian15537medical force mix required to support deployments while also15538maintaining continuity of operations within our MTFs.15539 Question. How does low provider productivity impact beneficiaries'15540access to care?15541 Answer. Provider productivity is very complex. I believe the15542biggest issues with access to care for DOD beneficiaries are staffing15543shortages, administrative processes, and cumbersome technology. Without15544whole teams and state-of-the-art support, we cannot expect our15545providers and clinical staff to be optimally effective and efficient.15546We must ensure we have proper support staff.15547 Question. In your view, is provider productivity impacted by the15548Department's inability or failure to provide adequate administrative or15549ancillary clinical resources to relieve providers of administrative15550burdens that may limit their time for patient encounters?15551 Answer. From my own time in uniform and experience as a health care15552leader, administrative and ancillary support is critical to provider15553productivity. There are far too many examples of physicians triaging15554their own patients or even surgeons wheeling patients into surgery. We15555need to allocate the workforce to improve the efficiency of health care15556across the MHS, which starts by establishing accurate, realistic15557requirements and resourcing the right personnel to best fill those15558requirements.15559 Question. In your view, how does medical procedure volume and15560complexity relate to the readiness of military medical providers to15561provide casualty care in a deployed environment?15562 Answer. Medical procedure volume and complexity is critical to15563ensuring the readiness of military medical providers and health care15564teams. Studies show that providers who have higher medical procedure15565volume and complexity achieve better patient outcomes. We want15566providers to practice the full scope of their credentials and15567privileges to maintain their clinical skills. If confirmed, I will15568ensure the Department continues efforts to increase the volume and15569complexity of care provided in its military medical treatment15570facilities to support case mix in critical wartime specialties.15571 Question. In your view, do all current MTFs serve as operational15572medical readiness training platforms? Please explain.15573 Answer. Yes, in my view as a hospital leader and a retired Naval15574officer, I believe MTFs support the mission as training platforms. It15575is my understanding that the Department continues to focus on medicine15576and surgical specialty capabilities at its largest MTFs to ensure15577sufficient volume and case mix are available to support providers and15578health care teams with critical wartime clinical currency. If15579confirmed, I will continue the Department's efforts to optimize primary15580and specialty care at MTFs worldwide to better meet readiness15581requirements.15582 medical quality assurance for operational clinical care15583 Question. In December 2024, the Government Accountability Office15584issued a report entitled ``Military Health Care: Departments Should15585Update Policies for Providers in Operational Settings Like Field15586Hospitals and Aircraft Carriers.'' This report highlighted the failure15587of the Military Services to implement requirements of DOD Instruction155886025.13, ``Medical Quality Assurance and Clinical Quality Management in15589the Military Health System,'' issued in July 2023. The Defense Health15590Agency and the Services promised corrective actions.15591 If confirmed, what actions will you take to ensure that clinical15592quality assurance requirements are implemented in operational clinics?15593 Answer. The MHS went through an enormous transformation and there15594are likely many policies that require updating to conform with the new15595way of managing and administering military medicine across the DOD.15596Assuring quality in the deployed environment is a critical task and, if15597confirmed, I will work toward standardizing clinical quality management15598across the whole Department no matter where the care is delivered.15599 civilian healthcare providers15600 Question. The recently enacted National Defense Authorization Act15601for Fiscal Year 2025 included a provision that extended until 2030, the15602Secretary of Defense's ability to utilize exceptional hiring and15603compensation authority available to the Department of Veterans Affairs15604under title 38 of U.S. Code. This authority has been available to the15605Department of Defense for more than two decades, yet this authority has15606never been implemented despite staffing shortages across the MHS.15607 If confirmed, how will you utilize so-called ``title 38'' authority15608to more effectively recruit and hire civilian health care personnel to15609staff MTFs?15610 Answer. I understand the DOD is already applying many of these15611title 38 authorities to establish special salary rates in specific15612geographies as well as pay setting for physicians, dentists, and15613podiatrists. I also know from personal experience at the VA that title1561438 is expensive and that there is more to recruiting and retention than15615pay scales alone. If confirmed, I will continue implementing title 3815616authorities where it makes the most strategic sense to reduce the15617difference in salaries between the DOD, other Federal agencies, and the15618private sector.15619 Question. Based on your experience with the Department of Veterans15620Affairs, is there anything else the Department of Defense should be15621doing to better recruit and retain civilian health care personnel?15622 Answer. Based on my experience, I think DOD needs to offer15623competitive compensation and incentive packages, streamline the hiring15624process, provide enhanced training opportunities for our providers, and15625we must continue to evaluate their work-life balance.15626 military health system reorganization15627 Question. Section 702 of the National Defense Authorization Act for15628Fiscal Year 2017 transferred direct oversight and management of15629military hospitals and clinics from the Services to the Defense Health15630Agency (DHA).15631 If confirmed, how will you enhance DHA's operations to ensure the15632medical readiness of military forces and the readiness of the military15633medical force?15634 Answer. If confirmed, I will work with key stakeholders to assess15635and evaluate staffing methodologies and operations to ensure we15636optimize medical readiness.15637 In December 2023, the Department of Defense required the Defense15638Health Agency to reattract ``at least 7 percent of available care from15639the private sector back to MTFs'' by December 31, 2026 as the15640``effective way'' to ``take care of our people, support the National15641Defense Strategy, increase clinical readiness, mitigate risk to15642requirements, and reduce long-term cost growth in private sector care''15643 Question. What is your opinion of the directive to reattract15644significant numbers of TRICARE beneficiaries to the direct care system?15645 Answer. I agree with this wholeheartedly. It is crucial to have the15646necessary volume and complex patients required to maintain skills for a15647medically ready force. If confirmed, I will evaluate staffing levels15648and the capacity across our MTFs. I think it is a worthwhile effort to15649reattract TRICARE beneficiaries to the MTFs. If confirmed, I will15650ensure that DOD policies support process improvements to MTF manpower15651requirements as well as making access to care at MTFs easier and more15652patient centered.15653 Question. In your judgment, how should the MHS determine what15654services are offered at MTFs rather than in the private sector care15655network?15656 Answer. The MHS is becoming a requirements-driven organization,15657much like other warfighting and combat supporting capabilities and15658organizations in the DOD. Those requirements for combat support are15659sometimes incongruent with health care delivery on a day-to-day basis.15660MTFs should offer services where there is an overlap with combat15661support and readiness as well as the full spectrum of care at MTFs on15662installations in austere or remote locations. The MHS can also take15663advantage of its scale by better deploying virtual health tools to15664provide care at a distance and across time zones.15665 Question. The same December 2023 directive required the Secretaries15666of the Military Departments to ``primarily prioritize assignment of15667uniformed medical and dental personnel to MTFs, with the Director of15668the DHA exercising ``operational control over such personnel for the15669primary duties for which they are assigned.''15670 Do you support prioritizing MTFs for the assignment of military15671medical personnel?15672 Answer. I support prioritizing the assignment of military medical15673personnel where it makes sense from a readiness perspective to improve15674generating and sustaining ready medical forces and maintaining a15675medically ready force. If confirmed, I will work with medical manpower15676subject matter experts in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the15677Military Departments, and DHA to fully assess the policies regarding15678the assignment of military medical personnel.15679 Question. If confirmed, how would you attempt to balance the15680staffing needs of the MTFs under the DHA and operational medical needs15681under the military departments?15682 Answer. If confirmed, I would take a collaborative approach with15683DHA, the Services, the Joint Staff Surgeon and Combatant Commands to15684ensure staffing needs are properly aligned to support the National15685Defense Strategy.15686 military medical treatment facility restructuring15687 Question. According to the Defense Health Agency, ``There are not15688enough Active Duty medical personnel, civilian employees, or contractor15689personnel . . . to meet mission requirements effectively and15690efficiently for wartime and peacetime operations, contingency planning,15691and preparedness.'' This medical manpower shortage combined with a15692constrained Defense Health Program budget is forcing DOD to identify15693potential actions to realign medical manpower to MTFs with more15694clinical demand, and reduce the scope of services at MTFs on15695installations where there is sufficient private sector capacity to meet15696the health care needs of the beneficiary population.15697 Section 1073d of title 10, United States Code, requires the15698Secretary of Defense to notify the Committees on Armed Services of the15699Senate and the House of Representatives at least 180-days prior to any15700modification of the scope of medical care provided at any MTF.15701 If confirmed, do you commit to keeping the Armed Services15702Committees informed of any changes to medical care offered at15703particular MTFs as required by law?15704 Answer. If confirmed, I commit to keeping the Armed Services15705Committees informed of any changes to medical care offered at MTFs as15706required by law.15707 Question. In your view, when considering whether to modify the15708scope of services at an MTF, what factors should be of primary15709importance?15710 Answer. In my view, there are three critical factors to consider15711when modifying the scope of services at an MTF: opportunities to15712generate ready medical forces, operational requirements, and local15713availability and capacity of private sector care.15714 Question. In your judgment, how can the MHS meet its stated goal to15715reattract beneficiaries to the direct care system if the DHA is also15716likely to recommend downsizing or eliminating medical services15717available at MTFs?15718 Answer. While I am not aware of specific actions to downsize or15719reduce medical services, there is a delicate balance between15720reattracting care and optimizing available services at MTFs. Yes, we15721need to reattract care. We must maintain the strength of the referral15722network, staffing to adequately care for patients, and assess and15723analyze the details to make an informed decision. There are many15724factors that must be considered when evaluating medical services for15725downsizing or elimination. The decision is not made lightly. I15726understand there are significant medical personnel shortages across the15727MHS. The MHS cannot sustain these shortages and gaps in the long run15728and will need to make decisions about where best to place limited15729resources. I do support reattracting beneficiaries where it makes15730sense, especially in markets with severe access to care issues in the15731private sector and when such care generates medical readiness15732 Question. In your view, how could the MHS better match military15733provider assignments to requirements that may change quickly in a given15734medical market?15735 Answer. From what I understand, DOD has a new policy to evaluate15736human capital distribution across the MHS every year aligned to the15737planning and programming cycle. From my own experience in uniform, this15738is a welcome policy change. DOD can now evaluate local market15739conditions and historic workload trends enterprise-wide to inform its15740requirements and resourcing of a particular billet. I also understand15741that the same policy gives more TDY/TAD authority to local leaders to15742mitigate unexpected staffing gaps.15743 tricare contract administration15744 Question. The Department's new TRICARE managed care support15745contract, known as ``T-5,'' began health care delivery on January 1,157462025. This contract should improve the accuracy of provider networks,15747expand patient access to telehealth services, improve the beneficiary15748appointment process, and provide more overall access to care. Including15749all eight option years, these contracts are valued at $136 billion.15750 In your view, is the Defense Health Agency adequately resourced to15751effectively supervise and oversee contracts of this complexity and15752value?15753 Answer. If confirmed, I would evaluate the DHA headquarters broadly15754to determine its resourcing needs. Right now, I do not have enough15755information to judge whether DHA has the right personnel to supervise15756and oversee contracts as large and complex as the next-generation T-515757TRICARE contracts.15758 Question. If confirmed, what metrics will you prioritize to ensure15759the contractors are delivering the promised T-5 improvements?15760 Answer. As a retired Navy officer, improvements to T-5 are near and15761dear to me and my family. The improvements promised also directly15762impact recruiting and retaining our Active Duty Servicemembers. If15763confirmed, I will prioritize monitoring access to care, including15764timely referral management and network adequacy, to deliver on promised15765T-5 improvements.15766 Question. Section 705 of the National Defense Authorization Act for15767Fiscal Year 2017 requires the Department of Defense to implement a15768``TRICARE Competitive Plans Demonstration Project'' in order to create15769an opportunity for competition for the larger managed care support15770contracts and to assess a variety of other value-based incentive for15771the provision of heath care services to covered beneficiaries.15772 What do you believe is the potential value to the MHS of the15773TRICARE Competitive Plans Demonstration Project?15774 Answer. I believe in the power of free markets and theory of15775competition to drive improvement and innovation in the United States.15776Done right, the TRICARE Competitive Plans Demonstration Project would15777provide more opportunities for innovation in private sector care15778delivered to DOD beneficiaries.15779 Question. If confirmed, how would you ensure the DHA is adequately15780awarding contracts and supporting the implementation of the TRICARE15781Competitive Plans Demonstration Project?15782 Answer. If confirmed, I would look first at any potential15783shortcomings in the awards to make sure that the requirements are in15784the best interest of DOD beneficiaries and the Department. Once those15785shortcomings or gaps are addressed, I would continue implementing the15786project and track these lessons learned to inform the next generation15787of TRICARE contracts.15788 Question. What factors would you consider to determine whether the15789TRICARE Competitive Plans Demonstration Project should be expanded15790beyond the two locations currently planned?15791 Answer. Based on my experience, I would consider beneficiary15792populations, patient experience, access to care, and costs to the15793government when considering expanding the TRICARE Competitive Plans15794Demonstration Project.15795 tricare dental program (tdp)15796 Question. Section 701 of the National Defense Authorization Act for15797Fiscal Year 2023 required the Defense Health Agency to make numerous15798improvements to the TRICARE Dental Program, including increasing the15799number of plan options, establishing a third-party administrator15800contract for managing plan administrative features, new enrollment15801options, and a reduction in cost-sharing requirements for junior15802enlisted personnel. The 2023 provision required the DHA to implement15803these improvements no later than January 1, 2026. That deadline has15804been extended by 1 year in the recently enacted National Defense15805Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.15806 If confirmed, how will you ensure that the DHA delivers, without15807any further delay, the modern, innovative TRICARE Dental Program15808required by law?15809 Answer. If confirmed, I will closely monitor the DHA's15810implementation of these improvements to the TRICARE Dental Program.15811Dental expenses can quickly mount, and the ASD(HA) must ensure that15812readiness of our Servicemembers to deploy is not hampered by medical or15813dental expenses.15814 mhs genesis15815 Question. The Department of Defense recently completed its15816deliberate phased deployment of MHS Genesis, the new electronic health15817record system (EHR). This careful deployment involved operational15818testing that identified and facilitated the correction of15819implementation challenges, facilitating subsequent successful15820deployments to different health care settings, where other challenges15821are identified and addressed.15822 What is your assessment of MHS Genesis?15823 Answer. I understand MHS GENESIS is deployed to 100 percent of15824garrison locations across DOD both in uniform as well as a civilian15825outside the DOD. From what I understand, each successive implementation15826of MHS GENESIS went better, faster, and more efficiently than the last.15827While there is always room for improvement, I do believe that MHS15828GENESIS today in the DOD is on a better glidepath than in years past.15829 Question. In your view, how can the Department offer its testing15830and evaluation capabilities to the VA as it continues to struggle to15831implement its version of the EHR that is based on the same platform as15832DOD's EHR?15833 Answer. DoD learned a lot from its successive deployments of the15834EHR. If confirmed, I would ensure that the lessons learned from the15835DOD's implementation are cataloged, shared, and transmitted to the VA15836to help propel its implementation forward. The VA's adoption of the15837Federal EHR will improve the transition from Active Duty to Veteran15838status and more effectively integrate health service delivery across15839the government.15840 medical research and development15841 Question. What steps will you take to assess the quality and15842effectiveness of near-term and long-term medical research activities15843throughout the Department of Defense?15844 Answer. If I am confirmed, one of my key responsibilities will be15845overseeing the Defense Health Program (DHP) Research, Development, Test15846and Evaluation (RDT&E) appropriation. If confirmed, I will take steps15847to ensure a rigorous programmatic and scientific review of all aspects15848of the portfolio and align investments to the highest operational15849medical priorities. In addition, to address requirements and to avoid15850duplicative efforts, if confirmed I will coordinate DHP RDT&E funded15851activities with the Combatant Commands, Military Departments, Defense15852Agencies, and other DOD Components using formal governance structures.15853 Question. How will you ensure that the research portfolio15854represents research areas based upon current military requirements?15855 Answer. DoD needs a diverse and well-balanced research portfolio to15856support military readiness and mission requirements. The DHP invests in15857a diverse research portfolio, including combat casualty care, traumatic15858brain injury, mental health, and other relevant areas that will support15859current and future military requirements. If confirmed, I will ensure15860the Department continues to conduct annual reviews and analyses and15861hold regular governance forums that include the Military Departments,15862Defense Agencies, and other DOD Components. These efforts leverage15863formal processes to develop joint requirements and would help the15864Department align its medical research portfolio with military and15865mission requirements.15866 Question. How will you ensure that these activities are coordinated15867with other DOD research activities, such as those at the DOD15868laboratories, as well as activities in other Federal agencies?15869 Answer. I understand that the Department works hard to ensure that15870DHP-funded research efforts are coordinated with other DOD research15871activities and linked with efforts of other Federal agencies. The15872Department has several formal partnerships with other agencies, such as15873those with the VA, National Institutes of Health, and the Food and Drug15874Administration. If confirmed, I will ensure we work within the15875Department and through our external partnerships to ensure our research15876activities continue to be closely coordinated with the activities of15877other DOD components, as well as the research activities of other15878Federal agencies.15879 Question. Existing law requires medical research activities of the15880military services to transition to the DHA. Some of the services retain15881some readiness related research capabilities.15882 If confirmed, how will you ensure a smooth transition with ongoing15883research? How will you manage research priorities?15884 Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that research is prioritized15885based on warfighting needs in close collaboration with the Joint Staff15886and Military Departments. From what I understand, the research and15887development capabilities that were Joint or possibly duplicative15888transferred to the DHA to create an economy of scale. Transitioning15889these activities was done by function, which means that we would not15890stop on-going research simply because those leading the work move--15891everything about the project transfers. I also believe that15892consolidating these functions creates opportunities for more efficient15893research aligned to Joint warfighting requirements.15894 Question. The Department of Defense has established a cross-15895functional team tasked with care, collection, and research related to15896Anomalous Health Incidents (AHI) in servicemembers stationed abroad.15897 If confirmed, what will your role be to ensure the continuation of15898the work of this cross-functional team at DOD?15899 Answer. If confirmed, I would ensure that DOD continues researching15900Anomalous Health Incidents (AHI). I understand that DOD has improved15901clinical intake processes for AHI patients. Like other important15902medical research and development in the DOD for new and novel issues,15903we rely on cross-functional expertise and have a long history of15904working collaboratively across Components.15905 Question. Pursuant to a Secretary of Defense memorandum dated15906August 8, 2024, entitled ``Department of Defense Requirements for15907Managing Brain Health Risks from Blast Overpressure,'' the Department15908of Defense is taking steps to mitigate blast exposure during combat and15909training.15910 If confirmed, how would you work with the Services to assess and15911address the health effects of new weapons systems as they are15912developed?15913 Answer. I understand the DOD has made tremendous strides in15914advancing information and knowledge of blast overpressure. If15915confirmed, I will continue working with the Military Departments to15916ensure we are assessing risks for blast overpressure from new weapons15917systems while simultaneously mitigating and treating Servicemembers who15918are exposed to blast overpressure from today's weapons systems.15919 medical devices and technology acquisition15920 Question. The Department of Defense uses a number of commercial15921industry partners to meet its medical technology requirements.15922 What, if any, reforms need to be made to DOD acquisition and15923procurement procedures and policies to ensure that DOD can continue to15924work with leading commercial innovators in medical devices and15925technologies?15926 Answer. If confirmed, I will evaluate whether existing authorities15927are sufficient to meet our long-term needs and facilitate collaboration15928with commercial innovators in medical devices and technologies. I15929intend to engage the DHA's Chief Information Officer and the Component15930Acquisition Executive on any needed reforms that can speed acquisition15931and implementation of secure commercial solutions for existing or15932emerging MHS requirements. I will also seek out new opportunities to15933leverage new or unique authorities, like those of the Defense15934Innovation Unit, to acquire innovative commercial products, and15935technologies while still meeting the cyber security standards and15936intent of free market competition.15937 quality and safety of medical care15938 Question. If confirmed, what would you do to ensure that patients15939get complex surgical treatment from military surgical teams providing15940treatment in high-volume surgical practices?15941 Answer. If confirmed, one of my priorities would be ensuring15942sufficient military staffing at MTFs that generate readiness with high15943volume, clinical complex surgical cases. Doing so also involves15944resourcing infrastructure and closing gaps in deferred maintenance to15945make sure that medical personnel have robust, modern places to deliver15946care to DOD beneficiaries.15947 mental health care15948 Question. Section 718 of the National Defense Authorization Act for15949Fiscal Year 2020 required DOD to ``develop and implement a15950comprehensive policy for provision of mental health care to members of15951the armed forces.'' This was to be done within 180 days of the date of15952enactment, but has not yet been completed. In the meantime, we have15953seen high-visibility events suggesting shortcomings in mental health15954care for members. Further, a December 2024 Defense Health Agency report15955found that in 2023 mental health disorders were involved in over half15956(54.8 percent) of all hospital bed days among Active component15957servicemembers, reinforcing the need for a comprehensive policy on15958mental health care.15959 If confirmed, what actions would you take to improve access to15960mental health care by servicemembers and their families?15961 Answer. I take mental health care for our Servicemembers and their15962families very seriously. I also am keenly aware of the access to care15963challenges and shortages across the United States. If confirmed, I15964would explore expanding telehealth services across the MHS and15965prioritizing Servicemembers and their families in rural, remote, or15966austere locations around the world. There may also be some ``home15967grown'' local innovations or process improvements at MTFs that could be15968expanded across the MHS to increase access to mental health care.15969 Question. In your view, are the Department of Defense's current15970mental health resources adequate to serve all Active Duty members and15971eligible Reserve component members and their families, as well as15972retirees and their dependents?15973 Answer. In my view, no, the DOD's current mental health resources15974are inadequate to meet the needs of Active Duty Servicemembers,15975eligible members of the Reserve Component, and other DOD beneficiaries.15976I think we can also do more and find new innovations. Solving for the15977lack of providers and support personnel for mental health will take15978collaboration with industry, academy, and governments across the United15979States.15980 Question. If confirmed, what actions would you take to ensure that15981sufficient mental health resources are available to servicemembers in15982theater and to servicemembers and families at home station locations15983with insufficient community-based mental health resources?15984 Answer. If confirmed, I would explore increasing telehealth for15985mental health care on the battlefield as well as those at home station.15986I also understand that recent legislation expanded access to telehealth15987services for mental health care across State lines, making it easier15988and more convenient for TRICARE beneficiaries living in locations15989without mental health resources to get care. In addition, I would15990explore utilizing AI technology to aid in bridging the gap for15991stateside, OCONUS, or deployed Servicemembers.15992 Question. If confirmed, how will you ensure the issuance of a15993comprehensive policy on mental health care for members of the armed15994forces without further delay?15995 Answer. If confirmed, I would use the oversight authorities of the15996ASD(HA) to ensure that a comprehensive policy for mental health care15997access is implemented quickly and efficiently. I would also investigate15998any anecdotes about access to mental health care issues to ensure that15999local leaders are following prescribed DOD policy.16000 Question. Section 714 of the Servicemember Quality of Life16001Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 202516002authorizes DOD to extend medical license portability to TRICARE network16003providers providing mental health services to members of the armed16004forces and TRICARE-eligible dependents. This would allow TRICARE16005network mental health providers to practice across State lines, subject16006to terms and conditions to be established by DOD. This could help16007increase the availability of mental health services for military16008members and families. This section also requires DOD to issue an16009Interim Final Rule within 180 days from the date of enactment to16010implement this new authority.16011 If confirmed, how would you expand tele-behavioral health services16012throughout the MHS to improve access to mental health care?16013 Answer. I understand that the DOD has begun expanding telehealth16014for mental health care. If confirmed, I would leverage the progress to16015ensure that more Servicemembers, their families, and all other16016beneficiaries have access to these services because they are convenient16017and effective, especially for those stationed in rural, remote, or16018austere locations. I would also ensure that communications are clear16019for mental health care providers in the network now that DOD has been16020given authority to provide care across State lines, which is16021potentially a game changer for our Servicemembers and their families.16022 operational medical force readiness16023 Question. In your view, what is DHA's role as a Combat Support16024Agency?16025 Answer. As I understand, DHA's role as a Combat Support Agency16026(CSA) is to enable the Army, Navy, and Air Force to provide a medically16027ready force and ready medical forces to Combatant Commands in both16028peacetime and wartime. As a CSA, DHA also directly supports the16029Combatant Commands by providing joint logistics, joint planning16030capabilities, and decisionmaking information. The DHA uses the16031principles of Ready Reliable Care to advance high reliability practices16032across the MHS by improving system operations, optimizing the delivery16033of care, and cultivating a culture of safety. If confirmed, I will16034ensure DOD's activities are relevant and visible to Combatant16035Commanders and enhance DHA's integration in Combatant Command plans,16036exercises, and requirements, including for Role 4 definitive care16037capabilities.16038 Question. What can DHA do to provide more medical expertise to the16039Joint Staff and to combatant commands so that medical concerns are16040addressed in OPLANs, exercises, and other operational readiness16041activities?16042 Answer. If confirmed, I would evaluate the relationship between the16043DHA, the Joint Staff, and Combatant Commands. As the youngest CSA, I am16044sure there is ample opportunity for improvement through learning and16045maturation. I think DHA has a lot to offer, especially with respect to16046data, analytics, and information needed for planning and exercising16047operational capabilities.16048 Question. In your view, have the Services and the DHA adequately16049defined military medical force readiness and developed an appropriate16050model to determine and project the Department of Defense's costs for16051medical force readiness?16052 Answer. It is my understanding that the term medical readiness16053encapsulates both a medically ready force and a ready medical force. In16054my view, the Military Departments and the DHA are making progress in16055defining military medical force readiness. The Military Departments and16056DHA must work together to ensure the medical readiness of the force is16057maintained. To that end, it is also my understanding that the16058Department has refined and expanded critical knowledge, skills and16059ability (KSA) measures to more precisely assess medical readiness. I16060understand that efforts are currently underway not only to determine16061the costs of readiness, defined as the cost of sustaining a medically16062ready force and ready medical force, but also to express the value of16063MTFs as readiness platforms.16064 Question. If confirmed, how would you ensure that staffing models16065and associated costs to maintain operational medical readiness skills16066reflect actual combatant command requirements?16067 Answer. If confirmed, I would review military medical personnel16068requirements holistically for both operational missions and16069institutional forces at MTFs. I will work with the Joint Staff Surgeon,16070the Military Departments, and the DHA to overlay Combatant Command16071requirements for military medical personnel with the military medical16072treatment facility staffing requirements to maintain a medically ready16073force and a ready medical force. This review would be anchored by KSAs16074as well as graduate medical education and other professional medical16075education pipelines. If there is insufficient volume and complexity of16076caseload at a particular MTF to meet and sustain the KSAs, the DHA16077should establish agreements with civilian or other Federal facilities16078to provide alternate venues for skills sustainment. Furthermore, the16079DHA in its role as a Combat Support Agency is a part of the Joint Staff16080planning process and can inform updates to medical skill requirements16081to reflect current operational planning by the Combatant Commands.16082 Question. If confirmed, what would you do to right-size the active16083medical force requirements of the Department to optimize operational16084medical force readiness capabilities?16085 Answer. I know from my own experience in uniform that the military16086medical force must be appropriately sized in order to quickly respond16087to global operational medical requirements. If confirmed, I will16088continue ongoing efforts to establish a DOD process to define the16089medical and dental personnel requirements across the MHS necessary to16090meet operational medical force needs in accordance with applicable law16091and policy. I will work with DOD stakeholders to ensure DOD has a16092robust medical force that can provide the medical capabilities across16093the full range of military operations when and where needed.16094 Question. If confirmed, would you advocate for outsourcing more16095beneficiaries' health care services to the private sector when and16096where it makes sense? How and where would you do that?16097 Answer. If confirmed, I will continue the Department's efforts to16098establish an integrated health care delivery system, which includes16099identifying where it makes sense to defer or outsource beneficiaries'16100health care needs to the private sector. I will ensure the Department16101uses established, patient-centered and standard processes to refer care16102to the private sector in locations where MTFs do not have available16103specialties or cannot provide care within access standards.16104 pain management and opioid medications16105 Question. If confirmed, what policies and programs would you16106implement to improve pain management in the military health system to16107reduce and eliminate the misuse and/or abuse of opioid medications?16108 Answer. Meaningful responses to the national epidemic of opioid16109misuse and abuse should include policies and programs that address the16110root causes of opioid use, overuse, and abuse. If confirmed, I will16111ensure that MHS pain management capabilities, practices, and policies16112result in appropriate opioid prescribing. More importantly, if16113confirmed, I will determine if there are sufficient non-opioid pain16114management treatments available and that they are applied to pain16115management care plans for our DOD beneficiaries.16116 Question. In your view, should alternative and complimentary16117therapies for pain management be considered as benefits under the16118TRICARE program?16119 Answer. This is an extremely important question that is directly16120related to the national epidemic of opioid overuse, abuse and16121overdoses. There has been a rapid evolution of thought and medical16122evidence to support the utilization of many pain management treatments16123that were previously termed ``alternative'' medical therapies. Now16124referred to as complementary and integrative health, selected therapies16125such as acupuncture, mindfulness exercises, massage therapy, and16126movement therapies like yoga have been recognized as safe and effective16127for pain management by the National Institutes of Health, VA, and, from16128what I understand, now the DOD. If confirmed, I would support a16129deliberate and evidence-based practices to increase the availability of16130many of these pain management therapies for DOD beneficiaries.16131 congressional oversight16132 Question. In order to exercise legislative and oversight16133responsibilities, it is important that this Committee, its16134subcommittees, and other appropriate committees of Congress receive16135timely testimony, briefings, reports, records--including documents and16136electronic communications, and other information from the executive16137branch.16138 Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on request,16139to appear and testify before this committee, its subcommittees, and16140other appropriate committees of Congress? Please answer yes or no.16141 Answer. Yes.16142 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to16143provide this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees16144of Congress, and their respective staffs such witnesses and briefers,16145briefings, reports, records--including documents and electronic16146communications, and other information, as may be requested of you, and16147to do so in a timely manner? Please answer yes or no.16148 Answer. Yes.16149 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to16150consult with this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate16151committees of Congress, and their respective staffs, regarding your16152basis for any delay or denial in providing testimony, briefings,16153reports, records--including documents and electronic communications,16154and other information requested of you? Please answer yes or no.16155 Answer. Yes.16156 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to16157keep this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees of16158Congress, and their respective staffs apprised of new information that16159materially impacts the accuracy of testimony, briefings, reports,16160records--including documents and electronic communications, and other16161information you or your organization previously provided? Please answer16162yes or no.16163 Answer. Yes.16164 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on16165request, to provide this committee and its subcommittees with records16166and other information within their oversight jurisdiction, even absent16167a formal Committee request? Please answer yes or no.16168 Answer. Yes.16169 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to16170respond timely to letters to, and/or inquiries and other requests of16171you or your organization from individual Senators who are members of16172this committee? Please answer yes or no.16173 Answer. Yes.16174 Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to16175ensure that you and other members of your organization protect from16176retaliation any military member, Federal employee, or contractor16177employee who testifies before, or communicates with this committee, its16178subcommittees, and any other appropriate committee of Congress? Please16179answer yes or no.16180 Answer. Yes.16181 ______1618216183 [Questions for the record with answers supplied follow:]1618416185 Questions Submitted by Senator Tom Cotton16186 pharmaceutical supply chain16187 1. Senator Cotton. Mr. Bass, we rely heavily on China for basic16188drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients. In a recent hearing,16189former military health officials discussed the risks that China can use16190this dependence to its advantage and withhold needed medical supplies16191during war. If confirmed, how do we protect our supply chains and16192divest from China for our pharmaceutical supply chains?16193 Mr. Bass. If confirmed, I support ongoing efforts to identify the16194risks in the pharmaceutical supply chain and focus industrial base16195policy efforts on reshoring or right shoring those most critical to16196warfighting and combat operations. I will work with key stakeholders,16197both internal and external, to protect our supply chains and our supply16198chain and reduce dependency on China.16199 __________16200 Questions Submitted by Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand16201 anomalous health incidents lessons learned16202 2. Senator Gillibrand. Mr. Bass, during your tenure at the Central16203Intelligence Agency's (CIA) Office of Medical Services in 2020, the CIA16204established a temporary Anomalous Health Incidents (AHI) cell to16205coordinate the Agency's response, including medical care, collection,16206and analysis. In December 2024, the Senate Select Committee on16207Intelligence, issued a review on the Agency's response to AHI. In this16208report, the Committee assessed that the CIA's response to AHIs16209``contributed to a trust deficit between CIA and portions of its16210workforce''. Witnesses attributed this distrust to the CIA's16211stigmatization of victims, poor communication, and a lack of16212transparency. What lessons have you learned from this experience?16213 Mr. Bass. Without inadvertently disclosing classified information,16214we at the CIA did not have information to make truly informed decisions16215on AHI treatment, and the CIA does not have the same robust medical16216infrastructure to provide health care as the DOD. The detection and16217treatment of AHIs was led and coordinated by a separate office within16218the CIA. I am thankful for the ongoing partnership that has since16219developed between the CIA, DOD, and Department of State to treat all16220patients affected by AHI. If confirmed, I will continue to strengthen16221these relationships and ensure timely access to care.1622216223 3. Senator Gillibrand. Mr. Bass, as the nominee for Assistant16224Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, what steps will you take to16225ensure that Active Duty members and their families do not face the same16226stigmatization, poor communication, and lack of transparency?16227 Mr. Bass. My north star would be ensuring that our Service members,16228their families, and all DOD beneficiaries have access to the right care16229at the right time. I believe that the Military Health System has16230greatly improved its transparency over the years, which improves16231communication and reduces stigma and, if confirmed, I will continue to16232maintain and increase transparency as a key tenet of high reliability.16233 __________16234 Questions Submitted by Senator Mazie K. Hirono16235 vaccines16236 4. Senator Hirono. Mr. Bass, you are the current Medical Center16237Director for the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) West Texas Health16238Care System. Texas is currently experiencing an unprecedented measles16239outbreak, infecting hundreds, who are mostly children. So far, it has16240tragically led to the death of a child and one adult. Ensuring the16241health and safety of our servicemembers is the responsibility of the16242Assistant Secretary of Defense for Heath Affairs, especially for a16243military that deploys across the world. Will you commit to ensuring our16244servicemembers have continued access to lifesaving vaccines, such as16245the MMR [measles, mumps, and rubella], Polio, and COVID-19 vaccines,16246and those relevant to their military occupational specialty?16247 Mr. Bass. If confirmed, I will continue to adhere to the16248longstanding DOD methods for establishing immunization requirements for16249our Service members to deploy, including deference to senior mission16250commanders and waiver processes.1625116252 5. Senator Hirono. Mr. Bass, do you plan on making changes to the16253DOD Immunization Program, including the Department's long-standing16254policy of required immunizations?16255 Mr. Bass. If confirmed, I do not plan on making any changes to16256immunization policy and, like all health policy matters, will work with16257the subject matter experts at the DOD to update guidance as16258appropriate.16259 securing the drug supply chain16260 6. Senator Hirono. Mr. Bass, national drug shortages, particularly16261for generics, have weakened the security of the U.S. drug supply chain,16262impacting our military health system. There are currently over 25016263active drug shortages nationwide, mainly because of manufacturing16264quality issues. Nearly 80 percent of manufacturing facilities for16265active ingredients in generic drugs are located outside of the United16266States, largely in China and India. Given our important obligation to16267servicemembers and their families, how do you plan to ensure that the16268DOD procures the highest quality and most effective drugs?16269 Mr. Bass. If confirmed, I plan on working internally with relevant16270stakeholders, buyers, and subject matter experts at the Defense Health16271Agency and Defense Logistics Agency to make sure we procure safe, high-16272quality pharmaceuticals. While I cannot speak for other Federal16273agencies, I will advocate for right shoring our supply chains to16274improve the resilience of the American pharmaceutical industrial base.1627516276 7. Senator Hirono. Mr. Bass, do you commit to working with my16277office to address dangerous drug shortages impacting the health and16278readiness of our warfighters?16279 Mr. Bass. Yes. As a prior Navy Sailor and officer, I understand16280firsthand how critical drug shortages introduce risk to achieving the16281mission.16282 reproductive rights16283 8. Senator Hirono. Mr. Bass, following the Supreme Court's Dobbs16284decision, 19 states have banned or severely restricted access to16285abortion and related reproductive services. These restrictions create16286challenges for servicemembers stationed in those States, impacting16287their health and safety. This Administration also rescinded the DOD16288reproductive health travel policy, taking away critical support for our16289servicemembers' reproductive choice. What actions will you take to16290ensure that all servicemembers, regardless of duty station, have access16291to comprehensive reproductive health care, including abortion,16292contraception, and related counseling services?16293 Mr. Bass. If confirmed, I will ensure that DOD continues to provide16294medically necessary reproductive health care, consistent with16295applicable law.16296 __________16297 Questions Submitted by Senator Elizabeth Warren16298 ethics16299 9. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if you are confirmed, will you commit16300to not seeking any employment with or compensation from a defense16301contractor, including through serving on a board, as a consultant, or16302as a lobbyist, for 4 years after leaving DOD?16303 Mr. Bass. I will abide by the extensive post-government employment16304ethics rules required by Federal law as well as the terms of my Ethics16305Agreement. These provisions set forth comprehensive restrictions16306relating to acceptance of compensation from defense contractors, as16307well as communicating back to the Federal Government on behalf of any16308future employers and clients. I believe that these existing rules are16309appropriate and sufficient to protect the public interest. If16310confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of my office16311honorably, and I will seek any post-government employment in full16312compliance with the applicable ethics rules.1631316314 10. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if you are confirmed, will you commit16315to not engaging in any lobbying activities, including unregistered16316``shadow'' or ``behind-the-scenes'' lobbying under the guise of16317consulting or advising on DOD-related matters, focused on DOD or any of16318its components for 4 years after leaving DOD?16319 Mr. Bass. I will abide by the extensive post-government employment16320ethics rules required by Federal law as well as the terms of my Ethics16321Agreement. These provisions set forth comprehensive restrictions16322relating to acceptance of compensation from defense contractors, as16323well as communicating back to the Federal Government on behalf of any16324future employers and clients. I believe that these existing rules are16325appropriate and sufficient to protect the public interest. If16326confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of my office16327honorably, and I will seek any post-government employment in full16328compliance with the applicable ethics rules.1632916330 11. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, during your nomination process, did16331anyone on the Trump campaign, transition team, or other closely related16332entity approach you about your loyalty to President Trump?16333 Mr. Bass. No.1633416335 12. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if you were approached about your16336loyalty to President Trump, did you sign a loyalty pledge or other16337similar oath? If so, please provide a copy of the text of that pledge16338or oath.16339 Mr. Bass. No.1634016341 13. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if you were approached about your16342loyalty to President Trump, did you make any verbal representations of16343loyalty? If so, please describe this representation.16344 Mr. Bass. No.1634516346 14. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, in November 2024, the New York Times16347and other news outlets reported that Boris Epshteyn, a top adviser to16348President Trump, allegedly requested payment from prospective political16349appointees to promote their candidacies for top positions within the16350Administration. Did you discuss the possibility of joining the16351Administration with Mr. Epshteyn at any time?16352 Mr. Bass. No.1635316354 15. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if you did discuss the possibility of16355joining the Administration with Mr. Epshteyn, did Mr. Epshteyn seek16356payment from you for promoting your candidacy for a position within the16357Administration?16358 Mr. Bass. No.1635916360 16. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, at any time, did lawyers for16361President Trump or members of President Trump's team approach you16362regarding Mr. Epshteyn and the allegations cited above? If so, please16363explain the information that they provided you, including copies of16364documents, what was discussed during any calls, and any other16365information pertaining to this interaction.16366 Mr. Bass. No.1636716368 17. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if you own any defense contractor16369stock, will you divest it to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of16370interest?16371 Mr. Bass. The Ethics Agreement I signed on March 7, 2025, which was16372previously provided to the Committee, sets forth my ethics commitments,16373if confirmed.1637416375 18. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, will you commit not to retaliate,16376including by denying access to DOD officials or facilities, against16377news outlets or individual journalists who publish articles that are16378critical of you, your office, DOD, or the Trump administration?16379 Mr. Bass. Yes.1638016381 19. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, how many times have you been accused16382of sexually harassing, assaulting, or creating a hostile work16383environment for another individual in a personal or professional16384capacity? Provide a list of all instances in which you have been16385accused of sexually harassing, assaulting, or creating a hostile work16386environment for an individual and the behavior of which you were16387accused.16388 Mr. Bass. Never.1638916390 20. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, have you requested, or has anyone16391requested on your behalf, that any other person or third party sign a16392nondisclosure, confidentiality, non-disparagement, or similar agreement16393regarding your conduct in a personal or professional capacity?16394 Mr. Bass. No.1639516396 21. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, will you voluntarily release any16397individual from any such agreements before your nomination hearing?16398 Mr. Bass. N/A.1639916400 22. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, have you ever paid or promised to16401pay, or has anyone paid or promised to pay on your behalf, an16402individual as part of any non-disclosure, confidentiality, non-16403disparagement, or similar agreement?16404 Mr. Bass. No.1640516406 23. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if the answer to the question above16407was yes, how much was promised, how much was paid, and what were the16408circumstances?16409 Mr. Bass. N/A.1641016411 24. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, will you commit to recuse yourself16412from all particular matters involving your former clients and employers16413for at least 4 years?16414 Mr. Bass. I will abide by the extensive post-government employment16415ethics rules required by Federal law as well as the terms of my Ethics16416Agreement. These provisions set forth comprehensive restrictions16417relating to acceptance of compensation from defense contractors, as16418well as communicating back to the Federal Government on behalf of any16419future employers and clients. I believe that these existing rules are16420appropriate and sufficient to protect the public interest. If16421confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of my office16422honorably, and I will seek any post-government employment in full16423compliance with the applicable ethics rules.1642416425 25. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, will you commit to not seeking16426employment, board membership with, or another form of compensation from16427a company that you regulated or otherwise interacted with while in16428government, for at least 4 years after leaving office?16429 Mr. Bass. I will abide by the extensive post-government employment16430ethics rules required by Federal law as well as the terms of my Ethics16431Agreement. These provisions set forth comprehensive restrictions16432relating to acceptance of compensation from defense contractors, as16433well as communicating back to the Federal Government on behalf of any16434future employers and clients. I believe that these existing rules are16435appropriate and sufficient to protect the public interest. If16436confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of my office16437honorably, and I will seek any post-government employment in full16438compliance with the applicable ethics rules.1643916440 26. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, would it ever be appropriate to16441threaten or imply that you would withhold future contracts from a16442company if they filed a complaint, bid protest, or cooperated with an16443Inspector General, civil, or criminal investigation?16444 Mr. Bass. No.1644516446 27. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, do you think it is valuable to16447encourage competition and innovation in the defense industrial base?16448 Mr. Bass. Yes.1644916450 28. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, a 2024 Department of Defense16451Inspector General (DOD OIG) report found that between 2009 and 201816452``all phases of the [White House Medical Unit's] pharmacy operations16453had severe and systemic problems due to the unit's reliance on16454ineffective internal controls to ensure compliance with pharmacy safety16455standards.'' During your tenure with the White House Medical Unit16456(WHMU), did you have knowledge of WHMU staff dispensing controlled16457substances to ineligible staffers?16458 During my tenure with the WHMU, I was not aware of staff dispensing16459controlled substances to ineligible staffers without the proper16460approvals. All pharmacy operations were reviewed and monitored in16461accordance with applicable law and procedures.1646216463 29. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if so, how long were you aware of the16464situation?16465 Mr. Bass. N/A1646616467 30. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if so, what steps, if any, did you16468take to correct the issue?16469 Mr. Bass. N/A1647016471 31. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if so, did you or staff, under your16472direction, dispense controlled substances to ineligible staffers?16473 Mr. Bass. No. I did not direct staff to dispense controlled16474substances to ineligible staffers. I leave clinical judgments to those16475with credentials and privileges to do so.1647616477 32. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, during your tenure with the WHMU,16478were you aware of the ``severe and systemic problems'' happening within16479the WHMU?16480 Mr. Bass. No. I believe problems identified by the DOD Office of16481the Inspector General have since been resolved with new policy.1648216483 33. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if so, how long were you aware of the16484situation?16485 Mr. Bass. N/A1648616487 34. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if so, what steps, if any, did you16488take to mitigate these problems?16489 Mr. Bass. N/A1649016491 35. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, reporting by the DOD OIG found that16492the WHMU staff performed tasks in violation of the Code of Regulations,16493Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) policy, and DOD guidance. During16494your tenure with the WHMU, did you conduct tasks in violation of16495Federal law, policy, or guidance?16496 Mr. Bass. No.1649716498 36. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, during your tenure with the WHMU, did16499you direct staff to conduct tasks in violation of Federal law, policy,16500or guidance?16501 Mr. Bass. No.1650216503 37. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, during your tenure with the WHMU,16504were you aware of any conduct that violated Federal law, policy, or16505guidance?16506 Mr. Bass. No.1650716508 38. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, reporting by the DOD OIG also found16509that the WHMU wasted thousands of dollars on brand'name drugs rather16510than generic equivalents. If confirmed as the Assistant Secretary of16511Defense for Health Affairs (ASD(HA)), what steps will you take to16512prevent similar waste?16513 Mr. Bass. If confirmed, I will ensure compliance with DOD formulary16514standards. An attending physician can make a request for a brand name16515pharmaceutical if clinically indicated in accordance with procedures16516published by the Defense Health Agency. I understand that recent policy16517clarifies that these procedures apply to the WHMU.1651816519 39. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, did any WHMU staff raise concerns16520with you about improper dispersal of controlled substances?16521 Mr. Bass. No.1652216523 40. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, did you admonish, discipline,16524threaten, or retaliate against anyone who raised concerns about16525improper dispersal of controlled substances?16526 Mr. Bass. No.1652716528 41. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, were you at any time contacted by or16529under investigation or review by the DOD OIG for your role in the16530``severe and systemic problems'' of the WHMU, or for any other reason?16531 Mr. Bass. No.1653216533 42. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, Military.com reported that you were a16534poor communicator and ``offloaded'' your responsibilities to others16535when you were the Director of the Office of Medical Services at the16536CIA. If confirmed as the ASD(HA), what steps would you take to prevent16537miscommunication in this new role?16538 Mr. Bass. The Military.com article is based on factually16539unsupported assertions and distorted narrative. I would hope that16540anyone who found something I said to be misleading or inappropriate to16541come speak directly with me. If confirmed, I will rely on the senior16542military and civilian staff in the Office of the ASD(HA) to bring16543forward concerns or alert me to a misgiving without any threat of16544retaliation or reprisal. A good leader is never threatened by honest16545feedback.1654616547 43. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, your lack of medical training caused16548friction when you were the Director of the Office of Medical Services16549at the CIA. If confirmed, what will you do to prevent similar friction16550and concerns in your new role?16551 Mr. Bass. The ASD(HA) is the senior health policy advisor to the16552Secretary of Defense and Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and16553Readiness as well as the resourcing and programming authority for the16554Military Health System. If confirmed, I will adhere to those roles and16555make sure the many physicians, surgeons, nurses, and scientists across16556the Military Health System provide their expertise and insights into16557policymaking whenever and wherever necessary. congressional Oversight16558and Transparency1655916560 44. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, what is your understanding of the16561role of the Department of Defense Inspector General and service16562Inspectors General?16563 Mr. Bass. It is my understanding that the role of the Department of16564Defense Inspector General is to conduct independent audits and16565investigations relating to DOD's programs and operations to promote16566economy, efficiency, and effectiveness and to prevent and detect fraud16567and abuse. It is my understanding that the Service Inspectors General16568perform similar functions, independently assessing for the Secretaries16569of the Military Departments matters such as economy, efficiency, and16570readiness.1657116572 45. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, will you ensure your staff complies16573with any Inspector General deadlines established for requested16574communications, providing witnesses, providing documents, and that16575those witnesses will be protected from reprisal for their testimony?16576 Mr. Bass. Yes.1657716578 46. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if you are not able to comply with16579any Inspector General requests and deadlines, will you notify the16580Republican and Democratic members of the Committee regarding the basis16581for any good faith delay or denial?16582 Mr. Bass. If confirmed, I will work to comply with Inspector16583General requests in a timely manner. I would defer to the Office of the16584Inspector General to update members of the Committee regarding the16585progress of the Inspector General's ongoing reviews.1658616587 47. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if you are confirmed, will you commit16588to refusing to follow illegal orders from any individual, including the16589President?16590 Mr. Bass. If confirmed, I will follow the law and the Constitution16591of the United States.1659216593 48. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, what actions would you take if you16594were given an illegal order from any individual, including the16595President?16596 Mr. Bass. If confirmed, I would have a duty not to carry out a16597manifestly unlawful order.1659816599 49. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, will you commit to testify or provide16600a deposition if you are called upon by Congress to provide a deposition16601voluntarily?16602 Mr. Bass. Yes.1660316604 50. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, will you commit to testify or provide16605a deposition to Congress if you are issued a subpoena to testify?16606 Mr. Bass. Yes.1660716608 51. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, will you commit to providing16609information or documents to Congress voluntarily if you are requested16610to do so?16611 Mr. Bass. Yes.1661216613 52. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, will you provide information or16614documents to Congress if you are issued a subpoena?16615 Mr. Bass. Yes.1661616617 53. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, will you commit to following current16618DOD precedent for responding to information requests, briefings, and16619other inquiries from Congress, including the Senate and House Armed16620Services Committees and their minority members?16621 Mr. Bass. Yes.1662216623 54. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if confirmed, will you commit to16624posting your official calendar monthly?16625 Mr. Bass. If confirmed, I will commit to transparency consistent16626with the law. For example, if my official calendar is requested16627pursuant to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, I will commit16628to releasing responsive agency records subject to any withholding under16629applicable FOIA exemptions.1663016631 55. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, do you think DOD has an16632overclassification problem? If so, please provide this committee with16633an estimate of the number or percentage of documents that will be under16634your purview that are overclassified.16635 Mr. Bass. No, not in the Military Health System.1663616637 56. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, to the best of your knowledge, is16638your service or component identifying records for proactive posting in16639compliance with the Freedom of Information Act? If not, please describe16640how you would ensure that they do so to comply with public records law.16641 Mr. Bass. Yes.1664216643 57. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if confirmed, do you think your16644department should pursue strategic technology to support automated16645declassification?16646 Mr. Bass. Yes, although this is outside my subject matter16647expertise.16648 project 202516649 58. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, have you discussed Project 2025 with16650any officials associated with the Trump campaign, the Trump transition16651team, or other members of the Trump administration? If so, please16652explain what you discussed, when you discussed it, and with whom you16653discussed it.16654 Mr. Bass. No.1665516656 59. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, have you discussed Project 2025 with16657any officials associated with the Heritage Foundation? If so, please16658explain what you discussed, when you discussed it, and with whom you16659discussed it.16660 Mr. Bass. No.16661 nuclear weapons and missile defense16662 60. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, have you communicated with any16663foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government within16664the past 5 years?16665 Mr. Bass. Not outside of routine official government business.1666616667 61. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, please disclose any communications or16668payments you have had with representatives of any foreign government or16669entity controlled by a foreign government within the past 5 years and16670describe the nature of the communication.16671 Mr. Bass. None.16672 retaliation and protecting whistleblowers16673 62. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, do you believe that servicemembers,16674civilians, grantees, and contractors should be protected from any form16675of retaliation for coming forward about an illegal order, sexual16676assault or harassment, negligence, misconduct, or any other concern16677that they wish to raise?16678 Mr. Bass. Yes.1667916680 63. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, have you ever retaliated against any16681individual for coming forward about an illegal order, sexual assault or16682harassment, negligence, misconduct, or any other concern that they wish16683to raise?16684 Mr. Bass. No.1668516686 64. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if you are confirmed, will you commit16687to protecting whistleblowers? If so, please specify how you will do so.16688 Mr. Bass. Yes. I would make it clear retaliation against a16689whistleblower is not tolerated.16690 impoundment control act16691 65. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, on January 27, 2025, President16692Trump's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo calling for16693the suspension all Federal financial assistance programs (excluding16694``assistance provided directly to individuals''). Do you agree with16695OMB's decision to issue this memo?16696 Mr. Bass. This question does not impact the Defense Health Program.1669716698 66. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, do you believe the Secretary of16699Defense has the legal authority to block the disbursement of funds16700appropriated by Congress?16701 Mr. Bass. I fully acknowledge and respect Congress' constitutional16702role in appropriating funds to be carried out by the executive branch16703for designated purposes. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my16704responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law. I would16705ensure that my actions and advice to the Secretary of Defense on this16706matter are informed by the administration's legal positions and advice16707from the Department's General Counsel's office.1670816709 67. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, what is your understanding of the16710Impoundment Control Act (ICA)?16711 Mr. Bass. The Impoundment Control Act lays out procedures the16712President must follow to seek a deferral of execution or recission of16713funds appropriated for a specific purpose. Duly appointed officers16714still have an obligation to prioritize and efficiently resource16715requirements that are most critical to the mission.1671616717 68. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, do you commit to following the16718Impoundment Control Act?16719 Mr. Bass. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my responsibilities16720consistent with the Constitution and the law on this matter as on all16721others. I would ensure that my actions and advice to the Secretary of16722Defense on this matter are informed by the administration's legal16723positions and advice from the Department's General Counsel's office.1672416725 69. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, do you commit to notifying the Senate16726and House Armed Services Committees, including the majority and16727minority, if you are asked not to follow the Impoundment Control Act or16728not to expend the money that Congress appropriates or authorizes?16729 Mr. Bass. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my responsibilities16730consistent with the Constitution and the law on this matter as on all16731others. I would ensure that my actions and advice to the Secretary of16732Defense on this matter are informed by advice the administration's16733legal positions and from the Department's General Counsel's office.1673416735 70. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, the Constitution's Spending Clause16736(Art. I, Sec. 8, cl. 1) and Appropriations Clause (Art. I, Sec. 9,16737cl. 7) give Congress, not the Executive, power of the purse. The16738Supreme Court has unanimously upheld this power. Do you believe that16739impoundments are constitutional?16740 Mr. Bass. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my responsibilities16741consistent with the Constitution and the law on this matter as on all16742others. I would ensure that my actions and advice to the Secretary of16743Defense on this matter are informed by the administration's legal16744positions and advice from the Department's General Counsel's office.1674516746 71. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, the funding levels in appropriations16747bills passed into law are not targets or ceilings; instead, they are16748amounts the executive branch must spend, unless stated otherwise.16749Congress could--if it wanted the President to have discretion--write16750those amounts as ceilings. Do you agree?16751 Mr. Bass. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my responsibilities16752consistent with the Constitution and the law on this matter as on all16753others. I would ensure that my actions and advice to the Secretary of16754Defense on this matter are informed by the administration's legal16755positions and advice from the Department's General Counsel's office.1675616757 72. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, what is your understanding of the16758requirements for DOD to obligate funding that Congress authorizes and16759appropriates, in accordance with the time period that Congress deems it16760to do so?16761 Mr. Bass. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my responsibilities16762consistent with the Constitution and the law on this matter as on all16763others. I would ensure that my actions and advice to the Secretary of16764Defense on this matter are informed by the administration's legal16765positions and advice from the Department's General Counsel's office.16766DOD has an obligation to the men and women in uniform to prioritize16767limited resources to requirements and warfighting capabilities most16768critical to national security.1676916770 73. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, do you commit to expending the money16771that Congress appropriates and authorizes?16772 Mr. Bass. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my responsibilities16773consistent with the Constitution and the law on this matter as on all16774others. I would ensure that my actions and advice to the Secretary of16775Defense on this matter are informed by advice the administration's16776legal positions and from the Department's General Counsel's office.1677716778 74. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, do you commit to following and16779implementing every provision of the annual National Defense16780Authorization Act passed into law?16781 Mr. Bass. If confirmed, I commit to following all laws.16782 blast overpressure16783 75. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if you are confirmed, will you commit16784to protecting servicemembers from blast overpressure and increasing16785their options for seeking care after being exposed?16786 Mr. Bass. Yes.1678716788 76. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if you are confirmed, what steps will16789you take to protect servicemembers from blast overpressure and increase16790their options for seeking care after being exposed?16791 Mr. Bass. If confirmed, I will continue letting the science inform16792policy for blast over pressure and ensure that the Military Health16793System's clinical practice guidelines reflect and incorporate leading,16794state-of-the-science practices.1679516796 77. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, how do you plan to work with the16797Department of Veterans Affairs to make sure that servicemembers,16798veterans, and their families are aware of the risks of blast16799overpressure and traumatic brain injury?16800 Mr. Bass. DOD has a long history of sharing longitudinal records16801and clinical practice guidelines with the Department of Veteran16802Affairs. If confirmed, I will continue to support and strengthen this16803partnership.1680416805 78. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, do you support establishing logs for16806troops on blast overpressure exposure and traumatic brain injury?16807 Mr. Bass. Yes.1680816809 79. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, do you support requiring16810neurocognitive assessments of troops annually, before they begin16811training to establish a baseline, and before they leave the military to16812determine when their change in cognitive health over time?16813 Mr. Bass. Yes, although I would let the scientists and physicians16814recommend any changes to periodicity of neurocognitive assessments.1681516816 80. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if you are confirmed, how will you16817address the links between blast overpressure exposure and increased16818risks of suicide?16819 Mr. Bass. If confirmed, I will let the scientists and16820epidemiologists continue to study and evaluate the correlations between16821blast overpressure and increase risk of suicide.1682216823 81. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, what steps would you take to improve16824suicide prevention efforts, including investing in peer support16825programs, crisis intervention, and community-based mental health16826initiatives?16827 Mr. Bass. I would support the requirements and resourcing processes16828within the DOD and ensure that these processes prioritize mental health16829care across the Military Health System for Service members.1683016831 82. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, it appears that U.S. Army Green Beret16832Master Sgt. Matthew Livelsberger, who died by suicide in a cybertruck16833explosion on January 1, 2025, may have had a history of traumatic brain16834injury. What do you understand to be the consequences and long-term16835effects of blast overpressure exposure and brain injury on16836servicemembers?16837 Mr. Bass. I understand that the DOD is still investing in research16838activities to better understand the consequences and long-term effects16839of blast overpressure on warfighter brain health. I also understand16840that scientists continue to learn more about these effects and that our16841brains may not be as resilient as we once thought to blast16842overpressure.1684316844 83. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, do you support addressing the risks16845of blast overpressure to servicemembers through the swift16846implementation of sections 721 through section 725 of the Fiscal Year168472025 NDAA?16848 Mr. Bass. Yes.16849 right-to-repair16850 84. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, do you believe giving DOD access to16851the technical data rights needed to repair its own equipment could16852advance DOD's readiness?16853 Mr. Bass. Yes. Generally speaking, having access to the technical16854data necessary to support fielded systems could help reduce repair and16855sustainment costs.1685616857 85. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, do you believe giving DOD access to16858the technical data rights needed to repair its own equipment could help16859reduce DOD's repair and sustainment costs?16860 Mr. Bass. Yes. Generally speaking, having access to the technical16861data necessary to support fielded systems could help reduce repair and16862sustainment costs. The Department acquires data and license rights16863under contract with an associated value, and it would need to determine16864on a case-by-case basis to determine the cost-benefit ratio.1686516866 86. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, how will you ensure servicemembers in16867your service or component, who are stationed abroad, can timely and16868cost-effectively repair equipment when needed, especially in a16869contested logistics environment?16870 Mr. Bass. If confirmed, I would work with strategic partners across16871the DOD, including the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for16872Acquisition and Sustainment and the Defense Logistics Agency, to16873support a readiness posture for contested environments.1687416875 87. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if you are confirmed, will you commit16876to including right-to-repair/technical data rights clauses in16877acquisition contracts that your service or component enters into?16878 Mr. Bass. Yes, I would advocate across the Department for allowing16879user-level repair, where appropriate.1688016881 88. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if you are confirmed, will you commit16882to ensuring contractors deliver technical data rights to your service16883or component when their contract requires or allows it?16884 Mr. Bass. Yes.1688516886 89. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if you are confirmed, will you commit16887to conducting an assessment of the cost of not having the right-to-16888repair/technical data rights for your service's or component's16889equipment, the results of which you would make public for review by16890Congress and the Department of Government Efficiency?16891 Mr. Bass. Yes, although such requirements may be less of a concern16892in the Military Health System.16893 acquisition reform16894 90. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, what is your understanding of the16895Procurement Integrity Act and your obligations under that law?16896 Mr. Bass. The Procurement Integrity Act prevents unethical and16897improper competitive practices from influencing Federal procurements by16898prohibiting the disclosure or obtaining protected information before a16899contract award and restricting acceptance of post-government employment16900compensation from contractors by certain former officials.1690116902 91. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass do you believe that it is important to16903be able to assess accurate cost and pricing data from contractors,16904especially for sole-or single-source contracts?16905 Mr. Bass. If confirmed, I will work with Department stakeholders16906and the acquisition workforce to ensure the Department has access to16907accurate cost and pricing data as required by law.1690816909 92. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, how do you plan to obtain cost and16910pricing data from contractors to determine that the cost of DOD16911contracts is fair and reasonable?16912 Mr. Bass. If confirmed, I would rely on procurement subject matter16913experts.1691416915 93. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, how do you plan to do so in cases16916where contractors refuse or claim they are unable to turn over this16917data?16918 Mr. Bass. A contractor must provide this information if required by16919contract or documented in a request for proposal.1692016921 94. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if you are confirmed, what steps will16922you take to ensure that contractors are not price gouging or16923overcharging DOD?16924 Mr. Bass. Most procurement information for the Military Health16925System is akin to procurement activities in other large health systems16926in the United States, making comparison easier and pricing fairer.1692716928 95. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if you are confirmed will you commit16929to seeking refunds from contractors and companies that overcharge DOD?16930 Mr. Bass. If confirmed, I will continue to seek redress in full16931compliance of what the law will allow.1693216933 96. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if so, how do you plan to do so?16934 Mr. Bass. I would rely on procurement subject matter experts for16935assistance.16936 research and development16937 97. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, does DOD benefit from partnering with16938colleges, universities, nonprofits, and federally funded research and16939development centers?16940 Mr. Bass. Yes.1694116942 98. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, under your leadership, will DOD16943continue to work with colleges, universities, nonprofits, and federally16944funded research and development centers to research and address our16945toughest national security challenges?16946 Mr. Bass. If confirmed, I commit to continuing to work with16947colleges, universities, nonprofit organizations, and federally funded16948research and development centers to develop new and transformative16949capabilities for the Warfighter consistent with the Administration's16950mission and priorities.1695116952 99. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, on March 20, 2025, DOD announced it16953was terminating $360 million in grants. What is your understanding of16954DOD's criteria for canceling grants?16955 Mr. Bass. I was not involved in the decisionmaking behind the16956terminations and so am not in a position to speak on the matter.1695716958 100. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, what should DOD's criteria for16959canceling grants be?16960 Mr. Bass. Grants should be canceled if there are truly higher16961priority needs for our Service members. In this resource constrained16962environment, we must ensure mission critical needs are prioritized.1696316964 101. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, who should be involved in decisions16965to cancel DOD grants?16966 Mr. Bass. Decisions to terminate grant awards may be necessary to16967ensure that the Department makes the best use of available resources.16968These decisions are most often made by those responsible for the16969individual program the grant supports but can also be determined by DOD16970leadership in accordance with Department priorities or the16971Administration consistent with its policy objectives.1697216973 102. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, does DOD invest enough in research16974and development?16975 Mr. Bass. Ensuring the Department remains on the cutting edge means16976proper funding for research and development (R&D) has to be a priority.16977If confirmed, I commit to working with the Secretary, the Comptroller16978and the Undersecretary of Defense for R&D to ensure we are properly16979investing in research and development.1698016981 103. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, do defense contractors invest enough16982in research and development?16983 Mr. Bass. If confirmed, I commit to reviewing the R&D investments16984made my defense contractors. However, I believe it is critical that we16985ensure defense contractors have the proper incentives to make16986sufficient investments in research and development that align with the16987Department's efforts.1698816989 104. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, what should DOD's top research and16990development priorities be?16991 Mr. Bass. For the Military Health System, we must maintain focus on16992biomedical research for battlefield medicine and prolonged field care;16993increase research in understanding the effects of weapons systems on16994our Service members; as well as the causes, epidemiology, and treatment16995for conditions that uniquely affect the military.16996 exceptional families16997 105. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, TRICARE's Extended Care Health16998Option (ECHO) was designed to serve as a military equivalent to16999Medicaid but military family advocates report it remains too limited in17000scope and funding to fully meet the needs of exceptional families.17001Given the uncertainty surrounding Medicaid at the Federal and State17002levels, do you support expanding ECHO to ensure military families have17003consistent access to necessary services, no matter where they are17004stationed?17005 I support programs within the Military Health System that expand17006access to our military families no matter where they are stationed, but17007I do believe we need to ensure that remote health care options are17008adequately resourced and patient-friendly.1700917010 106. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, what specific steps would you take17011to improve ECHO so that it better reflects the comprehensive care and17012flexibility of Medicaid waiver programs?17013 I would work with the subject matter experts within the Defense17014Health Agency to ensure that all additive programs to the TRICARE17015Health Plan are accessible to our military families and, perhaps more17016importantly, that the care provided by the DOD is accessible at home,17017aboard, and wherever our family members live.1701817019 107. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, how would you advocate for increased17020funding and program improvements to reduce out-of-pocket costs and17021administrative burdens for military families who rely on ECHO?17022 On behalf of our military families, I would advocate broadly for17023all of the requirements of the Military Health System and ensure that17024the Secretary of Defense and Congress understand the tradeoffs we have17025to make as good stewards of the taxpayers dollars.1702617027 108. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, proposed changes to Individuals with17028Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding and school-based therapies17029threaten to reduce access to critical services, forcing parents to17030fight for accommodations their children are legally entitled to17031receive. For military families who move frequently, these challenges17032are even greater, as they must re-establish services with each17033relocation, often facing delays and inconsistencies in school-provided17034support. Compounding this issue is the misconception that TRICARE-17035covered medically necessary services, such as speech, occupational, or17036physical therapy, and applied behavior analysis can replace school-17037provided services, when in reality, they are separate and distinct.17038TRICARE services are designed to meet medical needs, while schools are17039required to provide educational support services--not substitute one17040for the other. Given these concerns, how would you work to protect and17041strengthen medically necessary services delivered by a medical provider17042within the school setting, ensuring that children with exceptional17043needs receive the full range of support they require?17044 The DOD Exceptional Family Member Program is a mandatory enrollment17045program designed to provide comprehensive and coordinated support and17046services to our military families with special medical or educational17047needs. I will continue supporting this program and ensure that the17048requirements for enrollment are aligned with leading practices to help17049our military families thrive.17050 mental health17051 109. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, do you support strengthening17052military and veteran mental health services to ensure that those in17053crisis can access care without unnecessary obstacles?17054 Yes.1705517056 110. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, what specific measures would you17057take to ensure DOD fully complies with mental health parity rules,17058reducing bureaucratic barriers that prevent servicemembers and their17059families from receiving necessary treatment?17060 I would ensure that all instructions maximize access to mental17061health care without bureaucratic barriers. I would work toward ensuring17062that requirements for mental health care are resourced appropriately to17063deliver the capability needed.1706417065 111. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, how would you advocate for expanded17066mental health provider networks within TRICARE, ensuring military17067communities have access to quality care no matter where they are17068stationed?17069 I understand that DOD now has the authority for TRICARE network17070providers to deliver mental health care across State lines, which17071greatly expands opportunities to access care. If confirmed, I would17072continue implementing these authorities while also expanding and17073refining tele-health services for mental health care.17074 protecting classified information and federal records17075 112. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, what is your understanding of the17076need to protect operational security, or OPSEC?17077 Mr. Bass. All information that could be used by an adversary to17078hurt the military or reduce national security must be protected in17079accordance with the instructions from the classifying authority.1708017081 113. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, what are the national security risks17082of improperly disclosing classified information?17083 Mr. Bass. It is generally accepted that the improper or17084unauthorized disclosure of classified information could be expected to17085cause identifiable or describable damage to national security. The17086describable damage and certainty of that damage would depend on the17087details of the information released, including the level of17088classification, as well as the extent and nature of the disclosure.17089Determining the extent of damage to national security is part of the17090unauthorized disclosure process as outlined in DOD policy, and I would17091defer to the Department for additional specifics.1709217093 114. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, is it your opinion that information17094about imminent military targets is generally sensitive information that17095needs to be protected?17096 Mr. Bass. The Department has robust policies and processes17097dedicated to determining the sensitivity of information related to17098military targets. If confirmed, I will ensure that myself and those17099under my organizational control will adhere to those processes and17100standards.1710117102 115. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, what would you do if you learned an17103official had improperly disclosed classified information?17104 Mr. Bass. I would report it to the DOD security managers for17105immediate assessment and mitigation.1710617107 116. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, what is your understanding of17108Government officials' duties under the Federal Records Act?17109 Mr. Bass. If confirmed, I will adhere to the Federal Records Act17110and the applicable DOD policies that implement it, which ensure that17111the Federal records I create or receive are appropriately maintained.1711217113 117. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, should classified information be17114shared on unclassified commercial systems?17115 Mr. Bass. As per the DOD's Information Security Program, only17116computers and IT systems approved and accredited for Classified17117National Security Information may be used for classified17118communications.1711917120 118. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, is it damaging to national security17121if the pilots flying a mission find out that the official who ordered17122them to perform that mission shared sensitive information that could17123have made it more likely that the mission would fail or they would be17124killed?17125 Mr. Bass. The Department of Defense places the utmost importance on17126mission success and the safety of the men and women carrying out the17127mission, making it the finest fighting force in the world. If17128confirmed, I will endeavor to carry on that tradition of excellence17129supporting the men and women of the armed forces in my role as the17130ASD(HA).1713117132 119. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if you had information about the17133status of specific targets, weapons being used, and timing for imminent17134U.S. strikes against an adversary, under what circumstances would you17135feel comfortable receiving or sharing that information on an17136unclassified commercial application like Signal?17137 Mr. Bass. If confirmed, I commit to adhering to the information17138security policies of the Department of Defense.17139 treating civilians at medical treatment facilities17140 120. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, do trauma centers and other military17141treatment facilities (MTF) benefit from being able to treat civilians?17142 Mr. Bass. If the care delivered is complex and relevant to combat17143operations, then yes, treating non-beneficiary civilians at MTFs17144benefits the readiness posture of the DOD.1714517146 121. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if confirmed, will you review DOD's17147processes for waiving fees for civilians to ensure that problems with17148MTF billing do not load civilians up with medical debt?17149 Mr. Bass. Yes.17150 medical capacity17151 122. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, in your judgment, is the U.S.17152military's medical system prepared to support large-scale combat17153operations?17154 Mr. Bass. In my judgment the Military Health System is not best17155positioned and prepared to support large-scale combat operations today.1715617157 123. Senator Warren. Mr. Bass, if the U.S. military's medical17158system is not prepared to support large-scale combat operations, what17159steps should DOD take to be adequately prepared?17160 Mr. Bass. I believe the Military Health System needs to close gaps17161in requirements first and foremost at the military medical centers and17162hospitals most critical to combat operations.17163 ______1716417165 [The nomination reference of Mr. Keith M. Bass follows:]17166 [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]1716717168 ______1716917170 [The biographical sketch of Mr. Keith M. Bass, which was17171transmitted to the Committee at the time the nomination was17172referred, follows:]17173[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]1717417175 ______1717617177 [The Committee on Armed Services requires all individuals17178nominated from civilian life by the President to positions17179requiring the advice and consent of the Senate to complete a17180form that details the biographical, financial, and other17181information of the nominee. The form executed by Mr. Keith M.17182Bass in connection with his nomination follows:]17183[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]17184 ______1718517186 [The nominee responded to Parts B-F of the Committee17187questionnaire. The text of the questionnaire is set forth in17188the Appendix to this volume. The nominee's answers to Parts B-F17189are contained in the Committee's executive files.]1719017191 [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]1719217193 ______1719417195 [The nomination of Mr. Keith M. Bass was reported to the17196Senate by Chairman Wicker on April 8, 2025, with the17197recommendation that the nomination be confirmed. The nomination17198was confirmed by the Senate on January 5, 2026.]1719917200 [all]