Hearings to examine the nominations of Michael Cadenazzi, of Rhode Island, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, and Scott Pappano, of Pennsylvania, to be Principal Deputy Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration.

1[Senate Hearing 119-324]2[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]34                                                       S. Hrg. 119-32456                  TO CONSIDER THE NOMINATIONS OF: MR.7                   MICHAEL P. CADENAZZI, JR. TO BE ASSISTANT8                   SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR INDUSTRIAL9                   BASE POLICY; AND VICE ADMIRAL SCOTT10                   W. PAPPANO, USN TO BE PRINCIPAL DEPUTY11                   ADMINISTRATOR NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECU-12                   RITY ADMINISTRATION13=======================================================================1415                                HEARING1617                               BEFORE THE1819                      COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES20                          UNITED STATES SENATE2122                    ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS2324                             FIRST SESSION2526                               __________2728                             APRIL 29, 20252930                               __________3132         Printed for the use of the Committee on Armed Services3334[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]3536                 Available via: http://www.govinfo.gov3738                      COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES3940 ROGER F. WICKER, Mississippi, Chairman4142 DEB FISCHER, Nebraska			JACK REED, Rhode Island43 TOM COTTON, Arkansas			JEANNE SHAHEEN, New Hampshire44 MIKE ROUNDS, South Dakota		KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, New York45 JONI ERNST, Iowa			RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, Connecticut46 DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska			MAZIE K. HIRONO, Hawaii47 KEVIN CRAMER, North Dakota		TIM KAINE, Virginia48 RICK SCOTT, Florida			ANGUS S. KING, Jr., Maine49 TOMMY TUBERVILLE, Alabama		ELIZABETH WARREN, Massachusetts50 MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma	        GARY C. PETERS, Michigan51 TED BUDD, North Carolina		TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois52 ERIC SCHMITT, Missouri			JACKY ROSEN, Nevada53 JIM BANKS, INDIANA			MARK KELLY, Arizona54 TIM SHEEHY, MONTANA                  	ELISSA SLOTKIN, MICHIGAN5556 		   John P. Keast, Staff Director57 		Elizabeth L. King, Minority Staff Director5859                                  (ii)6061                           C O N T E N T S6263_________________________________________________________________6465                             april 29, 20256667                                                                   Page68To Consider the Nominations of: Mr. Michael P. Cadenazzi, Jr. to      169  be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy;70  and Vice Admiral Scott W. Pappano, USN to be Principal Deputy71  Administrator National Nuclear Security Administration.7273                           Members Statements7475Wicker, Senator Roger F..........................................     17677Reed, Senator Jack...............................................     27879                           Witness Statements8081Mr. Michael P. Cadenazzi, Jr., Nominated to be Assistant              382  Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy.8384  Advance Policy Questions.......................................    338586  Questions for the Record.......................................    498788  Nomination Reference and Report................................    668990  Biographical Sketch............................................    679192  Committee on Armed Services Questionnaire......................    699394  Signature Page.................................................    759596Pappano, Vice Admiral Scott W., USN, Nominated to be Principal       7597  Deputy Administrator National Nuclear Security Administration.9899  Advance Policy Questions.......................................    75100101  Questions for the Record.......................................    94102103  Nomination Reference and Report................................   104104105  Biographical Sketch............................................   105106107  Committee on Armed Services Questionnaire......................   106108109  Signature Page.................................................   111110111                                 (iii)112113  TO CONSIDER THE NOMINATIONS OF: MR. MICHAEL P. CADENAZZI, JR. TO BE114  ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR INDUSTRIAL BASE POLICY; AND VICE115  ADMIRAL SCOTT W. PAPPANO, USN TO BE PRINCIPAL DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR116                NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION117118                              ----------119120                        TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2025121122                              United States Senate,123                               Committee on Armed Services,124                                                    Washington, DC.125    The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 9:31 a.m. in room126SD-G50, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Senator Roger Wicker127(Chairman of the Committee) presiding.128    Committee Members present: Senators Wicker, Fischer,129Rounds, Ernst, Sullivan, Scott, Budd, Sheehy, Reed, Shaheen,130Gillibrand, Blumenthal, Hirono, Kaine, King, Warren, Rosen, and131Kelly.132133          OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR ROGER F. WICKER134135    Chairman Wicker. Good morning. This hearing will come to136order. I welcome our witnesses and their families and I thank137them for being here this morning.138    The United States is up against the most dangerous threat139environment we've faced since World War II. I say it140frequently, but it needs to be said even more frequently. I'm141grateful that these two individuals have stepped up to help us142in these challenging times.143    Mr. Scott Pappano has been nominated to be Principal Deputy144Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration145(NNSA). In this position, Mr. Pappano will help lead an146organization tasked with rebuilding and modernizing our long,147neglected nuclear weapons stock pile. He must be up to the task148because our nuclear dangers are more complex than ever.149    Over the past several years, we've watched as Russia,150China, and North Korea have rapidly expanded their nuclear151arsenals and developed new types of weapons, weapons for which152we are not prepared. In his previous position, Mr. Pappano saw153firsthand that the U.S. is far behind in ship building. I hope154he'll bring important lessons from that experience and apply155them to this role. Modernizing our nuclear deterrent is a156national imperative, and this Committee expects to see results.157I look forward to hearing how Mr. Pappano intends to drive NNSA158to achieve this objective.159    Mr. Michael Cadenazzi has been nominated to be the160Assistant Secretary of Defense for industrial based policy at161the Department of Defense (DOD). Mr. Cadenazzi served 10 years162in the U.S. Navy as a cryptologic officer, and then took his163talents to private industry. He spent 20 years addressing164strategic and operational defense and aerospace challenges. He165has launched or participated in startups working on analytics,166technical service, and artificial intelligence (AI).167    He has been nominated to a position that is relatively new,168but it must not be overlooked. As a matter of fact, it should169be given very serious attention. The Office of Industrial Base170Policy is one of the most important posts in the Pentagon. We171need a large and capable cohort of defense industrial policy172analysts who can bring serious options to the Secretary of173Defense and the Congress, and we need those analysts to be174guided by a capable leader.175    I look forward to hearing Mr. Cadenazzi's opinions on how176we can improve and simplify the department's analytic capacity177and investment authorities to build a more resilient industrial178base. I look forward to their testimony.179    I now turn to my dear friend and Ranking Member, Senator180Reed.181182                 STATEMENT OF SENATOR JACK REED183184    Senator Reed. Well, thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Let185me welcome Mr. Cadenazzi and Admiral Pappano. Thank you,186gentlemen. Welcome. Congratulations on your nomination.187    Also, this is a special moment because we have a reunion of188Rogers High School in Newport, Rhode Island here, and I want to189recognize all the Rhode Islanders.190    Chairman Wicker. We're pressed for time.191    [Laughter.]192    Senator Reed. I know. Well, I can name them one by one if193you'd like, but all right, I will move on.194    Mr. Cadenazzi, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for195Industrial Base Policy serves as a principal advisor to the196Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, for197all industrial base policies and related matters. The position198has a wide scope of responsibilities from ensuring supply chain199security, to guiding Department-wide investments into critical200defense technology sectors, to coordinating small business201programs.202    If you are confirmed, you'll be the second person to hold203this office. As such, there are a number of important204challenges you will need to address. In particular, the Defense205Department needs a coordinated strategy for working with the206defense industry to expand production capacity of weapon207systems, munitions, and key technologies such as208microelectronics, hyper sonics, and biomanufacturing. These209technologies will be crucial for maintaining America's global210competitiveness and will require working with industry across211the broad from prime contractors to sub-tier suppliers and212producers of raw materials. I would ask for your plans for213addressing this significant challenge as we go forward.214    Further, as we've seen with greater clarity over the past215several years, ensuring supply chain security and access to216strategic minerals such as rare earth elements is critical for217the Department and the defense industrial base. The Defense218Department must take a proactive approach to identifying219threats and vulnerabilities for its supply chains and develop220plans and tools to mitigate those risks.221    I would note that doing so will require the Department to222work across the inter-agency with multiple other Federal223agencies. I would like to know your thoughts on how you would224address this challenge. Mr. Cadenazzi, if confirmed, your225experience as a Navy officer and as a business leader in a226high-tech field will be valuable for meeting these challenges.227    However, I would indicate too that you'll have to pick up228and grow your knowledge very rapidly because these fields are229changing so rapidly. You have a challenging task and I wish you230well.231    Admiral Pappano, you have been nominated to be Deputy232Administrator for the National Nuclear Security Administrator233or NNSA. You retired last month as the Vice Admiral after a 36-234year career in the Navy. Thank you for your service, sir. You235were a principal leader and military deputy to the Assistant236Secretary of the Navy for Research. So, you come well equipped237to this task.238    If confirmed, you'll lead the day-to-day operations of the239NNSA. Most importantly, you'll lead efforts to modernize the240warheads and our nuclear triad of submarines, heavy bombers,241and intercontinental ballistic missiles. The NNSA has been242working for years to complete this modernization, but the243Department is experiencing tremendous workload as it244simultaneously recapitalizes warhead programs and undertakes245the major rebuilding of its nuclear infrastructure, much of246which dates back to the Manhattan Project.247    I would note that the NNSA's workforce is specialized248nuclear scientists and engineers is fundamental to249accomplishing these missions. I'm concerned that morale in the250Department has been badly harmed in recent months as hundreds251of employees have been fired or threatened with firing. Mr.252Pappano, as a career Navy officer, I would like to know how you253will approach these challenges, including how you'll work to254retain the skilled civil servants to maintain our nuclear255deterrent.256    Thank you again to our nominees and I look forward to your257testimony. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.258    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Reed, and I too am259delighted that the State of Rhode Island is so well260represented----261    Senator Reed. Thank you.262    Chairman Wicker.--by individuals. At this point we will263recognize our guests for their opening statements. Mr.264Cadenazzi, you are recognized for your opening statements, sir.265266  STATEMENT OF MR. MICHAEL P. CADENAZZI, JR., NOMINATED TO BE267   ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR INDUSTRIAL BASE POLICY268269    Mr. Cadenazzi. Thank you, Senator. Chairman Wicker, Ranking270Member Reed, Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee,271thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I272would like to thank President Trump, the Administration,273Secretary Hegseth, and his team, for their support of my274nomination to serve as the next Assistant Secretary of Defense275for Industrial Base Policy.276    I must also thank and acknowledge my family. My father,277retired Navy Commander Michael Sr., my mother Joanne, and my278sister Marisa. My three daughters, Mhairi, Hannah, and Iona.279Their energy and laughter give my life color and their280successes fill me with immeasurable pride. I want to thank my281wife, Sarah. I would not be anywhere, much less here, without282her.283    My entire adult life has been spent in the defense sector284and in support of the effort to address the critical needs of285our industrial base. From my oath to the Nation as a Tulane286NROTC midshipman in August 1991, through 10 years of Active287Duty service as a naval cryptologic officer, I had the288privilege to serve with dedicated military professionals of289every rank and branch. Over the past 2 decades, I have been290fortunate enough to work with the defense industrial base from291the primes down into the supply chain while tackling myriad292business issues.293    At this critical time, I see the scale of challenges facing294our military while competing with a near peer pacing us in many295ways. In my view, the U.S. Defense Industrial Base, we face296constraints in crucial and exquisite capabilities delivered in297uncomfortably limited quantities over long timelines,298experiencing delivery delays, and increasing costs. There are299simply not enough weapons or platforms and our readiness is300inadequate. These are national level challenges that undermine301our lethality and security.302    Senators, I want this role because I want America to win. I303want to contribute to America's future victories, and I want to304take part in overcoming these challenges and forging a more305resilient, innovative, and responsive version of the industrial306machine that has underpinned our natural security since World307War II.308    This role is critical to Secretary Hegseth's commitment to309rebuild the military by revitalizing the defense industrial310base. If confirmed, I will execute the role with three guiding311principles: prioritization, productivity, and production.312    First, prioritization. We must focus on the urgent needs of313war fighters today while positioning for the challenges of314tomorrow. There are immediate problems in lethality, lower tier315supply chain, and readiness. There is the need for long-term316transformation flowing from increased private capital,317invigorated domestic manufacturing, and secure access to vital318materials and minerals.319    There is an abundance of analysis on our industrial320problems and thankfully, an equally abundant set of proposed321solutions, all of which outstrip our cash and capabilities to322respond. Hard choices await us as a department and as a Nation.323    Second, productivity. This office must be a catalyst to324increase industrial productivity at every level. If confirmed,325I will collaborate across government and industry to target326critical investment into the most pressing supply chain gaps327and bottlenecks. I believe we must accelerate adoption of328today's digital tools to secure the leap ahead benefits of AI329and quantum for the future. Our goal must be to maximize the330productive impact of every defense dollar.331    Third, production. The DOD must accelerate and scale332industrial base production now in advance of major conflict,333and we must position industry to surge in fulfillment of future334demands. Progress against these objectives will make a335measurable difference in our national security.336    In closing, I want to acknowledge the outpouring of support337and my pursuit of this effort. It has been truly humbling. What338has been equally gratifying is the unabashed commitment of339individuals across government and industry to work together to340make the industrial base better. We have done this work before341and now we must do it again.342    Senators, I respectfully request your support for my343confirmation and for the vital tasks that lie ahead to reawaken344the innovative spirit of the American industrial base and to345ensure that our Nation remains a force for peace and stability346through strength. Thank you.347    [The prepared statement of Mr. Michael P. Cadenazzi, Jr.348follows:]349350          Prepared Statement by Mr. Michael P. Cadenazzi, Jr.351    I would like to thank President Trump, the Administration,352Secretary Hegseth and his team for their support of my nomination to353serve as the next Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base354Policy.355    I must also thank and acknowledge my family.356    My father, retired Navy Commander Michael Sr, my mother Joanne, and357my sister Marisa.358    My three daughters, Mhairi, Hannah and Iona. Their energy and359laughter give my life color. Their successes fill me with immeasurable360pride.361    And I want to thank my wife, Sarah. I would not be anywhere, much362less here, without her.363    My entire adult life has been spent in the defense sector and in364support of the effort to address the critical needs of our industrial365base. From my oath to the Nation as a Tulane NROTC midshipman in August3661991 through 10 years of Active Duty service as a Naval Cryptologic367officer, I had the privilege of serving with dedicated military368professionals of every rank and branch. And over the past two decades I369have been fortunate enough to work with the defense industrial base370from the primes down into the supply chain while tackling myriad371business issues.372    At this critical time, I see the scale of challenges facing our373military while competing with a near peer pacing us in many ways. In my374view of the U.S. Defense Industrial Base, we face constraints in375crucial and exquisite capabilities, delivered in uncomfortably limited376quantities over long timelines, while experiencing delivery delays and377increasing costs. There are simply not enough weapons or platforms. And378our readiness is inadequate.379    These are national level challenges that undermine our lethality380and security.381    Senators, I want this role because I want America to win. I want to382contribute to America's future victories. And I want to take part in383overcoming these challenges and forging a more resilient, innovative,384and responsive version of the industrial machine that has underpinned385our national security since World War II.386    This role is critical to Secretary Hegseth's commitment to387``Rebuild the Military'' by ``Revitalizing the defense industrial388base''.389    If confirmed, I will execute the role with three guiding390principles:391    Prioritization. Productivity. And Production.392    First, Prioritization: We must focus on the urgent needs of393warfighters today, while positioning for the challenges of tomorrow.394There are immediate problems in lethality, lower tier supply chains &395readiness. And there is the need for long-term transformation flowing396from increased private capital, invigorated domestic manufacturing, and397secure access to vital materials and minerals.398    There is an abundance of analysis on our industrial problems. And,399thankfully, an equally abundant set of proposed solutions. All of which400outstrip our cash and capabilities to respond. Hard choices await us as401a Department and a Nation.402    Second, Productivity: This office must be a catalyst to increase403industrial productivity at every level. If confirmed, I will404collaborate across government and industry to target critical405investment into the most pressing supply chain gaps and bottlenecks.406And I believe we must accelerate adoption of today's digital tools to407secure the leap-ahead benefits of AI and quantum. Our goal must be to408maximize the productive impact of every defense dollar.409    Third, Production: The DOD must accelerate and scale industrial410base production now in advance of conflict. And we must position411industry to surge in fulfillment of future demands. Progress against412these objectives will make a measurable difference in our national413security.414    In closing, I want to acknowledge the outpouring of support in my415pursuit of this role--it has been humbling. What has been equally416gratifying is the unabashed commitment of individuals across government417and industry committed to ``work together to make the industrial base418better.'' We have done this work before, and now we must do it again.419    Senators, I respectfully request your support for my confirmation420and for the vital tasks that lie ahead: to reawaken the innovative421spirit of the American Industrial Base and to ensure that our Nation422remains a force for peace and stability through strength.423424    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much, Mr. Cadenazzi. Vice425Admiral Pappano.426427 STATEMENT OF VICE ADMIRAL SCOTT W. PAPPANO, USN, NOMINATED TO428  BE PRINCIPAL DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY429                         ADMINISTRATION430431    Vice Admiral Pappano. Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Reed,432and Members of the Committee, thank you for your consideration433of my nomination to be the Principal Deputy Administrator of434the National Nuclear Security Administration, NNSA at the U.S.435Department of Energy.436    Since first taking the oath of office in July, 1985, I have437devoted my entire adult life to serving our Nation as438commissioned officer in the Navy. I thank President Trump and439Energy Secretary Wright for affording me the opportunity to440shift course and continue my public service in a greater and441more impactful capacity.442    I also need to thank my wife of 34 years, Kate, for joining443me here today and for her service to the Nation as the444commander-in-chief of the Pappano household. Nothing I have445achieved would've been possible without her love and support,446and her commitment to raising our children throughout my447frequent absences is a testament to her strength and448resilience. We are both proud of the adults our children have449grown up to be.450    Foundational qualifications to serve as the principal451deputy administrator of NNSA, include an extensive background452in organizational management and being well qualified to manage453nuclear weapons, infrastructure, construction and maintenance,454non-proliferation, material disposition programs, in a manner455to enhance and protect U.S. national security through the456military application of nuclear energy.457    I believe that, if confirmed, my background, experience,458and expertise would be well suited to execute the duties of459this office. I also believe deeply in the mission. Strategic460nuclear deterrence is fundamental to our national security and461modernizing our Nation's nuclear weapons stockpile, nuclear462forces, and supporting infrastructure is a critical national463security priority.464    My qualifications are founded upon the bedrock of a strong465technical education, with an undergraduate degree in marine466engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy, and a graduate degree467in nuclear engineering for the Massachusetts Institute of468Technology. Both my education and leadership were honed across469a 36-year career as a nuclear submarine officer and a military470acquisition professional.471    I have humbly led exceptional teams at all levels with the472understanding that my calling was to make the people around me473more effective and achieve greater outcomes than they otherwise474could have achieved by empowering them, building esprit de475corps, fostering deep technical competence, and removing476barriers to their success. As a submarine line officer, I477completed sea rotations on five submarines across all classes,478culminating in command of a nuclear attack submarine. I also479served as military assistant for Assistant Secretary of480Defense, charged with both strategic nuclear deterrence and481non-proliferation policy.482    As a military acquisition professional, I served as major483program manager for lifecycle sustainment of operational,484strategic, and attack submarines, oversaw research and485development activities of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center486Laboratories, established a program executive office to focus487on cradle to grave of lifecycle activities for all nuclear488strategic ballistic missile submarines, and eventually served489as a principal deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, charged490with overseeing the procurement and sustainment of all Navy and491Marine Corps weapon systems.492    This has all led me to this unique moment in time where, if493confirmed, my expertise and experience would align well with494the leadership necessary for NNSA, to overcome generational495challenges and deliver programs of record to meet national496security needs. I understand the complexity of the threats and497the critical importance of the NNSA mission. I have a deep498understanding of naval nuclear propulsion, from construction499and testing, through operations, lifecycle sustainment, and500eventual decommissioning.501    I oversaw the recapitalization of our sea-based strategic502nuclear deterrent and work closely with other stakeholders503engaged in nuclear modernization efforts to include United504States Strategic Command (STRATCOM) Strategic Assistance505Programs, the United Kingdom Dreadnought Alliance, and other506legs of the U.S. nuclear triad.507    I supervised contract performance in our nuclear ship508builders and led the standup of a navy industrial based team to509spearhead data driven assessment of the submarine supply chain,510and collaboration across U.S. Department of Defense and511Congress to target industrial base investment in critical512infrastructure, supply chain capacity and resilience,513manufacturing, technology, workforce attraction, recruitment,514training, and retention.515    I believe that if confirmed the lessons I have learned on516my Navy journey would translate well to the NNSA journey that517must ultimately modernize the nuclear stockpile in supporting518infrastructure without disrupting production activities to519ensure that the Nation maintains a safe, secure, reliable, and520credible strategic nuclear deterrent.521    I understand this is a no fail mission. I am honored and522humbled to be considered for this nomination and look forward523to answering your questions. Thank you.524    [The prepared statement of Vice Admiral Pappano follows:]525526            Prepared Statement by Vice Admiral Scott Pappano527    Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Reed, and members of the committee,528thank for your consideration of my nomination to be the Principal529Deputy Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration530(NNSA) at the U.S. Department of Energy. Since first taking the Oath of531Office in July 1985, I have devoted my entire adult life to serving our532Nation as a commissioned officer in the Navy, and I thank President533Trump and Energy Secretary Wright for affording me the opportunity to534shift course and continue my public service in a greater and more535impactful capacity. I also need to thank my wife of 34 years--Kate--for536joining me here today and for her service to the Nation as commander-537in-chief of the Pappano household. Nothing I have achieved would have538been possible without her love and support, and her commitment to539raising our children throughout my frequent absences is a testament to540her strength and resilience--we are both proud of the adults our541children have grown up to be.542    Foundational qualifications to serve as Principal Deputy543Administrator of NNSA include an extensive background in organizational544management and being well-qualified to manage nuclear weapons,545infrastructure construction and maintenance, non-proliferation, and546material disposition programs in a manner to enhance and protect U.S.547national security through the military application of nuclear energy. I548believe that, if confirmed, my background, experience, and expertise549would be well-suited to execute the duties of this office. I also550believe deeply in the mission--strategic nuclear deterrence is551fundamental to our national security and modernizing our Nation's552nuclear weapons stockpile, nuclear forces, and supporting553infrastructure is a critical national security priority.554    My qualifications are founded upon the bedrock of a strong555technical education with an undergraduate degree in marine engineering556from the U.S. Naval Academy and a graduate degree in nuclear557engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Both558my education and leadership were honed across a 36-year career as a559nuclear submarine officer and military acquisition professional. I have560humbly led exceptional teams at all levels with the understanding that561my calling was to make the people around me more effective and achieve562greater outcomes than they otherwise could have achieved by empowering563them, building esprit de corps, fostering deep technical competence,564and identifying and removing barriers to their success. As a submarine565line officer, I completed sea rotations on five submarines across all566classes, culminating in command of a nuclear attack submarine. I also567served as a Military Assistant for an Assistant Secretary of Defense568charged with both strategic nuclear deterrence and non-proliferation569policy. As a military acquisition professional, I served as major570program manager for lifecycle sustainment of operational strategic and571attack submarines, oversaw research and development activities of the572Naval Undersea Warfare Center labs, established a program executive573office to focus on cradle-to-grave lifecycle activities for all nuclear574strategic ballistic missile submarines, and eventually served as575Principal Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy charged with576overseeing the procurement and sustainment of all Navy and Marine Corps577weapon systems.578    This has all led me to this unique moment in time where, if579confirmed, my expertise and experience would align with the leadership580necessary for NNSA to overcome generational challenges and deliver581programs of record to meet national security needs. I understand the582complexity of the threats and the critical importance of the NNSA583mission. I have a deep understanding of Naval nuclear propulsion--from584construction and testing, through operations, lifecycle sustainment,585and eventual decommissioning. I oversaw the recapitalization of our586sea-based strategic nuclear deterrent and worked closely with other587stakeholders engaged in nuclear modernization efforts to include588STRATCOM, Strategic Systems Programs, the United Kingdom Dreadnought589Alliance, and other legs of the U.S. Nuclear Triad. I supervised590contract performance at our nuclear shipbuilders and led the stand-up591of a Navy industrial base team to spearhead data-driven assessment of592the submarine supply chain and collaboration across the U.S. Department593of Defense and Congress to target industrial base investment in594critical infrastructure, supply chain capacity and resilience,595manufacturing technology, and workforce attraction, recruitment,596training, and retention.597    I believe that, if confirmed, the lessons I have learned on my Navy598journey would translate well to the NNSA journey that must ultimately599modernize the nuclear stockpile and supporting infrastructure--without600disrupting production activities--to ensure the Nation maintains a601safe, secure, reliable, and credible strategic nuclear deterrent.602    I understand this is a no fail mission. I am honored and humbled to603be considered for this nomination, and I look forward to answering your604questions.605606    Chairman Wicker. Thank you both for your excellent607testimony.608    At this point, I am required to ask standard questions that609we ask of every civilian nominee. So, if both of you would turn610your mics on and just answer yes or no into the microphone.611    Have you adhered to applicable laws and regulations612governing conflicts of interest?613    [Both witnesses answered in the affirmative.]614    Chairman Wicker. Have you assumed any duties or taken any615actions that would appear to presume the outcome of the616confirmation process?617    [Both witnesses answered in the negative.]618    Chairman Wicker. Exercising our legislative and oversight619responsibilities makes it important that this Committee, its620subcommittees, and other appropriate committees of Congress621receive testimony, briefings, reports, records, and other622information from the executive branch on a timely basis. Do you623agree, if confirmed, to appear and testify before this624Committee when requested?625    [Both witnesses answered in the affirmative.]626    Chairman Wicker. Do you agree to provide records,627documents, and electronic communications in a timely manner628when requested by this committee, it's subcommittees, or other629appropriate committees of Congress, and to consult with the630requester regarding the basis for any good faith delay or631denial in providing such records?632    [Both witnesses answered in the affirmative.]633    Chairman Wicker. Will you ensure that your staff complies634with deadlines established by this committee for the production635of reports, records, and other information, including timely636responding to hearing questions for the record?637    [Both witnesses answered in the affirmative.]638    Chairman Wicker. There may be some from this hearing. Will639you cooperate in providing witnesses and briefers in response640to congressional requests?641    [Both witnesses answered in the affirmative.]642    Chairman Wicker. Will those witnesses and briefers be643protected from reprisal for their testimony or briefings?644    [Both witnesses answered in the affirmative.]645    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much.646    Now we'll proceed to questions. I'm going to defer my647questions until later and recognize for the first questions,648Chairwoman Fischer, who is chair of the Strategic Subcommittee649and along with Senator King has done yeoman work in the subject650matter of nuclear security. So, Madam Chairwoman, you are651recognized.652    Senator Fischer. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you,653Ranking Member Reed. Thank you, gentlemen for being here today654and for your willingness to continue to serve this country.655Admiral, thank you for coming in to visit. I appreciated you656taking time and the conversation that we had.657    If confirmed, can you tell me how you will work to ensure658that NNSA weapons production remains on schedule?659    Vice Admiral Pappano. Thank you, Senator. Yes, if660confirmed, obviously, shifting to production is a key element661right now for us to modernize the nuclear weapons stockpile662right now. We've done a very good job of stockpile management663in a science-based manner and kept that over the years.664However, now we have to transition that from the science-based665stockpile management to actual production facilities and make666sure we modernize those facilities, making sure that we don't667lose the science in the process and continue that going668forward.669    I'll do that by looking across how we are modernizing our670facilities right now, and try to bring as much advanced671manufacturing capability as we can. As we look at the Manhattan672Era Project buildings that we're dealing with, a lot of these673facilities as we modernize those, bring in modern technology so674that we can be much more effective going forward in our675production of nuclear weapons stockpile.676    Senator Fischer. Thank you.677    We talked a little bit about NNSA's 25-year Enterprise678Blueprint, a roadmap to modernize the infrastructure there, and679some of which as you brought up in our discussion, it dates680back to the Manhattan Project. We won't be able to produce the681weapons that we need without the facilities needed to process682materials like uranium, lithium, high explosives that go in683those nuclear weapons. So, anything we can do as you look at684that modernization process, please let us know.685    Mr.--can you say your last name? I think the chairman686mispronounced it.687    Mr. Cadenazzi. No, not at all. I heard it all, ma'am.688Cadenazzi.689    Senator Fischer. Cadenazzi.690    Chairman Wicker. Take that back.691    [Laughter.]692    Senator Fischer. I take that back. Both the Department of693Defense and NNSA have similar challenges with their industrial694bases, and I believe that we have an opportunity now to address695underlying issues in a way that strengthens both the nuclear696industrial base and the defense industrial base.697    If confirmed, do you commit to working closely with NNSA698and the Department of Energy on policies like increasing our699skilled manufacturing workforce that would impact both of those700industrial bases?701    Mr. Cadenazzi. Senator, I appreciate the question. The702significance of it, particularly in light of the workforce703issues and access to materials that we're facing across the704industrial base, these are major challenges that both the NNSA705and the broader defense industry face and are dealing with. If706confirmed, I'm thrilled at the opportunity to speak to you707about how and where the Industrial Base Policy Office and I708might be able to focus.709    Senator Fischer. Great. What we've seen happen in the710Ukraine war has shown us that militaries and modern conflicts,711they expend munitions at a much faster pace than we ever712expected before. Our stockpiles must be adjusted to account for713this, and we must expand our munitions production capacity. We714have to expand that.715    We've taken some steps to address it in recent years, and716we have the opportunity to make those generational investments717through the reconciliation process. In your opening statement,718sir, you said that production must be scaled now before719conflict starts. I agree with that. If confirmed, what steps720would you take to accomplish that goal?721    Mr. Cadenazzi. Appreciate the question again, Senator. The722issue of munitions production, is the top of the priority list723and something I've discussed with multiple Senators on this724Committee. I'm excited to work with the Committee, if725confirmed, on this topic.726    There are a couple of major things that I think will drive727this. One is predictable and stable defense budget and program728spend. So, the more we can stabilize that, the more industry729we'll be able to align around it. A better understanding of730industry, of what the expectations for surge capacity are, will731make it clear what the potential opportunities are for them and732the level of capital required to increase facilities and733workforce.734    That's a major opportunity for the Department to articulate735what would be a big, hairy, audacious goal in business school736terms. To go ahead and say, we need a lot more capability from737you and we need to agree then on the investment required to738meet that point.739    We need to scale the workforce as well. There are many740initiatives underway to improve workforce capabilities across741the country. We need to grow those and take advantage of small742businesses as well. If confirmed, these are all exciting743opportunities for us to help address what is an obvious and744well-reported gap on this issue.745    Senator Fischer. Are you familiar with the Department's746National Defense Industrial Strategy?747    Mr. Cadenazzi. I am Senator, yes.748    Senator Fischer. Do you have any concerns with that749strategy or think that there are gaps there that still need to750be addressed?751    Mr. Cadenazzi. Senator, I think the strategy is solid.752Given the expectations of the previous Administration and the753goals they were looking to achieve, I've reviewed the external754open-source material for that and the associated implementation755plan. If confirmed, I'm eager to work with the Industrial Base756Policy Office, the Administration, and the committees to757understand what changes we believe are necessary. I'm happy to758work with you on that and to make sure that we tune that to759meet the current needs of the moment, particularly in light of760the changing requirements of the new Administration.761    Senator Fischer. Okay, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.762    Chairman Wicker. Madam Chairwoman, it may not be adequately763staffed at the Department, and that's something we'll want to764talk about. The way I understood how to pronounce the witness's765name, was he said it rhymes with snazzy. I now recognize my766distinguished Ranking Member, Mr. Reed from Rhode Island.767    Senator Reed. Well, thank you. I'm just amazed that you768can't pronounce a simple name like Cadenazzi and Pappano. Hey,769this is amazing.770    [Laughter.]771    Senator Reed. Okay. Mr. Cadenazzi.772    Mr. Cadenazzi. Cadenazzi.773    Senator Reed. Cadenazzi. I have an Italian--I grew up in774Cranston and Knightsville with all the Italians from Itri.775    The recent tariffs enacted by the Trump administration will776have a definite impact on the defense industrial base, and if777they're matched by reciprocal tariffs, that will exacerbate the778impact on the supply chain, the cost of materiel. So, how will779you assess the impacts of the tariffs on DOD and the defense780industrial base, and how do you intend to work with the781industrial base to deal with this issue?782    Mr. Cadenazzi. Senator, I appreciate the question and the783significance of it. The tariffs were a complicated non-linear784set of decisions being made on the global scale. I do think785you're right that there are impacts to the industrial base.786However, I'm not currently aware of any particular analysis787regarding the particular impacts on the aerospace and defense788industrial base. I understand that the purpose of the tariffs789for a whole-of-government approach to reshape certain elements790of the economy, manufacturing, access to materials, some of791which we agree are good. Increased domestic manufacturing,792increased domestic production are good things. Where we can793achieve those ends, we should be pleased to work on that794subject.795    If confirmed, I'm excited to work with the Committee, with796you, and with the industrial base to understand what the797impacts on the industrial base will be, any negative impacts,798and to prepare actions necessary to mitigate the effect of799those negative impacts over time.800    Senator Reed. Another aspect of this whole tariff situation801is that part of, I think the way to accelerate the growth of802our industrial base is to partner closely with our allies. But803we're involved with a heated discussion with Canada and other804natural allies about tariffs. I think that will inhibit our805ability to cooperate and to integrate with them and to expand806quickly our industrial base. What view do you have on that?807    Mr. Cadenazzi. Senator, our allies and partners at the808industrial base level are critical. There's an incredible,809robust exchanges between companies and between countries that810enable us to work and operate and actually enable substantial811weapons sales overseas. Last year's, 2024's defense exports812total exceeded $300 billion. Those relationships remain strong.813I'm convinced that there's still robust interest across814companies to work with their partners wherever possible.815    I see substantial opportunities for us to increase that816collaboration, particularly in the sharing of the sale of817parts, assemblies, sub components, those kinds of things where818we can go ahead and close gaps and mitigate efforts, issues819that we have in the domestic U.S. defense industrial base, by820working more closely in a more targeted way with our allies and821partners. So, if confirmed, I'm excited to work on that.822    Senator Reed. If you see a severe impact of tariffs on our823production in the United States, our industrial base, will you824let this Committee know very rapidly?825    Mr. Cadenazzi. Senator, of course.826    Senator Reed. Thank you. Admiral Pappano, again, thank you827for your extraordinary service in the submarines. They are our828key tier in the deterrence and the nuclear triad. Thank you.829    You're going into NNSA right now, and you've got the830highest demand since 1980's in terms of nuclear weapons and831nuclear systems. At the same time, you're trying to rebuild an832aged infrastructure. I'm being polite.833    But recent actions by DOGE [Department of Government834Efficiency] in coming in and dismissing people, and then many835times, 5 days later, hiring them back, which is even more836disturbing. The 2000 Federal workforce that NNSA had, is now837down to about 1,650. They're at perhaps a breaking point in838terms of not only the demands on them to do the job, but also839this sense of, ``Will I be going next week or will I still be840here?'' How are you going to respond to this morale problem and841this personnel problem?842    Vice Admiral Pappano. Thank you, Senator. I'm not fully843apprised of all the hirings and firings or goings on personnel-844wise inside NNSA right now, only what's available, open source.845However, if confirmed, that will be a top priority of mine.846Understanding what that workforce needs, making sure it is847properly resourced in people and funding as required to848accomplish this no-fail mission of recapitalizing our strategic849nuclear infrastructure, and getting back to weapons production.850    Senator Reed. Thank you very much, sir. Again, thank you851for your service, both of you.852    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Reed. Senator Budd.853    Senator Budd. Thank you, Chairman. Thank you both for being854here. Thanks to your families as well, for your long service855and your willing to continue in service in these unique and856important roles.857    Mr. Cadenazzi, and we'll just go with sir for you, since858we've had all the challenges of pronunciation. On April 4th of859this year, China's Ministry of Commerce, they imposed export860restrictions on seven rare earth elements in magnets. So,861giving our ongoing heavy reliance on China, for many of these862rare earths, there's an increasingly unacceptable level of risk863to our ability to produce everything from planes to munitions.864The United States should have created a rare earth supply chain865independent of China a decade ago.866    Companies like Vulcan Elements, which is a rare earth867magnet manufacturer that's fully decoupled from China, and is868based in North Carolina, they're attempting to do just that.869But efforts need to accelerate and accelerate at scale. So, in870your advanced policy questions, you discussed your intent to871leverage the DPA or the Defense Production Act, as well as the872Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment, or the IBAS, to873support private sector investment in our defense industrial874base.875    So, if confirmed, how will you leverage these authorities876to end our reliance on China for rare earths?877    Mr. Cadenazzi. Senator, this is a critical opportunity for878the country to go ahead and increase its ability to develop879domestic resources and decrease our reliance on China within880the industrial base. If confirmed, I'm eager to work with this881Committee, with you, on the issues associated with the882application of DPA and IBAS as direct opportunities to increase883our investment into the domestic mineral production chain. I884believe DPA and IBAS collectively invested over $540 million885into these resource developments efforts over the past few886years.887    We can continue that. We should. There are other additional888capabilities we should explore: partnership with allies to go889ahead and secure additional resources and increase production890capabilities, recycling. There's numerous strategies which are891available to us to go ahead and take advantage of this time in892this window where there's some sense of urgency about it.893Before we lose that sense of urgency, I believe we need to make894real initiatives and real effort to go ahead and close the gap.895    So, if confirmed, Senator, it's an exciting opportunity and896time for us to help on that.897    Senator Budd. Thank you for that answer.898    So, if confirmed, will you commit to working with not only899this Committee, but also the Banking Committee to make900improvements to the DPA?901    Mr. Cadenazzi. Absolutely, Senator.902    Senator Budd. Thank you. The Committee on Foreign903Investment in the U.S. or CFIUS, is also primarily within the904banking jurisdiction, but the Department of Defense and the905Industrial Base Policy Office in particular, play an important906role in reviews conducted by the committee. I frequently hear907folks from North Carolina, including those that are military908installations in North Carolina with concerns about foreign909investments, specifically from China, near military910installations.911    So, do you see a need for the DOD to improve engagement on912the topic of foreign investment risks to national security?913    Mr. Cadenazzi. Senator, thank you for the question. This is914a critical topic and one that's at the top of the list for the915industrial based policy office, currently. The CFIUS office,916the associated authorities around identification of adversarial917capital and adversarial companies, Chinese companies working in918the defense industrial base, is a top priority for the office.919    All those issues around purchasing of land and those sort920of things around military installations. This is something that921I think requires additional resourcing to look at. I believe922that those issues are understaffed relative to the demand to923look at all the transactions that are potentially high risk. If924confirmed, I'm eager to work with you and the Committee to925understand--the other committees to understand what can be done926to bring additional scrutiny to bear on this topic and what we927can do to resource the analysis that's required.928    Senator Budd. Thank you.929    You mentioned additional resources. I think that's930important. Do you see bottlenecks of the DODs engagement on931this issue?932    Mr. Cadenazzi. Senator, I'm not aware of any particular933bottlenecks that currently exist. I'm aware that there's a934significant number of transactions that have been looked at and935there's a belief generally that there's a need for more.936However, I can't comment specifically on what the scale of that937gap is. If confirmed, I'm eager to understand and work with you938to understand what is additional resources would be required to939close any gap relative to the risk exposure we're willing to940tolerate.941    Senator Budd. Thank you for that. Admiral, a question. This942is different than SMRs, which are often talked about, but what943are your views on using modular micro reacts as an944expeditionary power source and how do you balance their945adoption with security and the concern about proliferation?946    Vice Admiral Pappano. Thank you, Senator. If confirmed,947obviously there's some significant potential with micro948reactors and what we could do with those either in civilian or949military application. Certainly, if confirmed, I'll work with950the NNSA administrator and the Secretary of Energy to make sure951that we are properly monitoring and overseeing what we would do952with those micro reactors to make sure we don't have a953nonproliferation condition.954    Senator Budd. Thank you both for your time. Chairman.955    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much, Senator Budd. Senator956Hirono.957    Senator Hirono. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome to both of958you and your families. Going to the fitness to serve question,959I ask the following two initial questions of all nominees960before any of the committees on which I sit, so I will ask you.961    We'll start with Mr. Cadenazzi. Since you became a legal962adult, have you ever made unwanted requests for sexual favors963or committed any verbal or physical harassment or assault of a964sexual nature?965    Mr. Cadenazzi. No.966    Senator Hirono. Mr. Pappano? Admiral?967    Vice Admiral Pappano. No.968    Senator Hirono. Have you ever faced discipline or entered969into a settlement relating to this kind of conduct?970    [Both witnesses answered in the negative.]971    Senator Hirono. For Mr. Cadenazzi, I championed a provision972in last year's NDAA that created a program focused on advanced973manufacturing capabilities in the Indo-Pacific to more quickly974construct unmanned systems and parts for ships and submarine975repairs, and this program is essential to bolstering deterrence976in the region. DOD and the services have always struggled to977coordinate industrial based modernization efforts.978    How do you plan to foster greater integration across the979services for this important program?980    Mr. Cadenazzi. Senator, I appreciate the question. This is981a critical issue. Hawaii represents a significant portion of982the organic industrial base and our broader defense industrial983base. There are many tools we have to bring alignment across984the industrial base initiatives that are there and the groups985that are responsible for it.986    The first thing is leadership. That is the wherewithal to987go ahead and get into the weeds. The macro issues, I think,988thankfully, there's a substantial number of authorities and989resources available that are made available by the Congress990over time to the DOD to take action on these issues.991    At the micro level, we need to get into the details to992understand where individual organizations may not be getting it993with regards to the opportunities here, in particular, the new,994I think, acquisition and industrial based executive order does995a good job to highlight the acquisition personnel to workforce996training initiatives, and things that we can do to go ahead and997drive more understanding into the leaders at the tactical998level, we need to make decisions to invest in the integration999of the industrial base.1000    Senator Hirono. I hope that you will focus on this aspect1001of what we need to do, because I know you are aware that Indo-1002Pacific is the largest AOR [area of responsibility], and we1003need to provide flexibilities when the ships are out to sea and1004they need to have flexibility and repair and doing all the1005things that will keep them going.1006    So, I hope that you'll visit Hawaii and see for yourself1007the capabilities that we need to strengthen. Again for you, I1008have met with small businesses in the past as they struggle to1009comply with the requirements to meet the cybersecurity maturity1010model certification requirements, and it's pretty complicated,1011and they have a hard time complying, as I said.1012    So, I am prioritizing a provision in this year's NDAA that1013would require the DOD to provide additional support and1014innovative tools for small businesses to ensure that they are1015aligned with DODs CMMC requirements, allowing them to save1016money and contribute to diversifying the defense industrial1017base that you are very focused on strengthening.1018    What are your thoughts on the provision that would require1019DOD to provide more assistance to small businesses to enable1020them to work with you all?1021    Mr. Cadenazzi. Senator, this is a critical topic, and it1022has been a bit of a roadblock for small businesses over time.1023It's great that you're bringing this issue up. Within the small1024business office, within the Industrial Base Policy Office,1025there's a program called Project Spectrum, which is intended to1026go out to small businesses that are operating in the defense1027sector to help them go ahead and get the resources and1028understanding and analysis they need to accelerate and reduce1029the cost of their compliance with CMMC.1030    If confirmed, I'm eager to work with you on this provision,1031your proposals going forward. I think anything we can do to1032streamline the requirements while also ensuring a more robust1033and resilient security and base for our cyber infrastructure,1034is critical opportunity for the Department and we should look1035at that.1036    Senator Hirono. Should you be confirmed, as I believe you1037will be, that I would like to work with you on how we can1038better strengthen this part of our supply chain. Because1039without our small businesses, many of whom are dropping out of1040working with the DOD for a number of reasons, including1041complying with the security requirements. So, this is something1042that I would want to be very specific in following up with you.1043    One more question for you. The COVID-19 pandemic and1044geopolitical competition with China has exposed the deep1045fragilities in the United States defense supply chain, as we1046mentioned. So, for example, we remain heavily reliant on1047foreign sources for critical earth elements. So, what steps do1048you plan to take to address this significant issue?1049    Mr. Cadenazzi. Senator, I appreciate the question. The1050issue of access to raw materials, rare earths in particular, is1051one that is particularly challenging. The Industrial Base1052Policy Office has invested over $540 million in the past on1053these topics. I think we need to accelerate and invigorate1054those investments, but also align them to the most critical and1055impactful opportunities that'll have the most impact on our1056most critical near-term needs.1057    Whether that's munitions lethality or readiness, we should1058make those decisions in those investments promptly and get them1059moving so we can see the impact as soon as possible. If1060confirmed, I look forward to working with you on that issue.1061    Senator Hirono. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1062    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Hirono. Senator Sheehy.1063    Senator Sheehy. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1064    I'll start with you, Admiral. You talked about the1065Manhattan Project in your comments, and I think you know, that1066was an era when the Government was oftentimes the hot bed of1067innovation, and I think we can all agree that's not the case1068anymore. So, as we're looking at--you know, I was reading about1069China having a salt-based fission reactor online just recently,1070which of course is a huge leap in technology.1071    How are you going to incentivize private industry1072innovation to make sure that we either regain or stay in the1073lead for nuclear innovation around the world?1074    Vice Admiral Pappano. Yes. Thank you for that question,1075Senator. Obviously, you know, our national labs, our strategic1076labs, they are really leading edge on some of this innovation1077and technology and really a national treasure for all of us.1078So, I want to make sure we continue that science-based approach1079that we have at our national labs, but also making sure that we1080take the opportunity to coordinate with other business and1081other academic institutions to go leverage what other1082innovations are going on across the country.1083    Senator Sheehy. For example, there's a number of smaller1084companies innovating in micro reactors, and they're having a1085very hard time getting access to processed fissionable material1086so they can proceed with, not just their development, but1087actually the production of these items. How can you streamline1088the access of this material? Of course, it has to be1089controlled, and we have to vet these companies, but many of1090them are vetted and are capable of receiving this material, yet1091they'll wait years on a very simple approval. How can you1092expedite that?1093    Vice Admiral Pappano. I'm not fully apprised, Senator, on1094all of the details within NNSA on the processes for that, but I1095commit that I will work with the NNSA administrator and the1096Secretary of Energy and as necessary, the Department of Defense1097to make sure I look at those processes and find ways to1098streamline those as appropriate.1099    Senator Sheehy. You know, our triad is from a bygone era.1100Our B-52s are coming up on 70 years old as far as the1101airframes. Our silos in Montana for the minuteman, you know,1102those are half a century old technology, if not older, and you1103know, luckily our undersea leg of the triad is pretty healthy,1104but we can't build those subs fast enough, as you know. So, how1105are you going to contribute to a revitalization of that triad1106to make sure we are competing with and leading China and other1107near peers?1108    Vice Admiral Pappano. Yes. Thank you for the question,1109Senator. Obviously, I'm completely aligned with you on the need1110to recapitalize all legs of our nuclear triad right now. If1111confirmed, NNSA's key role in that is making sure we maintain1112the nuclear stockpile stewardship as we move into production of1113new weapons. Also look for, obviously, innovative technologies1114or innovative ways to design weapons or weapons materials1115through advanced technologies to get after weapons production1116more quickly going forward here.1117    Senator Sheehy. Mr. Cadenazzi, regarding acquisition1118reform, I think in the past 25 years since the global war on1119terror started, we've all seen every lab accelerator, you know,1120innovation unit, lots of little tents are stood up saying,1121``We're going to change innovation for acquisition. We're going1122to accelerate acquisition, we're going to get geared to the war1123fighter.''1124    All we hear is a lot of offices stood up, a lot of money1125spent, but very little progress is made. It's time for real1126progress, as we've seen across the world in Israel and the war1127in Ukraine. Defense acquisition has to turn a page and be1128fundamentally restructured, so we can buy things faster. We can1129welcome more suppliers to our industrial base. Welcome them,1130not scare them away with unneeded regulation and burdensome1131compliance requirements like Senator Hirono just mentioned.1132    So, what are the top three things you're going to do as1133fast as you can do, besides ask for more money, to actually1134change the defense acquisition paradigm, to broaden our1135industrial base and strengthen it?1136    Mr. Cadenazzi. Senator, I appreciate the question. It was a1137pleasure to talk to you last week. Thank you for the time. So,1138when it comes to the acquisition reform process, I think former1139Secretary Kendall said it best that, ``There's no such thing as1140acquisition reform, there's just acquisition improvement.'' I1141think that holds true, that there's a lot to be done.1142    My particular focus in this area is centered on a couple of1143particular things. One, is to more fully leverage the available1144authorities like middle tier of acquisition, other transaction1145authority, through education of the acquisition workforce. I1146think the new executive order captures that we need to move1147that into law and make sure that that becomes something that's1148driven in a more actionable way by the Department.1149    Two, is predictable, stable budgets will allow us to go1150ahead and mitigate some of the risks associated with how the1151industrial base and the programs respond. They make plans,1152budgets change, and then necessarily their activities in the1153industrial base alignment around them have to change as well.1154    Then, third, is anything we can do to sort of decrease the1155level of regulation, the level of difficulty in getting access1156to work. So, you mentioned new vendors, new companies. We want1157that. We now have a time when there's a lot of new interest in1158the Defense Department in serving it. We should take advantage1159of that as every way we can.1160    If confirmed, I'm excited to work with you and the1161committee on that issue.1162    Senator Sheehy. Well, our acquisition structure usually1163fights the last war, and in my era, it was the MRAPV, the Mine1164Resistant Armor Protected Vehicles. Bob Gates pushed those1165through. We got it done and saved a lot of lives, including a1166lot of folks I know.1167    Chairman Wicker. Here. Here.1168    Senator Sheehy. But it came too late. Instead of innovating1169after our 17, 18, 19-year-old kids are dying on the1170battlefield, let's innovate beforehand. Because they're the1171ones that are going to pay the price for our failures. So, for1172both of you, I ask you, you focus heavily on the reforms we1173need because we need to be ready next time. Thanks.1174    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Sheehy. Senator King,1175before I recognize you, let me just followup Mr. Cadenazzi. On1176middle tier acquisition needing to be put into law, I trust1177you've read my FoRGED Act?1178    Mr. Cadenazzi. Yes, Senator.1179    Chairman Wicker. That the enactment of that would be one of1180the very ways we could statutorily authorize these sorts of1181things.1182    Mr. Cadenazzi. Absolutely, Senator. I think it's a critical1183improvement on the process along with rescissions and the1184various changes to other laws that are mentioned in it.1185    Chairman Wicker. Good. Well, Senator Reed and I and the1186Committee are hard at work on that. We hope we could do it1187quickly. Senator King.1188    Senator King. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1189    Admiral Pappano, I want to talk about two or three things1190with you: capacity, proliferation, and speed. Capacity, are you1191aware of whether or not there's still a hiring freeze at NNSA?1192    Vice Admiral Pappano. Senator, I'm not aware of the1193personnel policies at NNSA right now.1194    Senator King. Well, I think capacity is a concern because1195the staff level is down 8 or 9 percent since January. I believe1196the hiring freeze is still in place, and yet, as you've1197testified today, you have some pretty serious responsibilities,1198particularly with the upgrading of the triad.1199    So, I hope that that's something you can look into,1200followup on, advocate for, having the adequate capacity in1201order to meet the responsibilities that are being thrust upon1202you. Is that something you can work toward?1203    Vice Admiral Pappano. Yes, sir. If confirmed, I commit to1204you that I will advocate for the men and women of NNSA, make1205sure that we have the right amount of people, the right skill1206sets, the right training, and the right resources to accomplish1207the mission that we have to do.1208    Senator King. I appreciate that. A piece of the1209responsibility of NNSA that isn't talked about all that much is1210proliferation and anti-proliferation around the world. The1211reason I consider that so important is our whole defense1212strategy is based upon the idea of deterrence. If terrorists1213get a hold of nuclear material, deterrence doesn't work. They1214don't have a capital city to bomb. They don't care about dying.1215    So, that is a true nightmare scenario. That makes non-1216proliferation, anti-proliferation an incredibly important1217responsibility right now, because of the fact that terrorist1218groups are still out there. Al Qaeda, ISIS [Islamic State of1219Iraq and Syria] are on the rebound in many parts of the world.1220So, I hope that you'll put some emphasis and real focus on the1221proliferation responsibilities of NNSA.1222    Vice Admiral Pappano. Yes, thank you for that, Senator. Of1223course, if confirmed, I will focus as well on non-proliferation1224and counterproliferation. We sometimes get bogged on and1225focusing on weapons production and strategic deterrence. But1226another critical mission of NNSA is the non-proliferation1227counterproliferation, making sure we provide the tools1228necessary to prevent the spread of nuclear materials.1229    Senator King. The technology, the development of the1230technology, for example, to detect nuclear material. That would1231be a huge breakthrough. I hope that's part of the mission1232you'll pursue.1233    Vice Admiral Pappano. Yes, Senator. Thank you. I'm not1234fully apprised of all the programs in progress with NNSA and1235counterproliferation, but clearly the ability to detect nuclear1236materials and do nuclear materials forensics, is a key mission1237of NNSA that I will certainly prioritize to go after the things1238that you suggest there, if confirmed.1239    Senator King. Final question for you. As the Chairman1240mentioned, Senator Fischer and I have been working on these1241issues together for some years. I'm concerned about the speed1242of NNSA's development of the next generation warhead capacity1243pits. For example, because we're moving forward pretty fast on1244the B-1 bomber, on the Columbia-class submarine. We're1245beginning work on Sentinel, but we want to have--but all that's1246for naught if we don't have the modern warheads available.1247    So, speed, I think, is an issue that you're going to have1248to look at. I have not been overly impressed, I guess I would1249say with the with the execution of, for example, as I1250mentioned, pit production.1251    Vice Admiral Pappano. Yes, thank you, Senator. I share your1252concern for urgency on this and make sure we move out quickly1253here and properly. Part of that in my view is, if confirmed,1254taking a look at what the barriers are to that speed, making1255sure we attack those barriers, whether it's policies or1256processes that we need to overcome, whether it's bringing1257technology to bear and how we design or build or manufacture1258equipment.1259    But anything that we can do to speed the process and make1260all the very effective people more effective in what they do1261through technology.1262    Senator King. I think the key word you used is urgency. Mr.1263Cadenazzi, I don't have as much time. I do have a suggestion on1264the issue of smaller businesses, which several senators have1265talked about. Call your own 800 number in effect. What I mean1266by that is, have a red team pretend to be a small business1267applying to the Pentagon and see what the barriers are, see1268what the requirements are, how many pages are the requirements.1269I have found that very effective over the years to actually1270experience what a potential contractor would experience.1271    Mr. Cadenazzi. Senator, appreciate the point there. As I've1272formally founded and ran and sold multiple small businesses, I1273know the pain of difficulty of working with the Department of1274Defense. I concur with you entirely, that's a great reminder on1275the practical experience of that. So, thank you for the1276suggestion.1277    Senator King. There've been a lot of discussion about1278workforce in this Committee and workforce is one of the key1279bottlenecks, and we can't ignore the fact that we could put1280billions of dollars into some area of defense procurement, and1281there just aren't the people to build a weapon system.1282    So, I think strong attention to workforce and to building1283the workforce, and to providing the amenities necessary to1284attract the workforce into our defense industrial base, is1285going to be a big part of this job. It's not just a question of1286money, it's a question of being sure the people are there to do1287the welding.1288    Mr. Cadenazzi. Senator, I wish we could have some Top Gun1289Maverick style movie that was going to talk about just how1290incredible the opportunity is to work at the shipyards in1291Virginia and elsewhere across the industrial base.1292    Senator King. Maine. There are two in Maine.1293    Mr. Cadenazzi. Oh, in Maine, sorry, and Mississippi as1294well. Sorry.1295    Senator King. This is Virginia.1296    Mr. Cadenazzi. I got you there, Senator. But I think we're1297going to have to do the hard work of actually developing1298apprenticeship programs, looking at the application of1299scholarships, Pell grants for welding, the kind of things that1300we've had these discussions in the past. Now's the time to move1301ahead on making sure that people understand the significance of1302these jobs, the economic opportunities to grow and live,1303families, the importance of this. We need to make people feel1304valued in these jobs as well.1305    If confirmed, I'm eager to work with this Committee with1306you and with the rest of the Congress on programs that'll1307actually accelerate, increase the movement of workforce into1308the defense industrial base.1309    Senator King. Thank you very much. I'll just leave you with1310one phrase, consistent demand signal. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1311    Mr. Cadenazzi. Agree totally.1312    Chairman Wicker. Well, that's a good phrase. But also,1313Senator King, you said to Vice Admiral Pappano, and it applies1314to both witnesses, the word urgency needs to have meaning right1315now. So, thank you very much for that line of questioning.1316Senator Shaheen.1317    Senator Shaheen. Good morning. Welcome to both of you.1318Thank you for being here and for your willingness to continue1319to serve the country.1320    I couldn't agree more with you, Mr. Cadenazzi, on your1321response to Senator King's question about workforce, and I1322think the Maine and New Hampshire delegations are both very1323proud of our Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and the mission of the1324workforce there and the good work that they do. So, I think you1325explained very well what the benefits are of working on the1326civilian side in the defense industry.1327    Chairman Wicker. Of course, you got your education in the1328State of Mississippi, Senator Shaheen.1329    Senator Shaheen. I did, and so, I know how important1330Mississippi is to the ship building too, Senator Wicker. You1331said in your remarks that you weren't aware of the impact of1332the tariffs on the aerospace industry, and I just wanted to1333give you an example.1334    Last week, I visited a company called New Hampshire Ball1335Bearings that makes bearings for the aerospace industry, solely1336does a lot of its business with the defense industry. What they1337told me is that as the result of the steel tariffs, the1338uncertainty around that, and the President's intent to raise1339the tariffs on steel, that their lead time for steel has gone1340from 20 weeks to 2-\1/2\ years.1341    So, think about that. What the impact of that is going to1342be on our defense industrial base and our ability to supply the1343military with what they need. Which has already been under1344stress, as we've seen, as the result of the war in Ukraine.1345    So, I just want to followup on Senator Reed's question1346about how you expect to keep track of the impact of these kinds1347of tariffs on the defense industrial base, and how do you think1348about addressing the shortage of steel? Which is not just a1349shortage in terms of capacity, but they said as the result of1350the tariffs. Their one domestic suppliers has increased prices1351significantly because they're able to do that because of the1352tariffs and they can't get supply from our allies, which they1353had been doing, which helped with both the cost and the1354availability. So, how do you think about addressing that1355problem, because that's significant.1356    Mr. Cadenazzi. Senator, I appreciate the question and your1357concerns on this issue. As I mentioned before, the tariffs1358issue is significant and obviously is going to have impact in1359differential ways. First, I'm not aware of any analysis that1360the Industrial Base Policy Office has produced in this. I1361presume that they have, but I have not been provided with that.1362So, I'd be loath to go ahead and provide an assessment of what1363the Department believes the impact is in the industrial base1364right now.1365    It is likely wide and varied. There's probably pockets1366where they're benefiting from it and other pockets where you're1367highlighting one of the challenges.1368    Senator Shaheen. Well, not to interrupt, but----1369    Mr. Cadenazzi. Yes, ma'am.1370    Senator Shaheen.--I think the concern is, is there an1371analysis that's been done? Where does that start and what are1372we seeing as a result of these tariffs over time? It's not at1373all clear to me that that analysis has been done. Certainly,1374I'm not aware that this Committee has seen any of that work.1375So, I think that's number one, we need to see that.1376    Second, we need to track what happens and to feel like we1377are responding to the shortcomings that we're seeing as the1378result of policies. So that we're not further handicapping our1379defense industry.1380    Mr. Cadenazzi. Senator, if confirmed, I commit to come back1381and make sure to provide whatever analysis has been done, and1382if there's particular requests for the type of analysis on the1383mix of companies you're talking about, or particular technology1384area. I'm happy to work with you on those issues as well.1385That's critically important.1386    Regarding the steel issue specifically, again, I'm not1387aware of any particular analysis on the impact of tariffs on1388steel or the steel in the context of the industrial base. The1389industrial base consumes a lot of domestic steel. So, there's1390some unique characteristics of that relative to other1391industries. Again, if confirmed, I'm eager to discuss this1392issue with you and what can be done to mitigate the issues on1393the industrial base.1394    Senator Shaheen. Good. Thank you. I appreciate that.1395    Chairman Wicker. That's a pretty good answer, isn't it,1396Senator Shaheen?1397    Senator Shaheen. The proof is in the pudding.1398    Chairman Wicker. Right.1399    Senator Shaheen. Admiral Pappano, since the invasion of1400Ukraine, this Committee has supported the National Nuclear1401Security Administration's cooperation with Ukraine by1402monitoring Russian occupied power plants in Ukraine and1403training the Ukrainians to detect radiation releases. This1404cooperation has been really important. Particularly as we look1405at Russian attacks on the largest power plant in Europe, the1406Zaporizhzhia Power Plant.1407    Can you speak to the importance of NNSA's cooperation with1408Ukraine, especially during ongoing negotiations?1409    Vice Admiral Pappano. Thank you, Senator. I am not fully1410apprised at all the details of that cooperation right now. But,1411if confirmed, I would make sure that NNSA provided the tools1412and capabilities to go do those verifications so that we could1413monitor, verify whatever we need to do as far as the1414Administration desires.1415    Senator Shaheen. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1416    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Shaheen. Senator1417Warren.1418    Senator Warren. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for1419being with us today.1420    So, artificial intelligence presents big opportunities and1421big risks for national security. Federal agencies should1422benefit from AI innovation, but instead, a few big tech1423companies could lock the Government into expensive anti-1424competitive products. I'm working with Senator Schmitt on this1425and last month, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)1426published guidance to ensure that the Government can, ``Benefit1427from a competitive American AI marketplace.''1428    The guidance does not apply to DOD, but is all the more1429important at DOD, given the billions of dollars that DOD is set1430to give out in AI and cloud contracts. So, today, I want to1431just run through some of the lessons from OMB's guidance.1432    Number one, interoperability. A big tech contractor could1433build its cloud tool so that works only with its own AI, which1434would trap DOD into paying sky high prices potentially for1435subpar products. That is why OMB encouraged agencies to require1436AI tools to work with other companies' products.1437    Mr. Cadenazzi, do you agree that DOD would benefit from1438interoperability?1439    Mr. Cadenazzi. Senator, I appreciate the question. I'm not1440familiar with the term interoperability as defined in that1441particular report. But more broadly, in general, yes, it's a1442great thing for the Department to secure.1443    Senator Warren. Okay, good. I'm going to take that as a1444yes. That you think the product should be able to work with1445other products, work in connection.1446    Mr. Cadenazzi. In general, more connectivity and1447flexibility to enable a networked approach is a good thing for1448software.1449    Senator Warren. Good. We're at the same place then. Let's1450do another one. Data use. The biggest AI contractors can also1451stomp out competition by training their models on troves of1452government data so that smaller companies don't stand a chance.1453This is a disaster for competition and a disaster for data1454security.1455    Data on the location of our servicemembers or on DODs1456contracts should not be anywhere near a commercial AI model,1457for example. The White House is clear here. It says contractors1458should not use government data to train publicly or1459commercially available AI algorithms without an agency's1460permission.1461    So, Mr. Cadenazzi, do you agree it's important for both1462competition and data security to limit contractors from1463training their government tools--from training their commercial1464tools on government data?1465    Mr. Cadenazzi. Senator, I appreciate the question. In1466general, yes, I'd say we want to make sure we're following the1467law with regards to the application of these tools.1468    Senator Warren. No, that's not my question. This is not a1469question of law yet. This is just a question of what we should1470be doing in our acquisitions at DOD.1471    Mr. Cadenazzi. So, Senator, I'm not familiar with the White1472House particular guidance on this issue, but as you laid it1473out, it seems to make sense and I would be supportive of1474discussing that with you, if confirmed.1475    Senator Warren. Look, government contracts for AI and for1476cloud tools should one, prevent lock-in, and two, protect1477government data. That's all we're talking about here.1478    Senator Schmitt and I have a bipartisan bill to make sure1479that DOD contracts do exactly that. Next week, we will1480reintroduce the Protecting Cloud and AI Competition in Defense1481Act to make sure that billions of dollars in DOD contracts go1482toward fueling innovation in AI and cloud technology, and not1483just helping the biggest companies get even bigger.1484    So, let me ask you, Mr. Cadenazzi, will you commit to1485working with me and with Senator Schmitt to stop any1486competitive practices by big tech that could threaten our1487national security?1488    Mr. Cadenazzi. Senator, artificial intelligence represents1489the most promising capabilities for transformational1490productivity and impact to the Department. I would be thrilled1491if confirmed, to work with you and Senator Schmitt on this1492issue.1493    Senator Warren. That looks good. I look forward to working1494with Senator Schmitt and with you and all of the Members of1495this Committee. I think we could make some real progress here.1496Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1497    Mr. Cadenazzi. Thanks, Senator.1498    Chairman Wicker. This Senator yields back her time. Now,1499Senator Kaine, I haven't asked my questions yet. Do you think I1500should?1501    Senator Kaine. I'm not in a rush, Mr. Chair.1502    Chairman Wicker. No, go ahead and ask your questions,1503Senator.1504    Senator Kaine. Well, thank you, and congratulations to the1505nominees. You're both very qualified. I look forward to1506supporting you.1507    I want to begin, actually just by putting some breaking1508news on the record. This morning, the Secretary of Defense,1509Pete Hegseth, tweeted as follows, ``This morning, I proudly1510ended the Women Peace and Security Program inside the1511Department of Defense. WPS is yet another woke divisive social1512justice Biden initiative that overburdens our commanders and1513troops distracting from our core task, war fighting. WPS is a1514United Nations program pushed by feminists and left-wing1515activists, politicians fawn over it, troops hate it. DOD will1516hereby execute the minimum of WPS required by statute and fight1517to end the program for our next budget. Good riddance, WPS.''1518    I wanted to read this because that tweet contains some1519glaring inaccuracies that are far beneath the standard we1520should expect from a Department of Defense. First, ``WPS is yet1521another woke divisive social justice Biden initiative.'' WPS1522was passed by a unanimous vote in the Senate in October 2017,1523when the Senate was majority Republican and Donald Trump was1524president, and he signed it.1525    Does our Secretary of Defense not know the difference1526between a bill that was passed by the Biden administration, or1527one that was passed and signed in the Trump administration?1528    Second, ``Politicians fawn over it. Troops hate it.'' I1529returned to the hearing this Committee had to consider the1530confirmation of General Caine, and I read the following1531testimony.1532    ``Senator Shaheen: General Caine, congratulations on your1533nomination. One of the things that we discussed was the Women1534Peace and Security legislation that was signed by President1535Trump during his first term. It mandates that women should be1536at the table in conflict resolution and peace negotiations. At1537DOD, that's men having women involved in security cooperation1538programs that really give us, I think, an advantage over our1539adversaries like China and Russia. Just for the record, are you1540familiar with the WPS program, General Caine?1541    General Caine. I am Senator, yes.1542    Senator Shaheen. Do you believe that it's a DEI [diversity,1543equity, and inclusion] program?1544    General Caine. I do not.1545    Senator Shaheen. Thank you. Can you provide some examples1546of the operational advantage that from your perspective, this1547gives us?1548    General Caine. Well, Senator, I can just give you my own1549personal recollections from being deployed. Before this was1550precursors of the program, but when we would go out into the1551field and after concluding an assault, we would have female1552members who would speak with those women and children who were1553on the objective, and they would help us to understand the1554human terrain in new and novel ways.1555    So, WPS is, I think, a program that really helps us to1556understand the full spectrum of challenges that are in front of1557us.''1558    From the testimony of our confirmed chairman of the Joint1559Chiefs of Staff. If the Secretary of Defense cannot understand1560the difference between a Biden initiative and a Trump1561administration, and when the Secretary of Defense claims that1562troops hate something that the newly confirmed head of the1563Joint Chiefs of Staff appreciates, I have to add this to the15641,000 questions about the judgment of this secretary that I've1565already raised.1566    I'm stunned at the lack of professionalism that this tweet1567demonstrates. Look, we aired out pretty carefully at this1568hearing, the Secretary's own antipathy to women in service, and1569his own track record of poor treatment of women in leadership1570positions. The fact that he doesn't like WPS, that's one thing.1571But the fact that he claims that it's a Biden initiative when1572it isn't, an initiative that was supported unanimously by a1573Republican majority Senate, and that troops hate it when the1574newly confirmed head of the joint chiefs of staff testifies to1575its value, I find shocking.1576    Now, I'll go to my questions if I could. Admiral Pappano,1577you were asked a question earlier about recruiting and hiring1578within NNSA, and you pointed out that you weren't fully up to1579speed on the current. But I want to go back. The Goverment1580Accountability Office (GAO) did a report in May, 2024 that I1581imagine you probably are aware of. It discussed challenges that1582the NNSA faced in recruiting and retaining staff because of1583intense competition with other industries and other agencies.1584This is a skill set that's in pretty high demand.1585    So, should you be confirmed, how would you approach that1586challenge, making sure that we keep the good talent we have and1587continue to attract new talent in an important place where1588there's a lot of competition in the private sector and the1589public sector too?1590    Vice Admiral Pappano. Thank you for the question, Senator.1591Yes, if confirmed, I will certainly advocate for the men and1592women of NNSA and laboratories understanding that there's a1593unique skill set critical to national security. Everywhere from1594skilled trades up to weapons designers and nuclear physicists.1595    It is sometimes hard to find those people, and we need to1596make sure that we are doing everything we can to go attract,1597recruit, train, retain those people as part of national1598security. That could start everywhere from looking at programs1599in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics K-121600up to colleges, what opportunities we have out there to go get1601people interested in that line of work and develop them going1602forward.1603    Senator Kaine. I'm sure you probably have the tools you1604need to do that, but should you find that you don't, please let1605the Committee know if there are additional tools we can provide1606to help you meet that mission.1607    Vice Admiral Pappano. Thank you, Senator. If confirmed, I1608look forward to working with the Committee if I need additional1609tools.1610    Senator Kaine. I yield back, having taken the 38 seconds1611that Senator Warren undershot.1612    Chairman Wicker. The gentleman has nothing to yield back.1613Senator Rosen.1614    Senator Rosen. Well, thank you, Chairman Wicker, Ranking1615Member Reed holding this hearing, and gentlemen, thank you for1616your willingness to serve.1617    I want to move on to small business defense production1618because, Mr. Cadenazzi, Nevada's home to a growing number of1619small businesses, manufacturers, technology startups that have1620capabilities that could directly support our national security.1621These companies are highly innovative, but they face1622significant challenges when it comes to breaking into the1623defense marketplace, which remains dominated by large incumbent1624contractors.1625    The current acquisition system is too slow, too complex,1626and too risk adverse to effectively engage with non-traditional1627players. So, Mr. Cadenazzi, if confirmed, how do you plan to1628address the systemic barriers in order to create a more open1629and competitive environment for small businesses and emerging1630technology firms including those like in my State of Nevada,1631that have not traditionally played a large role in defense.1632    More specifically, what are your priorities for1633streamlining the acquisition pathways for these companies? How1634can the Department of Defense better leverage innovation across1635all 50 states as part of a broader industrial base strategy?1636    Mr. Cadenazzi. Senator, thank you for bringing this topic1637up. The small business office within the Industrial Base Policy1638Office is a critical element of what the Department counts on1639us to bring policies, priorities, and a focus on small1640businesses. They represent some of the most dynamic and1641innovative parts of the economy, particularly in the places1642that are offering the technology. That's the most exciting1643going forward. Artificial intelligence, quantum mechanics,1644machine learning, and advanced manufacturing.1645    So, this is a major priority for the Department and for me.1646Going forward, I want to understand more about what the1647Industrial Base Policy Office's programs are doing, what effect1648they're having, things like small business innovative research,1649where we work with the R and E component of the Department1650project, the apex accelerators which exist across the country,1651to go ahead and provide access to small businesses to1652understand the Department. If confirmed, I'm eager to learn1653more about those capabilities, what the resourcing is, and what1654we can do to accelerate the impact over time.1655    Senator Rosen. I'm glad to set up a meeting with you and1656talk about a lot of things happening in Nevada. So, thank you.1657    But I'm going to move on to nuclear testing, building a lot1658on the Nuclear Security Administration. Of course, Admiral1659Pappano, I asked a similar line of questioning to Congressman1660Williams at his confirmation hearing. Given your potential role1661as his deputy, I'm going to ask you the same questions.1662    So, as I'm sure you do know, the Nevada National Security1663Site, NNSS, formerly known as the Nevada Test Site--Nevada1664still call it the test site--was the primary location for U.S.1665nuclear testing from 1951 to 1992 with 100 atmospheric tests1666and 828 underground tests. I lived there during those times of1667the underground tests. Trust me, that ground would shake like1668nobody's business once a month.1669    This era, unfortunately, left lasting radioactive1670contamination across millions of acres, exposed countless1671people to dangerous radiation. It's an outcome that we must not1672repeat. Since the 1992 testing moratorium was signed by1673President George H.W. Bush, the NNSA has used subcritical1674experiments to ensure the safety, reliability, and1675effectiveness of our nuclear stockpile without the need for1676explosive testing.1677    For decades, its approach has received annual validation1678from the heads of National Labs, United States Strategic1679Command (STRATCOM), the secretaries of defense and energy,1680including throughout the first Trump administration. Despite1681this consensus, some have advocated for a return to explosive1682nuclear testing. Can you imagine?1683    Experts warn such a move can encourage countries like1684Russia and China to follow suit risking a new dangerous and1685unnecessary nuclear arms race. So, Admiral Pappano, I'm just1686going to ask you to answer yes or no, same as I did the1687Congressman.1688    If President Trump sought your counsel on restarting1689explosive nuclear testing, would you advise the resumption of1690explosive nuclear testing?1691    Vice Admiral Pappano. Based on what you suggested there--1692Senator, thank you for the question. But if confirmed, I would1693not advocate for nuclear testing based on the amount of data we1694have, from explosive testing, our extensive modeling simulation1695capability, subcritical testing capabilities, and the annual1696verification.1697    Senator Rosen. Thank you. The second question I'm going to1698ask you is, given that the stockpile has been annually1699certified as safe and effective without explosive testing, do1700you see any technical or strategic justification for resuming1701explosive testing?1702    Vice Admiral Pappano. Thank you, Senator. Again, based on1703the amount of explosive test data that we have, the model1704simulation capability, subcritical testing capabilities at the1705Nevada test site among other places, and the annual1706verification, I do not see a need to return to explosive1707testing. I would not advocate for that, if confirmed.1708    Senator Rosen. Normally, I would ask a longer answer, but I1709just want to ask you if you will commit to prioritizing ongoing1710scientific advancements in stockpile stewardship?1711    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I look forward to1712enhancing anything we can do technology-wise in advancing1713stockpile stewardship, science-based.1714    Senator Rosen. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1715    Chairman Wicker. Senator Rosen, I understand that the1716massive casino hotels back in the day would alert their1717customers and patrons as to when a nuclear explosion was going1718to be had so that they could watch. Isn't that correct?1719    Senator Rosen. Yes, it is that. In fact, there's still some1720bars and lounges called the Atomic Lounge and other things that1721are still there. You're absolutely right. I would love to lead1722a congressional delegation to Las Vegas and come see not only1723the test cycle, one mile underground, where they do the1724subcritical testing, it's amazing, but also to the Atomic1725Testing Museum, which gives you all the history of what they1726did.1727    It's quite informative and the test site going down1728underground in that tunnel where they do those tests, it's1729pretty amazing.1730    Chairman Wicker. Might be educational, Senator Reed. But1731the publicity surrounding a congressional delegation trip to1732Las Vegas would be a negative.1733    Senator Rosen. We'll go straight. We can land at Nellis Air1734Force base, the crown jewel of the Air Force, thank you very1735much, and we can head right over there, see the remote sensing1736lab and the Nevada test site. We'll put the curtains down, you1737don't even have to see the Las Vegas strip.1738    Chairman Wicker. Well, don't go overboard.1739    [Laughter.]1740    Senator Rosen. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1741    Chairman Wicker. Senator Kelly, you are recognized.1742    Senator Kelly. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I do have to point1743out though, that the museum you mentioned, which I have been1744to----1745    Senator Rosen. It's amazing.1746    Senator Kelly.--it's in Las Vegas.1747    Senator Rosen. It is. It is. It's at the university,1748though.1749    Senator Kelly. Yes.1750    Senator Rosen. It's at the university.1751    Senator Kelly. It's a great museum. I highly recommend it.1752    Senator Rosen. Research institute.1753    Senator Kelly. Vice Admiral Pappano and Mr. Cadenazzi--am I1754pronouncing that correctly?1755    Mr. Cadenazzi. Cadenazzi, close.1756    Senator Kelly. Cadenazzi, thank you. Thank you both for1757being here. Mr. Cadenazzi, I'd like to understand your plan to1758enhance our critical mineral stockpiles. So, the United States,1759we import nearly 100 percent of our cobalt sulfate and cobalt1760metal requirements despite cobalt playing a critical role in a1761lot of defense technologies. Meanwhile, China produces more1762than 70 percent of the world's refined cobalt.1763    It's imperative that we decouple and substantially bolster1764our domestic critical mineral supply chain. So, given the1765national security importance of these rare minerals, such as1766cobalt, how do you plan on supporting American cobalt and other1767critical mineral processing companies?1768    Mr. Cadenazzi. Senator, I appreciate the question and the1769significance of this issue. I've spent more time looking at the1770periodic table of elements now since I have, like in my1771chemistry class in high school.1772    China's clearly weaponized the periodic table of elements.1773They've made efforts to go ahead and secure access to materials1774that we require within the defense industrial base. The1775Industrial Base Policy Office has made investments totaling1776$540 million into various mineral capabilities, processing1777source materials over the past several years.1778    If confirmed, I'm eager to understand more about the1779particular issues associated with cobalt, but also the broader1780needs for access to strategic and critical minerals, and ensure1781that we're taking the necessary action to ensure American1782requirements are met domestically or through allies and1783partners over time.1784    If confirmed, I'm eager to work with you on that subject,1785Senator.1786    Senator Kelly. Now, do you think we should have our own--1787build our own stockpile of critical minerals?1788    Mr. Cadenazzi. Senator, yes, absolutely. We do have a1789strategic and critical materials stockpile in place now. I'm1790not aware of the scale of that relative to the demand of the1791industrial base. However again, if confirmed, I'm here to work1792further on this and understand the scale of required investment1793of both government and private capital necessary to secure1794access to those materials.1795    Senator Kelly. Thank you, and, Admiral, in your advanced1796policy questionnaire, when asked what your main priority will1797be as the principal deputy administrator, you responded that1798you would work to maximize the efficiency, effectiveness,1799capability, and capacity of NNSA. I want to followup on this1800because while I agree on the priority, I'm concerned that1801recent freezes on civilian hirings and the firing of1802probationary employees across the Federal Government will1803hamper your ability to accomplish your priorities, and1804ultimately, the agency's mission.1805    Part of that mission is to stockpile nuclear weapons and1806reduce the overall global nuclear threat. To accomplish this1807mission, the agency employs nuclear physicists, and other1808highly technical professionals. These professionals cannot be1809mass produced and are incredibly difficult to coax into Federal1810service.1811    So, how do you assess the recent firings and termination1812letters for NNSA employees and how that will affect your1813ability to accomplish the agency's mission?1814    Vice Admiral Pappano. Thank you for the question, Senator.1815I agree that that is a critical workforce. Right now, I am not1816fully apprised about the details of what is happening at NNSA.1817I only read about what I see in the news. But if confirmed, it1818will be a priority of mine to make sure that I assess the1819workforce needs, the resourcing of the number of people, and1820whatever facilities, training, capability they have, whatever1821we need to do to attract, recruit, train, and retain that1822critical workforce will be a priority of mine.1823    Senator Kelly. Do you see that one of your first1824responsibilities, if confirmed, is to make sure you have the1825workforce you need?1826    Vice Admiral Pappano. Thank you, Senator. Yes, certainly.1827Having the critical workforce, if confirmed, is something I1828will assess and make sure I advocate for the men and women of1829NNSA and the National Laboratories to make sure they are1830resourced properly to accomplish this no fail mission1831    Senator Kelly. Admiral, DOD is at an unfortunate1832intersection here, where all legs of our nuclear triad are1833needing modernization at the same time, and this modernization1834requirement has a direct impact on the NNSA. Additionally,1835civil service integration is critical for the agency's mission.1836The NNSA's partnership with the scientific and academic1837community is paramount for maintaining our comparative1838advantage.1839    How are you planning on managing the modernization projects1840with infrastructure recapitalization efforts that span civil1841and Federal infrastructure? You have 3 seconds.1842    Vice Admiral Pappano. Thank you, Senator. I will1843certainly--another priority of mine will be to assess the1844enterprise blueprint going forward and making sure we look for1845where the barriers are, the driving, getting the enterprise1846recapitalized, all the infrastructure recapitalized, look for1847opportunities for where we can insert modern manufacturing1848technology to drive a sense of urgency in our stockpile1849stewardship programs.1850    Senator Kelly. All right. Thank you, Admiral.1851    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Kelly. Let me ask a1852question basically a yes or no question to each of you.1853Congress is in the process of attempting to pass a1854reconciliation bill much of which will deal with the Defense1855Department. Because of the rules that we are required to1856operate under, the Defense Reconciliation Bill must be1857unspecific as to how the money is spent and will technically be1858at the discretion of the Department of Defense, and we are1859required in the rules to write recommendations for how the1860money is spent.1861    Do you commit to follow unequivocally, the Congress's1862spending recommendations in the Defense Reconciliation Bill?1863Mr. Cadenazzi?1864    Mr. Cadenazzi. Yes, Senator.1865    Chairman Wicker. Admiral Pappano?1866    Vice Admiral Pappano. Yes, sir. I look forward to working1867with this committee on prioritizing.1868    Chairman Wicker. Very good. Now I think we've talked about,1869Mr. Cadenazzi, we've talked about middle tier acquisition. This1870is something that my legislation, the FoRGED Act would very1871much address. I believe you told me that you had read the Act1872and liked much of it. If you want to expand on that answer?1873    Mr. Cadenazzi. More praise for the Act? Absolutely,1874Senator.1875    Chairman Wicker. Yes, right. Yes, heap that on.1876    Mr. Cadenazzi. Keep going. Yes, sir. Please go on.1877    Chairman Wicker. Okay. I do believe, I think, once you're1878confirmed, you're going to have some middle tier authorization1879already. But I can say that Senator Reed and I are very much1880likely to put much of the FoRGED Act in the NDAA--in the1881upcoming NDAA. I hope you won't wait for that. If you have1882tools such as other transaction agreements and middle tier1883acquisition, will you commit to going ahead with that?1884    Mr. Cadenazzi. Senator, thank you for the point.1885Absolutely. I'm excited to use all the available authorities1886more aggressively to make sure we're meeting the needs of the1887industrial bases, and the delivering what the Department needs1888at this critical time. If confirmed, I'm eager to work with you1889and Ranking Member Reed on this issue going forward.1890    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much. Now I think you are1891going to have a staffing shortage. If you are able to do the1892things that we've talked about today, you're going to need1893people that look at production rates and limiting factors in1894the supplier base. Isn't that right?1895    Mr. Cadenazzi. Yes, Senator.1896    Chairman Wicker. You're going to need to have people that1897actually visit the production lines to assess whether companies1898are doing things the right way, spending money the right way,1899and that sort of thing. Is that correct?1900    Mr. Cadenazzi. Yes, Senator.1901    Chairman Wicker. You're going to need people who develop1902options when we ask questions like, how do we build more1903munitions? Which I think we've had testimony today that often1904we spin down on munitions more quickly than we intend to.1905You're going to need people to do that, are you not?1906    Mr. Cadenazzi. Absolutely, Chairman Wicker.1907    Chairman Wicker. But unfortunately, the size of the office1908remains only a handful of people. As my understanding, only1909five government people work on the Defense Production Act. Do1910you know that number to be correct? Am I'm well informed there?1911    Mr. Cadenazzi. Chairman Wicker, I'm not aware of exactly1912how many people are working in any element of the components of1913the Industrial Base Policy Office at this time.1914    Chairman Wicker. If that is true, and I think it is. That1915represents a crisis, which is why we have already required a1916staffing plan for these functions in last year's fiscal year,1917NDAA, the statute under which we're operating today.1918    So, will you bring us this plan as soon as possible, Mr.1919Cadenazzi?1920    Mr. Cadenazzi. Yes, Chairman Wicker.1921    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much. Now Vice Admiral1922Pappano, what you are going to be tasked with, you and others,1923is going to require a huge infrastructure investment. Am I1924correct there?1925    Vice Admiral Pappano. Yes, Senator.1926    Chairman Wicker. Would you advise the committee as to how1927you're going to do that and exactly what you're going to need?1928Am I correct, you're going to need more workforce by a great1929deal to get this done?1930    Vice Admiral Pappano. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If1931confirmed, certainly it'll be a priority of mine to look across1932the enterprise blueprint plan. Make sure we don't have to1933reinvent the wheel there. But assess how that plan goes forward1934and our infrastructure investments over the next 25 to 501935years, and then figure out where the barriers are to getting1936that done with urgency. Whether it's policy, procedure,1937whatever we need to go look at to make sure we can break down1938those barriers and drive more urgency into our infrastructure1939recapitalization. Then obviously, the workforce that goes along1940with that, that we need to demand that infrastructure for our1941stockpile stewardship and the production.1942    Chairman Wicker. Senator Reed and I have been told that1943this is going to be one of the largest infrastructure1944requirements that the Federal Government has ever had. Are we1945well advised on that?1946    Vice Admiral Pappano. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I do not1947know that as a fact, but it seems a reasonable assumption to1948make that is a significantly large infrastructure. We talk1949about recapitalizing, you know, the Manhattan Project Era1950facilities and driving those into the future.1951    Chairman Wicker. I think the public needs to be aware of1952this. This is most important, and again, Senator King and1953Senator Fischer have taken the lead on this.1954    Let's talk about cooperation with our allies on industrial1955base policy. There's been talk in recent years about this.1956AUKUS [Australia, United Kingdom, United States] Pillar 21957production diplomacy in Europe, the partnership for the Indo-1958Pacific Industrial resilience. But most people think there's1959been very little success in that regard. Do you have an opinion1960as to whether we're way behind in that area, Admiral?1961    Vice Admiral Pappano. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Certainly,1962I'm aligned with President Trump's Peace Through Strength,1963which a part of that I think is our willingness to work with1964willing partners and allies to increase our overall strength. I1965think that in my experience, we've done pretty well with that1966so far. Some of the strategic nuclear deterrents cooperation1967we've had with the United Kingdom. There's a lot of history1968there in that. Then obviously starting to move forward with the1969AUKUS Accords. The work is going on with the Pillar One and1970Pillar 2 of AUKUS.1971    Chairman Wicker. Well, there may have been some infighting1972within the Department about this particular task. So last year1973we made it clear in the NDAA that the acquisition1974undersecretary owns these issues like the ones I have1975mentioned. If confirmed, you'll oversee the low-level Deputy1976Assistant Secretary of Defense designated to be the lead on1977this issue. Right now, that position has maybe a dozen members,1978inadequate number, many of whom are not from industry.1979    Will you commit to us and to this Committee, that you will1980work on the issue of stagnation and industrial base integration1981with our allies, such as the areas that I've mentioned?1982    Vice Admiral Pappano. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Certainly,1983if confirmed, I'll commit to you that I will work with this1984Committee and partners and allies as necessary to drive this1985forward.1986    Chairman Wicker. Mr. Reed, I believe we've covered a lot of1987things. I think the questions have been very good, and it1988appears to me that we've got the right folks in place for these1989positions. Does anyone else have anything? If not, let's see if1990I need to make any announcements. Are we good to go?1991    Questions for the record will be due to the Committee1992within two business days of the conclusion of the hearing,1993which is right now. Thank you.1994    [Whereupon, at 11:03 a.m., the Committee adjourned.]19951996    [Prepared questions submitted to Mr. Michael P. Cadenazzi,1997Jr. by Chairman Wicker prior to the hearing with answers1998supplied follow:]19992000                        Questions and Responses2001                       duties and qualifications2002    Question. What is your understanding of the duties and functions of2003the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy?2004    Answer. My understanding is the Assistant Secretary of Defense for2005Industrial Base Policy (ASD(IBP)) is the Under Secretary of Defense for2006Acquisition and Sustainment's principal advisor on maintaining a2007healthy and resilient defense industrial base (DIB). This includes2008supply chain vulnerability analysis, oversight of the Committee on2009Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and the mergers &2010acquisitions (M&A) process, assessing risks associated with adversarial2011capital, developing policies for modern economic competition, promoting2012small business participation, and strengthening partnerships with2013industry and international allies and performing assessments,2014developing strategies and policies to ensure the DIB can meet DOD2015requirements.2016    Question. What background and experience do you possess that2017qualify you to perform these duties? What background or experience, if2018any, do you have in industrial base issues, including supply chain2019management?2020    Answer. I have spent the past 20 years working in and on the DIB.2021The majority of my time was spent either as the owner of a defense2022industry small business or as a management consultant working directly2023with the defense industry on their many strategic, manufacturing and2024supply chain challenges. I have worked for domestic and international2025firms across nearly every conceivable product and service category.2026Through this I have developed a deep understanding of the defense2027industry, its challenges and, critically, the many opportunities for2028improvement.2029    In addition, I served 10 years on active duty in the United States2030Navy. My service provided me with an understanding of the warfighter's2031mission and needs. My Active Duty experience informs and reinforces the2032urgency which I apply to my work for the defense customer.2033    This industry, its companies and their work have been and remain my2034professional passion.2035    Question. If you are confirmed, what duties and functions do you2036expect that the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and2037Sustainment will assign to you?2038    Answer. I anticipate duties prescribed by statute (10 U.S.C. Sec.2039138(b)(6)) and DOD policy, including oversight of industrial base2040resilience, industry engagement, international armaments cooperation,2041foreign investment reviews, domestic supplier competition reviews,2042small business programs, incentives and loan guarantees, and priorities2043and allocations, including the Defense Production Act (DPA) program. I2044will work closely with the Under Secretary and across the Department to2045ensure a robust and secure DIB.2046    The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy2047(ASD(IBP)) is the principal advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense2048for Acquisition and Sustainment (USD(A&S)) for all industrial base2049policies and related matters. If confirmed, in supporting the USD(A&S),2050you will be responsible for establishing policy and conducting2051oversight of the defense industrial base which supports the acquisition2052and sustainment of our military forces.2053    Question. What background or experience, if any, do you have in2054ensuring and implementing supply chain management and security?2055    Answer. I have deep, global experience in the analysis, management2056and improvement of defense industry supply chains. My experience2057includes mapping supply chains, analysis of product/program supply2058chain challenges, and developing solutions to supply chain gaps &2059bottlenecks.2060    As a small business owner and entrepreneur, I developed a software2061solution that included automated supply chain mapping and analysis,2062bringing my knowledge of this subject to others. I was also recruited2063for my deep expertise to serve as the key product developer for a2064defense industry supply chain risk analysis software tool.2065    Question. What background or experience, if any, do you have in2066conducting global investment reviews and forecasts that help inform2067acquisitions and investments?2068    Answer. As a small business owner and entrepreneur, the software2069solution I developed provided analytic tools and generated forecasts of2070US defense spending. I am a legitimate global expert in the analysis of2071defense budgets, investments, acquisitions and the drivers which2072underpin defense industry change at every level.2073    In my professional consulting life, I have delivered literally2074hundreds of analyses on defense budgets, markets and forecasts of2075future spend. This has included work for both domestic and2076international clients across a broad array of defense product & service2077categories.2078    Question. What background or experience, if any, do you have in2079overseeing commercial mergers and acquisitions or conducting antitrust2080reviews?2081    Answer. In my 20 years as a defense industry consultant, I have2082participated in over 50 different M&A related initiatives. My2083experience has spanned every aspect of M&A from strategy development to2084due diligence all the way to post-merger integration. These initiatives2085have also included the impact of anti-trust considerations. In2086addition, I have twice negotiated and completed the sale of my own2087company. These small, but meaningful (to me!), transactions provided2088invaluable experience in the realities of these efforts for buyers,2089sellers and customers.2090    Question. What background or experience, if any, do you have in2091developing policy and processes for programs to acquire products and/or2092services, as well as policies and processes for oversight of such2093programs?2094    Answer. In my 20 years as a defense industry small business owner2095and consultant, I have experience at every level of defense acquisition2096across a diverse mix of products and services. I have worked on2097everything from requirements to contract execution. I have worked at2098each stage of the program lifecycle from concept ideation to program2099launch through to sustainment.2100    Question. What qualifications do you have using modern data2101approaches, tools, and methods that prepare you to maintain visibility2102of, analyze, and manage data on the volume, variety, and complexity of2103the inventory of acquisition and industrial base initiatives and2104programs in the Department?2105    Answer. As a small business owner, I created a (at the time)2106cutting edge Software-as-a-Service product focused on the analysis and2107visualization of the U.S. defense budget and associated contract and2108acquisition information. This product embedded my defense industry2109expertise in a fast, multi-purpose, time-saving solution that was in2110use by many defense industry firms. I successfully sold this business2111to a major global consulting company.2112    I have also worked on the direct application of data approaches,2113tools, and methods in use by my employers. I have consulted numerous2114firms on their use of data tools to cut costs, increase productivity2115and improve quality. I also have deep experience with the most common2116data tools in use by analysts and experts across the defense industry.2117    Question. What background or experience, if any, do you have in2118managing programs which encourage small business and/or nontraditional2119business participation in government contracting?2120    Answer. Upon leaving Active Duty Naval service in 2005, I2121participated in the launch of a veteran owned small business focused on2122defense technology development. I subsequently joined a small defense2123industry focused consulting business. After gaining experience in these2124businesses, I personally founded & launched two defense industry small2125businesses. I successfully sold both businesses. In addition to my2126direct work as a small business owner and employee, I have consulted2127numerous prime and mid-tier defense firms on their use of small2128business as a capacity, technology and capability enabler.2129    Question. What background or experience, if any, do you have in2130overseeing, pursuing or managing programs that support international2131armaments or security cooperation?2132    Answer. In my 20 years as a defense industry business operator,2133employee and consultant, I have led countless international defense2134initiatives. My industry outreach initiatives have spanned:21352136      More than one dozen countries21372138      Service to large, middle-tier and startup firms21392140      Multiple defense sectors and product/service areas21412142    These outreach initiatives have touched on every aspect of the2143defense market, including:21442145      Export of U.S. defense systems & technology to2146international allies & partners,21472148      Import of international defense systems & technology to2149the United States21502151      Business case analysis and launch planning for U.S.2152businesses seeking to operate in foreign countries21532154      Business case analysis and launch planning for non-U.S.2155businesses seeking to operate in the United States21562157    In parallel with these efforts, I have delivered public and private2158presentations to international defense businesses and organizations/2159industry associations.2160    Question. What background or experience, if any, do you have in2161overseeing, or managing programs that support industry engagement?2162    Answer. In my 20 years as a defense industry business operator,2163employee and consultant, I have led outreach and discussions with2164countless defense businesses. This includes the hard work of cold2165calling new contacts and the sustained effort to build and maintain2166enduring relationships over time.2167    My industry outreach initiatives have spanned the full range of2168defense firms:21692170      Every U.S. prime21712172      Most U.S.-based subsidiaries of non-U.S. defense firms21732174      Large numbers of Tier 1 & middle tier firms21752176      Small businesses21772178    These outreach initiatives have touched on every aspect of the2179defense market, including:21802181      Aircraft platforms & related systems/weapons21822183      Naval platforms & related systems/weapons21842185      Ground platforms (armor & tactical wheeled vehicles) &2186related systems/weapons21872188      Space & intelligence21892190      Sustainment & logistics21912192      Services21932194    These conversations have spanned the full mix of defense industry2195leadership priorities:21962197      Defense industry trends21982199      Strategy and growth22002201      Mergers & acquisitions22022203      Operations & manufacturing22042205      Supply chain22062207      Technology22082209      Workforce & organizational change2210    I am fully conversant across a broad range of diverse topics2211immediately relevant to leaders, managers and employees of most defense2212firms. These initiatives have led to myriad projects for defense firms,2213directly impacting their strategy, operations, organization and2214success. In addition, in support of these efforts, I have delivered a2215large number of public and private presentations to defense industry2216firms and organizations/industry associations.2217                         conflicts of interest2218    Question. Federal ethics laws, to include 18 U.S.C. Sec. 208,2219prohibit government employees from participating in matters where they,2220or certain family members or organizations with which they have certain2221relationships, have a financial interest.2222    Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to disclose any2223potential conflicts of interest, including investments, business ties,2224family relationships, or other connections that could be perceived as2225influencing your decisionmaking?2226    Answer. Yes.2227    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, that2228if a conflict of interest arises, you will recuse yourself from2229participating in any decisions regarding that specific matter?2230    Answer. Yes.2231    Question. Do you commit, without qualification, if confirmed, to2232decide matters on the merits, and exclusively in the public interest,2233without regard to private gain or personal benefit?2234    Answer. Yes.2235                       priorities and challenges2236    Question. If confirmed, what are the top priorities you would plan2237to focus on during your tenure as the ASD(IBP)? What would be your2238plans for achieving these priorities?2239    Answer. If confirmed, my top priority will be strengthening the DIB2240and its supply chains. This includes assessing and mitigating2241vulnerabilities (especially for critical materials), protecting against2242adversarial capital, supporting small businesses, and fostering2243innovation. I will work to prioritize investments to meet warfighter2244needs and future challenges addressing supply chain bottlenecks.2245Leveraging congressional authorities, I will work with Congress,2246industry, and interagency partners to scale production and surge2247capacity. I also plan to use the DPA to ensure the DIB is working to2248support the warfighter.2249    Question. In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges facing2250the defense industrial base?2251    Answer. Decades of de-industrialization, fragile supply chains, and2252inconsistent investment have created vulnerabilities in the DIB,2253including reliance on foreign sources for critical components.2254Unpredictable budgets hinder long-term planning, stifle innovation, and2255discourage private sector engagement.2256    Question. What would be your plans for addressing these challenges,2257if confirmed?2258    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with Congress, the Department,2259and industry to strengthen the DIB by focusing on resilient supply2260chains, expanding small business participation, incentivizing private2261capital investments, and providing stable demand signals. I will also2262prioritize protecting the DIB from adversarial capital and cyber2263threats, and deepening partnerships with allies to reduce supply chain2264vulnerabilities, ensuring our warfighters have the capabilities they2265need.2266    Question. By what metrics will you measure your progress toward2267achieving these priorities and addressing these challenges?2268    Answer. If confirmed, I will measure progress as a stronger, more2269resilient DIB and enhanced warfighter readiness. Metrics will include:2270shorter lead times and diversified sourcing; domestic manufacturing2271growth and cost-effectiveness; increased small business participation;2272expanded private capital investments in the DIB that are aligned with2273Department priorities; successful technology transition; and joint2274investments with allies. I also plan to rely on proven DOD standardized2275metrics, such as Milestone Completion Rates, Joint Initiative Success2276Rates, Demand Forecast Accuracy data, and Supplier Performance Rating2277data could prove to be assets in shoring up improvements in supply2278chain resilience, DIB cyber security posture, and foreign alliance2279performance. Ultimately, success means reducing readiness shortfalls2280and meeting national security needs.2281                         office of the asd(ibp)2282    Question. If confirmed, you will serve as the second Assistant2283Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy. Throughout the last2284several years, the Industrial Base Policy office has continually2285amassed important responsibilities while not seeing commensurate staff2286or resource increases to reflect the significant increase in2287requirements.2288    How would you ensure the office of the ASD(IBP) is adequately2289resourced (in terms of personnel, budget, and authority) and provided2290with the high-level support necessary to perform its duties and2291responsibilities?2292    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with Congress and Department2293leadership to ensure ASD(IBP) has the authorities, expertise, and2294resources--including stable funding--needed to strengthen the DIB. This2295includes advocating for effective use of tools like the DPA to address2296supply chain vulnerabilities. Adequate personnel, budget, and high-2297level support for ASD(IBP) are critical to industrial resilience and2298national security.2299    Question. Are there any organizational or legislative changes to2300the office of the ASD(IBP) you believe would be beneficial to carrying2301out the duties of the ASD(IBP)?2302    Answer. If confirmed, I will evaluate the ASD(IBP) office's2303structure and authorities. While aware of DPA reauthorization2304discussions, I will withhold specific recommendations until I have a2305deeper understanding of the Department's challenges and opportunities.2306This will inform my recommendations to Congress and the Secretary on2307any necessary legislative or organizational changes.2308    Question. How would you work with other offices outside of the2309office of the ASD(IBP) that have key roles in the defense industrial2310base, such as the office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research2311& Engineering, the service ManTech programs, the manufacturing2312innovation institutes, service small business offices, and2313counterintelligence field offices?2314    Answer. Effective collaboration across the Department and other2315agencies is essential. I understand that activities like the ManTech2316programs, manufacturing innovation institutes, small business offices,2317and counterintelligence field offices all play crucial roles. If2318confirmed, I will prioritize establishing regular communication and2319coordination mechanisms with these stakeholders to ensure aligned2320efforts and maximize our collective impact on strengthening the DIB.2321    Question. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year23222025, section 904, increased the number of Deputy Assistant Secretaries2323of Defense by two, and the conferees recommended that these two2324positions be used to further strengthen the capabilities of the office2325of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy2326(ASD(IBP)). If confirmed, would you advocate for IBP to receive these2327positions? If so, how would you utilize them?2328    Answer. If confirmed, I would advocate for IBP to receive the2329additional Deputy Assistant Secretaries of Defense positions and work2330with the Secretary to prioritize their allocation. I envision focusing2331these roles on critical areas like supply chain resilience and emerging2332technologies but would make final decisions after a thorough internal2333assessment.2334              health of the defense industrial base (dib)2335    Question. Over the past several years, there have been increasing2336concerns in Congress, industry, and the Department over the health of2337the DIB and its ability to reliably meet current and future defense2338needs.2339    What steps will you take to ensure the DIB has the appropriate2340scientific, technical, and manufacturing workforces to support current2341and future needs of DOD?2342    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to establish a predictable and2343stable demand signal to assist in enabling a DIB workforce capable of2344meeting current and emerging DOD needs. This requires a balanced2345approach, fostering both traditional trade skills and cutting-edge2346expertise in science, technology, engineering, and manufacturing.2347    I will commit to leveraging all appropriate authorities to2348prioritize workforce training and ensure access to the technical2349expertise necessary to produce, sustain, and modernize our weapon2350systems, thereby maintaining DOD's competitive advantage.2351    Question. What steps will you take to ensure that the DIB has the2352appropriate manufacturing and production infrastructure to support2353current and future needs of the DOD? If confirmed, how will you measure2354``appropriate manufacturing and production infrastructure''? What2355metrics will you utilize?2356    Answer. If confirmed, ensuring a robust manufacturing and2357production infrastructure for current and future DOD needs will be a2358priority. This will require a comprehensive assessment with OSD2359partners, the Military Departments, and industry to identify capability2360gaps and prioritize investments, as well as prioritize and allocate2361resources to ensure on time delivery, as needed. The robustness of2362infrastructure will be measured by assessing capacity against projected2363demand (including surge), tracking lead times, evaluating cost-2364effectiveness and supply chain resilience, and considering factors like2365advanced manufacturing integration, skilled labor availability, and2366cybersecurity posture.2367    Question. What steps should the Department take--on its own or as2368part of a ``whole of government'' approach--to increase domestic2369industrial capacity and reduce reliance on suppliers in China or other2370adversaries?2371    Answer. Reducing reliance on China and other adversaries for2372critical defense components requires a decisive, interagency approach2373to strengthen domestic industrial capacity and secure supply chains. If2374confirmed, I will prioritize efforts to onshore and nearshore key2375manufacturing capabilities, leveraging the Department's existing2376authorities--such as the DPA and Industrial Base Analysis and2377Sustainment (IBAS) program--to incentivize private sector investment in2378critical industries.2379    If confirmed, I will advocate for policies that drive long-term2380investment in domestic and allied production, protect critical2381industries from adversarial capital and cyber threats, and ensure that2382DOD procurement prioritizes secure, U.S.-based supply chains.2383Strengthening America's industrial resilience will be key to sustaining2384our technological advantage and ensuring national security in an era of2385strategic competition.2386    Question. Supply chain tracking and risk mitigation is imperative2387for determining the overall health of the defense industrial base. The2388office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and2389Sustainment currently has two ongoing internal efforts related to2390supply chain mapping and transparency. The Office of the Assistant2391Secretary of Defense for Sustainment has worked on a supply chain2392mapping tool called Supply Chain Risk Evaluation Environment (SCREEn).2393The Office of Industrial Base Policy has also worked to produce a2394Defense Industrial Base Map (DIBMAP) tool that tracks weapons systems,2395suppliers, and availability in one single place to address supply chain2396risk.2397    If confirmed, will you commit to reviewing both tools and2398determining whether continuing with development of both tools provides2399value or whether consolidation and broad use of a single tool would2400provide the Department more value?2401    Answer. If confirmed, I commit to reviewing both SCREEn and DIBMAP2402to assess the value of each program and evaluate whether consolidation2403is necessary.2404    Question. If confirmed, how do you envision using these tools to2405improve visibility into the defense industrial base?2406    Answer. If confirmed, I envision these supply chain tools, whether2407consolidated into a single platform or maintained separately, as2408critical for enhancing visibility into the DIB. They will provide real-2409time insights into potential vulnerabilities, such as single points of2410failure, dependencies on adversarial nations, and emerging bottlenecks.2411This enhanced visibility will inform data-driven decisionmaking2412regarding resource allocation, acquisition strategies, and industrial2413base policy development.2414    These tools exist to facilitate improved communication and2415collaboration between government, industry, and international partners,2416enabling proactive risk mitigation and a more coordinated response to2417potential disruptions. By leveraging tools like SCREEn and DIBMAP, we2418can create a more resilient, secure, and transparent DIB capable of2419meeting current and future national security needs.2420    Question. If confirmed, one of the Deputy Assistant Secretaries2421that will report to you is focused on industrial base resiliency. What2422is your understanding of how resilience within the defense industrial2423base is currently measured and assessed?2424    Answer. I understand that assessing DIB resilience involves a2425multi-faceted approach, encompassing domestic capabilities, reducing2426reliance on adversarial nations, and securing critical material supply2427chains. If confirmed, I look forward to gaining a deeper understanding2428of current assessment methodologies and exploring opportunities for2429improvement.2430    Question. Are there other metrics or data frameworks that you think2431should be developed to improve measurement and assessment capabilities?2432    Answer. If confirmed as ASD(IBP), I will prioritize developing2433metrics that capture not just current capabilities, but also surge2434capacity, innovation, cybersecurity resilience, and allied2435interoperability. This includes assessing the ability to rapidly2436increase production, the speed of technology adoption, vulnerability to2437cyberattacks, and the capacity for seamless collaboration with allies.2438    I will aim to review existing frameworks and incorporate lessons2439learned from new and robust Presidential Directives, such as President2440Trump's 2025 Executive Order on critical minerals and derivative2441products, which highlighted the national security risks of foreign2442dependence and emphasized the importance of bolstering domestic2443production. By developing these additional metrics and incorporating2444the focus on domestic strength and security exemplified by previous2445Administrations, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of DIB2446resilience and inform more effective policies to ensure its long-term2447strength and adaptability.2448    Question. Section 4819 of title 10, United States Code, established2449a framework for modernizing and digitizing the approach for mitigating2450risks to the defense industrial base.2451    What is your understanding of the status of implementing that2452framework?2453    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to obtaining a deeper2454understanding the implementation of Sec. 4819. This will involve2455conducting a thorough assessment of current progress, identifying any2456roadblocks or challenges, and developing a clear roadmap for completing2457the implementation process. I will also ensure effective coordination2458and collaboration across the Department and with interagency partners2459to leverage existing resources and expertise. Furthermore, I will work2460closely with Congress to provide regular updates on implementation2461progress and address any legislative adjustments that may be necessary2462to ensure the successful execution of this critical initiative. My goal2463is to fully leverage the framework established by Section 4819 to2464create a more secure, resilient, and adaptable DIB.2465    Question. What other steps would you take to assess the health of2466the current and future defense industrial base?2467    Answer. Beyond existing assessments, if confirmed, I would focus on2468direct industry engagement across all tiers, develop robust data2469analytics for key indicators, conduct wargaming exercises, and2470collaborate with allies to assess collective capabilities.2471                      domestic and allied sourcing2472    Question. The first Trump Administration and the Biden2473Administration made domestic sourcing a key part of the policy agenda.2474If confirmed, you would oversee the continued push to increase DOD's2475procurement of American-made goods, products, and materials.2476    Do you see any associated challenges or opportunities? Please2477elaborate.2478    Answer. While prioritizing domestic sourcing offers significant2479opportunities to strengthen the U.S. industrial base and enhance supply2480chain security, it also presents challenges. Rebuilding domestic2481manufacturing capacity in key sectors requires strategic investment,2482workforce development, and a stable demand signal from the DOD.2483Overreliance on domestic sources without considering allied2484capabilities could also limit access to innovation and potentially2485increase costs.2486    If confirmed, I will focus on maximizing the opportunities of2487domestic sourcing while mitigating potential challenges. This includes2488targeted investments in critical sectors, leveraging DPA Title III and2489IBAS authorities to incentivize domestic production, and ensuring2490predictable budgeting and acquisition strategies to provide industry2491with the confidence to invest. Simultaneously, I will prioritize2492strengthening partnerships with allies and ``friend-shoring'' to2493diversify supply chains, access cutting-edge technologies, and foster a2494more robust and globally competitive industrial base. This balanced2495approach will ensure we can effectively support our warfighters while2496bolstering American manufacturing and strengthening national security.2497    Question. In your opinion, what role should domestic sourcing2498requirements play in efforts to manage the DIB, support domestic2499companies, increase capacity, and ensure trusted and reliable supplies2500of goods and services?2501    Answer. Reviving the American DIB must be a top priority. If2502confirmed, I will ensure that every industrial base investment2503decision--whether through the DPA, IBAS, or other tools--is informed by2504an assessment of where it strengthens U.S. production capacity,2505workforce readiness, and supply chain security.2506    Question. In your opinion, what role should the Department play in2507reviewing and recommending domestic sourcing requirements prior to such2508requirements going into effect?2509    Answer. If confirmed, we should actively coordinate with other2510stakeholders within DOD, such as the Military Departments, innovation2511organizations, and acquisition executives, to ensure alignment with2512broader defense priorities and operational needs. This collaborative2513approach will ensure that domestic sourcing requirements are2514strategically implemented to strengthen the DIB and support warfighter2515readiness, while also considering potential second-and third-order2516effects on the broader industrial ecosystem.2517    Question. In your view, what would be the benefits of greater2518Departmental input and involvement prior to domestic sourcing decisions2519being made?2520    Answer. Greater DOD input prior to domestic sourcing decisions is2521essential for ensuring these decisions align with national security2522priorities and the specific needs of the DIB. Early involvement allows2523DOD to provide critical insights into the potential impacts of sourcing2524decisions on industrial capacity, supply chain resilience, cost, and2525technological innovation. This proactive engagement can help avoid2526unintended consequences, such as creating bottlenecks or over-reliance2527on single sources.2528    If confirmed, I would prioritize ensuring DOD's voice is heard2529early and often in these deliberations, advocating for a more strategic2530and holistic approach to sourcing that strengthens, rather than2531weakens, our defense capabilities. Furthermore, early input allows for2532better coordination with allied nations and fosters a more robust and2533resilient DIB.2534    Question. In your view, what steps should the Department take to2535ensure and/or incentivize that companies are able to find needed2536financing and resources from trusted sources?2537    Answer. If confirmed, I will prioritize facilitating access to2538trusted financing and resources for DIB modernization, particularly for2539small and medium-sized enterprises and non-traditional suppliers. This2540includes developing and disseminating clear guidance on available2541funding sources, streamlining application processes, and potentially2542exploring innovative financing mechanisms like public-private2543partnerships. Leveraging my interagency experience, I will work to2544identify and address any gaps in existing authorities to ensure2545companies have efficient access to secure and reliable funding.2546    Question. What actions should the Department take to address the2547threat of ``adversarial capital'' from China and other sources that2548seek to gain undue influence over the DIB?2549    Answer. Combating adversarial capital requires a proactive, multi-2550pronged approach. If confirmed, I will prioritize robust implementation2551of the CFIUS, Team Telecom, Information and Communications Technology2552and Services, and the 1260H List of Chinese Military Companies,2553advocate for increased transparency in foreign investment, and explore2554expanded authorities as needed. Simultaneously, I will seek to foster2555domestic alternatives through trusted sources of private investment to2556protect the DIB from undue foreign influence and safeguard U.S.2557technological advantage.2558    Question. If confirmed, how can the Department better leverage2559suppliers in the national technology and industrial base (NTIB) and2560among allies and partners?2561    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to enhance the NTIB by reducing2562barriers to integrating companies from close allies into the DIB,2563streamlining regulations, and improving reciprocal defense trade.2564Expanding collaboration with private capital, academia, and defense-2565adjacent industries will broaden access to innovation. A whole-of-2566government approach, coordinating across agencies and with2567international partners, is essential for strengthening collective2568defense production, accelerating technology adoption, and ensuring2569supply chain resilience. This will modernize our technological base and2570enhance deterrence.2571                        mergers and acquisitions2572    Question. The February 2022 State of Competition within the Defense2573Industrial Base report highlights the consolidation of the defense2574industrial base into fewer large prime contractors as a significant2575risk to competition within the DIB.2576    In your view, what is the appropriate role for the Department with2577respect to proposed and ongoing private sector merger and acquisition2578activities of DOD contractors?2579    Answer. It is my understanding that DOD plays a critical role in2580assessing the impact of M&A activities on the DIB and ensuring that2581consolidation does not undermine competition or innovation. While2582private sector investment and market efficiencies are important,2583excessive consolidation can reduce competition, drive up costs, and2584stifle technological advancements--ultimately weakening the defense2585ecosystem.2586    If confirmed, I will work to ensure that the DOD rigorously2587evaluates the implications of M&A activities on the industrial and2588technological base, leveraging its unique perspective to assess2589potential risks to supply chain resilience, innovation, and operational2590readiness. The Department must also maintain active awareness of how2591ongoing M&A activities influence cost, schedule, and performance across2592defense acquisition programs. When appropriate, the DOD should voice2593concerns and work with regulatory agencies to address acquisitions that2594give rise to concerns.2595    I will advocate for a proactive approach that strengthens oversight2596mechanisms, enhances interagency coordination, and ensures that2597America's DIB remains competitive, secure, and aligned with national2598security priorities.2599    Question. Do you believe DOD's acquisition processes contribute to2600industry incentives to consolidate? If so, what changes would you2601suggest?2602    Answer. My understanding is that several factors contribute to2603industry consolidation, including DOD acquisition processes. For2604example, the complexity and cost of complying with DOD regulations can2605create barriers to entry for smaller companies, potentially2606incentivizing them to merge with or be acquired by larger firms.2607Additionally, large, consolidated companies may be perceived as having2608a competitive advantage in securing large defense contracts. However, I2609also recognize the importance of maintaining a competitive and robust2610industrial base that includes both large and small businesses.2611    If confirmed, I will carefully review DOD's acquisition processes2612to identify and mitigate aspects that inadvertently discourage2613competition and innovation. This includes examining regulatory burdens,2614contract structures, and promoting greater participation of small and2615non-traditional businesses. Fostering a more diverse industrial base is2616essential for resilience and technological advancement.2617    Question. In your opinion, does DOD focus enough on the potential2618consolidation of sub-contractors and suppliers in addition to prime2619contractors?2620    Answer. It is my understanding that while the DOD has made strides2621in recognizing the importance of supply chain resiliency, more2622attention needs to be focused on the potential consolidation of sub-2623tier suppliers and subcontractors. A lack of visibility into these2624lower tiers poses a significant challenge to fully assessing and2625mitigating supply chain vulnerabilities. While I understand the2626Department is exploring ways to enhance visibility, I believe we must2627accelerate these efforts.2628    If confirmed, I will conduct a review of current departmental2629initiatives aimed at increasing visibility into sub-tier suppliers to2630leverage their expertise in this area. This review will focus on2631identifying any gaps in data collection and analysis, as well as2632exploring opportunities to leverage existing authorities and emerging2633technologies to improve supply chain mapping and monitoring. Based on2634this review, I will make recommendations to enhance our understanding2635of the sub-tier landscape, including the impact of mergers and2636acquisitions. This improved visibility is crucial not only for2637assessing the potential risks of consolidation, but also for2638proactively identifying and supporting critical sub-tier suppliers,2639fostering a more robust and resilient DIB.2640                        organic industrial base2641    Question. In your opinion, what role does the organic industrial2642base play in modernization efforts and in the sustainment of2643warfighting capabilities?2644    Answer. The Organic Industrial Base (OIB) is absolutely essential2645for both modernizing and sustaining warfighting capabilities. It2646provides a unique and irreplaceable foundation for ensuring readiness2647throughout the lifecycle of DOD weapon systems. The OIB's core2648capabilities--including maintenance, repair, overhaul, and upgrade of2649critical systems--are often not commercially viable or readily2650available in the private sector. This is especially true for2651specialized equipment, legacy systems, and surge capacity requirements.2652The OIB also produces critical supply chain materials that do not have2653commercial or civilian application. The OIB serves as a vital2654repository of technical expertise and skilled personnel, preserving2655institutional knowledge and providing a crucial training ground for2656future generations of maintainers and engineers.2657    If confirmed, I will focus on modernizing the OIB through2658investments in advanced manufacturing, workforce development, and2659improved facilities, recognizing its strategic importance for long-term2660readiness and reduced reliance on external sources. I will emphasize2661its value as a strategic asset.2662    Question. What is your assessment of the status of the facilities2663and workforce in DOD depots, logistics centers, arsenals, and other2664elements of the organic industrial base?2665    Answer. Our depots, logistics centers, and arsenals serve an2666important role as part of the overall DIB in maintaining military2667readiness. While I understand investments have been made to improve the2668facilities and workforce of the OIB, if confirmed, I will work with the2669ASD for Sustainment, who is responsible for the OIB, and the Services2670to formally assess the State of our OIB with a focus on ensuring the2671Department maintains the proper mix of capabilities to meet future2672warfighting needs while staying adaptable for future missions.2673    Question. What role, if any, should the organic industrial base2674play in the sustainment of software in defense systems?2675    Answer. The sustainment of software in defense systems is a2676combination of organic and commercial support. The OIB plays a role2677with software maintenance no different than weapon system maintenance2678in totality. Software maintenance is a function of DOD core depot2679capabilities and workload. Its involvement ensures long-term2680operational readiness and security through software maintenance and2681updates, cybersecurity, maintaining technical expertise, cost control2682and mission continuity. If confirmed, in partnership with the ASD for2683Sustainment who is responsible for the OIB, I would ensure that we have2684the spectrum of support necessary from the OIB for software2685sustainment.2686    Question. What role should the organic industrial base play in the2687sustainment of dual use and commercial technologies used by DOD?2688    Answer. I understand that the sustainment of fielded commercial2689technologies poses significant challenges for warfighter readiness and2690can be expensive because the commercial providers operate outside of2691our acquisition lifecycle on a proprietary basis which may increase the2692risk of vendor lock. Additionally, I understand that the cost for the2693sustainment of commercial technologies is not always programmed. If2694confirmed, I look forward to working with the ASD for Sustainment,2695Director of the Defense Innovation Unit, the military Departments, and2696other stakeholders to tackle the challenges associated with the2697sustainment of commercial technologies to ensure the warfighter has2698interoperable tools they need to complete the mission.2699    Question. What role, if any, does ASD(IBP) have in ensuring that2700the facilities and equipment at the military depots are modern,2701operable, and effective?2702    Answer. As I understand it, the primary responsibility for ensuring2703that military depots are modern, operable, and effective falls to the2704ASD for Sustainment. If confirmed, it is a priority to maintain a close2705partnership with Sustainment to understand the optimal balance of2706organic and commercial capabilities necessary to maintain readiness.2707    Question. What changes can be made to upgrade the indigenous2708production capability within the OIB to bring it forward from 1940's2709technology?2710    Answer. I understand that our depots continue to evolve in their2711organic production capabilities, including the adoption of advanced2712manufacturing techniques and digital engineering, cyber-resilient2713systems, and innovations. I also understand that these measures2714modernize OIB capabilities and emphasize its cutting-edge nature to2715ensure its ability to meet the demands of modern defense operations.2716    If confirmed, I will work closely with ASDthe for Sustainment to2717identify and address the depots' most pressing modernization needs.2718This includes advocating for necessary investments in advanced2719manufacturing technologies, infrastructure improvements, and workforce2720development initiatives to enhance their efficiency, responsiveness,2721and ability to support evolving warfighter requirements. This2722collaborative approach will ensure the OIB remains a strategic asset2723for long-term readiness.2724    Question. If confirmed, what steps would you take to strengthen the2725Department's organic industrial base?2726    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the ASD for Sustainment and2727other stakeholders to help assess the areas of greatest need and, where2728necessary, request resources to support the modernization and2729optimization of our OIB facilities and workforce, together with other2730key elements of our domestic defense industry. If confirmed, I will2731work with Sustainment to ensure that we have the right investment2732strategy to strengthen both our organic and commercial capabilities and2733that we have the best balance of those capabilities for the Department.2734                 defense industrial base cybersecurity2735    Question. What is your understanding of the challenges of enhancing2736cybersecurity of the DIB?2737    Answer. My understanding is that enhancing the cybersecurity of the2738DIB presents a complex challenge, requiring a multi-pronged approach2739that addresses both immediate threats and long-term vulnerabilities.2740The chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and protecting systems2741across the defense supply chain from increasingly sophisticated2742cyberattacks is paramount. A key challenge lies in balancing the need2743for robust cybersecurity standards with the practical realities faced2744by small and medium-sized businesses, many of which lack the resources2745to implement comprehensive security measures. We must avoid a one-size-2746fits-all approach and instead tailor solutions to the specific needs2747and capabilities of different tiers of suppliers.2748    If confirmed, I will collaborate with DOD Chief Information Officer2749(CIO), Congress, and other key stakeholders to conceive, develop, and2750implement scalable cybersecurity solutions for the DIB. This will2751include exploring options such as shared cybersecurity services, robust2752training and technical assistance tools, targeted funding assistance,2753and streamlined compliance frameworks that are achievable for2754businesses of all sizes. Leveraging existing programs and ensuring2755effective implementation while avoiding undue burdens on smaller2756companies, will be critical. Furthermore, if confirmed, I will focus on2757fostering stronger public-private partnerships to share threat2758intelligence, develop best practices, and promote a culture of2759cybersecurity awareness across the DIB.2760    Question. If confirmed, how would you balance the needs of2761improving cybersecurity with the burden of compliance on small and2762medium sized businesses?2763    Answer. I believe that balancing the critical need for improved DIB2764cybersecurity with the compliance burden on small and medium-sized2765businesses will be paramount to the success of the industrial base.2766However, we must achieve this without inadvertently creating barriers2767to entry or participation in the defense supply chain. If confirmed, my2768focus will be on developing and implementing solutions that are2769effective and scalable, yet still recognize the resource constraints2770faced by smaller companies.2771    Implementation will involve leveraging existing DOD authorities and2772programs, such as the Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Program and2773Project Spectrum, to provide tailored guidance, tools, and financial2774and technical assistance specifically designed for smaller businesses.2775If confirmed, I will also explore innovative approaches such as2776incentivizing cybersecurity investments through preferential2777contracting mechanisms and promoting the adoption of industry-standard2778security practices that can be readily implemented by businesses of all2779sizes.2780    If confirmed, my goal is to create a cybersecurity ecosystem where2781smaller companies are empowered and equipped to contribute to a secure2782and resilient DIB without being unduly burdened by compliance2783requirements. I believe this approach will foster a more diverse,2784innovative, and secure DIB.2785    Question. In the last few years, the focus of the Acquisition &2786Sustainment model has been on one element of the framework: the2787Cybersecurity Maturity Model certification (CMMC).2788    What is your understanding of the current State of CMMC and its2789impact on large, medium, and small businesses?2790    Answer. My understanding is CMMC is vital for strengthening2791cybersecurity across the DIB, protecting sensitive information, and2792ensuring fair competition. While large businesses may have more2793resources, CMMC's complexities affect all sizes of businesses, with2794medium and small businesses facing significant cost and compliance2795challenges. The program aims to provide clarity and predictability,2796especially for the numerous small businesses in the DIB, using self-2797assessments and independent assessments. Effective CMMC implementation,2798including tailored support for small businesses, is crucial for2799strengthening the DIB and national security. I look forward to learning2800more if confirmed.2801    Question. If confirmed, are there any changes you would make or2802recommend to the CMMC efforts beyond those already mandated by the2803previous program rule?2804    Answer. If confirmed as ASD(IBP), I will prioritize strengthening2805DIB cybersecurity while minimizing burdens on smaller businesses.2806Although changes made in CMMC from initial framing to the final rule2807are positive steps, further improvements may still be needed. Beyond2808existing mandates, I will work with the CIO to explore streamlining2809compliance processes through a risk-based approach, expanding access to2810cost-effective cybersecurity solutions, increasing funding assistance2811for smaller businesses, and fostering greater collaboration across2812government, industry, and academia to develop and deploy innovative2813cybersecurity technologies. My goal is a robust cybersecurity ecosystem2814that strengthens the DIB without stifling smaller suppliers.2815                            microelectronics2816    Question. Over the last few decades, Taiwan, South Korea, and the2817People's Republic of China have implemented large-scale national2818industrial policies to build microelectronics manufacturing facilities.2819In contrast, the availability of large-scale state-of-the-art2820microelectronics manufacturing foundries in the United States has been2821steadily declining. DOD has a diverse set of requirements and needs for2822the domestic production of measurably secure state-of-the-art, State of2823the practice, and legacy integrated circuits in low volumes to meet its2824needs.2825    What is your assessment of the Department's microelectronics needs,2826to include both legacy, state-of-the-practice, and state-of-the-art?2827    Answer. Assured access to both legacy and cutting-edge2828microelectronics is critical for maintaining existing and developing2829future defense systems. The Department's microelectronics needs are2830complex and multifaceted, requiring a strategic approach that addresses2831the full spectrum of legacy systems, state-of-the-practice2832technologies, and state-of-the-art advancements, all while prioritizing2833security and trustworthiness. If confirmed, I will aim for secure and2834reliable domestic and allied sources for these components. I am2835committed to working across the government to develop a comprehensive2836microelectronics strategy. This will include close collaboration with2837Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering (USD(R&E)) to2838anticipate and meet evolving technological requirements for national2839security.2840    Question. In your view, what role should the Department play in2841working with the interagency and industry to increase domestic2842production of dual use microelectronics?2843    Answer. Increasing domestic production of dual-use microelectronics2844demands a robust, whole-of-government approach, working in close2845partnership with industry. If confirmed, I will prioritize interagency2846coordination to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive strategy,2847leveraging existing authorities and exploring new avenues to2848incentivize domestic microelectronics production.2849    Question. If confirmed, what steps would you plan to take to2850support increased domestic production of dual use microelectronics?2851    Answer. If confirmed, increasing domestic production of dual-use2852microelectronics will be a priority. I will seek to leverage existing2853authorities, such as DPA Title III or IBAS, to incentivize private2854sector investment in dual-use manufacturing, ensuring national security2855needs are integrated into broader industrial policy. I will work across2856the Department through existing microelectronics governance structures2857to ensure our warfighters have the access they need to critical2858microelectronics. Congress, and the USD(R&E) have an important role to2859play to ensure we have an effective strategy for sourcing2860microelectronics.2861    Question. What actions would you take to partner with the USD(R&E)2862on this issue?2863    Answer. Collaboration within the DOD and across the executive2864branch is essential for supporting the DIB. If confirmed, I will work2865closely with USD(R&E) to ensure we have the workforce and capacity to2866address current and future microelectronics requirements, including2867innovative production initiatives.2868                             small business2869    Question. If confirmed, what steps would you take to increase the2870participation of small businesses in the defense industrial base?2871    Answer. Small businesses are vital to the DIB and drive innovation.2872If confirmed, I commit to increasing their participation through2873enhanced outreach, especially to new entrants, and successful2874leveraging of the Department's small business programs. This includes2875ensuring effective market research by the acquisition workforce to2876maximize small business participation and improving communication of2877upcoming procurement opportunities. If confirmed, I will work across2878the Department and the Services to integrate these efforts with other2879small business initiatives.2880    Question. In your view, what are the biggest barriers that prevent2881small businesses from becoming prime contractors to the Department?2882    Answer. One of the biggest barriers, in my view, is the complexity2883of the acquisition process itself--particularly for companies that have2884not previously done business with the government. Navigating defense2885procurement can be overwhelming, especially for small firms that lack2886dedicated compliance or contracting teams.2887    If confirmed, I will work closely with the DOD Office of Small2888Business Programs (OSBP) to reduce administrative burdens and help make2889the Department a more reliable and attractive customer--fully aligned2890with President Trump and Secretary Hegseth's direction to streamline2891defense acquisition and unleash the power of the American industrial2892base.2893    Question. In your view, are their adequate authorities and2894incentives in place that offer small businesses an opportunity to2895transition from small to medium-sized businesses?2896    Answer. I would assess whether existing authorities and incentives2897adequately facilitate their growth into medium-sized businesses. This2898includes examining potential gaps and areas for improvement to ensure a2899robust and dynamic DIB.2900    Question. Do you believe the Department is using all available2901authorities to provide small businesses the opportunity to subcontract2902with existing prime contractors to ensure programs of record have2903access to the most advanced and effective technologies?2904    Answer. If confirmed, I would assess the Department's effectiveness2905in using existing authorities to create subcontracting opportunities2906for small businesses. I understand programs like the Mentor-Protege2907Program, APEX Accelerators, and others aim to connect small firms with2908major defense programs. If confirmed, I would work with the OSBP to2909ensure these and other tools under its jurisdiction are fully leveraged2910to maximize the Department's access to advanced technologies and2911support small business participation in programs of record.2912    Question. If confirmed, what steps would you take to ensure that2913small businesses that provide goods and services to the Department of2914Defense are monitored and supported when facing financial pressures2915that challenge their viability?2916    Answer. If confirmed, I would work with relevant stakeholders2917across the Department, including the OSBP, to enhance monitoring and2918support for small businesses facing financial pressures. This could2919include improved financial health assessments, early warning2920indicators, and streamlined access to resources and assistance2921programs. The goal is to proactively identify and mitigate risks to2922small business viability within the DIB.2923    Question. What do you see as the benefits of diversifying the2924defense industrial base through more engagement with small and2925disadvantaged businesses?2926    Answer. Diversifying the DIB through greater engagement with small2927and disadvantaged businesses enhances innovation, agility, and regional2928reach, enabling the Department to better meet demands and surge2929requirements. It also strengthens our economic deterrent by2930demonstrating the ability to mobilize the full breadth of American2931industry in support of national security.2932    Question. What recommendations would you have to improve the2933Department's use of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)2934program and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program to2935develop and field new, advanced capabilities?2936    Answer. The SBIR program is crucial for developing advanced2937capabilities, but transitioning technologies into fielded systems2938remains a challenge. If confirmed, I would work closely with Office of2939the USD(R&E) to improve this process by strengthening collaboration2940between SBIR program managers, acquisition professionals, and2941warfighters; developing streamlined transition pathways, potentially2942through dedicated funding, tailored acquisition strategies, and2943leveraging of relevant A&S programs; and implementing metrics to track2944success and integrating SBIR/STTR with other small business2945initiatives. This will maximize SBIR's impact and deliver cutting-edge2946capabilities to the warfighter.2947    Question. The Office of Small Business Programs has worked over2948several years to increase participation in the Department of Defense2949Mentor Protege Program to expand the number of small businesses in the2950defense industrial base. If confirmed, how will you continue to expand2951the participation of small businesses in the DOD Mentor-Protege2952Program?2953    Answer. If confirmed, I would work with the OSBP to explore2954opportunities for expanding small business participation and2955participation within agencies across the Department in the DOD Mentor-2956Protege Program. This includes examining potential program adjustments,2957incentives, and outreach efforts to encourage greater participation and2958ensure its continued effectiveness in strengthening the DIB.2959    Question. The DOD Office of Small Business Programs rebranded the2960Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs), as APEX Accelerators,2961and expanded them to provide broader assistance to small businesses2962looking to work with the Department. Some of the expanded offerings2963include cybersecurity assistance and foreign ownership, control, and2964influence guidance. This guidance is imperative for businesses who may2965not be familiar with working with the Department. If confirmed, how2966will you continue to support the offerings of the APEX Accelerators?2967    Answer. The APEX Accelerators provide crucial support to businesses2968of all sizes seeking to work with DOD. If confirmed, I would seek2969opportunities to enhance their offerings, ensuring they remain a2970valuable resource for small businesses navigating the DIB.2971    Question. Small businesses that receive awards from programs such2972as SBIR/STTR remain at risk from foreign adversarial capital. Often the2973intellectual property and government-sensitive information are targeted2974and stolen from these innovative small businesses. If confirmed, how2975would you support efforts for small businesses to understand and2976mitigate foreign ownership and control risks?2977    Answer. Protecting small businesses, especially SBIR/STTR2978recipients, from adversarial capital is crucial. If confirmed, I would2979work with the USD(R&E) and other stakeholders to enhance support for2980small businesses in understanding and mitigating foreign ownership and2981control risks. This could include improved training, resources, and2982proactive threat assessments.2983              intellectual property/technical data rights2984    Question. Do you believe that DOD has sufficiently implemented2985intellectual property (IP) best practices to ensure that the government2986has appropriate access to IP and technical data to give proper return2987on investments in Federal research and development (R&D), retain the2988ability to re-compete programs to control costs, and exercise better2989control over program sustainment costs?2990    Answer. Rapid technological advancements necessitate a renewed2991focus on intellectual property. If confirmed, I would work with2992stakeholders to review and enhance DOD's IP best practices, ensuring2993they adequately address return on R&D investment, re-competition2994opportunities, and sustainment cost control. This will include2995examining early integration of IP considerations into planning and2996addressing long-term needs. The DOD should implement best practices to2997identify IP needs early in the acquisition process to ensure it is an2998evaluation factor in competitive awards.2999    Question. Does the Department need a different approach to access3000to technical data when dealing with primarily commercial companies?3001    Answer. The DOD needs to ensure procurement approaches attract new3002entrants, acquire the best available technology, and ensure effective3003implementation and sustainment enabled by access to technical data. If3004confirmed, I will partner with my colleagues in the Office of the ASD3005for Acquisition to review the current approaches to procuring and3006accessing technical data for commercial products.3007    Question. In what circumstances should DOD pursue reverse3008engineering or reengineering of parts when access to technical data is3009not available?3010    Answer. Reverse engineering or reengineering should be considered3011when access to technical data and accompanying license rights are3012unavailable and essential system sustainment is at risk. If confirmed,3013I would work closely with USD(A&S) and USD(R&E) to leverage existing3014authorities to streamline qualification of alternate suppliers and3015remove barriers to reverse engineering. This collaborative approach3016will improve readiness and reduce costs while strengthening the3017industrial base, aligning with Administration priorities of3018revitalizing the DIB and reforming acquisition processes.3019                         defense production act3020    Question. The Covid-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine3021saw the expanded use of Defense Production Act (DPA) authorities for3022the defense industrial base, and to support national emergencies and3023other contingencies.3024    How would you use DPA authorities to support prioritization of3025Federal contracts and expand domestic production of key supply chain3026bottlenecks (ex. Microelectronics, batteries), if confirmed?3027    Answer. If confirmed, I would seek to use DPA authorities3028strategically to address supply chain bottlenecks like microelectronics3029and batteries, as well as other parts, components and rare materials3030causing constraints in the DIB. This includes implementing DPA Title I3031Defense Priorities and Allocations System authorities delegated from3032the Department of Commerce to prioritize and allocate critical3033industrial resources necessary or appropriate for the national defense,3034expediting production schedules, manufacturing capacity, and delivery3035performance, ensuring that programs of the highest national urgency are3036receiving appropriate priority performance of contracts and orders by3037the DIB. This also includes using the full scope of the DPA, including3038leveraging Title III authorities (loans, loan guarantees, purchase3039commitments, and purchases) to incentivize domestic production of key3040materials and reduce reliance on foreign sources and expand domestic3041production. I would also integrate DPA authorities with other tools3042like public-private partnerships and R&D investments for a more3043holistic approach to strengthening critical supply chains, coordinating3044closely with interagency partners.3045    Question. In your opinion, to what extent and how should DOD best3046utilize DPA Title III authorities for loan guarantees, purchase3047commitments, and grants and subsidies to expand domestic production in3048areas of strategic interest?3049    Answer. In my opinion, DPA Title III authorities, including loan3050guarantees, purchase commitments, and grants/subsidies, represent3051valuable tools for expanding domestic production in areas of strategic3052interest to the DOD. However, their use should be strategic and3053targeted, based on a rigorous assessment of need and potential3054effectiveness. A one-size-fits-all approach is not appropriate.3055    If confirmed, I will conduct a comprehensive review of DPA Title3056III authorities to ensure their alignment with the needs of the DIB and3057the efficient use of taxpayer dollars, as well as coordinate with3058legislators to ensure DPA Title III is positioned to make use of loans,3059loan guarantees, and purchase commitments to the maximum extent3060possible. This review will inform a framework for determining the most3061appropriate type of incentive for a given situation. For example,3062grants or contracts may be more effective for quickly addressing urgent3063needs or stimulating initial investment in emerging technologies, while3064loan guarantees may be better suited for sustaining long-term3065investments in critical infrastructure. My goal is to utilize these3066authorities judiciously, maximizing their impact while minimizing risk3067and ensuring a robust and resilient domestic DIB. This will involve3068close coordination with other Federal agencies and industry partners to3069leverage expertise and avoid duplication of effort.3070    Question. Are there sectors or items you believe should see3071expanded use of DPA Title III authorities to support domestic3072production?3073    Answer. Several sectors, such as critical minerals and3074shipbuilding, warrant immediate attention for potential expanded DPA3075Title III use due to their criticality and supply chain3076vulnerabilities, including microelectronics, critical minerals, and3077high-performance materials. If confirmed, I would assess these sectors3078to identify areas where DPA Title III authorities could bolster3079domestic production and resilience. This assessment will consider3080current and future needs, informing recommendations for resource3081prioritization and potential additional authorities.3082    Question. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year30832024 expanded the definition of domestic source to include the United3084Kingdom and Australia, if there were no domestic sources available. In3085addition to recognizing that the AUKUS partnership is critical to joint3086capability development and interoperability, both the United Kingdom3087and Australia have been forward leaning on improving supply chain3088transparency for critical and strategic materials.3089    If confirmed, will you commit to leveraging the Defense Production3090Act authority not only for necessary domestic sources, but also to3091utilize existing alliances and supply chains for the benefit of the3092defense industrial base and the warfighter?3093    Answer. If confirmed, and to the extent the efforts are in line3094with Presidential action, I am committed to using the DPA3095strategically, both domestically and with allies like the U.K., Canada,3096and Australia. I will focus on operationalizing the expanded definition3097of ``domestic source'' to address critical supply chain needs. This3098includes exploring creative uses of Title III authorities, such as3099incentives and innovative financing, to bolster domestic production and3100strengthen partnerships for a resilient industrial base.3101    Question. The National Technology and Industrial Base (NTIB) is3102codified in statute and is composed of the defense industrial bases of3103the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United3104Kingdom. According to statute, the Department of Defense is required to3105have a national security strategy for the national technology and3106industrial base and is supposed to chair the National Defense3107Technology and Industrial Base Council. However, there are very few3108outcomes from these requirements.3109    If confirmed, how will you utilize the National Technology and3110Industrial Base as an asset to continue expansion and investment in the3111defense industrial base? Are there any statutory adjustments that you3112would recommend that would allow NTIB to be more effective?3113    Answer. If confirmed, I will leverage the NTIB to expand and3114strengthen the DIB by deepening information sharing, pursuing joint3115action with NTIB partners to address supply chain vulnerabilities, and3116prioritizing ``ally shoring'' and ``friend-shoring.'' I will also work3117to reduce barriers to integrating allied companies into the DIB,3118streamline regulations, and improve reciprocal defense trade. This3119whole-of-government approach will strengthen collective defense3120production and ensure supply chain resilience, crucial for modernizing3121our technological base and enhancing deterrence.3122               international armaments cooperation (iac)3123    Question. The Department conducts a number of activities that3124support International Armaments Cooperation (IAC) to promote US3125strategic goals. IAC is defined as (1) cooperative research,3126development, test, and evaluation of defense technologies, systems, or3127equipment; (2) joint production and follow-on support of defense3128articles or equipment and; (3) procurement of foreign technology,3129equipment, systems or logistics support. In addition to activities like3130information exchange agreements, defense trade, and cooperative3131logistics, the Department also funds activities that can be used to3132promote interoperability and joint development, such as the Defense3133Exportability Features (DEF) program, Coalition Warfare Support3134Program, and Foreign Comparative Test Program.3135    In your view, how are international armaments cooperation3136activities used to shape and support broader DOD warfighting needs and3137priorities? Are there new approaches or activities we should consider3138to be more effective and strategic?3139    Answer. IAC strengthens alliances, improves interoperability, and3140fosters innovation, all crucial for supporting DOD warfighting needs.3141If confirmed, I would examine streamlining acquisition with key3142partners, focusing on co-development, co-production, and co-sustainment3143of critical capabilities to maintain technological advantage, while3144ensuring these partnerships enhance U.S. industrial competitiveness and3145security. This includes exploring new approaches like joint investments3146in emerging technologies, flexible production, and enhanced information3147sharing.3148    Question. Based on the work of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group,3149what recommendations would you draw from its success to help streamline3150and improve security cooperation, foreign military sales, and3151cooperative logistics processes in order to be more responsive to3152rapidly changing security situations?3153    Answer. If confirmed, I would draw upon valuable lessons out of the3154Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) to advocate for streamlined3155processes for expediting security assistance requests, enhanced3156interoperability of equipment and systems among partner nations, pre-3157positioning of critical supplies and equipment in strategic locations,3158maintaining an industrial base that can expand to meet emergent3159requirements during a conflict, and improved coordination mechanisms3160for joint planning and logistics. These improvements would enable more3161agile and effective responses to rapidly changing security situations3162while strengthening partnerships, interoperability, and3163interchangeability--ultimately ensuring our collective security.3164    Question. The Ukraine Defense Contact Group offers valuable lessons3165in security cooperation. If confirmed, I would closely examine its3166successes and challenges to inform future decisionmaking regarding3167streamlining foreign military sales, cooperative logistics, and3168responsiveness to evolving security situations. This includes exploring3169opportunities to expedite assistance requests, enhance3170interoperability, pre-position critical supplies, and improve joint3171planning and logistics coordination.3172    If confirmed, would you review how the U.S. could rapidly model the3173Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the event of a different conflict?3174    Answer. If confirmed, I would review the lessons learned from the3175Ukraine conflict, including the effectiveness of the UDCG, to inform3176future contingency planning, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.3177Examining best practices and areas for improvement in coordinating3178multinational support for growing our collective DIBs is crucial for3179ensuring we can respond rapidly and effectively to any future conflict.3180    Question. In your view, how are newer initiatives like the Defense3181Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) with India, the Quadrilateral3182Security Dialogue (or Quad), or the AUKUS initiative being used to3183support our defense posture, and are there recommendations for3184improvements of those activities that should be considered to make them3185more effective?3186    Answer. It is my understanding that the DTTI, the Quad, and AUKUS3187are vital for strengthening our defense posture through3188interoperability, technology cooperation, and collective security.3189However, maximizing their effectiveness requires prioritizing expedited3190technology sharing, co-development, co-production, and co-sustainment3191that is focused on interoperability, strengthened industrial base3192collaboration, and regular strategic dialog.3193    If confirmed, I will review these initiatives to ensure they are3194impactful partnerships that enhance our collective defense capabilities3195and shared security.3196                        congressional oversight3197    Question. In order to exercise legislative and oversight3198responsibilities, it is important that this committee, its3199subcommittees, and other appropriate committees of Congress receive3200timely testimony, briefings, reports, records--including documents and3201electronic communications, and other information from the executive3202branch.3203    Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on request,3204to appear and testify before this committee, its subcommittees, and3205other appropriate committees of Congress? Please answer yes or no.3206    Answer. Yes.3207    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to3208provide this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees3209of Congress, and their respective staffs such witnesses and briefers,3210briefings, reports, records--including documents and electronic3211communications, and other information, as may be requested of you, and3212to do so in a timely manner? Please answer yes or no.3213    Answer. Yes.3214    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to3215consult with this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate3216committees of Congress, and their respective staffs, regarding your3217basis for any delay or denial in providing testimony, briefings,3218reports, records--including documents and electronic communications,3219and other information requested of you? Please answer yes or no.3220    Answer. Yes.3221    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to3222keep this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees of3223Congress, and their respective staffs apprised of new information that3224materially impacts the accuracy of testimony, briefings, reports,3225records--including documents and electronic communications, and other3226information you or your organization previously provided? Please answer3227yes or no.3228    Answer. Yes.3229    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on3230request, to provide this committee and its subcommittees with records3231and other information within their oversight jurisdiction, even absent3232a formal Committee request? Please answer yes or no.3233    Answer. Yes.3234    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to3235respond timely to letters to, and/or inquiries and other requests of3236you or your organization from individual Senators who are members of3237this committee? Please answer yes or no.3238    Answer. Yes.3239    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to3240ensure that you and other members of your organization protect from3241retaliation any military member, Federal employee, or contractor3242employee who testifies before, or communicates with this committee, its3243subcommittees, and any other appropriate committee of Congress? Please3244answer yes or no.3245    Answer. Yes.3246                                 ______32473248    [Questions for the record with answers supplied follow:]32493250              Questions Submitted by Senator Dan Sullivan3251                             8(a) contracts3252    1. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Cadenazzi, the Small Business Act (SBA)32538(a) program, created by Congress, provides a contract vehicle through3254which sole source and set aside contracts can be awarded to small3255businesses owned by Alaska Native corporations, Community Development3256Corporations, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations. These3257corporations are tied to political relationships, not racial3258classifications. They also are some of our most efficient contractors,3259earning stellar Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System3260(CPARS) marks. Last many of these small businesses employ veterans at3261rates far exceeding the national average, allowing our Nation's finest3262to continue to serve after they take off the uniform. Will you commit3263to me to work to preserve and strengthen 8(a) contracting for the3264Department of the Defense?3265    Mr. Cadenazzi. It is my understanding that 8(a) companies are an3266invaluable asset to the Department's workforce. If confirmed, I will3267commit to preserve and strengthen 8(a) contracting in the Department.32683269    2. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Cadenazzi and Vice Admiral Pappano, I3270recently toured an SBA 8(a) contracting operation and saw firsthand the3271value 8(a) brings to the Federal customer in terms of cost and3272efficiency while delivering mission-critical solutions that increase3273our national security and warfighter readiness. 8(a) contracts3274represent the best ``bang for the buck'' for taxpayers, giving3275contracting officers additional flexibility while also maximizing3276efficiency by reducing red-tape. Do you see the value in increased3277efficiency in flexibility brought from initiatives such as the 8(a)3278program?3279    Mr. Cadenazzi. In my view, the 8(a) program delivers substantial3280value to the Department of Defense by connecting innovative small3281businesses with prime contractors. This infusion of speed and3282innovation strengthens the defense industrial base, resulting in3283effective outcomes for the Department.3284                                 alaska3285    3. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Cadenazzi, on President Trump's first day3286in office he signed the Executive Order ``Unleashing Alaska's3287Extraordinary Resource Potential.'' This sent a strong message to3288Alaska, America, and the world, that unleashing Alaska's extraordinary3289resources and jobs in a growing economy is one of his Administration's3290top priorities. For years, I've worked toward the success of the Alaska3291LNG project. Not only could Alaska LNG shipments provide our allies3292with energy security, reaching them in 6 days without any strategic3293choke points, but this pipeline crosses directly through some of our3294most prominent military bases in my State, several of which have had3295issues with supply. Now, purchase agreements and other ways to commit3296to the project, beyond just the Department of Defense's (DOD) immediate3297need, will help secure financing for the project quickly and at the3298lowest cost in line with President Trump's America First Energy and3299National Security agenda. Can I get your commitment to work with me on3300the Alaska LNG (AKLNG) Project?3301    Mr. Cadenazzi. I appreciate your longstanding commitment to the3302Alaska LNG project and its potential benefits for both Alaska and our3303national security. I understand the importance of this project for3304energy security, job creation, and supporting our military3305installations in Alaska. If confirmed, I will commit to working with3306you to explore this project's opportunities for the DOD and nation.3307              defense production act and critical minerals3308    4. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Cadenazzi, Alaska represents a wealth of3309critical minerals. In the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act3310(NDAA), the Secretary of Defense was tasked with providing a way3311forward to address all critical mineral shortfalls. This came after a33122024 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that of the 993313materials for which there is a current shortfall, over 90 percent had3314either zero or one domestic supplier. In 2024, the previous3315Administration went to Australia and the United Kingdom and offered to3316purchase minerals from there rather than source them domestically. So,3317in 2024, I got an amendment into the NDAA that said that domestic3318sources, namely the United States and Canada, would be the primary3319source of development, and then, only if unable to source domestically,3320then we could go to those other countries. What are the risks to3321continued reliance on foreign, and often un-friendly, sources for these3322critical minerals?3323    Mr. Cadenazzi. It is my understanding that addressing our reliance3324on foreign sources of critical minerals is not just an industrial base3325issue, it is one of national security. Reliance on foreign sources for3326critical minerals exposes the U.S. defense industrial base to supply3327chain disruptions and adversarial manipulation, jeopardizing our3328ability to produce essential defense systems and maintain technological3329superiority.33303331    5. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Cadenazzi, how can Congress help3332``onshore'' or, at the very least, ``friendly shore'' some of these3333material sources?3334    Mr. Cadenazzi. It is in my view that Congress can bolster domestic3335critical mineral production by providing predictable and stable3336resources for infrastructure, R&D, and workforce development that3337supports the onshoring of these materials.33383339    6. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Cadenazzi, I also got a provision in the33402025 NDAA that required the Secretary of Defense to consult with the3341head of any agency responsible for development of an ``environmental3342document'' for a project that would result in an increase in3343availability of strategic and critical minerals. These environmental3344impact studies have been weaponized against my State to block3345development and limit economic opportunity at a cost to our national3346security. Will you commit to me to ensuring the Defense Production Act3347stays focused on defense and on improving our domestic industrial base?3348    Mr. Cadenazzi. If confirmed, I will commit to leveraging the3349Defense Production Act to secure reliable domestic sources of critical3350minerals and defense-critical capabilities that will strengthen our3351defense industrial base and reduce reliance on vulnerable foreign3352supply chains.3353                  protecting the u.s. industrial base3354    7. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Cadenazzi, the United States defense3355industrial base has always been a major target for foreign espionage--3356especially by major adversaries like China and Russia. One concerning3357trend the last few years is the very real threat of sabotage of3358industrial base assets by foreign agents. We saw attempts attributed to3359Russia to sabotage critical defense industrial base infrastructure in3360NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organization] countries since 2022. Germany3361and the United Kingdom for instance both saw fires and explosions break3362out at ammunition and missile facilities linked to the War in Ukraine.3363We saw an assassination plot against the CEO of Rheinmettal, a major3364German arms supplier, and fires set by explosive devices that went off3365at DHL logistics hubs in Germany, England, and Poland bound for3366aircraft. If confirmed, will you commit to doing an assessment of the3367security of the U.S. defense industrial base against the types of plots3368I just described and report back to Congress as soon as possible about3369ways we could better protect these critical nodes?3370    Mr. Cadenazzi. If confirmed, I look forward to working with the3371relevant interagency partners and Congress to assess the security of3372the U.S. defense industrial base and explore ways to enhance its3373protection. I understand the importance of this issue and commit to3374giving it full and careful consideration.3375                       collaboration with israel3376    8. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Cadenazzi, the Department of Defense's33772023 National Defense Industrial Strategy, as well as the DOD's3378implementation plan for fiscal year 2025, emphasize the importance of3379collaboration with allies and partners to enhance defense production,3380innovation, and overall capability. Israel, with its robust and3381innovative defense industry, is a natural fit for inclusion in the3382National Technology and Industrial Base (NTIB). Israel's defense3383sector, which emerged out of necessity, has become a leader in cutting-3384edge technologies such as cybersecurity, unmanned systems, and missile3385defense. The United States and Israel already have a strong foundation3386of cooperation through the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) and3387the U.S.-Israel Defense Industrial Base Working Group. With rising3388threats from adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran, do you believe3389it is in the United States' national interest to deepen our industrial3390collaboration with Israel?3391    Mr. Cadenazzi. If confirmed, I look forward to examining the3392potential benefits and challenges of deepening defense industrial3393cooperation collaboration with Israel, particularly in light of3394evolving geopolitical dynamics. I recognize the importance of strong3395international partnerships to our national security and economic3396interests.3397                               __________3398             Questions Submitted by Senator Jeanne Shaheen3399                      electronics industrial base3400    9. Senator Shaheen. Mr. Cadenazzi, what specific actions will your3401office take to identify and close manufacturing shortfalls in essential3402electronic components such as printed circuit boards (PCBs) and flat3403panel displays to ensure a resilient and secure industrial base for3404advanced defense electronics?3405    Mr. Cadenazzi. If confirmed, my office will work to assess supply3406chain risks and explore opportunities to strengthen domestic production3407through targeted investments and strategic partnerships. We will work3408to evaluate ways to address manufacturing gaps in PCBs and flat panel3409displays while supporting efforts to diversify supply sources.34103411    10. Senator Shaheen. Mr. Cadenazzi, how can your office rapidly3412ramp up domestic capacity for crucial electronic needs, like PCBs, so3413that the United States can match the output of our adversaries?3414    Mr. Cadenazzi. If confirmed, I look forward to thoroughly assessing3415our domestic capacity for crucial electronics like PCBs and developing3416a comprehensive plan to leverage all available tools, including the3417Defense Production Act, Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS)3418Program and other authorities.3419                               __________3420             Questions Submitted by Senator Mazie K. Hirono3421                         industrial resilience3422    11. Senator Hirono. Mr. Cadenazzi, the United States faces a pacing3423threat from China, and we must ensure that our industrial policy3424accounts for forward-deployed capabilities, long supply lines, and the3425need for distributed manufacturing. Hawaii, in particular, offers a3426strategic location for investment in resilient infrastructure and3427sustainment. What specific role do you see forward-positioned3428industrial capabilities--such as those in Hawaii or Guam--playing in3429future contingency planning and sustainment operations in the Indo-3430Pacific?3431    Mr. Cadenazzi. Forward-positioned industrial capabilities in3432locations like Hawaii and Guam are absolutely crucial for future3433contingency planning and sustainment operations in the Indo-Pacific.3434They provide essential logistical support, reduce reliance on long and3435vulnerable supply lines, and enhance our ability to respond quickly and3436effectively to crises. If confirmed, I would prioritize investing in3437and strengthening these forward-positioned capabilities as a key3438element of our Indo-Pacific strategy.34393440    12. Senator Hirono. Mr. Cadenazzi, how will you work to ensure that3441industrial base initiatives don't just concentrate on major defense3442primes, but also include small businesses and community-based partners,3443particularly in underserved regions like Hawaii?3444    Mr. Cadenazzi. I recognize the vital role that small businesses3445play in our national security innovation and industrial base3446resilience. They possess agility and specialized expertise and often3447represent the leading edge of technological advancement. It is3448essential that we leverage these strengths and ensure they are not lost3449or forgotten in relation to the larger defense primes.3450    If confirmed, I will direct IBP's industrial base initiatives to3451prioritize engagement with these businesses and communities to3452understand their capabilities and tailor DOD support to their needs.3453This will involve streamlining acquisition processes, investing in3454workforce development, and increasing transparency in contracting.3455     native hawaiian organizations and the defense industrial base3456    13. Senator Hirono. Mr. Cadenazzi, I've long believed that3457sustaining and strengthening the defense industrial base is not just3458about procurement, it's about people, places, and partnerships. Hawaii3459is uniquely positioned to contribute to the resilience and3460modernization of the defense industrial base, led by local and Native3461Hawaiian Organizations. How will you ensure that small and3462underrepresented communities, including Native Hawaiian Organizations,3463are more fully integrated into the DOD's industrial base planning and3464investment strategy?3465    Mr. Cadenazzi. I agree that a robust defense industrial base relies3466on people, places, and partnerships, and I share your view that Hawaii3467offers unique capabilities and contributions. It's not simply about3468procuring equipment--but more so about cultivating a diverse and3469resilient ecosystem of suppliers, innovators, manufacturers, and3470vocationally skilled workers.3471    If confirmed, I will leverage existing authorities and small3472business programs, such as the DOD Mentor-Protege and APEX Accelerator3473Programs, and as well as existing close partnerships with the Hawaiian3474small business and defense industrial organizations through INDOPACOM3475and the Defense Innovation Unit. I will also explore new mechanisms to3476lower barriers to entry, encourage prime-contractor partnerships, and3477invest in workforce development specific to these communities.34783479    14. Senator Hirono. Mr. Cadenazzi, how do you plan to both3480strengthen our supply chain resilience and ensure that communities like3481those in Hawaii--which have historically been underutilized--are3482included in the defense innovation ecosystem?3483    Mr. Cadenazzi. In my view, strengthening supply chain resilience3484and ensuring inclusivity of underutilized suppliers are mutually3485reinforcing goals. If confirmed, I will prioritize proactive outreach3486to Hawaiian businesses, especially Native Hawaiian Organizations,3487leverage existing IBP programs to attract suppliers from underutilized3488communities, and tailor DOD support through streamlined acquisition3489(e.g., expanded OTAs), incentives for prime-contractor partnerships,3490and targeted workforce development. This inclusive approach will3491leverage local potential, driving innovation and strengthening defense3492supply chains. If confirmed, I am committed to visiting Hawaii to3493gather stakeholder input and inform future efforts.3494                           acquisition reform3495    15. Senator Hirono. Mr. Cadenazzi, there is bipartisan support for3496acquisition reform, especially reforms that are meaningful for our3497warfighters in the Indo-Pacific--the Department's priority theater. But3498for too long, we've seen a mismatch between our strategic objectives3499and how we fund and prioritize capabilities for the region. How will3500you ensure that industrial base planning is aligned with real-world3501requirements?3502    Mr. Cadenazzi. Aligning industrial base planning with Indo-Pacific3503needs would be crucial. If confirmed, I will prioritize collaboration3504with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) to define requirements,3505leverage data analysis to address vulnerabilities, promote agile3506acquisition from our defense industry partners for faster delivery, and3507ensure transparency and accountability throughout the process. This3508data-driven approach will deliver warfighters the capabilities they3509need.35103511    16. Senator Hirono. Mr. Cadenazzi, do you support the creation of a3512dedicated U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) Acquisition Executive3513to represent the region's need; and how do you see your office3514coordinating with that role, if established?3515    Mr. Cadenazzi. It is important to ensure the USINDOPACOM has the3516necessary acquisition leadership to support the region's strategic3517needs. I would welcome the opportunity to better understand the role of3518a dedicated USINDOPACOM Acquisition Executive.35193520    17. Senator Hirono. Mr. Cadenazzi, would you support reforms to3521give combatant commanders more direct input into acquisition and3522industrial base decisions?3523    Mr. Cadenazzi. I understand OSD has been increasing delegation of3524authority to requirements owners, wherever possible, to reduce3525administrative burden associated with multiple layers of bureaucratic3526oversight. If confirmed, I will work closely with my colleagues3527throughout A&S and partners such as the Office of the Secretary of3528Defense for Research and Engineering and Defense Innovation Unit to3529identify opportunities where combatant commanders may provide more3530direct input into acquisition and industrial base decisions.35313532    18. Senator Hirono. Mr. Cadenazzi, reforming acquisition practices3533to better support our forward-deployed forces is essential to ensuring3534deterrence and readiness in the Indo-Pacific. Yet in the fiscal year35352025 budget, INDOPACOM submitted over $11 billion in unfunded3536priorities--a clear signal that our current acquisition systems aren't3537keeping pace with operational demands in the region. How do you plan to3538tailor acquisition and sustainment strategies to meet the unique needs3539of Indo-Pacific forces--particularly those based in Hawaii and3540operating throughout the Pacific Island chains?3541    Mr. Cadenazzi. If confirmed, I will work closely with my colleagues3542throughout A&S to best understand the requirements unique to each3543combatant command and will support acquisition reform efforts to meet3544the operational needs of the warfighter.35453546    19. Senator Hirono. Mr. Cadenazzi, in light of the urgency to field3547capabilities quickly while maintaining transparency and accountability,3548what specific acquisition reforms would you advocate for to ensure the3549timely delivery of systems without compromising oversight or wasting3550taxpayer dollars?3551    Mr. Cadenazzi. If confirmed, I will work closely with my colleagues3552throughout A&S to support acquisition reform efforts to enable faster3553procurement, production, and to ensure innovative capabilities are3554delivered into the hands of the warfighter. As such, if confirmed I3555welcome the opportunity to partner my A&S colleagues on reform efforts3556to fulfill the President's objective of restoring common sense to3557Federal procurement.3558                    unmanned systems sustainability3559    20. Senator Hirono. Mr. Cadenazzi, DOD is rapidly expanding its use3560of autonomous and unmanned systems across all domains, especially in3561the Indo-Pacific. But many of these systems are not designed for3562sustainability, lifecycle logistics, or rapid reconstitution in3563theater. How do you see your office helping shape procurement and3564production strategies for autonomous systems to ensure they are3565scalable, sustainable, and field-ready for operational needs in3566contested environments like the Indo-Pacific?3567    Mr. Cadenazzi. Secretary Hegseth acknowledged the importance of3568autonomous and unmanned systems across all domains. Additionally, I3569understand there are many stakeholders within the Department focused on3570delivering these capabilities at speed and scale to the warfighters. It3571is critical the Department assess the needs within all domains,3572including the Indo-Pacific when procuring autonomous and unmanned3573systems. If confirmed, I will assist the appropriate stakeholders3574across the Department identify the best strategies to deliver3575warfighters scalable, sustainable, and field-ready autonomous and3576unmanned systems.3577                               __________3578            Questions Submitted by Senator Elizabeth Warren3579                                 ethics3580    21. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, if you are confirmed, will you3581commit not to seek any employment with or compensation from a defense3582contractor, including through serving on a board, as a consultant, or3583as a lobbyist, for 4 years after leaving DOD?3584    Mr. Cadenazzi. I will abide by the extensive post-government3585employment ethics rules required by Federal law. These provisions set3586forth comprehensive restrictions relating to acceptance of compensation3587from defense contractors, as well as communicating back to the Federal3588Government on behalf of any future employers and clients. I believe3589that these existing rules are appropriate and sufficient to protect the3590public interest. If confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of3591my office honorably, and I will seek any post-government employment in3592full compliance with the applicable ethics rules.35933594    22. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, if you are confirmed, will you3595commit not to engage in any lobbying activities, including unregistered3596``shadow'' or ``behind-the-scenes'' lobbying under the guise of3597consulting or advising, focused on DOD or any of its components for 43598years after leaving DOD?3599    Mr. Cadenazzi. I will abide by the extensive post-government3600employment ethics rules required by Federal law. These provisions set3601forth comprehensive restrictions relating to acceptance of compensation3602from defense contractors, as well as communicating back to the Federal3603Government on behalf of any future employers and clients. I believe3604that these existing rules are appropriate and sufficient to protect the3605public interest. If confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of3606my office honorably, and I will seek any post-government employment in3607full compliance with the applicable ethics rules.36083609    23. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, will you commit not to seek3610employment, board membership with, or any other form of compensation3611from a company that you regulated or otherwise interacted with while in3612government, for at least 4 years after leaving office?3613    Mr. Cadenazzi. I will abide by the extensive post-government3614employment ethics rules required by Federal law. These provisions set3615forth comprehensive restrictions relating to acceptance of compensation3616from defense contractors, as well as communicating back to the Federal3617Government on behalf of any future employers and clients. I believe3618that these existing rules are appropriate and sufficient to protect the3619public interest. If confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of3620my office honorably, and I will seek any post-government employment in3621full compliance with the applicable ethics rules.36223623    24. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, during your nomination process,3624did anyone on the Trump campaign, transition team, or other closely3625related entity approach you about your loyalty to President Trump?3626    Mr. Cadenazzi. No. I was not approached regarding this subject.36273628    25. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, if you were approached about3629your loyalty to President Trump, did you sign a loyalty pledge or other3630similar oath? If so, please provide a copy of the text of that pledge3631or oath.3632    Mr. Cadenazzi. No. I was not approached regarding this subject.36333634    26. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, if you were approached about3635your loyalty to President Trump, did you make any verbal3636representations of loyalty? If so, please describe this representation.3637    Mr. Cadenazzi. No. I was not approached regarding this subject.36383639    27. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, in November 2024, the New York3640Times and other news outlets reported that Boris Epshteyn, a top3641adviser to President Trump, allegedly requested payment from3642prospective political appointees to promote their candidacies for top3643positions within the Administration. Did you discuss the possibility of3644joining the Administration with Mr. Epshteyn at any time?3645    Mr. Cadenazzi. No.36463647    28. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, if you did discuss the3648possibility of joining the Administration with Mr. Epshteyn, did Mr.3649Epshteyn seek payment from you for promoting your candidacy for a3650position within the Administration?3651    Mr. Cadenazzi. Not applicable.36523653    29. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, at any time, did lawyers for3654President Trump or members of President Trump's team approach you3655regarding Mr. Epshteyn and the allegations cited above? If so, please3656describe the information that they provided you (including copies of3657documents), what was discussed during any calls, and any other3658information pertaining to this interaction.3659    Mr. Cadenazzi. No, I was not approached on this subject.36603661    30. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, were you in contact with Mr.3662Elon Musk at any time during your nomination process? If so, please3663describe the nature of those contacts.3664    Mr. Cadenazzi. No, I was not in contact with Mr. Musk at any time3665during the nomination process.36663667    31. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, was Mr. Musk present or involved3668in any interviews you did related to your nomination? If so, please3669describe the nature of his involvement.3670    Mr. Cadenazzi. No, he was not present or involved in any interviews3671related to my nomination.36723673    32. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, was Mr. Musk involved in any way3674with your nomination, including but not limited to, directly or3675indirectly contacting Senators regarding their position on your3676nomination?3677    Mr. Cadenazzi. No, he was not involved in any way with my3678nomination process.36793680    33. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, who was in the room or3681participated in any of your interviews regarding your nomination?3682    Mr. Cadenazzi. I had three discussions with Administration3683personnel and staff from PPO and DOD prior to my nomination. None of3684these were defined to me as ``interviews.''36853686    34. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, if you own any stock or hold any3687other interest in any defense industry or Department of Energy3688contractors, will you divest it to avoid even the appearance of a3689conflict of interest?3690    Mr. Cadenazzi. My ethics agreement, which was previously provided3691to the Committee, sets forth my ethics commitments, if confirmed.36923693    35. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, what do you consider the role of3694the press in a democracy?3695    Mr. Cadenazzi. An objective, apolitical press is intended to3696provide factual reporting on events in the Nation and the world while3697delivering a level of accountability on corporations, governments and3698their officials of any and all political parties operating at any level3699(from the Federal to State and local).37003701    36. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, do you think it would be an3702appropriate use of taxpayer resources to ``dig up dirt'' on journalists3703who investigate or criticize you, your office, or the Trump3704administration?3705    Mr. Cadenazzi. No.37063707    37. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, will you commit not to3708retaliate, including by denying access to government officials or3709facilities, against news outlets or individual journalists who publish3710articles that are critical of you, your office, your agency, or the3711Trump administration?3712    Mr. Cadenazzi. Yes, with the bounds of the law and guidance from3713legal counsel.37143715    38. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, have you requested, or has3716anyone requested on your behalf, that any other person or third party3717sign a nondisclosure, confidentiality, non-disparagement, or similar3718agreement regarding your conduct in a personal or professional3719capacity?3720    Mr. Cadenazzi. No.37213722    39. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, will you voluntarily release any3723individual from any such agreements before this committee votes on your3724nomination?3725    Mr. Cadenazzi. Not applicable.37263727    40. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, have you ever paid or promised3728to pay, or has anyone paid or promised to pay on your behalf, an3729individual as part of any non-disclosure, confidentiality, non-3730disparagement, or similar agreement?3731    Mr. Cadenazzi. No.37323733    41. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi if the answer to the previous3734question was yes, how much was promised, how much was paid, and what3735were the circumstances?3736    Mr. Cadenazzi. Not applicable.37373738    42. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, will you commit to recuse3739yourself from all particular matters involving your former clients and3740employers for the duration of your service at DOD?3741    Mr. Cadenazzi. My ethics agreement, which was previously provided3742to the Committee, sets forth my ethics commitments, if confirmed.3743                congressional oversight and transparency3744    43. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, what is your understanding of3745the role of the Department of Defense Inspector General and service3746Inspectors General?3747    Mr. Cadenazzi. The Inspector General operates with the DOD and3748Services as independent entities which conduct independent unbiased3749investigation and analysis of a broad array of topic to maintain3750accountability within the Department.37513752    44. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, will you ensure your staff3753complies with any Inspector General deadlines established for requested3754communications, documents, and witnesses, and that staff will be3755protected from reprisal for their testimony?3756    Mr. Cadenazzi. Yes.37573758    45. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, if you are not able to comply3759with any Inspector General requests and deadlines, will you notify the3760Republican and Democratic members of this committee regarding the basis3761for any good faith delay or denial?3762    Mr. Cadenazzi. Yes37633764    46. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, if you are confirmed, will you3765commit to refusing to follow illegal orders from any individual,3766including the President?3767    Mr. Cadenazzi. Yes.37683769    47. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, what actions would you take if3770you were given an illegal order from any individual, including the3771President?3772    Mr. Cadenazzi. If I had concerns about the legality of an order, I3773would first contact the Office of Legal Counsel to address my concerns.3774Based upon their response, I would take appropriate actions.37753776    48. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, will you commit to voluntarily3777provide a deposition if you are requested by Congress to provide one?3778    Mr. Cadenazzi. Yes37793780    49. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, will you commit to voluntarily3781testify in front of Congress if you are requested by Congress to do so?3782    Mr. Cadenazzi. Yes37833784    50. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, will you commit to testify or3785provide a deposition in front of Congress if you are issued a subpoena3786to do so?3787    Mr. Cadenazzi. Yes37883789    51. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, will you commit to providing3790information or documents to Congress voluntarily if you are requested3791to do so?3792    Mr. Cadenazzi. Yes37933794    52. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, will you provide information or3795documents to Congress if you are issued a subpoena to do so?3796    Mr. Cadenazzi. Yes37973798    53. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, will you commit to following3799current precedent for responding to information requests, briefings,3800and other inquiries from Congress, including the Senate and House Armed3801Services Committees and their minority members?3802    Mr. Cadenazzi. Yes38033804    54. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, if confirmed, will you commit to3805posting your official calendar monthly?3806    Mr. Cadenazzi. If confirmed, I commit to complying with the Freedom3807of Information Act, which covers all agency records to include my3808official calendar.38093810    55. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, do you think the Federal3811Government has an overclassification problem? If so, please provide3812examples of overclassification you have encountered.3813    Mr. Cadenazzi. I do not have current personal experience with this3814issue. However, I have read in public reports and heard from both3815experts and government officials that the Federal Government has an3816overclassification problem. As result, I do not have a strong3817perspective on this topic and would be open to arguments on either3818side.38193820    56. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, if confirmed, do you think your3821department should pursue strategic technology to support automated3822declassification?3823    Mr. Cadenazzi. Technology can be a powerful enabler of productivity3824and efficiency for myriad administrative tasks. Where declassification3825is appropriate, the application of strategic technology could be a3826complement to existing declassification processes, serve as a check on3827manual declassification process, or serve as starting point for more3828advanced solutions in the future.3829                              project 20253830    57. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, have you discussed Project 20253831with any officials associated with the Trump campaign, the Trump3832transition team, or other members of the Trump administration? If so,3833please explain what you discussed, when you discussed it, and with whom3834you discussed it.3835    Mr. Cadenazzi. No, I have never discussed Project 2025 with any3836members of the Trump campaign, Trump transition team or other members3837of the Trump administration.38383839    58. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, have you discussed Project 20253840with any officials associated with the Heritage Foundation? If so,3841please explain what you discussed, when you discussed it, and with whom3842you discussed it.3843    Mr. Cadenazzi. No, I have never discussed Project 2025 with any3844officials associated with the Heritage Foundation.3845                           foreign influence3846    59. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, have you received any payment3847from a foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government3848within the past 5years?3849    Mr. Cadenazzi. No.38503851    60. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, have you communicated with any3852foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government within3853the past 5 years?3854    Mr. Cadenazzi. No.38553856    61. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, please disclose any3857communications or payments you have had with representatives of any3858foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government within3859the past 5 years and describe the nature of the communication.3860    Mr. Cadenazzi. No.3861               retaliation and protecting whistleblowers3862    62. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, do you believe that3863servicemembers, civilians, grantees, and contractors should be3864protected from any form of retaliation for coming forward about an3865illegal order, sexual assault or harassment, negligence, misconduct, or3866any other concern that they wish to raise?3867    Mr. Cadenazzi. Yes.38683869    63. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, have you ever retaliated against3870any individual for coming forward about an illegal order, sexual3871assault or harassment, negligence, misconduct, or any other concern3872that they wish to raise?3873    Mr. Cadenazzi. No.38743875    64. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, if you are confirmed, will you3876commit to protecting whistleblowers? If so, please specify how you will3877do so.3878    Mr. Cadenazzi. Yes. I am not currently aware of DOD rules and3879regulations for whistleblower protection. I would need to familiarize3880myself with this topic to provide specific steps. In addition, I would3881seek advice from counsel and coordinate any actions or response with3882them.3883                        impoundment control act3884    65. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, do you believe the Secretary of3885Defense or the Secretary of Energy has the legal authority to block the3886disbursement of funds appropriated by Congress?3887    Mr. Cadenazzi. I fully acknowledge and respect Congress'3888constitutional role in appropriating funds to be carried out by the3889executive branch for designated purposes.38903891    66. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, what is your understanding of3892the Impoundment Control Act?3893    Mr. Cadenazzi. My understanding is that the Impoundment Control Act3894provides a framework for handling circumstances in which the President3895seeks to defer or cancel execution of appropriated funds.3896    I commit, if confirmed, to executing my responsibilities consistent3897with the Constitution and the law on this matter, as on all others. I3898would ensure that my actions and advice to the Secretary of Defense on3899this matter are informed by the Administration's legal positions and3900advice from the Department's General Counsel's office.39013902    67. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, do you commit to complying with3903the Impoundment Control Act?3904    Mr. Cadenazzi. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my3905responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on this3906matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice to3907the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by the3908Administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's3909General Counsel's office.39103911    68. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, do you commit to notifying the3912Senate and House Armed Services Committees, including the majority and3913minority, if you are asked not to comply with the Impoundment Control3914Act or not to expend the money that Congress appropriates or3915authorizes?3916    Mr. Cadenazzi. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my3917responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on this3918matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice to3919the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by advice the3920Administration's legal positions and from the Department's General3921Counsel's office.39223923    69. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, the Constitution's Spending3924Clause (Art. I, Sec.  8, cl. 1) and Appropriations Clause (Art. I,3925Sec.  9, cl. 7) give Congress, not the Executive, power of the purse.3926The Supreme Court has unanimously upheld this power. Do you believe3927that impoundments are constitutional?3928    Mr. Cadenazzi. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my3929responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on this3930matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice to3931the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by the3932Administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's3933General Counsel's office.39343935    70. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, the funding levels in3936appropriations bills passed into law are not targets or ceilings;3937instead, they are amounts the executive branch must spend, unless3938stated otherwise. Congress could--if it wanted the President to have3939discretion--write those amounts as ceilings. Do you agree?3940    Mr. Cadenazzi. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my3941responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on this3942matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice to3943the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by the3944Administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's3945General Counsel's office.39463947    71. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, what is your understanding of3948the requirements for DOD/NNSA to obligate funding that Congress3949authorizes and appropriates, in accordance with the time period that3950Congress deems it to do so?3951    Mr. Cadenazzi. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my3952responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on this3953matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice to3954the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by the3955Administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's3956General Counsel's office.39573958    72. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, do you commit to expending the3959money that Congress appropriates and authorizes?3960    Mr. Cadenazzi. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my3961responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on this3962matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice to3963the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by advice the3964Administration's legal positions and from the Department's General3965Counsel's office.39663967    73. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, do you commit to following and3968implementing every provision of the annual National Defense3969Authorization Act passed into law?3970    Mr. Cadenazzi. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my3971responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law,3972including the National Defense Authorization Acts.39733974    74. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, if you became aware of a3975potential violation of the Antideficiency Act, Impoundment Control Act,3976or other appropriations laws, what steps would you take?3977    Mr. Cadenazzi. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my3978responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law. If I3979receive information of a potential legal violation, I would direct the3980gathering of relevant facts, ensure all relevant stakeholders are3981engaged, and consult with the Department's General Counsel's office.3982                            right-to-repair3983    75. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, do you believe ensuring the3984services have access to the technical data rights needed to repair3985their own equipment could advance military readiness?3986    Mr. Cadenazzi. The ability to quickly and cost-effectively repair,3987maintain, and overhaul equipment is essential to military readiness and3988deterrence. As such, I believe the Department should procure the3989necessary data and associated rights to enable repair of its own3990equipment where appropriate. If confirmed, I will work to support the3991Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and my3992counterparts across the Department to ensure there is a review of the3993Department's policies regarding the acquisition of technical data3994rights and the impact on readiness.39953996    76. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, if you are confirmed, will you3997commit to helping DOD lower sustainment costs by promoting competition3998for repair contracts and ensuring DOD has access to technical data3999rights needed for repairs?4000    Mr. Cadenazzi. If confirmed, I will work with my counterparts4001across Acquisition and Sustainment to explore how best to leverage4002right-to-repair and technical data rights in acquisition and4003sustainment contracts to lower costs, enhance competition, and foster4004innovation within the defense industrial base.40054006    77. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, if you are confirmed, will you4007commit to ensuring services and components have guidance and necessary4008support to include right-to-repair/technical data rights clauses in4009acquisition contracts that DOD enters into as part of a broader4010strategy to lower sustainment costs and expand the defense industrial4011base?4012    Mr. Cadenazzi. I note that Secretary Hegseth directed the Secretary4013of the Army to identify and propose contract modifications to4014incorporate right-to-repair provisions and seek to include these4015provisions in all new contracts to accelerate modernization and4016efficacy. If confirmed, I am committed to supporting Department policy4017on right-to-repair provisions as a tool to foster competition and4018innovation in the defense industrial base.40194020    78. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, what is your understanding of4021how DOD can use suspension and debarment to advance DOD acquisition and4022policy priorities?4023    Mr. Cadenazzi. It's my understanding that suspension and debarment4024are tools for ensuring the defense industrial base is comprised of4025responsible and reliable contractors. If confirmed, I look forward to4026working with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition to4027better understand available DOD options, such as suspension and4028debarment, to ensure a robust DIB.40294030    79. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, will you commit to conducting an4031assessment of how acquisition strategies and contract mechanisms can be4032used to protect DOD's interest in acquisition and sustainment, the4033results of which you would make public for review by Congress, the4034public, and the Department of Government Efficiency?4035    Mr. Cadenazzi. If confirmed, I will commit to working with the4036Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, who has primary4037responsibility for this area, to support an assessment of acquisition4038strategies and contract mechanisms. I believe a thorough understanding4039of these tools is critical for protecting the DOD's interests in4040acquisition and sustainment.4041                           acquisition reform4042    80. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi and Vice Admiral Pappano, what is4043your understanding of the Procurement Integrity Act and your4044obligations under that law?4045    Mr. Cadenazzi. I understand I am obligated to protect source4046selection information from unauthorized disclosure and that4047safeguarding this sensitive information is essential to maintain the4048integrity of the process. As a Government official, I understand I must4049ensure all prospective contractors have the fair opportunity to compete4050for Federal contracts, and the Procurement Integrity Act prohibits4051former Government officials from accepting compensation from4052contractors to varying degrees, depending on the procurement4053decisionmaking role performed by the former official and the dollar4054value of those decisions. The Act also imposes meaningful restrictions4055on post-Government employment of covered officials, and these4056restrictions are important to ensure an unbiased operation of the4057procurement system.40584059    81. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi and Vice Admiral Pappano, do you4060believe that it is important to be able to assess accurate cost and4061pricing data from contractors, especially for sole-or single-source4062contracts?4063    Mr. Cadenazzi. If confirmed, I will work with the Assistant4064Secretary of Defense for Acquisition (ASD(A)) to understand the4065implications of accurate cost and pricing data--particularly in sole-4066source situations--on acquiring goods and services at fair and4067reasonable prices. I understand competition is the preferred method for4068obtaining fair and reasonable pricing, however that is not always4069possible. I understand that access to accurate cost and pricing data4070from contractors, provides the Government with a reliable way to verify4071contractor assertions or statements during negotiations.40724073    82. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi and Vice Admiral Pappano, if you4074are confirmed, what steps will you take to ensure that contractors are4075not price-gouging or overcharging the Federal Government?4076    Mr. Cadenazzi. I believe competition affords the U.S. Government4077means to acquire goods and services at the best value, thus preventing4078or reducing risk of price gouging. If confirmed, I will work with the4079ASD(A), where appropriate, to understand what measures are in place,4080and what additional efforts may be needed to safeguard against price4081gouging.40824083    83. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, should DOD's industrial base4084strategy be influenced by partisan political activities?4085    Mr. Cadenazzi. If confirmed, I believe DOD's industrial base4086strategy should be driven by objective national security requirements.4087My focus will be on strengthening the industrial base through objective4088assessments and ensuring predictable, stable resourcing to effectively4089support our warfighters.40904091    84. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, should DOD's acquisition4092decisions be influenced by individuals with conflicts of interest4093involving contracts or other business before DOD?4094    Mr. Cadenazzi. If confirmed, I will ensure OASD(IBP) priorities, in4095partnership with my colleagues throughout A&S, align with those of the4096President, and Secretary Hegseth, while ensuring robust, secure,4097resilient, and innovative industrial capabilities are delivered to the4098warfighter.4099                        research and development4100    85. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, does the Federal Government4101benefit from partnering with colleges, universities, nonprofits, and4102federally funded research and development centers?4103    Mr. Cadenazzi. In my view, yes. Partnering with colleges,4104universities, nonprofits, and FFRDCs is essential for the Federal4105Government, especially when it comes to the defense industrial base.4106These organizations bring a wealth of expertise, cutting-edge research,4107and a talent pipeline that we simply can't replicate on our own.4108However, the Department must work with these entities to ensure that4109national defense information is safe and secure from exploitation and4110expropriation. By working together, we can leverage their strengths to4111address critical national security challenges and maintain our4112technological advantage.41134114    86. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, under your leadership, will your4115agencies continue to work with colleges, universities, nonprofits, and4116federally funded research and development centers to research and4117address our toughest national security challenges?4118    Mr. Cadenazzi. If confirmed--yes. Collaborating with colleges,4119universities, nonprofits, and FFRDCs is certainly something I see as4120valuable. If confirmed, I will continue to consider these relationships4121as a key avenue for addressing national security challenges.4122         protecting classified information and federal records4123    87. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, what is your understanding of4124the need to protect operational security, or OPSEC?4125    Mr. Cadenazzi. Operational Security is practiced to deny4126adversaries the opportunity for an advantage over U.S. forces. Proper4127OPSEC protects critical information and the mission and the men and4128women executing it.41294130    88. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, what are the national security4131risks of improperly disclosing classified information?4132    Mr. Cadenazzi. It is generally accepted that the improper or4133unauthorized disclosure of classified information could be expected to4134cause identifiable or describable damage to national security. The4135describable damage and certainty of that damage would depend on the4136details of the information released, including the level of4137classification, as well as the extent and nature of the disclosure.4138Determining the extent of damage to national security is part of the4139unauthorized disclosure process as outlined in DOD policy, and I would4140defer to the Department for additional specifics.41414142    89. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, what would you do if you learned4143an official had improperly disclosed classified information?4144    Mr. Cadenazzi. If confirmed and in such a situation, I would4145immediately take steps to secure the information, assess the situation,4146and report the incident to the appropriate security officials for4147mitigation and appropriate action in accordance with law and policy.41484149    90. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, what is your understanding of4150government officials' duties under the Federal Records Act?4151    Mr. Cadenazzi. If confirmed, I will adhere to the Federal Records4152Act and the applicable DOD policies that implement it, which ensure4153that the Federal records I create or receive are appropriately4154maintained.41554156    91. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, should classified information be4157shared on unclassified commercial systems?4158    Mr. Cadenazzi. No.4159                              competition4160    92. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, how can DOD's acquisition4161policies increase competition in the defense industrial base?4162    Mr. Cadenazzi. Several acquisition policy adjustments can increase4163competition in the defense industrial base. These include streamlining4164the process, especially for smaller and non-traditional vendors;4165promoting modular open systems architectures; increasing the use of4166Other Transaction Authorities via the Commercial Solutions Opening4167process and other flexible contracting mechanisms; and actively4168engaging a diverse range of potential suppliers, including small4169businesses and startups. If confirmed, I look forward to working with4170the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition on these and other4171initiatives as well as partnering with the Defense Innovation Unit to4172strengthen the defense industrial base.41734174    93. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, under what circumstances should4175DOD pursue those policies?4176    Mr. Cadenazzi. Policies to increase competition should be pursued4177strategically, considering the specific circumstances of each4178acquisition program. Factors like criticality, technology maturity,4179urgency, and potential risks of using non-traditional vendors should be4180weighed. If confirmed, I look forward to working with the ASD(A) on4181these and other initiatives to strengthen the defense industrial base.41824183    94. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, in what ways might DOD be4184negatively impacted by ``vendor lock-in,'' that is by becoming4185dependent on a single vendor?4186    Mr. Cadenazzi. Vendor lock-in can hinder competition, drive up4187costs, and limit innovation both in acquisition and in sustainment.4188Relying on a single vendor risks disruptions from financial4189instability, cybersecurity breaches, or production delays. If4190confirmed, I would leverage all of the authorities and programs under4191the ASD(IBP)'s purview to prioritize fostering competition in the DIB,4192attract new and non-traditional entrants, and carefully evaluate vendor4193dependencies to mitigate these risks.41944195    95. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, according to the GAO, DOD's4196mergers and acquisitions team consists of only two to three full-time4197equivalent employees. Do you think that indicates DOD is adequately4198prioritizing and resourcing its processes to determine if prospective4199mergers and acquisitions harm national security?4200    Mr. Cadenazzi. While I am not familiar with the precise figures4201cited by the GAO, I do agree that adequate staffing and resourcing are4202critical for effectively evaluating the national security implications4203of mergers and acquisitions. A workforce of two to three full-time4204equivalents certainly seems like a small team to handle such a large,4205complex, and important task. If confirmed, I will assess the current4206workload, the complexity of the transactions being reviewed, and the4207resources available to determine if adjustments are needed to ensure4208we're properly safeguarding national security.42094210    96. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, in your advance policy questions4211you wrote, ``If confirmed, I will work to ensure that the DOD4212rigorously evaluates the implications of M&A activities on the4213industrial and technological base, leveraging its unique perspective to4214assess potential risks to supply chain resilience, innovation, and4215operational readiness. The Department must also maintain active4216awareness of how ongoing M&A activities influence cost, schedule, and4217performance across defense acquisition programs. When appropriate, the4218DOD should voice concerns and work with regulatory agencies to address4219acquisitions that give rise to concerns. I will advocate for a4220proactive approach that strengthens oversight mechanisms, enhances4221interagency coordination, and ensures that America's DIB remains4222competitive, secure, and aligned with national security priorities.''4223Do you think DOD's industrial base strategy should be informed by an4224understanding of the impacts of past mergers and acquisitions on the4225current health of the defense industrial base, including the most4226vulnerable sectors like missiles and munitions?4227    Mr. Cadenazzi. In my view, understanding the impacts of past4228Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) is essential for informing a robust and4229effective industrial base strategy. Analyzing historical trends,4230particularly in vulnerable sectors like missiles and munitions, can4231help us identify potential risks and vulnerabilities associated with4232future M&A activity. This includes assessing the impact on competition,4233innovation, supply chain resilience, consolidation, and overall cost4234and performance of defense programs. If confirmed, I will focus on4235incorporating these historical lessons learned into our strategic4236planning to ensure a more proactive and informed approach to4237safeguarding the health and competitiveness of the defense industrial4238base.42394240    97. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, do you think using modular open4241systems approaches in acquisition can help encourage competition and4242result in reducing costs and program delays and increasing technical4243performance?4244    Mr. Cadenazzi. Modular open systems approaches can enhance4245competition, reduce costs and delays, and improve technical4246performance. By enabling interoperability and integrating components4247from multiple vendors, they help avoid vendor lock-in and encourage4248innovation. Effective implementation requires careful planning, and if4249confirmed, I would promote their use where appropriate.4250                        artificial intelligence4251    98. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, in what ways might DOD benefit4252from increased competition in the artificial intelligence and cloud4253computing markets?4254    Mr. Cadenazzi. The American artificial intelligence (AI) industry4255is currently a source of competitive advantage over our adversaries.4256Our commercial sector is the leading edge of innovation, driving4257powerful capabilities into both private industry and the DOD. Increased4258competition in the AI market--with respect to both AI model development4259and cloud infrastructure--would benefit DOD by driving down costs,4260fostering innovation, and accelerating the development of cutting-edge4261AI capabilities. A more competitive landscape also ensures a wider4262range of vendors--especially small and medium sized businesses--4263reducing reliance on single-source providers. The diversified market4264created by increased competition would likely allow DOD to promote4265greater interoperability and prevent vendor lock-in, enabling DOD to4266adopt best-in-class solutions. Finally, a robustly competitive4267environment promotes higher quality and more tailored AI solutions to4268address DOD's unique and complex operational requirements.4269    Increased competition in the market offers significant benefits to4270DOD including greater competition to drive down costs, fueling4271innovation, enhance resilience and avoid vendor lock, and creating more4272tailored solutions.42734274    99. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, in what ways might DOD be4275impacted by consolidation in the artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud4276computing markets?4277    Mr. Cadenazzi. Consolidation in the AI and cloud computing markets4278would likely negatively impact DOD. A consolidation of the AI or cloud4279computing market, similar to the post-cold war consolidation of the4280defense and aerospace industry, would likely stifle competition and4281increase costs; suppress innovation; and reduce access to frontier AI4282and cloud capabilities. Furthermore, a consolidated market could lead4283to increased vendor lock-in, making it more difficult for DOD to adopt4284best-in-class solutions from alternative non-traditional vendors.4285Furthermore, a less diverse market could hinder the development of4286specialized AI solutions tailored to DOD's unique operational4287requirements, ultimately frustrating DOD's ability to integrate4288advanced applications of AI in support of lethality and management4289efficiencies.42904291    100. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, in what ways might DOD benefit4292from the adoption of interoperable AI and cloud computing tools?4293    Mr. Cadenazzi. The adoption of interoperable AI and cloud computing4294tools have the ability to greatly enhance DOD's lethality and4295efficiency, as well as increase coordination across the Department. It4296would also increase operational agility and result in cost4297efficiencies. Interoperability allows AI and cloud systems to share4298data, models, and outputs, enabling operational agility.4299Interoperability also increases opportunities for scalability, reducing4300duplicability and costs of fielding AI and cloud systems across the4301enterprise. Interoperability encourages a more modular and open4302approach to technology development. This allows smaller, innovative4303companies to contribute to the DOD's technology ecosystem, fostering a4304more dynamic and competitive market. It also makes it easier to4305integrate cutting-edge commercial technologies into military4306applications.43074308    101. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, in what ways might DOD benefit4309from multicloud solutions when contracting for cloud computing tools?4310    Mr. Cadenazzi. The Department of Defense (DoD) can benefit4311significantly from multicloud solutions when contracting for cloud4312computing tools in several ways:? avoiding vendor lock, enhanced4313security and resilience, optimization for specific workloads, increased4314flexibility and innovation, fostering competition and innovation,4315meeting data sovereignty and regulatory requirements, leveraging4316specialized services, improving recovery capabilities from disaster and4317outages, and cost optimization.43184319    102. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, earlier this month the White4320House's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a memorandum4321titled ``Driving Efficient Acquisition of Artificial Intelligence in4322Government'' (hereinafter the ``OMB memo''). That memo states that ``As4323agencies seek to accelerate the adoption of AI-enabled services, they4324must pay careful attention to vendor sourcing, data portability, and4325long-term interoperability to avoid significant and costly dependencies4326on a single vendor.'' Do you believe this statement might provide4327useful guidance for DOD? Please explain why or why not.4328    Mr. Cadenazzi. Yes, this statement provides useful guidance for4329DOD. The rapidly developing nature of AI capabilities requires DOD to4330be able to access the latest commercial solutions from not only4331traditional defense companies, but also newer and non-traditional4332entities. Vendor lock-in stifles agility and innovation, which4333undermines DOD's ability to act quickly and efficiently. Vendor4334sourcing is also important in terms of supply chain risk management,4335since digital technologies often rely on people or parts from outside4336the United States.43374338    103. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, the OMB memo also states that4339terms regarding ``Vendor Lock-In Protections . . . are necessary to4340reduce the risk that switching vendors could become cost-prohibitive.4341Protections against vendor lock-in can vary, but include requirements4342for vendor knowledge transfers, data and model portability, providing4343agencies with rights to code and models produced in performance of a4344contract, and transparency in licensing and pricing.'' Do you believe4345this statement might provide useful guidance for DOD? Please explain4346why or why not.4347    Mr. Cadenazzi. If confirmed, I will review the methods the DOD4348currently employs to protect against vendor-lock, as I do agree that4349the Department should take measures to ensure robust competition is4350maintained to continue encouraging innovation from industry.43514352    104. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, the OMB memo states that4353``agency processes should address . . . Data Handling'' by4354``[p]roviding clear guidance on handling, access, and use of agency4355data or information to ensure, among other purposes, that such4356information must only be collected and retained by a vendor when4357reasonably necessary to serve the intended purposes of the contract.''4358Do you believe this statement might provide useful guidance for DOD?4359Please explain why or why not.4360    Mr. Cadenazzi. Data is critical to mission success, and the OMB4361memo's emphasis on careful data handling provides useful guidance. If4362confirmed, I look forward to collaborating with DOD colleagues to4363ensure OASD(IBP) alignment with departmental guidance on this vital4364issue.43654366    105. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, the OMB memo states that4367``agency processes should address . . . Use of Government Data'' by4368``[e]nsuring contracts permanently prohibit the use of non-public4369inputted agency data and outputted results to further train publicly or4370commercially available AI algorithms, consistent with applicable law,4371absent explicit agency consent.'' Do you believe this statement might4372provide useful guidance for DOD? Please explain why or why not.4373    Mr. Cadenazzi. The DOD takes data protection seriously and, if4374confirmed, I will ensure that all policy and regulations are enforced4375so Government data is secure and used appropriately.4376                         defense production act4377    106. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, what role does the Defense4378Production Act (DPA) play in addressing economic coercion from the4379People's Republic of China?4380    Mr. Cadenazzi. It is my understanding that an authority like the4381Defense Production Act (DPA) plays a crucial role in countering4382economic coercion from China by allowing for efforts to reduce our4383reliance on foreign sources for critical materials and technologies. It4384also gives us a meaningful role in reviewing foreign investment in U.S.4385businesses for potential coercive influence. If confirmed, I would work4386to ensure the DPA is utilized strategically and effectively to mitigate4387the risks of economic coercion from China.43884389    107. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, some critics argue that the DPA4390is too broad and affords too much discretion to the President. Do you4391agree?4392    Mr. Cadenazzi. I understand the perspectives regarding the scope of4393the DPA and the Presidential authorities it provides. The DPA's breadth4394allows for flexibility in responding to national security needs, but it4395also necessitates careful consideration of its application.4396Transparency, congressional oversight, and engagement with stakeholders4397are important elements in ensuring its responsible and effective use.4398If confirmed, I would be committed to working with this committee to4399address these considerations.44004401    108. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, would a lapse of the DPA damage4402U.S. national security and industrial preparedness?4403    Mr. Cadenazzi. It is my understanding that a lapse of the DPA would4404certainly present challenges to U.S. national security and industrial4405preparedness, since it provides valuable authorities for prioritizing4406critical industries, strengthening supply chains, and ensuring timely4407access to essential materials and technologies. Losing these tools4408would undoubtedly impact our ability to respond effectively to national4409security emergencies and could potentially leave us vulnerable to4410adversarial pressures. Maintaining a robust and adaptable DPA is4411important for ensuring our national security and industrial resilience.4412If confirmed, I would advocate for ensuring the DPA remains a viable4413tool for the Department.44144415    109. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, did the first Trump4416administration and Biden administration effectively use the DPA to4417address the threat to Americans posed by the coronavirus pandemic?4418    Mr. Cadenazzi. It is my understanding that both the Trump and Biden4419administrations utilized the DPA and similar CARES Act authorities to4420respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, taking actions to address critical4421supply shortages and bolster domestic production of essential medical4422equipment and supplies. The effectiveness of these actions is a complex4423issue with varying perspectives, and there are certainly lessons to be4424learned from both Administrations' experiences. If confirmed, I would4425be committed to reviewing those lessons learned and working with this4426committee to ensure the DPA is utilized effectively in future crises.44274428    110. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, do you believe there are ways4429that the first Trump administration and Biden administration fell short4430or were misguided in their use of the DPA?4431    Mr. Cadenazzi. I'm not aware of all past decisions on DPA4432utilization from both Administrations to make that assessment. I trust4433that those decisions were made based on the best available information4434and analysis at the time, given the evolving circumstances. If4435confirmed, I'm committed to continually refining our approach to DPA4436implementation and leveraging lessons learned to ensure its effective4437and strategic application in the future.44384439    111. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, is DOD currently using the DPA4440in an appropriate manner to map critical national security supply4441chains and illuminate dependencies and chokepoints?4442    Mr. Cadenazzi. I am not aware of all the DPA efforts. If confirmed,4443I look forward to reviewing the process to ensure we are optimally4444utilizing the DPA to map critical national security supply chains,4445identify dependencies, and address potential chokepoints effectively.44464447    112. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, how do you plan to use lesser-4448used authorities in title VII of the DPA, including voluntary4449agreements and mandatory survey authorities?4450    Mr. Cadenazzi. If confirmed, I look forward to gaining a deeper4451understanding on how authorities have been utilized. I commit to assess4452the effectiveness and determine how we can better leverage these tools4453to strengthen the DIB.44544455    113. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, DPA allows the President of the4456United States and subsequently DOD to influence domestic industry in4457the interest of national defense. DOD can utilize funding under this4458authority to ``establish, expand, maintain, or restore'' domestic4459capacity for critical components and technologies. How should DOD plan4460to improve competition in the defense industry under this authority?4461    Mr. Cadenazzi. The DPA is a critical tool that enables the DOD to4462strengthen domestic industrial capacity in support of national defense.4463If confirmed, I look forward to assessing the ongoing efforts under4464this authority, identifying opportunities to enhance competition within4465the defense industry, and ensuring that we are effectively utilizing4466the DPA to strengthen the DIB.44674468    114. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, should DPA reauthorization4469include any new or expanded authorities?4470    Mr. Cadenazzi. DPA reauthorization presents an opportunity to4471strengthen and expand authorities that support national security and4472industrial resilience. If confirmed, I look forward to understanding4473where gaps may exist in the current framework and recommending specific4474areas for consideration to ensure we are maximizing the DPA's4475effectiveness in addressing critical supply chain challenges and4476emerging defense needs.44774478    115. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, would it be preferable to have4479a flexible DPA authority that allows the President to ameliorate4480shortfalls by supply chain sector or a more narrow one that requires it4481only be used for specific program requirements?4482    Mr. Cadenazzi. It's my understanding that a flexible DPA authority4483would allow us address supply chain shortfalls more effectively across4484sectors. If confirmed, I look forward to evaluating and identifying4485ways to optimize its use to strengthen the defense industrial base.44864487    116. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, do you believe that the4488President should have the full authority granted to him by the Defense4489Production Act?4490    Mr. Cadenazzi. It is my understanding that DPA provides significant4491authority to the President, and the appropriate use of that authority4492requires careful consideration and balance. If confirmed, I will work4493with this committee to ensure the DPA is utilized effectively.44944495    117. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi, would you support congressional4496efforts to limit or strip the full authority granted to the President4497by the Defense Production Act?4498    Mr. Cadenazzi. If confirmed, I look forward to working with4499Congress to better understand the perspectives on the DPA's authorities4500and flexibilities.45014502                                 ______45034504    [The nomination reference of Mr. Michael P. Cadenazzi, Jr.4505follows:]45064507                                 ______45084509    [The biographical sketch of Mr. Michael P. Cadenazzi, Jr.,4510which was transmitted to the Committee at the time the4511nomination was referred, follows:]45124513                                 ______45144515    [The Committee on Armed Services requires all individuals4516nominated from civilian life by the President to positions4517requiring the advice and consent of the Senate to complete a4518form that details the biographical, financial, and other4519information of the nominee. The form executed by Mr. Michael P.4520Cadenazzi, Jr. in connection with his nomination follows:]45214522  [GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]45234524                                 ______45254526    [The nominee responded to Parts B-F of the Committee4527questionnaire. The text of the questionnaire is set forth in4528the Appendix to this volume. The nominee's answers to Parts B-F4529are contained in the Committee's executive files.]45304531                                 ______45324533    [The nomination of Mr. Michael P. Cadenazzi, Jr. was4534reported to the Senate by Chairman Wicker on May 13, 2025, with4535the recommendation that the nomination be confirmed. The4536nomination was confirmed by the Senate on September 18, 2025.]4537                                ------45384539    [Prepared questions submitted to Vice Admiral Scott W.4540Pappano, USN by Chairman Wicker prior to the hearing with4541answers supplied follow:]45424543                        Questions and Responses4544                       duties and qualifications4545    Question. Section 3213 of the National Nuclear Security4546Administration Act states that the Principal Deputy Administrator shall4547be appointed ``from among persons who have extensive background in4548organizational management and are well qualified to manage the nuclear4549weapons, nonproliferation, and materials disposition programs of the4550Administration in a manner that advances and protects the national4551security of the United States.''4552    What background, experience, and expertise do you possess that4553qualify you for appointment to this position?4554    Answer. My qualifications are founded upon the bedrock of a strong4555technical education with an undergraduate degree in marine engineering4556from the U.S. Naval Academy and a graduate degree in nuclear4557engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Both my4558education and leadership were honed across a 36-year career as a4559nuclear submarine officer and military acquisition professional where I4560humbly led exceptional teams at all levels. As a submarine line4561officer, I completed sea rotations on five submarines across all4562classes, culminating in command of a nuclear attack submarine. I also4563served as a Military Assistant for an Assistant Secretary of Defense4564charged with both strategic nuclear deterrence and non-proliferation4565policy. As a military acquisition professional, I served as major4566program manager for lifecycle sustainment of operational strategic and4567attack submarines, oversaw research and development activities of the4568Naval Undersea Warfare Center labs, established a program executive4569office to focus on cradle-to-grave lifecycle activities for all nuclear4570strategic ballistic missile submarines, and eventually served as4571Principal Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy charged with4572overseeing the procurement and sustainment of all Navy and Marine Corps4573weapon systems. I understand the complexity of the threats and the4574critical importance of the NNSA mission. I have a deep understanding of4575Naval nuclear propulsion. I oversaw the recapitalization of our sea-4576based strategic nuclear deterrent and worked closely with other4577stakeholders engaged in nuclear modernization efforts to include4578STRATCOM, Strategic Systems Programs, the United Kingdom Dreadnought4579Alliance, and other legs of the U.S. Nuclear Triad. I supervised4580contract performance at our nuclear shipbuilders and led the stand-up4581of a Navy industrial base team to collaborate with Department of4582Defense stakeholders and Congress to target industrial base investment4583in critical infrastructure, supply chain capacity and resilience,4584manufacturing technology, and workforce development. I believe that, if4585confirmed, my background, experience, and expertise would be well-4586suited to execute the duties of NNSA Principal Deputy Administrator.4587    Question. What is your understanding of the duties and functions of4588this position?4589    Answer. If confirmed as NNSA Principal Deputy, I will be4590responsible for executing duties and responsibilities as prescribed by4591the Administrator in support of maintaining and enhancing the safety,4592security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile;4593reducing the global danger from weapons of mass destruction; providing4594the U.S. Navy with safe and militarily effective nuclear propulsion;4595and responding to nuclear and radiological emergencies. I would be4596required to act for, and exercise the powers of, the Administrator when4597the Administrator is disabled or the position is vacant.4598    Question. Section 3213 goes on to State that the Principal Deputy4599Administrator ``shall perform such duties and exercise such powers as4600the Administrator may prescribe, including the coordination of4601activities among the elements of the Administration.''4602    If confirmed, what additional duties and responsibilities, if any,4603do you expect that the Administrator for Nuclear Security would4604prescribe for you?4605    Answer. If confirmed, and subject to the authorities of the4606Administrator, I would expect to oversee the implementation and4607accountability of contracts, procurement, administrative, budget, and4608planning activities. In addition to coordinating activities among the4609elements of the Administration, I would be required to engage with4610other key leaders across the Department of Energy, as well as external4611stakeholders, to ensure collaborative efforts to drive for resiliency,4612efficiency, and innovation across the nuclear weapons enterprise.4613    Question. If confirmed, what would be your main priorities be in4614this position?4615    Answer. If confirmed, my main priority would be to maximize the4616efficiency, effectiveness, capability, and capacity of NNSA, national4617security labs, plants, and production facilities to achieve priorities4618established by Administrator for nuclear stockpile stewardship, nuclear4619weapons production, critical infrastructure recapitalization, non-4620proliferation and counter-proliferation activities, and advancing4621technology and innovation.4622    Question. What are the major challenges you would expect to4623confront if confirmed as the Principal Deputy Administrator?4624    Answer. NNSA is currently executing seven simultaneous stockpile4625modernization programs while also recapitalizing its aging and4626deteriorating production infrastructure and design, certification, and4627assessment capabilities to support the current and future deterrent.4628Additionally, nuclear proliferation challenges are rising because of4629the evolving geopolitical environment.4630    Question. If confirmed, how would you address these challenges?4631    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Administrator, the NNSA4632leadership team, the Secretary of Energy, the Deputy Secretary of4633Energy, DOD, and Congress to recognize challenges early and implement4634strategies to address them.4635                         conflicts of interest4636    Question. Federal ethics laws, to include 18 U.S.C. Sec. 208,4637prohibit government employees from participating in matters where they,4638or certain family members or organizations with which they have certain4639relationships, have a financial interest.4640    Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to disclose any4641potential conflicts of interest, including investments, business ties,4642family relationships, or other connections that could be perceived as4643influencing your decisionmaking?4644    Answer. Yes.4645    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, that4646if a conflict of interest arises, you will recuse yourself from4647participating in any decisions regarding that specific matter?4648    Answer. Yes.4649    Question. Do you commit, without qualification, if confirmed, to4650decisionmaking on the merits and exclusively in the public interest,4651without regard to private gain or personal benefit?4652    Answer. Yes.4653               nnsa organization and management structure4654    Question. The NNSA Act of 2000, as amended, establishes that the4655Administrator for Nuclear Security``. . . shall be subject to the4656authority, direction, and control of the Secretary [of Energy]. Such4657authority, direction, and control may be delegated only to the Deputy4658Secretary of Energy, without re-delegation.''4659    What is your view on the relationship between the Secretary of4660Energy and the Administrator of NNSA in statute and in recent practice?4661    Answer. Statutorily, NNSA is subject to the authority, direction,4662and control of the Secretary of Energy. I believe that the NNSA4663Administrator must have a strong and healthy relationship with the4664Secretary of Energy and Deputy Secretary of Energy in order for NNSA to4665succeed. If confirmed, I will work closely with the Secretary, Deputy4666Secretary, and the Administrator to ensure successful execution and4667delivery of NNSA's missions.4668    Question. How is the ``semi-autonomous'' nature of the NNSA, as set4669forth in the NNSA Act, reflected in NNSA's organizational structure?4670What makes NNSA different from the domains of the other Under4671Secretaries of the Department of Energy (DOE)--in both law and4672practice?4673    Answer. The NNSA Act provides the guidance and authority necessary4674for the NNSA Administrator to carry out NNSA's various missions under4675the direction of the Secretary and Deputy Secretary. The NNSA Act4676provides that the NNSA has full authority over and is responsible for4677the core functions of the NNSA which include: maintaining the safety,4678security and effectiveness of the nuclear deterrent; preventing,4679countering and responding to proliferation and terrorism threats; and4680providing operational support for naval nuclear propulsion. To carry4681out those core missions, the NNSA Act further provides that the NNSA4682Administrator has full responsibility for the following areas that4683support performance of the core functions: budget formulation and4684execution, personnel, health and environmental safety, emergency4685management, procurement, legal, legislative matters, and public4686affairs. For all other DOE organizations over which the Under4687Secretaries have cognizance, all of these core functions are performed4688centrally by DOE support organizations. Finally, all NNSA Federal4689personnel and NNSA contractors are subject only to the direction and4690control of the Administrator, who is accountable to the Secretary and4691Deputy Secretary.4692    Question. With a view to improving organizational management and4693operational effectiveness, would you recommend the Administrator pursue4694any changes to the structure of NNSA?4695    Answer. If confirmed, I will focus on strengthening the4696coordination and integration of activities across NNSA's nuclear4697security enterprise to bolster the organization's ability to deliver in4698line with its commitments. I will work with the Administrator and NNSA4699leadership to enable productive relationships across NNSA's4700laboratories, plants, and sites, and with interagency partners while4701also fostering a strong culture of accountability, responsibility, and4702efficiency.4703                             relationships4704    Question. Please describe your understanding of the relationship of4705the Principal Deputy Administrator with the following officials:4706    The Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Energy4707    Answer. If confirmed, I will report through the Administrator to4708the Deputy Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of Energy. In the4709Administrator's absence, I will represent NNSA.4710    Question. The Administrator for Nuclear Security4711    Answer. If confirmed, I will report directly to the Administrator.4712    Question. The Deputy Administrators of the NNSA4713    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Deputy Administrators to4714support the execution of their respective missions.4715    Question. The Assistant Secretary of Energy for Environmental4716Management4717    Answer. If confirmed, I will interact with the Assistant Secretary4718of Energy for Environmental Management on environmental management4719issues that overlap with NNSA.4720    Question. The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear4721Deterrence, Chemical and Biological Defense Policy and Programs4722    Answer. NNSA's Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs serves as4723the primary point of contact with the Assistant Secretary of Defense4724for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical and Biological Defense Policy and4725Programs. If confirmed, I will support the Administrator and NNSA's4726priorities with the Assistant Secretary, as appropriate.4727    Question. The Chairman of the Nuclear Weapons Council4728    Answer. The Administrator is a member of the Nuclear Weapons4729Council. If confirmed, I will support the Administrator and NNSA's4730priorities to the Chairman of the Nuclear Weapons Council.4731    Question. The Commander of United States Strategic Command4732    Answer. If confirmed, I will support the Administrator and NNSA's4733priorities to the Commander of United States Strategic Command.4734    Question. The nuclear directorates of the Air Force and Navy4735    Answer. If confirmed, I will support the Administrator and NNSA's4736priorities to the nuclear directorates of the Air Force and Navy.4737    Question. The Associate Administrator of NNSA for Acquisition and4738Project Management4739    Answer. I understand NNSA reorganized its Office of Acquisition and4740Project Management to the Office of Infrastructure and the Office of4741Partnership Acquisition Services. If confirmed, I will support the4742Administrator by providing management oversight for the Associate4743Administrator for Infrastructure and the Associate Administrator for4744Partnership Acquisition Services.4745    Question. The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board4746    Answer. If confirmed, I will support the Administrator and NNSA's4747priorities to the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.4748           relationship with the department of defense (dod)4749    Question. If confirmed, you will support the Administrator in his4750role as a member of the Nuclear Weapons Council (NWC), together with4751the Under Secretaries of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment,4752Policy, and Research and Engineering, as well as the Vice Chairman of4753the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Commander of U.S. Strategic Command.4754Since the 1946 Atomic Energy Act, when it was designated as the4755``Military Liaison Committee,'' the primary purpose of the NWC is to4756serve as the civilian-military interface and set the military4757requirements for the nuclear weapons stockpile, which form the basis of4758the core mission of NNSA. The Department of Defense (DOD) is, in a4759sense, NNSA's primary customer.4760    How would you assess the relationship between NNSA and the DOD, at4761both senior management levels, as well as at working levels?4762    Answer. Coming from the Navy and having worked on a major future4763leg of the deterrent, I have been able to witness these relationships4764first-hand. From my current perspective, NNSA and DOD integrate their4765work well and maintain a positive working relationship. This4766collaboration will be essential to manage the increased demands being4767placed on the nuclear security enterprise. It is imperative that NNSA4768and DOD continue to integrate their unique capabilities,4769responsibilities, and schedules to maintain a safe, secure, and4770effective nuclear deterrent.4771    Question. If confirmed, what steps would you recommend to improve4772this relationship?4773    Answer. If confirmed, I plan to maintain regular engagements with4774my DOD counterparts. I hope to use my previous experience within DOD to4775foster a positive and proactive relationship in support of NNSA's role4776as a dynamic partner.4777    Question. Do you believe that NNSA is adequately responsive to the4778requirements set by the DOD?4779    Answer. Yes, but I recognize the shifting strategic environment has4780increased demands on the nuclear security enterprise. If confirmed, my4781goal is to maintain continual communication and collaboration with DOD,4782ensure that DOD requirements are appropriately informed by the nuclear4783security enterprise's design and production capacity, and, if4784necessary, improve NNSA's ability to rapidly respond to DOD4785requirements.4786    Question. Do you believe it important for the NWC to ensure the4787NNSA is adequately funded through the interagency budget process to4788meet DOD's requirements?4789    Answer. Having been the Program Executive Officer for Strategic4790Submarines, I recognize the breadth of the NNSA portfolio and the4791requirement for NNSA to maintain a budget capable of supporting4792activities necessary to meet DOD requirements. If confirmed, I look4793forward to working with the Secretary of Energy, the Office of4794Management and Budget, and the NWC to ensure NNSA alignment with the4795DOD.4796                              nnsa budget4797    Question. The workload of the NNSA has seen an unprecedented4798increase over the past several years, a increase that is expected to4799continue for the foreseeable future. However, growth in the NNSA budget4800has consistently failed to keep pace with inflation and failed to fully4801resource a variety of projects understood to be critical capability4802needs, such as tritium and conventional high explosives production.4803    Multiple independent commissions, including congressional4804Commissions on the National Defense Strategy, Reforms to the Planning,4805Programming, Budgeting, and Execution, and Strategic Posture of the4806United States have highlighted that U.S. defense investments are4807inadequate for addressing the international security threats facing the4808United States. These conclusions have been echoed by many Members of4809Congress.4810    Do you agree that sustained real growth in the defense budget,4811including the national security functions of the Department of Energy,4812of at least 3 to 5 percent is necessary to meet global security4813challenges without incurring significant additional risk?4814    Answer. In my current capacity, I am not privy to the details on4815budget development for the national security functions of DOE. If4816confirmed, I will work with the Administrator, the Secretary of Energy,4817the Deputy Secretary of Energy, and the Office of Management and Budget4818to request the funding necessary for NNSA to achieve its national4819security missions.4820    Question. 10 U.S.C. 179 requires the Nuclear Weapons Council to4821examine the NNSA budget before its submission to the Office of4822Management and Budget (OMB) to ensure it can meet DOD requirements, and4823provide confirmation of such review to Congress.4824    If confirmed, do you commit, without qualification, to complying4825with the requirements of 10 U.S.C. 179 with regard to the annual NWC4826examination of the NNSA budget prior to its submission to OMB?4827    Answer. Yes.4828    Question. How would you support the Administrator in ensuring4829compliance with this provision, including providing the NWC with4830adequate time to review the budget before its submission to OMB?4831    Answer. In my current capacity, I have not been briefed on this4832process. If confirmed, I will work with the Administrator, the NWC, and4833the Secretary of Energy to ensure compliance with this provision.4834    Question. If confirmed, what standards would you recommend the4835Administrator employ in measuring the adequacy of the NNSA budget?4836    Answer. Measuring the adequacy of the NNSA budget requires4837considering how well the implementation of NNSA strategy documents4838meets statutory requirements and achieves the goals of the4839Administration. If confirmed, I look forward to evaluating NNSA's4840budget in cooperation with my departmental and interagency counterparts4841and establishing the budget levels required to fulfill NNSA's statutory4842and administrative objectives.4843                    nuclear policy and modernization4844    Question. United States nuclear forces are the bedrock of our4845Nation's defense, underpin our most critical alliances, and have4846deterred nuclear aggression and great power conflict for more than 704847years. Unfortunately, long deferred investments have left us with4848systems and production capabilities beyond or nearing the end of their4849useful lives. These capabilities must be updated to maintain a viable4850nuclear deterrent.4851    Do you agree with the assessment of past Secretaries of Defense4852that nuclear deterrence is the Nation's highest priority mission and4853that modernizing our Nation's nuclear forces is a critical national4854security priority?4855    Answer. Yes. Our nuclear deterrent has been the backbone of U.S.4856national defense for decades, and its modernization is essential. NNSA4857must continue to deliver a safe, secure, and effective stockpile to the4858DOD. If confirmed, I commit to supporting this critical mission.4859    Question. If confirmed, do you commit to support and advocate for4860full funding for efforts to comprehensively modernize the Nation's4861nuclear weapons stockpile, including supplemental capabilities like the4862warhead for the sea-launched cruise missile, the supporting sustainment4863and production infrastructure, and experimental capabilities, and4864accelerate such programs wherever possible?4865    Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I will help advance the modernization of4866the U.S. nuclear stockpile, including SLCM-N, and the facilities and4867capabilities across the enterprise that underpin the deterrent.4868    Question. In its unanimous bipartisan conclusions, the 20234869Strategic Posture Commission (SPC) highlighted the rapidly growing4870threats facing the United States, now and in the coming decades from4871China's unprecedented nuclear and military force expansion, Russia's4872aggression and investment in destabilizing strategic capabilities, and4873growing regional nuclear and missile threats from North Korea and Iran.4874To address these threats, the SPC recommended, among other steps, that4875the U.S. should expedite its ongoing nuclear force modernization4876activities, modify its strategic nuclear force structure to account for4877the rapid growth of China's nuclear forces and the unprecedented need4878to deter two nuclear-armed peer adversaries, and urgently develop4879additional theater range nuclear options.4880    Do you agree with the conclusions of the SPC regarding global4881threats to U.S. interests?4882    Answer. Yes, I agree with the SPC's conclusions about global4883threats to U.S. interests, the challenges posed by two near-peer,4884nuclear-armed adversaries, and the risk of coordinated or opportunistic4885aggression. If confirmed, I will consider what efforts NNSA has already4886undertaken to respond to such challenges and how NNSA can harness its4887unique assets and workforce to promote peace through strength and4888enable a more stable global environment.4889    Question. What is your understanding of how Russia, China, and4890North Korea have expanded and/or modernized their nuclear force4891capabilities?4892    Answer. The geopolitical threat landscape is dynamic, and in recent4893years its complexity has only increased. If confirmed, I will support4894NNSA's efforts to maintain America's technological superiority over our4895adversaries and ensure that they cannot gain a strategic advantage. I4896will also seek relevant briefings on nuclear threats to ensure that4897NNSA's work is aligned with the requirement to deter and counter4898potential threats to U.S. interests.4899    Question. In your view, how does NNSA support strategic competition4900with the countries highlighted by the SPC and contribute to the overall4901national security of the United States?4902    Answer. NNSA's multiple nuclear-related missions support the4903Nation's nuclear deterrent, U.S. counterterrorism and4904counterproliferation goals, nonproliferation, arms control, and4905militarily effective naval nuclear propulsion. Each of these efforts4906allows the United States to project power and influence well beyond its4907shores, and all make positive contributions to the Nation's safety and4908security. Each of these key mission areas contribute to a strong4909national defense and cause adversaries to question whether they can4910match our Nation in the nuclear domain.4911    Question. Do you support continued collaboration with the United4912Kingdom in the maintenance of its independent nuclear deterrent?4913    Answer. Yes, collaboration with the United Kingdom is a key element4914of our national security. As one of the United States' longest and most4915reliable partners, continued cooperation with the United Kingdom on the4916capabilities and technologies that underpin our respective nuclear4917deterrents advances out mutual defense and security.4918    Question. Past Administrations have conducted Nuclear Posture4919Review (NPR) to define the upcoming overarching U.S. nuclear policy and4920strategy. The last NPR, conducted in 2022 by the Biden administration,4921emphasized the importance of modernizing our stockpile, NNSA4922facilities, and the workforce. Although the Secretary of Defense is the4923primary cabinet official responsible for policymaking regarding nuclear4924weapons, the support of the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator4925for Nuclear Security are crucial to successful execution of the nuclear4926mission.4927    If confirmed, what role, if any, would you expect the Administrator4928to assign to you in the conduct of the Trump administration's NPR,4929should it choose to conduct one?4930    Answer. If confirmed, pending any new NPR deliberations, I will4931work with the Administrator to determine what duties and4932responsibilities I could best execute to support this Administration in4933its efforts to modernize the U.S. nuclear deterrent and promote peace4934through strength.4935    Question. If confirmed, what changes to the policies outlined by4936the 2022 NPR would you recommend the Trump administration consider?4937    Answer. I am not yet aware of what deliberations may be occurring4938regarding a planned or future NPR. I support full scope modernization4939of the U.S. nuclear deterrent, its triad, nuclear command, control, and4940communications, and the infrastructure and scientific capabilities that4941support a safe, secure, reliable and effective nuclear stockpile. If4942confirmed, I would prioritize the necessary briefings to understand the4943complex threats posed to the United States and how the nuclear security4944enterprise, in coordination with DOD, can best deter those threats.4945    Question. Should the upcoming NPR call for the development of4946additional nuclear capabilities, will you commit, if confirmed, to4947supporting those additions and ensuring that NNSA fully supports the4948new requirements?4949    Answer. Yes.4950    Question. Arms control, when effective and verifiable, has been a4951valuable tool for managing competition and international security4952concerns. In contrast, unverifiable arms control regimes observed by4953only one party can generate instability.4954    Do you believe that further reductions should be taken only within4955the context of a formal, verifiable arms control agreement with Russia,4956China and other nuclear-armed powers?4957    Answer. The decision to pursue future arms control agreements will4958be made by the President. If confirmed, I look forward to working with4959partners at other agencies, including State, the Intelligence4960Community, and Defense, to support the President in this area. I will4961also leverage NNSA's unique expertise and capabilities to develop4962monitoring and verification tools, including the ability to4963unilaterally monitor activities, so that the United States is prepared4964to meet future arms control opportunities and challenges.4965                        nuclear weapons council4966    Question. In your view, what are the most significant issues the4967Council should take up in the coming years?4968    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to supporting the NNSA4969Administrator, broadening my knowledge of the nuclear security4970enterprise, and collaborating with my fellow DOD colleagues through the4971NWC. While I am not currently informed of internal deliberations of the4972NWC, I do believe that the NWC should take a strategic approach to4973prioritizing the execution of the existing Program of Record. The NWC4974should continue to identify opportunities to accelerate the Program of4975Record, but equal attention to the recapitalization of the enterprise4976is required to secure NNSA's ability to continue serving the deterrent4977into the future.4978    Question. If confirmed, will you commit to fully supporting the4979Administrator's participation in NWC matters?4980    Answer. Yes.4981    Question. If confirmed, will you commit to working with the staffs4982of the other members of the NWC and the interagency to ensure that4983annual budgets adequately support the modernization and sustainment of4984the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile?4985    Answer. Yes.4986    Question. The Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act4987restructured the existing Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear,4988Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs into the Assistant Secretary4989of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical, and Biological Defense4990Policy and Programs. Congress took this action to cut through4991bureaucratic stovepipes in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and4992designate a single official as the principal civilian staff assistant4993responsible for nuclear policies, programs, and operations.4994    What is your understanding of the role of this position in relation4995to the Nuclear Weapons Council and with regard to the overall DOD4996relationship with the NNSA?4997    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to engagements with my4998counterparts as they implement this restructuring and aim to support4999further coordination between our organizations. I will support the5000Administrator and work with DOD partners to streamline communications5001between DOD and NNSA.5002                            defense programs5003    Question. Do you believe that the United States currently possesses5004the capabilities to ensure the stockpile is safe, secure, and5005reliable--without the need to resume nuclear explosive testing?5006    Answer. Yes, and I agree with the nominee for NNSA Administrator's5007position on this matter. For nearly 30 years, the three national5008security laboratory directors and the Commander of U.S. Strategic5009Command have annually assessed the nuclear stockpile and determined5010that it remains safe, secure, and effective, with no technical issue5011that would require a return to underground nuclear explosive testing.5012The confidence provided by this annual assessment process has, in part,5013allowed the United States to continue observing an enduring moratorium5014on nuclear tests since 1992. If confirmed, I will continue to support5015the annual assessment process and will ensure NNSA continues to adhere5016to nuclear test readiness requirements while supporting a rigorous and5017effective Stockpile Stewardship Program.5018    Question. What is your understanding of the current nuclear weapons5019stockpile modernization plan?5020    Answer. I understand that NNSA is currently focused on delivering5021modernized warheads across all three legs of the nuclear triad in5022alignment with our DOD partners and continues to meet all DOD5023requirements. The current program of record includes weapons that have5024already been delivered such as the B61-12 and W88 Alt 370; weapons in5025advanced development and production stages that will soon be delivered5026such as the B61-13 and W80-4; and weapons in earlier stages of design5027and engineering that will be delivered in the 2030's, such as the W87-50281, W93, and the warhead for the SLCM-N. These programs are all5029dependent on the recapitalization of infrastructure for producing5030weapons components and designing, certifying, and assessing these5031modernized warheads in addition to our existing stockpile. While I am5032encouraged by the nuclear security enterprise's responsiveness in5033rapidly standing up the B61-13 and SLCM-N programs to meet emerging5034requirements, deterrence is not static. Rather, it is a condition that5035must continually be maintained. I am certain that NNSA will need to be5036agile in responding to new DOD requirements as the security environment5037and the threats posed by our adversaries evolve.5038    Question. Do you have any concerns with this level of effort5039required of NNSA and, in particular, concurrency between the plants and5040the laboratories?5041    Answer. I have a high degree of confidence that NNSA and its5042nuclear security enterprise will be able to meet the challenge of5043delivering the growing program of record on time and on budget. If5044confirmed, I will reinforce the Administrator's enterprise-wide5045coordination efforts and work closely with my counterparts across the5046enterprise to ensure we remain aligned in our efforts and continue5047building on the progress we've made toward achieving our ambitious5048modernization and infrastructure recapitalization schedules.5049    Question. Congress has authorized the Stockpile Responsiveness5050Program for the last several years in order to exercise design and5051engineering skills in support of the nuclear weapons mission, but this5052authority has not been fully utilized by NNSA.5053    If confirmed, how would you support the Stockpile Responsiveness5054Program and make full use of the authorities it provides NNSA?5055    Answer. The Stockpile Responsiveness Program (SRP) is among NNSA's5056most critical mechanisms for developing innovative technology,5057prototypes, and new capabilities needed to meet the emerging security5058environment. It also serves to develop talented nuclear security5059professionals. If confirmed, I will support the Administrator's goals5060for fully leveraging the SRP.5061    Question. If confirmed, what are your long-term plans for the5062National Ignition Facility and other critical experimental facilities?5063    Answer. The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is the world's highest5064energy laser and is one of the most important parts of NNSA's science-5065based stockpile stewardship program. It remains unrivaled due to the5066environments that are created, which were previously only possible with5067underground nuclear testing. If confirmed, I look forward to being5068briefed on NNSA's current long-term plans for NIF and other critical5069experimental facilities and to working with the Administrator, NNSA5070subject matter experts, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and5071Congress to determine any required updates to these plans.5072    Question. What are your views of the Advanced Computing Program and5073what is your vision for the use of advanced computing in furtherance of5074NNSA missions?5075    Answer. I understand that NNSA's Advanced Simulation and Computing5076Program has delivered unparalleled modeling and simulation capabilities5077that provide new insights into complex interactions within the nuclear5078weapons explosion process. As we deliver the current modernization5079programs of record and consider new weapon programs to meet emerging5080needs, I anticipate we will need even more powerful computing5081capabilities to run even more advanced physics models to ensure U.S.5082nuclear weapons remain safe, reliable, and able to meet DOD5083requirements. This will be especially true as NNSA integrates5084artificial intelligence and quantum computing capabilities. If5085confirmed, I will work with the NNSA Administrator to fully leverage5086the laboratories' deployed high-performance computing capabilities as5087well as acquire necessary new capabilities.5088    Question. What role do you see in the application of artificial5089intelligence and machine learning tools in support of NNSA missions?5090    Answer. Artificial intelligence (AI) has possible applications that5091may significantly advance national security activities. Integrating AI-5092based tools with NNSA's world-leading high-performance computing5093capabilities could enable greater efficiency in optimizing designs and5094discovering new materials to produce nuclear weapons components, which5095could accelerate the path from new concepts to delivering capabilities.5096If confirmed, I will work with the Administrator to accelerate5097integration of AI and machine learning applications to support NNSA's5098stockpile modernization and sustainment mission, as well as its5099nonproliferation, counterproliferation, and other critical objectives.5100    Question. The NNSA depends upon a unique mix of private sector and5101government sources for research, development, and manufacture of5102critical technologies to support its national security missions.5103However, U.S. superiority in key areas of innovation is decreasing or5104has disappeared. Our competitors are engaging in aggressive military5105modernization and advanced weaponry development. Much of the innovation5106in critical technologies suitable for national defense purposes is5107occurring outside of the traditional defense industry.5108    In your view, what technologies do you see as having the greatest5109impact on the missions of the NNSA in the future?5110    Answer. AI and machine learning technologies hold vast potential5111for allowing NNSA to improve the nuclear security enterprise's existing5112systems and advance our modernization efforts. Fully integrating these5113tools into the enterprise will allow us to leverage the significant5114advantage we maintain over our adversaries in historical nuclear test5115data and production data to make nuclear weapon design and5116manufacturing faster and more efficient. If confirmed, I will work5117alongside the NNSA Administrator and coordinate with NNSA's labs,5118plants, and sites to ensure we use these technologies appropriately for5119our national security missions.5120    Question. Do you believe NNSA is effectively developing this5121technology in comparison to our adversaries?5122    Answer. I do not yet have insight into activities NNSA may be5123undertaking to develop this technology, but like the nominee for NNSA5124Administrator, I recognize the need to compete aggressively with our5125adversaries in this field. If confirmed, fully understanding this5126question will be a priority for me, and I will immediately seek to5127understand NNSA's efforts to date.5128    Question. Are NNSA's investments in these technologies5129appropriately focused, integrated, and synchronized across all of the5130Administration's missions and with the DOD, where appropriate?5131    Answer. If confirmed, I will diligently support and amplify the5132NNSA Administrator's efforts to coordinate technology investments5133across the nuclear security enterprise and with our DOD partners.5134    Question. In general, do you see NNSA as a good partner for5135innovative, private sector entities?5136    Answer. Yes. I believe that the unique and challenging work being5137done at NNSA's labs, plants and sites creates unique opportunities for5138private sector innovation and requires public-private collaboration. If5139confirmed, I will work with the Administrator and leadership at the5140labs, plants, and sites to enhance collaboration with the private5141sector to advance our world-class scientific preeminence.5142    Question. What steps would you take to improve the NNSA's ability5143to engage industry, particularly innovative firms outside the5144traditional Nuclear Security Enterprise?5145    Answer. Details about NNSA's engagements with industry partners are5146not yet available to me, but I understand that NNSA maintains strong5147engagement with industry partners on available contracting5148opportunities through various formal and informal means. If confirmed,5149I commit to soliciting feedback and suggestions from industry partners5150and implementing lessons learned from previous contract competitions.5151                  construction and project management5152    Question. NNSA has been plagued by cost overruns, schedule delays,5153and project cancellations related to the construction of nuclear5154facilities, including the Uranium Processing Facility, the Savannah5155River Plutonium Processing Facility, and the High Explosive Synthesis,5156Formulation, and Production Facility.5157    In your opinion, what are the primary causes of these repeated5158failures in project management?5159    Answer. NNSA's large construction projects face cost overruns and5160schedule delays. This is due to several factors, including contractor5161underperformance, lack of effective Federal oversight, supply chain5162challenges leading to delays in procurement, and contracts structured5163in ways that insufficiently incentivize performance. COVID-19 and5164economic conditions have also contributed to challenges facing these5165projects. If confirmed, I commit to advancing these important projects5166in support of our national security.5167    Question. In your view, are the changes in NNSA project management5168practices undertaken over the last few years sufficient to address5169these problems?5170    Answer. NNSA is improving its project management practices, but I5171recognize the need for further efforts in this area. If confirmed, I5172plan to seek out opportunities to leverage innovative strategies to5173deliver NNSA's mission more efficiently.5174    Question. If not, what additional steps would you take, if5175confirmed, to improve the availability of highly qualified talent5176capable of managing intensive capital infrastructure projects?5177    Answer. NNSA's infrastructure projects cannot be successful without5178qualified professionals. If confirmed, I will support efforts to5179recruit and retain talented individuals with commercial project5180management experience. I am also committed to developing effective5181teams to address our most pressing challenges in partnerships with the5182labs, plants, and sites.5183    Question. If confirmed, what specific steps would you take to5184ensure that these project management failures are not repeated in the5185future?5186    Answer. NNSA must balance minimizing burdensome oversight5187requirements with ensuring optimal oversight to improve project5188performance. If confirmed, I am committed to holding the individuals5189responsible for project management accountable, acting decisively when5190necessary, implementing lessons learned, improving cost estimating5191procedures, and identifying and taking advantage of opportunities for5192acceleration.5193    Question. What specific change in policy, practice, organization,5194or regulation would you recommend in furtherance of this effort?5195    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to taking stock of NNSA's5196current initiatives and policies to identify opportunities for5197improvement. I plan to refine policy to help the agency more accurately5198estimate costs, eliminate redundant requirements, and streamline5199acquisition and project management processes. Additionally, I will5200ensure that contracts are structured to incentivize performance.5201    Question. In your view, does the Administrator for Nuclear Security5202need any additional authorities or flexibilities to address the root5203causes of these project management failures? Please explain your5204answer.5205    Answer. My understanding is that DOE Order 413.3B governs program5206and project management for capital assets across the Department,5207including at NNSA. Applying thorough project management processes is5208key to minimizing risk and delivering capabilities in time to meet the5209needs they are intended to address at an acceptable cost. I support the5210recent memorandum released by Energy Secretary Wright, which5211prioritizes efficiency and mission execution at our national labs. If5212confirmed, I look forward to being briefed on how this applies to5213NNSA's infrastructure modernization efforts and working together to5214identify additional opportunities for implementing process changes in5215support of effective, efficient project management.5216    Question. In 2014, largely in response to a string of the large5217project management failures, Congress created the Office of Cost5218Estimation and Program Evaluation (CEPE) in the Department of Energy.5219CEPE was modeled on the DOD Office of Cost Assessment and Program5220Evaluation (CAPE).5221    In your view, is CEPE sufficiently staffed to effectively provide5222the Administrator for Nuclear Security with costing and project5223management advice on the variety of projects within NNSA?5224    Answer. In my current capacity, I am not privy to NNSA's staffing5225details. I am also aware that, if confirmed, I will also serve as the5226Federal Salaries and Expenses Account Integrator and will oversee5227staffing needs for all of NNSA. I will ensure that CEPE is5228appropriately staffed to support the Administrator.5229    Question. Does CEPE have sufficient authority and access to DOE5230data and information to serve its statutory purpose?5231    Answer. In my current capacity, I am not privy to the procedures5232for accessing DOE data. I understand the importance of data in5233executing NNSA's statutory mission. I understand that data is key for5234CEPE's ability to provide independent advisement to me, the5235Administrator, NWC, and Congress. If confirmed, I will review whether5236CEPE has sufficient authority and access.5237    Question. CEPE reports directly to the Administrator for Nuclear5238Security. If confirmed, what steps will you take to ensure that CEPE5239has adequate access to information and senior leaders in your5240organization, as necessary and appropriate?5241    Answer. If confirmed, I will have regular engagements with CEPE and5242ensure access to senior leaders in order for CEPE to conduct its work5243and provide valuable insight for decisionmaking.5244    Question. If confirmed, specifically how would you undertake to5245support and sustain CEPE capabilities and independence?5246    Answer. In my current capacity, I am not privy to all of the5247capabilities that CEPE possesses. If confirmed, I will seek to better5248understand these unique and important capabilities and take the actions5249needed to maintain them.5250                           plutonium strategy5251    Question. NNSA has selected two sites for plutonium pit production:5252Los Alamos will produce approximately 30 pits per year and the Savannah5253River Plutonium Processing Facility (SRPPF) will produce up to 50 pits5254per year, for a projected two-site total of no fewer than 80 pits per5255year. These production targets were established several years ago,5256prior to revelations about the speed and scope of potential adversary5257nuclear force expansions.5258    Do you believe and overall production target of no fewer than 805259pits per year is sufficient to meet future demands for modernizing and5260adapting the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile?5261    Answer. I am unaware of internal discussions regarding production5262targets to meet the current and future demands of the U.S. nuclear5263deterrent. If confirmed, I plan to work closely with the NNSA5264Administrator and laboratory, plant, and site leadership across the5265nuclear security enterprise to achieve full rate production and pursue5266opportunities to accelerate the production capability in support of the5267nuclear deterrent.5268    Question. Do you support the two-site solution, initiated under5269President Trump's first term, for meeting statutory requirements for5270pit production?5271    Answer. Yes, I support NNSA's two-site approach to supply no fewer5272than 80 war reserve plutonium pits.5273    Question. What are your views on the January 16, 2025, district5274court settlement halting installation of classified equipment and5275construction of associated facilities at SRPPF until such time as NNSA5276prepares a new Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement?5277    Answer. I am aware that the settlement agreement that brought an5278end to the lawsuit challenging the National Environmental Protection5279Act work done in support of pit production was mutually agreed upon by5280the NNSA and the plaintiffs. Per the Agreement, NNSA will conduct a5281Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) and issue a Record5282of Decision based on the findings of the PEIS. The Department agreed to5283complete this process within two and a half years and provide for5284enhanced public participation. If confirmed, I plan to carefully track5285this matter to ensure that pit production and the specific SRPPF5286project are not negatively affected.5287    Question. What are your views on the Los Alamos site and its5288capabilities to achieve its pits per year production target to support5289the demands of the ongoing stockpile program?5290    Answer. I congratulate NNSA, LANL, and the nuclear security5291enterprise on producing the first war reserve plutonium pit for the5292W87-1 last year. If confirmed, I will support the Administrator to5293prioritize and accelerate the production capacity required to support5294the nuclear deterrent.5295    Question. SRPPF has been plagued by issues with design and5296construction since the decision was made to convert the partially5297completed Mixed Oxide Fabrication Facility into a facility for5298producing plutonium pits. The project also experienced significant cost5299growth and delays due to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and the5300post-pandemic spike in inflation.5301    What is your understanding of the status of SRPPF and the project's5302likelihood of supporting NNSA efforts to meet the statutory requirement5303to produce no fewer than 80 plutonium pits per year?5304    Answer. My understanding is that SRPPF will allow NNSA to produce5305at least 50 war reserve pits per year. I am also cognizant that NNSA5306must mitigate further schedule delays and cost growth.5307    Question. If confirmed, what steps would you take to improve the5308performance of the project, both in terms of cost management and5309construction efficiency?5310    Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure NNSA's contract structures5311properly hold contractors accountable for their performance as well as5312incentivize efforts to accelerate project schedules and decrease costs.5313                uranium strategy and tritium production5314    Question. Since the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC)5315ceased enrichment operations in 2013, DOE has relied on the existing5316stockpile of highly enriched uranium (HEU) to support Naval Nuclear5317Propulsion, as well as the down-blending of recycled HEU to meet5318requirements for unobligated LEU for tritium production, but the5319available supply of HEU is finite. To address this supply limitation,5320the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization (NDAA)5321directed the Secretary of Energy to identify two to four sites for5322reestablishing unobligated domestic uranium enrichment, for both5323defense and civilian energy purposes, with an eye to begin construction5324no later than 2027.5325    If confirmed, will you support the Secretary of Energy in meeting5326the requirement in the fiscal year 2025 NDAA outlined above?5327    Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I am eager to learn more about NNSA's5328current plans to support departmental leadership in meeting this5329requirement.5330    Question. The fiscal year 2025 NDAA specified that plans for5331reestablishing the enrichment capability should focus on ``modular,5332scalable facilities''. What are your ideas for how to proceed with such5333an effort?5334    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to being briefed with the NNSA5335Administrator on how NNSA can best reestablish a domestic uranium5336enrichment capability in a flexible and resilient manner to meet5337defense mission requirements and the requirements in the fiscal year53382025 NDAA.5339    Question. A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report in 20145340entitled ``Interagency Review Needed to Update U.S. Position on5341Enriched Uranium That Can Be Used for Tritium Production'' concluded5342that the DOE's policy on identification of obligated uranium was based5343on three international agreements and a series of policy decisions. Of5344the three agreements, GAO concluded that only one explicitly addressed5345tritium production, but that past State Department findings had5346consistently interpreted the other two agreements as imposing peaceful5347use restrictions on LEU for tritium production.5348    Do you believe this GAO reading of all three agreements remains5349consistent with U.S. policy goals? In your view, should the State5350Department's prior findings be reevaluated?5351    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to being briefed on this5352report. I do know that ensuring a consistent and continued supply of5353tritium is critical to the deterrent. I will support the NNSA5354Administrator in determining whether future actions are necessary. I5355will also work with the Administrator to ensure NNSA's production of5356tritium remains consistent with U.S. governmental policy and5357international agreements. I also understand that the views of5358international partners and the U.S. interagency may have changed in the5359time since this report was released and it would be worth reengaging5360our domestic and foreign partners to assess consistency with U.S.5361policy goals.5362    Question. Section 3138 of the National Defense Authorization Act5363(NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 directed the Department of Energy to5364``determine whether the Agreement [between the United States of America5365and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland] for5366Cooperation on the Uses of Atomic Energy for Mutual Defense Purposes,5367signed at Washington, July 3, 1958, . . . permits the United States to5368obtain low-enriched uranium for the purposes of producing tritium in5369the United States.'' The Secretary of Energy affirmed that such5370procurement of low enriched uranium can occur.5371    What are your views on the accuracy of the Secretary of Energy's5372determination in this regard?5373    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Secretary and the5374Administrator to evaluate the previous determination. Ultimately, I5375seek to maintain our mutually beneficial partnership with the United5376Kingdom.5377                     fissile materials disposition5378    Question. The United States and Russia committed to the disposition5379of 34 metric tons of weapons grade plutonium under the Plutonium5380Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA) in 2000. The original plan5381by the United States was to convert excess weapons grade plutonium to5382mixed oxide reactor fuel for civilian reactors at the Savannah River5383Site (SRS). After spending billions of dollars, and following Russia's5384withdrawal from the PMDA in 2016, this project was abandoned in favor5385of diluting the plutonium and disposing of it at the Waste Isolation5386Pilot Plant (WIPP). The dilute and dispose process involves shipping5387the plutonium pits from Pantex to Los Alamos to be turned into oxide5388powder, then shipping then on to SRS for packaging, followed by final5389shipment to WIPP for disposal.5390    Do you believe the United States should continue to dispose of its5391stockpiles of weapons-grade plutonium despite Russia's abrogation of5392the PMDA?5393    Answer. If confirmed, I will continue NNSA's work to remove excess5394plutonium from South Carolina, consistent with the DOE-South Carolina5395Settlement Agreement. Regarding NNSA's broader excess plutonium5396disposition work, I will work with interagency partners to assess5397whether the United States should continue to comply with PMDA5398unilaterally.5399    Question. What are your views on the dilute and disposal method?5400    Answer. I am not currently privy to the details of the program. If5401confirmed, I look forward to being informed of the details of this5402program so that I can provide effective executive leadership.5403    Question. What are your views on permanent disposal at WIPP?5404    Answer. In my current capacity, I am not privy to the details of5405the program, though I understand that dilute and dispose, NNSA's5406program of record for plutonium disposition, includes disposal at WIPP.5407If confirmed, I look forward to familiarizing myself with the details5408of this program so that I can provide effective executive leadership.5409    Question. What are your views of the logistics of shipping5410plutonium between Pantex, Los Alamos, SRS, and WIPP? In your opinion,5411could this process be simplified by shipping the pits directly to SRS5412to be converted to oxide powder there?5413    Answer. I am not currently privy to the details of the program. If5414confirmed, I look forward to being briefed the details of this program5415so that I can provide effective executive leadership.5416    Question. What are your views on reprocessing as an alternative to5417dilution and disposal?5418    Answer. While I am not currently privy to the details of this5419program, I do know that changing NNSA's technical approach to plutonium5420disposition could be costly and could create challenges relative to the5421DOE-South Carolina Settlement Agreement.5422                      nuclear safety and security5423    NNSA was created partially in response to security lapses at the5424Los Alamos National Laboratory. Nonetheless, periodic security lapses5425have continued to occur, risking exposure of some of our Nation's most5426closely guarded secrets.5427    Question. To what extent have the conditions that allowed such5428lapses to occur been corrected, in your view?5429    Answer. I am dedicated to the continuous enhancement of security5430across all NNSA laboratories, plants, and sites, but I do not have5431details regarding current security infrastructure. If confirmed, I look5432forward to being briefed on existing security measures and related5433operations.5434    Question. Section 3112 of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense5435Authorization Act prohibits the Secretary of Energy or the5436Administrator for Nuclear Security, after April 15, 2025, from5437admitting citizens or agents of the People's Republic of China, the5438Russian Federation, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, or the5439Islamic Republic of Iran to any national security laboratory, nuclear5440weapons production facility, or any site that supports the Naval5441Nuclear Propulsion Program.5442    If confirmed, will you commit to ensuring full compliance with this5443provision across NNSA by the statutorily directed April 15, 2025, date5444for implementation?5445    Answer. Yes.5446    Question. In your view, are there further changes in policy,5447practice, management, or oversight to reduce the frequency of security5448issues at NNSA facilities that should be considered?5449    Answer. I am not aware of any current security infraction that5450prompted this change; however, if confirmed, I will seek briefings on5451the NNSA's adherence to this prohibition and any additional measures5452that should be taken to protect operations. I am committed to close5453collaboration with Congress to guarantee the robust protection of5454NNSA's labs, plants, and sites. We must ensure that no adversary gains5455unauthorized access, except as explicitly required by current or future5456treaty obligations.5457    Question. Over the past several years, there has been a dramatic5458increase in the number of unmanned aerial systems operating, both5459lawfully and unlawfully, in U.S. airspace domestically and over5460American military installations overseas.5461    If confirmed, what steps will you take to ensure the NNSA5462appropriately prioritizes and resources detection and defeat5463capabilities for UAS that pose a threat to NNSA facilities and assets?5464    Answer. Protecting NNSA facilities and assets from Uncrewed5465Aircraft System (UAS) threats is a top priority. If confirmed, I look5466forward to being briefed on NNSA's UAS detection and defeat5467capabilities. I will also reinforce our collaborative efforts with5468other agencies to proactively address evolving threats and leverage the5469latest Counter UAS (CUAS) technologies.5470    Question. If confirmed, will you commit to working with Congress5471and the interagency to better clarify U.S. Government roles and5472responsibilities for detecting, tracking, and if necessary, defeating,5473UAS within U.S. airspace?5474    Answer. Yes.5475    Question. The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board and NNSA's5476Office of Enterprise Assessments have periodically reported accidents5477at various Department of Energy facilities over recent years, including5478explosions, radiation exposure, and leakage of hazardous materials--5479putting both personnel and the mission at risk. Yet, while personnel5480safety is critically important, the nuclear mission by definition5481involves some of the most hazardous materials on earth. Consequently,5482acceptance of a measure of risk is a prerequisite to accomplish NNSA's5483assigned missions.5484    How should we balance safety, risk, and mission at NNSA facilities?5485    Answer. The production, handling, and disposal of nuclear materials5486inherently involve significant risks. Therefore, prudent risk5487management of safety, programmatic, and other regulatory initiatives is5488achieved by maintaining vigilant and continuous oversight, supported by5489robust risk controls. If confirmed, I am committed to prioritizing5490safety across the organization, ensuring that risks are identified and5491effectively minimized while NNSA continues to successfully execute its5492critical and time-sensitive mission.5493    Question. If confirmed, what steps would you recommend to improve5494the safety culture at the various NNSA labs and sites while still5495meeting mission requirements?5496    Answer. The actions of senior leadership to establish and reinforce5497safety expectations are essential to cultivating a positive safety5498environment. I will work closely with the NNSA Administrator to ensure5499these expectations are communicated effectively by partnering with the5500leadership of our Management and Operating partners. I will emphasize5501NNSA's long-term commitment to safe operations by fostering an5502effective governance and management culture. Additionally, I will5503underscore the critical importance of empowering and actively engaging5504employees to provide feedback, while also promoting organizational5505learning. Reinforcing these principles will establish a strong5506foundation for enhancing the safety culture. If confirmed, I will5507prioritize a safety-conscious work environment where employees feel5508comfortable raising safety concerns, knowing that leadership is5509prepared to address these issues effectively. Furthermore, I will5510support our leadership by ensuring they have the necessary resources5511and tools to address any safety concerns in a timely and efficient5512manner.5513                             cybersecurity5514    Question. What do you see as the primary cyber policy challenges5515for the NNSA and what suggestions do you have for addressing them?5516    Answer. Cybersecurity threats are rapidly changing and evolving. If5517confirmed, I will ensure that we work in lockstep across the5518enterprise, as well as with our partners around the globe, to bolster5519cybersecurity, meet mission needs, and promote national security.5520    Question. Do you believe that the NNSA's current capabilities,5521policies, and authorities allow for effective cybersecurity? If not,5522what steps should NNSA and the Department of Energy take to address any5523shortfalls?5524    Answer. I have not yet been briefed on NNSA's current cybersecurity5525capabilities, policies, and authorities, but, if confirmed, will5526prioritize cybersecurity briefings to gain a deeper understanding5527before determining effectiveness.5528    Question. What do you conclude from the recent cyber-attacks on5529telecommunications infrastructure involving Volt Typhoon and Salt5530Typhoon about the State of our cyber defenses?5531    Answer. These recent attacks show the interconnectivity between5532public and private sectors. These partnerships must be strong, so that5533communication and coordination occur, and mitigations can be5534implemented expeditiously. It also highlights the importance of the5535work NNSA must do to maintain a highly capable cybersecurity program.5536    Question. If confirmed, what specific measures would you take to5537improve cybersecurity culture across the NNSA workforce?5538    Answer. If confirmed, I will focus on continued collaboration among5539cybersecurity teams across the enterprise, departmental elements, and5540other government partners. I will identify opportunities to streamline5541operations and gain efficiencies to improve secure mission activities.5542    Question. How would you empower and hold key leaders accountable5543for improvements in NNSA cybersecurity?5544    Answer. I have not yet been briefed on NNSA's cybersecurity posture5545but will leverage my experience in different fields within the Navy to5546drive operational improvements across the organization, including5547cybersecurity. If confirmed, I will ensure NNSA empowers key leaders5548from the top down to be accountable for adopting essential5549cybersecurity tools and enforcing critical cybersecurity mitigations.5550    Question. If confirmed, how do you plan to work with the Department5551of Defense and other agencies in the coordination of cyber security5552initiatives?5553    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to remove obstacles that could5554impede NNSA's responsibilities to interagency partners. I understand5555NNSA actively collaborates with DOD and other agencies to support5556cybersecurity goals and explore ways to enhance the protection,5557exchange, and use of data.5558                        regulation and oversight5559    Question. Staff at NNSA's national laboratories often complain that5560they are overburdened by regulation and oversight, both internal and5561external, and that these contribute to the challenges in staying under5562cost and on schedule for major projects.5563    Do you believe that environmental, safety, and construction5564regulations are properly applied to NNSA projects and operations?5565    Answer. If confirmed, I am fully committed to ensuring the safe5566execution of operations across the nuclear security enterprise. This5567includes safeguarding the workforce, the public, and the environment in5568a manner that aligns with and supports NNSA mission execution. I am5569aware of and support the Administration's initiatives aimed at5570streamlining permitting processes and regulations for construction5571projects at DOE's national laboratories.5572    Question. Do you believe these regulations undermine effective5573performance by the labs and efficient mission execution overall?5574    Answer. If confirmed, I will support efforts to streamline5575regulatory processes, standardize performance expectations, and promote5576a practical, common-sense approach to the interpretation and5577application of requirements--aimed at enhancing NNSA's efficiency,5578innovation, and modernization across the enterprise. While I am not5579currently informed of the detailed implementation of regulations5580throughout the enterprise, I recognize that excessively rigid5581interpretations of regulatory requirements can result in operational5582inefficiencies. I am committed to utilizing available flexibilities,5583such as exemptions and equivalencies, to implement necessary controls5584while also pursuing regulatory relief where appropriate.5585    Question. In your view, are the NNSA labs and production facilities5586subject to the appropriate level of oversight from the NNSA, DOE, the5587EPA, the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, the Government5588Accountability Office (GAO), and/or Congress?5589    Are there certain oversight processes that are unnecessarily5590duplicative or purely bureaucratic, in your view?5591    Answer. DOE Order 413.3B, which governs program and project5592management for the acquisition of capital assets, applies to NNSA.5593While this order provides essential structure and oversight, I5594recognize that its implementation can, at times, be burdensome. If5595confirmed, I will remain committed to ensuring that critical work is5596carried out in a timely and efficient manner within the framework of5597this order. I will leverage my experience as an acquisition5598professional in the Navy to actively engage with stakeholders to5599identify and address any inefficiencies arising from current oversight5600processes, and to develop effective solutions that support mission5601success.5602    Question. If confirmed, what changes in regulatory or oversight5603structures would you recommend, and why?5604    Answer. While I am not currently aware of the details of NNSA's5605regulatory and oversight frameworks, if confirmed, I will actively5606pursue opportunities to enhance operational efficiency, including the5607potential reform of regulatory requirements where such changes are both5608practical and beneficial.5609                        safeguards and security5610    Question. What role, if any, will you have in ensuring safety and5611security in the nuclear weapons complex?5612    Answer. I will collaborate with the Administrator to champion5613initiatives that enhance modernization of safety and security at NNSA5614facilities, fostering a robust safety and security culture built on5615transparency, trust, and collaboration. This includes establishing5616clear expectations with our partners for sustained safety performance5617alongside successful mission accomplishment, recognizing that these5618goals are mutually reinforced. Additionally, I will partner with the5619Administrator and the security program office to implement systems and5620processes that prevent security breaches. I will actively engage in5621initiatives to improve security effectiveness and efficiency at all5622NNSA facilities. Working with our partners, we will ensure oversight5623practices support these objectives, driving continuous improvement in5624both safety and security.5625    Question. In your opinion, what are the biggest safety and security5626threats to the facilities and materials in the nuclear weapons complex?5627    Answer. If confirmed, I will collaborate with the Administrator to5628prioritize safe operations while accomplishing the mission and5629mitigating security threats such as cyber, material, transportation,5630and physical risks to NNSA. Ensuring the safety and security of NNSA's5631facilities and nuclear materials is paramount.5632    Question. What role, if any, will you have in the NNSA's5633interactions with the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board?5634    Answer. I recognize and value the importance of maintaining a5635constructive working relationship with the DNFSB, supported by5636transparent and open lines of communication. While it is my5637understanding that the Department's overall engagement with the Board5638is managed by the Deputy Secretary of Energy, if confirmed, I will work5639closely with the NNSA Administrator in addressing DNFSB recommendations5640and advice related to safety matters at defense nuclear facilities5641across NNSA.5642    Question. The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board and NNSA's5643Office of Enterprise Assessments have reported a number of accidents at5644the national laboratories in recent years that put both personnel and5645mission at risk. Yet, while personnel safety is critically important,5646the nuclear mission by definition involves some of the most hazardous5647materials with which we work in this country, and risk cannot be5648eliminated completely at the labs while continuing to accomplish the5649mission.5650    How should we balance safety, risk, and mission at the national5651laboratories?5652    Answer. NNSA must maintain consistent and robust safety5653performance, as safety and mission success are inherently5654interdependent. Achieving this balance requires thorough risk5655understanding, along with effective control and management of those5656risks. If confirmed, I will remain focused on strengthening5657collaboration between the laboratories and productionsites, while5658emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement in the safe and5659effective execution of NNSA's mission. I will be dedicated to fostering5660a culture that empowers employees to proactively anticipate, identify,5661report, and resolve safety concerns.5662    Question. What steps would you recommend to improve safety culture5663at the labs while still meeting mission requirements?5664    Answer. Senior leadership can cultivate a positive safety5665environment by establishing and reinforcing safety expectations. I will5666work closely with the NNSA Administrator to ensure these expectations5667are communicated effectively by partnering with the leadership of our5668Management and Operating contractors. I will emphasize NNSA's long-term5669commitment to safe operations by fostering an effective governance and5670management culture. Additionally, I will underscore the critical5671importance of empowering and actively engaging employees to provide5672feedback, while also promoting organizational learning. Reinforcing5673these principles will establish a strong foundation for enhancing the5674safety culture. If confirmed, I will prioritize creating a safety-5675conscious work environment where employees feel comfortable raising5676safety concerns, knowing that leadership is prepared to address these5677issues effectively. Furthermore, I will support our leadership by5678ensuring they have the necessary resources and tools to address any5679safety concerns in a timely and efficient manner.5680                            nonproliferation5681    Question. What do you perceive as the highest priorities of the5682nuclear nonproliferation programs at NNSA?5683    Answer. The first priority is addressing the nuclear programs of5684Iran and North Korea. If confirmed, I will leverage NNSA's unique5685technical capabilities to support the Administration's policy toward5686Iran, and to implement and verify any future nuclear dismantlement5687agreement with either country. The second priority is improving our5688ability to detect nuclear proliferation activities as early as5689possible, including in denied areas like space. If confirmed, I will5690make it a priority to develop cutting-edge technologies to detect such5691threats. This will provide maximum time for policymakers to formulate a5692response and to stop threats as far from U.S. shores as possible. The5693third priority is enabling the American nuclear renaissance while5694ensuring that U.S. nuclear exports advance our national security5695interests. If confirmed, I will strengthen NNSA's engagements with U.S.5696nuclear companies and nuclear newcomer countries, to facilitate U.S.5697exports while meeting the highest standards of safeguards, security,5698and emergency preparedness.5699    Question. What challenges does the emerging multilateral nuclear5700competition between the U.S., China, Russia, and North Korea pose to5701existing nonproliferation efforts?5702    Answer. Emerging nuclear competition and greater cooperation among5703U.S. adversaries in opposition to U.S. interests are among the most5704challenging aspects of today's geopolitical environment. This dynamic5705makes it more difficult to reach arms control agreements and to mount5706coordinated international responses to attempts by nuclear proliferant5707states to acquire nuclear weapons. If confirmed, I am committed to5708leveraging NNSA's unique capabilities to mount a multi-layered defense5709against nuclear proliferation, even in the face of this challenging5710global environment.5711    Question. Do you believe additional cooperative nonproliferation5712efforts are feasible in light of China, Russia, and North Korea's5713burgeoning cooperation on nuclear technologies and materials?5714    Answer. Cooperation among China, Russia, and North Korea poses a5715major challenge to nonproliferation efforts. The days when China and5716Russia could be counted on to stand against North Korea's violation of5717its Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty obligations are long gone. However,5718a highly dynamic global security environment can present new5719opportunities alongside challenges. If confirmed, I look forward to5720discussing such opportunities in the nonproliferation sphere at the5721direction of the Administration.5722    Question. If confirmed, what would be your nonproliferation R&D5723priorities?5724    Answer. If confirmed, I will prioritize nonproliferation R&D that5725allows for earlier detection of global nuclear threats, including:57265727      Building space-based sensors for delivery to DOD for the U.S.5728Nuclear Detonation detection System (USNDS)57295730      Developing capabilities to detect and characterize5731foreign nuclear weapons activities;57325733      Improving capabilities to interdict nuclear materials5734outside of regulatory control; and57355736      Developing and advancing technical nuclear forensics5737analysis capabilities that can support strategic deterrence with time-5738critical decisions in the event of a nuclear or radiological incident.57395740    I will also prioritize R&D that strengthens fundamental5741competencies at the national laboratories, so they are prepared to5742respond flexibly to future threats.5743    Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to improve5744coordination across the NNSA on nonproliferation R&D and reduce5745duplicative efforts?5746    Answer. In my current capacity, I am not privy to the details of5747NNSA's organizational structure for nonproliferation R&D. However, to5748be effective and efficient, this office must conduct its work in full5749coordination with all relevant offices, not just across NNSA, but5750across the entire U.S. Government. If confirmed, I look forward to5751being briefed on any duplicative efforts in this area and discussing5752efforts to increase efficiency.5753                           emergency response5754    Question. What is your understanding of the NNSA's roles and5755responsibilities with regard to responding to domestic and5756international radiological events?5757    Answer. NNSA's Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST) is prepared to5758respond to radiological and nuclear emergencies that may occur around5759the world. Additionally, as a party to the IAEA's Convention on5760Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency,5761NNSA leads nuclear and radiological response in the international5762arena. This includes cooperating with other states to promptly provide5763assistance in such cases. In some cases that involve U.S. national5764security, public health and safety, and economic interests, NNSA also5765provides direct bilateral or multilateral assistance to international5766partners. This includes forensic capabilities in support of5767international law enforcement efforts to investigate and attribute an5768incident. Domestically, NNSA oversees the Department's Emergency5769Operation Center and 24/7 Watch Office, which provides watch and5770warning, situational awareness, and decision support capabilities for5771domestic and international incidents.5772    Question. Do you believe NNSA is adequately resourced and staffed5773to fulfill its existing emergency response responsibilities?5774    Answer. In my current capacity, I am not privy to details5775concerning the resources and staffing of NNSA's emergency response5776capabilities. Emergency response is a vital part of NNSA's mission. If5777confirmed, I will assess NNSA's current staffing levels and resources5778in this area, and work to ensure their sufficiency.5779    Question. In your view, how would you characterize the allocation5780of roles and responsibilities across the interagency, particularly with5781regard to the DOD and the Department of Homeland Security?5782    Answer. When it comes to nuclear and radiological emergency5783response, NNSA coordinates closely with interagency partners,5784especially DOD for international incidents and DHS for domestic5785incidents. If confirmed, I will make every effort to ensure that roles5786and responsibilities are clear. To the extent possible, I would reduce5787interagency redundancies and bureaucracy so that NNSA can efficiently5788respond to emergencies. Leveraging decades worth of technical expertise5789and response capabilities, NNSA helps keep America safe, secure, and5790prosperous. Additionally, NNSA and its national laboratories' technical5791nuclear weapons program expertise allow them to assess foreign nuclear5792weapons programs.5793    Question. If confirmed, are there any adjustments to the allocation5794of interagency responsibilities you would expect to recommend or5795pursue?5796    Answer. If confirmed, I commit to supporting the Administrator in5797streamlining emergency response processes and implementing efficiencies5798to ensure that NNSA provides Federal, State and local partners the5799support they need during crises. I will also support the agency's5800efforts to strengthen State and local response capabilities to enhance5801domestic resiliency.5802                          personnel management5803    Question. In your judgment, what is the biggest challenge facing5804the NNSA in effectively and efficiently managing its workforce?5805    Answer. In terms of workforce, the biggest challenges facing NNSA5806are recruitment and retention of highly skilled technical employees.5807Factors contributing to this challenge include an aging workforce,5808remote duty stations with high cost of living competition with the5809private sector for the same skill sets, and the requirement for high5810level security clearances.5811    Question. What recommendations do you have to improve NNSA's5812management of its workforce?5813    Answer. In my current capacity, I am unaware of NNSA's workforce5814management practices. If confirmed, I will work with the Administrator5815to effectively manage the workforce to include mitigating recruitment5816and retention challenges.5817    Question. In your judgment, how effective is the Department of5818Energy and the NNSA at identifying, promoting, and rewarding top5819performers?5820    Answer. I have not been briefed on the DOE's or NNSA's performance5821management policies and practices. However, the success of NNSA depends5822on its workforce. If confirmed, I look forward to ensuring NNSA's5823ability to recognize and reward top performers.5824    Question. Similarly, how effective is the Department of Energy and5825the NNSA at identifying and removing underperforming or5826counterproductive personnel?5827    Answer. While I am not currently privy to personnel matters at5828NNSA, if confirmed, I will support the Administrator in fostering a5829culture of accountability and performance.5830    Question. If confirmed, what would you recommend be done to improve5831NNSA talent management?5832    Answer. Talent management is critical to NNSA's success. If5833confirmed, I would adopt a holistic approach to talent management,5834ensuring these efforts are aligned with agency goals. This includes5835identifying and filling talent gaps, managing employee performance5836through continuous feedback and recognition, offering training and5837professional development opportunities, and developing a pipeline of5838talent for future workforce needs.5839    Question. Do you believe that NNSA has the appropriate number of5840civilian employees to perform its mission?5841    Answer. If confirmed, I will review NNSA's staffing and ensure it5842is appropriately staffed.5843    Question. If not, what would be the appropriate size of the NNSA5844civilian workforce and what, in your view, would the additional5845personnel accomplish that NNSA is not able to accomplish today? If5846confirmed, which specific components of the NNSA would you recommend5847growing?5848    Answer. In my current capacity, I am not privy to details about5849NNSA's civilian workforce. If confirmed, I will assess NNSA's staffing5850levels and requirements.5851    Question. Do you believe that NNSA has the appropriate5852capabilities--in both its civilian employee and contractor workforces--5853to perform its mission?5854    Answer. I am not currently privy to details about NNSA's civilian5855and contractor workforces, but if confirmed, I look forward to5856assessing NNSA's current staffing levels and future needs.5857    Question. If not, please explain what capabilities each such5858workforce requires to ensure that NNSA is fully mission capable?5859    Answer. In my current capacity, I am not aware of the full extent5860of capabilities required by the NNSA Federal and contractor workforces.5861However, I believe there are areas for improvement such as project5862management and AI. If confirmed, I will work with the Administrator in5863rapidly assessing and addressing these issues.5864    Question. If confirmed, what specific steps would you take to5865retain critical nuclear weapons expertise in both NNSA the civilian and5866the contractor workforces?5867    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to foster and develop internal5868talent pipelines at headquarters and across the nuclear security5869enterprise.5870    Question. What programs, policies, or tools does NNSA need to5871better attract the diverse range of skillsets required to support the5872missions of the Administration to national security focused careers?5873    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to assessing current programs,5874policies, and tools leveraged by NNSA to attract and retain a highly5875skilled workforce.5876                           sexual harassment5877    Question. What is your assessment of the current climate regarding5878sexual harassment and gender discrimination in the DOE and NNSA?5879    Answer. I take the prevention and reporting of sexual harassment5880and sex discrimination seriously and, if confirmed, will continue to5881raise awareness and emphasize prevention at DOE and NNSA. In the event5882that an issue of this nature is brought to my attention, I will consult5883with appropriate stakeholders in DOE and NNSA and take appropriate5884action without delay.5885    Question. If confirmed, what actions would you take were you to5886receive or become aware of a complaint of sexual harassment or5887discrimination from an employee or contractor of the DOE or NNSA?5888    Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that complaints of this nature5889receive the serious attention they deserve across the enterprise. Any5890contractor or Federal employee who raises such an issue will be treated5891in accordance with all Federal laws and regulations.5892                        relations with congress5893    Question. What are your views on the State of the relationship5894between the NNSA and the Senate Armed Services Committee in particular,5895and with Congress in general?5896    Answer. Support from the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC),5897and Congress more broadly, is vital to NNSA's ability to successfully5898advance its missions. Given SASC's role in authorizing the activities5899of NNSA, I understand the importance of sustaining a strong5900relationship with this Committee. If confirmed, I commit to maintaining5901a strong relationship with the Committee during my tenure.5902    Question. If confirmed, what actions would you take to sustain a5903productive and mutually beneficial relationship between Congress and5904the NNSA?5905    Answer. A productive relationship with Congress depends on the5906unfettered exchange of information. If confirmed, I am committed to5907supporting NNSA's strong relationship with Congress, including this5908Committee, and fostering consistent, transparent communication.5909    Question. The safety, security, and functionality of the United5910States nuclear weapons stockpile is of paramount importance to our5911Nation's national security, and any potential issues that could5912undermine confidence in the reliability of U.S. nuclear forces are of5913the highest interest to Congress.5914    If confirmed, will you commit, without qualification, that you will5915promptly notify this Committee of any significant issues in the safety,5916security, or reliability of the nuclear weapons stockpile?5917    Answer. Yes.5918    Question. In much the same manner as the Combatant Commanders5919within the Department of Defense, the Administrator for Nuclear5920Security is required by Section 4716 of the Atomic Energy Defense Act5921(50 U.S.C. 2756) to annually submit a list of priorities that were5922insufficiently funded by that year's budget request by the President.5923While unfunded requirements lists are invaluable tools in helping5924Congress understand executable funding opportunities, past5925Administrators have only sparingly fulfilled this requirement.5926    If confirmed, will you commit to supporting the Administrator in5927fully complying with the statutory requirement to submit an annual5928unfunded priority list to Congress with the annual budget submission of5929the President?5930    Answer. Yes.5931                        congressional oversight5932    Question. In order to exercise legislative and oversight5933responsibilities, it is important that this committee, its5934subcommittees, and other appropriate committees of Congress receive5935timely testimony, briefings, reports, records--including documents and5936electronic communications, and other information from the executive5937branch.5938    Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on request,5939to appear and testify before this committee, its subcommittees, and5940other appropriate committees of Congress? Please answer with a simple5941yes or no.5942    Answer. Yes.5943    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to5944provide this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees5945of Congress, and their respective staffs such witnesses and briefers,5946briefings, reports, records--including documents and electronic5947communications, and other information, as may be requested of you, and5948to do so in a timely manner without delay? Please answer with a simple5949yes or no.5950    Answer. Yes.5951    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to5952consult with this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate5953committees of Congress, and their respective staffs, regarding your5954basis for any delay or denial in providing testimony, briefings,5955reports, records--including documents and electronic communications,5956and other information requested of you? Please answer with a simple yes5957or no.5958    Answer. Yes.5959    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to5960keep this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees of5961Congress, and their respective staffs apprised of new information that5962materially impacts the accuracy of testimony, briefings, reports,5963records--including documents and electronic communications, and other5964information you or your organization previously provided? Please answer5965with a simple yes or no.5966    Answer. Yes.5967    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on5968request, to provide this committee and its subcommittees, and their5969respective staffs with records and other information within their5970oversight jurisdiction, even absent a formal Committee request? Please5971answer with a simple yes or no.5972    Answer. Yes.5973    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to5974respond timely to letters to, and/or inquiries and other requests of5975you or your organization from individual Senators who are members of5976this committee? Please answer with a simple yes or no.5977    Answer. Yes.5978    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to5979ensure that you and other members of your organization protect from5980retaliation any military member, Federal employee, or contractor5981employee who testifies before, or communicates with this committee, its5982subcommittees, and any other appropriate committee of Congress? Please5983answer with a simple yes or no.5984    Answer. Yes.5985                                 ______59865987    [Questions for the record with answers supplied follow:]59885989              Questions Submitted by Senator Dan Sullivan5990                             8(a) contracts5991    1. Senator Sullivan. Vice Admiral Pappano, I recently toured an SBA59928(a) contracting operation and saw firsthand the value 8(a) brings to5993the Federal customer in terms of cost and efficiency while delivering5994mission-critical solutions that increase our national security and5995warfighter readiness. 8(a) contracts represent the best ``bang for the5996buck'' for taxpayers, giving contracting officers additional5997flexibility while also maximizing efficiency by reducing red-tape. Do5998you see the value in increased efficiency in flexibility brought from5999initiatives such as the 8(a) program?6000    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more6001about small business programs supporting our national security6002missions. I will welcome and support approaches that streamline Federal6003procurement processes, provide maximum practicable opportunities to6004small businesses, while delivering cost effective solutions for our6005critical national security missions that align with the6006Administration's priorities.6007                                 alaska6008    2. Senator Sullivan. Vice Admiral Pappano, my State of Alaska is6009``resource-rich but infrastructure poor''. We have fewer roads miles6010than the State of Connecticut, despite being 118 times larger. Alaska6011is also a lynchpin to American homeland defense and home to multiple6012bases which contribute to our national security. Some of these bases6013recently experienced energy security issues which highlighted the need6014for resiliency in our grid. The Department of Energy (DOE) contracts6015for many micro reactors have already been finalized. At what point will6016fuel be produced and allocated so that these innovators can start6017production?6018    Vice Admiral Pappano. Fuel for micro reactors is not in the purview6019of the National Nuclear Security Administration. I defer to the6020Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy on this matter.6021                               __________6022             Questions Submitted by Senator Mazie K. Hirono6023           national nuclear security administration workforce6024    3. Senator Hirono. Vice Admiral Pappano, at facilities like the Y-602512 National Security Complex and Los Alamos, more than 30 percent of6026employees are eligible for retirement in the coming years. We need a6027strategy to recruit, train, and retain the next generation of nuclear6028professionals if we are going to sustain the stockpile and support our6029Navy's nuclear propulsion needs. What is your assessment of the6030National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) current workforce6031development pipeline, and what specific steps would you take to6032strengthen recruitment and retention--especially for high-skill trades6033and early career nuclear professionals?6034    Vice Admiral Pappano. In my current capacity, I am not aware of6035NNSA's current workforce development pipeline. If confirmed, I look6036forward to learning about NNSA's recruitment and retention efforts. In6037terms of workforce, the biggest challenges facing NNSA are recruitment6038and retention of highly skilled technical employees. If confirmed, I6039will work with the Administrator to address these challenges. This6040includes working with NNSA's M&O contractors, universities, and trade6041schools to ensure a pipeline of talent for future workforce needs.60426043    4. Senator Hirono. Vice Admiral Pappano, NNSA has struggled to add6044additional personnel required to update the nuclear arsenal. In your6045professional opinion, is this a good time to fire or offer buyouts to6046NNSA employees?6047    Vice Admiral Pappano. NNSA's success is highly dependent on its6048workforce. If confirmed, I will advocate for NNSA's workforce to ensure6049the agency is able to deliver on its critical national security6050mission.6051                           nuclear deterrence6052    5. Senator Hirono. Vice Admiral Pappano, the NNSA is being asked to6053simultaneously modernize the stockpile, expand plutonium pit6054production, support the Navy's nuclear propulsion needs, and keep6055nuclear materials secure--all while a large portion of your workforce6056is nearing retirement. Without a robust and sustainable workforce, no6057amount of funding will deliver on these missions. How will you6058prioritize and accelerate NNSA's workforce development pipeline,6059particularly to replace retiring experts in areas like plutonium6060science, engineering, and uranium processing?6061    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I look forward to learning6062about NNSA's recruitment and retention efforts. In terms of workforce,6063the biggest challenges facing NNSA are recruitment and retention of6064highly skilled technical employees. If confirmed, I will work with the6065Administrator to address these challenges. This includes working with6066NNSA's M&O contractors, universities, and trade schools to ensure a6067pipeline of talent for future workforce needs.60686069    6. Senator Hirono. Vice Admiral Pappano, do you believe the NNSA6070has done enough to partner with Historically Black Colleges and6071Universities (HBCU), minority-serving institutions, and tribal colleges6072to build a diverse and resilient nuclear workforce? If not, how would6073you expand these efforts?6074    Vice Admiral Pappano. In my current capacity, I am not aware of the6075details on NNSA's partnership with HBCUs, minority serving6076institutions, and tribal colleges. However, I am aware that NNSA and6077the Department of Energy have a long history of collaboration with6078HBCUs, minority serving institutions, and tribal colleges. If6079confirmed, I will review NNSA's efforts in this area.6080                               __________6081            Questions Submitted by Senator Elizabeth Warren6082                                 ethics6083    7. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, if you are confirmed, will6084you commit not to seek any employment with or compensation from a6085defense contractor, including through serving on a board, as a6086consultant, or as a lobbyist, for 4 years after leaving DOD?6087    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I will comply with all laws and6088regulations regarding future employment for executive branch officials.60896090    8. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, if you are confirmed, will6091you commit not to engage in any lobbying activities, including6092unregistered ``shadow'' or ``behind-the-scenes'' lobbying under the6093guise of consulting or advising, focused on DOD or any of its6094components for 4 years after leaving DOD?6095    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I will comply with all laws and6096regulations regarding future employment for executive branch officials.60976098    9. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, if you are confirmed, will6099you commit to not engage in any lobbying activities, including6100unregistered ``shadow'' or ``behind-the-scenes'' lobbying under the6101guise of consulting or advising, on Department of Energy (DOE)-related6102matters, focused on DOE or any of its components for 4 years after6103leaving NNSA?6104    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I will comply with all laws and6105regulations regarding future employment for executive branch officials.61066107    10. Senator Warren. Admiral Pappano, will you commit not to seek6108employment, board membership with, or any other form of compensation6109from a company that you regulated or otherwise interacted with while in6110government, for at least 4 years after leaving office?6111    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I will comply with all laws and6112regulations regarding future employment for executive branch officials.61136114    11. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, during your nomination6115process, did anyone on the Trump campaign, transition team, or other6116closely related entity approach you about your loyalty to President6117Trump?6118    Vice Admiral Pappano. No.61196120    12. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, if you were approached6121about your loyalty to President Trump, did you sign a loyalty pledge or6122other similar oath? If so, please provide a copy of the text of that6123pledge or oath.6124    Vice Admiral Pappano. No.61256126    13. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, if you were approached6127about your loyalty to President Trump, did you make any verbal6128representations of loyalty? If so, please describe this representation.6129    Vice Admiral Pappano. No.61306131    14. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, in November 2024, the New6132York Times and other news outlets reported that Boris Epshteyn, a top6133adviser to President Trump, allegedly requested payment from6134prospective political appointees to promote their candidacies for top6135positions within the Administration. Did you discuss the possibility of6136joining the Administration with Mr. Epshteyn at any time?6137    Vice Admiral Pappano. No.61386139    15. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, if you did discuss the6140possibility of joining the Administration with Mr. Epshteyn, did Mr.6141Epshteyn seek payment from you for promoting your candidacy for a6142position within the Administration?6143    Vice Admiral Pappano. No.61446145    16. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, at any time, did lawyers6146for President Trump or members of President Trump's team approach you6147regarding Mr. Epshteyn and the allegations cited above? If so, please6148describe the information that they provided you (including copies of6149documents), what was discussed during any calls, and any other6150information pertaining to this interaction.6151    Vice Admiral Pappano. No.61526153    17. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, were you in contact with6154Mr. Elon Musk at any time during your nomination process? If so, please6155describe the nature of those contacts.6156    Vice Admiral Pappano. No.61576158    18. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, was Mr. Musk present or6159involved in any interviews you did related to your nomination? If so,6160please describe the nature of his involvement.6161    Vice Admiral Pappano. No.61626163    19. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, was Mr. Musk involved in6164any way with your nomination, including but not limited to, directly or6165indirectly contacting Senators regarding their position on your6166nomination?6167    Vice Admiral Pappano. I am not aware of any such involvement.61686169    20. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, who was in the room or6170participated in any of your interviews regarding your nomination?6171    Vice Admiral Pappano. During the nomination process, I spoke with6172several members of the Trump-Vance Presidential Transition Team.61736174    21. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, if you own any stock or6175hold any other interest in any defense industry or Department of Energy6176contractors, will you divest it to avoid even the appearance of a6177conflict of interest?6178    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I will follow the counsel of6179DOE ethics officials regarding any potential conflicts or perceived6180conflicts of interest.61816182    22. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, what do you consider the6183role of the press in a democracy?6184    Vice Admiral Pappano. Freedom of the press is a clearly defined6185protection as stated in the First Amendment.61866187    23. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, do you think it would be6188an appropriate use of taxpayer resources to ``dig up dirt'' on6189journalists who investigate or criticize you, your office, or the Trump6190administration?6191    Vice Admiral Pappano. Freedom of the press is a clearly defined6192protection as stated in the First Amendment.61936194    24. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, will you commit not to6195retaliate, including by denying access to government officials or6196facilities, against news outlets or individual journalists who publish6197articles that are critical of you, your office, your agency, or the6198Trump administration?6199    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I commit to following the law6200and upholding the duties of my office.62016202    25. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, have you requested, or6203has anyone requested on your behalf, that any other person or third6204party sign a nondisclosure, confidentiality, non-disparagement, or6205similar agreement regarding your conduct in a personal or professional6206capacity?6207    Vice Admiral Pappano. No.62086209    26. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, will you voluntarily6210release any individual from any such agreements before this committee6211votes on your nomination?6212    Vice Admiral Pappano. Not applicable.62136214    27. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, have you ever paid or6215promised to pay, or has anyone paid or promised to pay on your behalf,6216an individual as part of any non-disclosure, confidentiality, non-6217disparagement, or similar agreement?6218    Vice Admiral Pappano. No.62196220    28. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, if the answer to the6221previous question was yes, how much was promised, how much was paid,6222and what were the circumstances?6223    Vice Admiral Pappano. Not applicable.6224                congressional oversight and transparency6225    29. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, what is your6226understanding of the role of the Department of Energy Inspector6227General?6228    Vice Admiral Pappano. Per the Inspector General Act, the Department6229of Energy's Inspector General is charged with investigating and6230auditing Department programs to combat waste, fraud, and abuse.62316232    30. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, will you ensure your6233staff complies with any Inspector General deadlines established for6234requested communications, documents, and witnesses, and that staff will6235be protected from reprisal for their testimony?6236    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I will comply with all laws and6237regulations related to service in the U.S. Government.62386239    31. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, if you are not able to6240comply with any Inspector General requests and deadlines, will you6241notify the Republican and Democratic members of this committee6242regarding the basis for any good faith delay or denial?6243    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I will work to comply with6244requests from the Department's Inspector General in a timely manner. I6245would defer to the Office of the Inspector General to update the6246Committee on the progress of ongoing reviews.62476248    32. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, if you are confirmed,6249will you commit to refusing to follow illegal orders from any6250individual, including the President?6251    Vice Admiral Pappano. I do not accept the premise that the6252President will issue me an unlawful order. If confirmed, I will comply6253with all laws and regulations related to service in the U.S.6254Government.62556256    33. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, what actions would you6257take if you were given an illegal order from any individual, including6258the President?6259    Vice Admiral Pappano. I do not accept the premise that the6260President will issue me an unlawful order. If confirmed, I will comply6261with all laws and regulations related to service in the U.S.6262Government.62636264    34. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, will you commit to6265voluntarily provide a deposition if you are requested by Congress to6266provide one?6267    Vice Admiral Pappano. Yes.62686269    35. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, will you commit to6270voluntarily testify in front of Congress if you are requested by6271Congress to do so?6272    Vice Admiral Pappano. Yes.62736274    36. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, will you commit to6275testify or provide a deposition in front of Congress if you are issued6276a subpoena to do so?6277    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, in such a scenario, I will6278follow the advice of DOE's and NNSA's General Counsel regarding6279compliance with a subpoena.62806281    37. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, will you commit to6282providing information or documents to Congress voluntarily if you are6283requested to do so?6284    Vice Admiral Pappano. Yes.62856286    38. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, will you provide6287information or documents to Congress if you are issued a subpoena to do6288so?6289    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, in such a scenario, I will6290follow the advice of DOE's and NNSA's General Counsel regarding6291compliance with a subpoena.62926293    39. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, will you commit to6294following current precedent for responding to information requests,6295briefings, and other inquiries from Congress, including the Senate and6296House Armed Services Committees and their minority members?6297    Vice Admiral Pappano. Yes.62986299    40. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, if confirmed, will you6300commit to posting your official calendar monthly?6301    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I will post official6302engagements as needed and as appropriate. Given the sensitive nature of6303much of NNSA's work, not all official engagements may be made public.63046305    41. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, do you think the Federal6306Government has an overclassification problem? If so, please provide6307examples of overclassification you have encountered.6308    Vice Admiral Pappano. In my current role and the one I am nominated6309for, I cannot speak to classification of documents and materials across6310the Federal Government.63116312    42. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, if confirmed, do you6313think your department should pursue strategic technology to support6314automated declassification?6315    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I will review potential efforts6316on the use of strategic technology that supports automated6317declassification while protecting national security.6318                              project 20256319    43. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, have you discussed6320Project 2025 with any officials associated with the Trump campaign, the6321Trump transition team, or other members of the Trump administration? If6322so, please explain what you discussed, when you discussed it, and with6323whom you discussed it.6324    Vice Admiral Pappano. No.63256326    44. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, have you discussed6327Project 2025 with any officials associated with the Heritage6328Foundation? If so, please explain what you discussed, when you6329discussed it, and with whom you discussed it.6330    Vice Admiral Pappano. No.6331                           foreign influence6332    45. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, have you received any6333payment from a foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign6334government within the past 5years?6335    Vice Admiral Pappano. No.63366337    46. Senator Warren. Mr. Cadenazzi and Vice Admiral Pappano, have6338you communicated with any foreign government or entity controlled by a6339foreign government within the past 5 years?6340    Vice Admiral Pappano. I have disclosed all connections to foreign6341nationals as part of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management SF-86 and6342the related background investigation that was previously conducted and6343required for my nomination as the NNSA Principal Deputy Administrator.63446345    47. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, please disclose any6346communications or payments you have had with representatives of any6347foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government within6348the past 5 years and describe the nature of the communication.6349    Vice Admiral Pappano. I have disclosed all connections to foreign6350nationals as part of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management SF-86 and6351the related background investigation that was previously conducted and6352required for my nomination as the NNSA Principal Deputy Administrator.6353I have received no payments from representatives of any foreign6354government or entity controlled by a foreign government.6355               retaliation and protecting whistleblowers6356    48. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, do you believe that6357servicemembers, civilians, grantees, and contractors should be6358protected from any form of retaliation for coming forward about an6359illegal order, sexual assault or harassment, negligence, misconduct, or6360any other concern that they wish to raise?6361    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I will comply with all laws and6362regulations related to whistleblowers.63636364    49. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, have you ever retaliated6365against any individual for coming forward about an illegal order,6366sexual assault or harassment, negligence, misconduct, or any other6367concern that they wish to raise?6368    Vice Admiral Pappano. No.63696370    50. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, if you are confirmed,6371will you commit to protecting whistleblowers? If so, please specify how6372you will do so.6373    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I will comply with the6374Department's whistleblower protection policies and standards.6375                        impoundment control act6376    51. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, do you believe the6377Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Energy has the legal authority6378to block the disbursement of funds appropriated by Congress?6379    Vice Admiral Pappano. During a transition year, it is routine for6380an incoming Administration to review expenditures before payments are6381made to ensure compliance with the law. I am not aware of any direct6382impacts to program funding from agency reviews related to NNSA.63836384    52. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, what is your6385understanding of the Impoundment Control Act?6386    Vice Admiral Pappano. The Congressional Budget and Impoundment6387Control Act of 1974 is a Federal law that governs the role of Congress6388in the U.S. budget process.63896390    53. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, do you commit to6391complying with the Impoundment Control Act?6392    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I will comply with all laws and6393regulations related to service to the U.S. Government.63946395    54. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, do you commit to6396notifying the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, including the6397majority and minority, if you are asked not to comply with the6398Impoundment Control Act or not to expend the money that Congress6399appropriates or authorizes?6400    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I will comply with all6401applicable laws and statutes regarding the Federal budgetary process.64026403    55. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, the Constitution's6404Spending Clause (Art. I, Sec.  8, cl. 1) and Appropriations Clause6405(Art. I, Sec.  9, cl. 7) give Congress, not the Executive, power of the6406purse. The Supreme Court has unanimously upheld this power. Do you6407believe that impoundments are constitutional?6408    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I will comply with all6409applicable laws and statutes regarding the Federal budgetary process.64106411    56. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, the funding levels in6412appropriations bills passed into law are not targets or ceilings;6413instead, they are amounts the executive branch must spend, unless6414stated otherwise. Congress could--if it wanted the President to have6415discretion--write those amounts as ceilings. Do you agree?6416    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I will execute my6417responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law, to6418include appropriations legislation. I will ensure actions on this6419matter are informed by the Administration's legal positions.64206421    57. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, what is your6422understanding of the requirements for DOD/NNSA to obligate funding that6423Congress authorizes and appropriates, in accordance with the time6424period that Congress deems it to do so?6425    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I will comply with all6426applicable laws and statues regarding the obligation of funds.64276428    58. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, do you commit to6429expending the money that Congress appropriates and authorizes?6430    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I will follow the law.64316432    59. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, do you commit to6433following and implementing every provision of the annual National6434Defense Authorization Act passed into law?6435    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I will follow the law.64366437    60. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, if you became aware of a6438potential violation of the Antideficiency Act, Impoundment Control Act,6439or other appropriations laws, what steps would you take?6440    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I will follow all applicable6441law and statutes.6442                           acquisition reform6443    61. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, what is your6444understanding of the Procurement Integrity Act and your obligations6445under that law?6446    Vice Admiral Pappano. The Procurement Integrity Act (PIA) is6447intended to prohibit, and lay out consequences for, certain actions of6448Federal officials and others that would potentially compromise the6449integrity of Federal acquisitions. Under the PIA, I would be obligated:6450(1) not to knowingly disclose contractor bid/proposal information or6451source selection information prior to the award of a Federal6452procurement to which the information relates; (2) if I'm personally and6453substantially participating in a Federal procurement valued in excess6454of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, to report any contact with6455offerors regarding non-Federal employment to designated officials, and6456either reject the offer or recuse myself from the procurement; and (3)6457not to accept compensation from a contractor as an employee, officer,6458director, or consultant, for a period of 1 year after I have taken6459certain actions in excess of $10 million, that have benefited the6460contractor (e.g., served as a Source Selection Authority or otherwise6461personally made a decision for NNSA to award a contract, subcontract,6462order, or modification thereto).64636464    62. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, do you believe that it is6465important to be able to assess accurate cost and pricing data from6466contractors, especially for sole-or single-source contracts?6467    Vice Admiral Pappano. It is important to be a responsible steward6468of taxpayer dollars. If confirmed, I look forward to understanding6469NNSA's procurement and acquisition processes.64706471    63. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, if you are confirmed,6472what steps will you take to ensure that contractors are not price-6473gouging or overcharging the Federal Government?6474    Vice Admiral Pappano. It is important to be a responsible steward6475of taxpayer dollars. If confirmed, I will ensure NNSA processes include6476protections to preclude such activities from taking place.64776478    64. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, if you are confirmed,6479will you commit to seeking refunds, including voluntary refunds, from6480contractors and companies that overcharge the Federal Government?6481    Vice Admiral Pappano. It is important to be a responsible steward6482of taxpayer dollars. If confirmed, I will ensure NNSA processes address6483this and will ensure those processes are implemented.64846485    65. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, if so, how do you plan to6486do so?6487    Vice Admiral Pappano. It is important to be a responsible steward6488of taxpayer dollars. If confirmed, I will work with NNSA procurement6489and acquisition professionals and legal counsel to leverage national6490security requirements to ensure contractors are refunding overcharges.64916492    66. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, should DOD's acquisition6493decisions be influenced by individuals with conflicts of interest6494involving contracts or other business before DOD?6495    Vice Admiral Pappano. As a nominee for the position of Principal6496Deputy Administrator at the National Nuclear Security Administration, I6497will not have purview over DOD acquisitions.6498                        research and development6499    67. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, does the Federal6500Government benefit from partnering with colleges, universities,6501nonprofits, and federally funded research and development centers?6502    Vice Admiral Pappano. NNSA and the Department of Energy have a long6503history of collaboration with such entities. Much of the work done at6504the national laboratories is at the forefront of science and national6505security.65066507    68. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, under your leadership,6508will your agencies continue to work with colleges, universities,6509nonprofits, and federally funded research and development centers to6510research and address our toughest national security challenges?6511    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I look forward to learning6512about the current collaborations between NNSA and such entities.6513         protecting classified information and federal records6514    69. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, what is your6515understanding of the need to protect operational security, or OPSEC?6516    Vice Admiral Pappano. OPSEC is a critically important national6517program that applies to all agencies and is designed to deny6518adversaries the ability to collect, analyze, and exploit information6519that might provide an advantage against the United States. OPSEC6520protects information against inadvertent compromise through a process6521of continual assessment.65226523    70. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, what are the national6524security risks of improperly disclosing classified information?6525    Vice Admiral Pappano. The improper disclosure of classified6526information may compromise sensitive national security information to6527adversaries, potentially endangering the United States and its allies6528and partners. Improperly disclosing classified information is also a6529violation of law.65306531    71. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, what would you do if you6532learned an official had improperly disclosed classified information?6533    Vice Admiral Pappano. Any person who has knowledge that classified6534information has been or may have been lost, possibly compromised, or6535disclosed to an unauthorized person must immediately report the6536circumstances to those who have the authority and responsibility for6537conducting incidents of security concern inquiries at NNSA.65386539    72. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, what is your6540understanding of government officials' duties under the Federal Records6541Act?6542    Vice Admiral Pappano. The Federal Records Act of 1950 is a U.S.6543Federal law that provides the legal framework for Federal records6544management, including record creation, maintenance, and disposition.65456546    73. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, should classified6547information be shared on unclassified commercial systems?6548    Vice Admiral Pappano. No.6549                national nuclear security administration6550    74. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, what criteria should be6551used to reduce NNSA's workforce?6552    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I look forward to assessing6553NNSA's current staffing levels and future needs. Determination of6554NNSA's staffing must be based on analysis that ensures the critical6555national security mission the organization undertakes. The complexity6556of that mission dictates careful analysis to ensure that NNSA is both6557right-sized and staffed with the varied expertise required to sustain6558mission success.65596560    75. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, what will you do if you6561determine workforce reductions in NNSA's workforce that occurred before6562your confirmation put NNSA's mission at risk?6563    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I will work with the6564Administrator, the Secretary of Energy, and the White House to ensure6565NNSA has the funding and staffing needed to execute its mission.65666567    76. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, how will you assess the6568impact of potential workforce reductions on stockpile sustainment,6569nonproliferation, and modernization programs?6570    Vice Admiral Pappano. NNSA's success is highly dependent on its6571workforce. If confirmed, I will advocate for the resources needed to6572ensure NNSA's workforce is able to deliver on NNSA's critical national6573security mission.65746575    77. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, NNSA depends on a mix of6576Federal employees, contractors, and lab scientists to manage critical6577programs. If you determine that reductions in force have harmed NNSA's6578mission, what contingency plans would you implement to ensure continued6579oversight, safety, and security of the nuclear stockpile?6580    Vice Admiral Pappano. I am not aware of reductions-in-force that6581have been implemented at NNSA at this time. If confirmed, I will review6582the contingency plans currently in place and will ensure the oversight,6583safety, and security of the nuclear stockpile.65846585    78. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, NNSA is conducting some6586of the largest modernization programs in its history. The Government6587Accountability Office (GAO) recently published a report that noted that6588NNSA's internal review ``concluded that it wouldn't be able to meet6589this workload without changes.'' Are you familiar with NNSA's review?6590    Vice Admiral Pappano. In my current capacity, I am not privy to6591NNSA's internal review. If confirmed, I will review the report's6592findings.65936594    79. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, if you are familiar with6595the NNSA's review referenced in the question above, how would you6596address the recommendations in the review?6597    Vice Admiral Pappano. I am not familiar with the review referenced6598above. If confirmed, I will review the report's findings and determine6599whether plans are needed to address its recommendations.66006601    80. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, if you are not familiar6602with the NNSA's review referenced in the question above, will you6603provide this committee with your plan to address its recommendations in660430 days?6605    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I will review the report's6606findings and determine whether plans are needed to address its6607recommendations.66086609    81. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, what is your plan to6610address NNSA's significant management challenges?6611    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I will review current program6612management practices and explore potential innovative strategies that6613could be implemented to more efficiently deliver NNSA's mission, such6614as streamlining project management requirements. I will support the6615Administrator in fostering a culture of accountability, determining the6616optimal level of oversight, implementing lessons learned, and6617reinforcing best practices for cost estimating.66186619    82. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, would it be harmful for6620NNSA workforce reductions to weaken U.S. leadership in6621nonproliferation?6622    Vice Admiral Pappano. In my current capacity, I am not aware of the6623structure of NNSA's workforce. NNSA's success is highly dependent on6624its workforce. If confirmed, I will advocate for the resources needed6625to ensure NNSA's workforce is able to deliver on NNSA's critical6626national security mission.66276628    83. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, how do you think6629increasing our nuclear weapons spending will impact our adversaries'6630interest in doing the same?6631    Vice Admiral Pappano. Our adversaries have already been6632accelerating their nuclear modernization efforts for years. Our nuclear6633weapons stockpile remains safe, secure, reliable, and effective. NNSA6634must continue to be responsive to DOD requirements while developing6635capabilities to meet deterrence gaps of any kind that may emerge well6636into the future.66376638    84. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, how do you think our6639adversaries would interpret the United States resuming live fire6640nuclear weapons testing?6641    Vice Admiral Pappano. For nearly 30 years, the three national6642security laboratory directors and the Commander of U.S. Strategic6643Command have annually assessed the nuclear stockpile and determined6644that it remains safe, secure, and effective, with no technical issue6645that would require a return to underground nuclear explosive testing.6646The confidence provided by this annual assessment process has, in part,6647allowed the United States to continue observing an enduring moratorium6648on nuclear tests since 1992. If confirmed, I will continue to support6649the annual assessment process and will ensure NNSA continues to adhere6650to nuclear test readiness requirements while supporting a rigorous and6651effective Stockpile Stewardship Program.66526653    85. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, given the Pentagon's $1.56654trillion nuclear modernization program and Donald Trump's commitment to6655examining every aspect of the Federal Government for wasteful spending,6656will you assess whether any nuclear modernization programs should be6657identified for possible re-evaluation to cut unnecessary costs for the6658American taxpayer?6659    Vice Admiral Pappano. The U.S. nuclear arsenal is the bedrock of6660our Nation's defense, ensuring the United States fields modern,6661reliable, and effective weapons to deter our adversaries. NNSA is6662entrusted with stewardship of taxpayer dollars which requires6663appropriate scrutiny. If confirmed, I will support the Administrator to6664identify areas where we can adopt innovative strategies to more6665efficiently deliver NNSA's mission.66666667    86. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, the NNSA's Office of6668Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation (DNN) works globally to prevent State6669and non-State actors from developing nuclear weapons or acquiring6670weapons-usable nuclear or radiological materials, equipment,6671technology, and expertise. Given that $185 million has been redirected6672from defense nuclear non-proliferation to weapons development, what6673impact will this shift have on non-proliferation programs at NNSA?6674    Vice Admiral Pappano. In my current capacity, I am not aware of the6675particulars related to that funding or the reasoning leading to its6676redirection. If confirmed, I am committed to protecting the United6677States from the threat of nuclear proliferation.66786679    87. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, what will you do to6680ensure the non-proliferation programs referenced in the question above6681get the funding they need?6682    Vice Admiral Pappano. If confirmed, I will work with the6683Administrator, Secretary of Energy, and the White House Office of6684Management and Budget to ensure NNSA's nonproliferation programs have6685the resources needed to execute their mission.66866687    88. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, will you provide, within668860 days, an update on how the NNSA will execute its obligation under6689section 3124 of the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act6690to ``seek to enter into an arrangement with the private scientific6691advisory group known as JASON to conduct, not later than 2030, an6692assessment of plutonium pit aging?''6693    Vice Admiral Pappano. Yes.66946695    89. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, should NNSA generally6696follow GAO's best practices for an integrated master schedule to manage6697its programs?6698    Vice Admiral Pappano. Yes.66996700    90. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Pappano, is program management6701enhanced by reliable lifecycle cost estimates and program milestones?6702    Vice Admiral Pappano. Yes.6703                                 ______67046705    [The nomination reference of Vice Admiral Scott W. Pappano,6706USN follows:]6707[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]67086709                                 ______67106711    [The biographical sketch of Vice Admiral Scott W. Pappano,6712USN, which was transmitted to the Committee at the time the6713nomination was referred, follows:]6714[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]67156716                                 ______67176718    [The Committee on Armed Services requires all individuals6719nominated from civilian life by the President to positions6720requiring the advice and consent of the Senate to complete a6721form that details the biographical, financial, and other6722information of the nominee. The form executed by Vice Admiral6723Scott W. Pappano, USN in connection with his nomination6724follows:]67256726[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]67276728                                 ______67296730    [The nominee responded to Parts B-F of the Committee6731questionnaire. The text of the questionnaire is set forth in6732the Appendix to this volume. The nominee's answers to Parts B-F6733are contained in the Committee's executive files.]6734[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]6735                                 ______67366737    [The nomination of Vice Admiral Scott W. Pappano, USN was6738reported to the Senate by Chairman Wicker on May 13, 2025, with6739the recommendation that the nomination be confirmed. The6740nomination was confirmed by the Senate on September 18, 2025.]67416742                                 [all]