Hearings to examine the nominations of Matthew Lohmeier, of Arizona, to be Under Secretary of the Air Force, Justin Overbaugh, of Florida, to be a Deputy Under Secretary, and Daniel Zimmerman, of North Carolina, to be an Assistant Secretary, all of the Department of Defense.

1[Senate Hearing 119-325]2[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]34                                                      S. Hrg. 119-32556                THE NOMINATIONS OF: MR. MATTHEW L.7               LOHMEIER TO BE UNDER SECRETARY OF AIR8               FORCE; MR. JUSTIN P. OVERBAUGH TO BE9               DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR10               INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY; AND MR.11               DANIEL L. ZIMMERMAN TO BE ASSISTANT12               SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR INTERNATIONAL13               SECURITY AFFAIRS14=======================================================================1516                                HEARING1718                              BEFORE THE1920                      COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES21                          UNITED STATES SENATE2223                    ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS2425                             FIRST SESSION2627                               __________2829                              MAY 1, 20253031                               __________3233         Printed for the use of the Committee on Armed Services3435[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]3637                 Available via: http://www.govinfo.gov38                               __________3940                   U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE4163-041 PDF                  WASHINGTON : 202642-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------4344                      COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES4546  ROGER F. WICKER, Mississippi,47             Chairman48DEB FISCHER, Nebraska49TOM COTTON, Arkansas50MIKE ROUNDS, South Dakota51JONI ERNST, Iowa52DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska53KEVIN CRAMER, North Dakota54RICK SCOTT, Florida55TOMMY TUBERVILLE, Alabama56MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma57TED BUDD, North Carolina58ERIC SCHMITT, Missouri59JIM BANKS, Indiana60TIM SHEEHY, Montana                  JACK REED, Rhode Island61                                     JEANNE SHAHEEN, New Hampshire62                                     KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, New York63                                     RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, Connecticut64                                     MAZIE K. HIRONO, Hawaii65                                     TIM KAINE, Virginia66                                     ANGUS S. KING, Jr., Maine67                                     ELIZABETH WARREN, Massachusetts68                                     GARY C. PETERS, Michigan69                                     TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois70                                     JACKY ROSEN, Nevada71                                     MARK KELLY, Arizona72                                     ELISSA SLOTKIN, Michigan7374   John P. Keast, Staff Director75Elizabeth L. King, Minority Staff76             Director7778                                  (ii)7980                         C O N T E N T S8182_________________________________________________________________8384                              may 1, 20258586                                                                   Page87The Nominations of: Mr. Matthew L. Lohmeier to be Under Secretary     188  of Air Force; Mr. Justin P. Overbaugh to be Deputy Under89  Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security; and Mr.90  Daniel L. Zimmerman to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for91  International Security Affairs.9293                           Members Statements9495Wicker, Senator Roger F..........................................     19697Reed, Senator Jack...............................................     29899                           Witness Statements100101Hagerty, Senator Bill............................................     4102103Lohmeier, Mr. Matthew L., to be Under Secretary of Air Force.....     5104105  Advance Policy Questions.......................................    48106107  Questions for the Record.......................................    72108109  Nomination Reference and Report................................    91110111  Biographical Sketch............................................    92112113  Committee on Armed Services Questionnaire......................    94114115  Signature Page.................................................    99116117Overbaugh, Mr. Justin P., to be Deputy Under Secretary of Defense     8118  for Intelligence and Security.119120  Advance Policy Questions.......................................    99121122  Questions for the Record.......................................   120123124  Nomination Reference and Report................................   132125126  Biographical Sketch............................................   133127128  Committee on Armed Services Questionnaire......................   137129130  Signature Page.................................................   143131132Zimmerman, Mr. Daniel L., to be Assistant Secretary of Defense       10133  for International Security Affairs.134135  Advance Policy Questions.......................................   143136137  Questions for the Record.......................................   156138139  Nomination Reference and Report................................   169140141  Biographical Sketch............................................   170142143  Committee on Armed Services Questionnaire......................   171144145  Signature Page.................................................   176146147                                 (iii)148149              This hearing is printed to include all available150                information151                requested or required to be inserted for the152                record.153154                                  (iv)155156 THE NOMINATIONS OF: MR. MATTHEW L. LOHMEIER TO BE UNDER SECRETARY OF157  AIR FORCE; MR. JUSTIN P. OVERBAUGH TO BE DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY OF158 DEFENSE FOR INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY; AND MR. DANIEL L. ZIMMERMAN TO159                                   BE160   ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS161162                              ----------163164                         THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025165166                              United States Senate,167                               Committee on Armed Services,168                                                    Washington, DC.169    The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 9:39 a.m. in room170SD-G50, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Senator Roger Wicker171(Chairman of the Committee) presiding.172    Committee Members present: Senators Wicker, Fischer,173Cotton, Ernst, Sullivan, Scott, Tuberville, Mullin, Budd,174Schmitt, Sheehy, Reed, Shaheen, Gillibrand, Blumenthal, Hirono,175Kaine, King, Duckworth, and Kelly.176    Also present: Senator Hagerty.177178          OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR ROGER F. WICKER179180    Chairman Wicker. I thank our witnesses for being here. We181have a familiar face at the desk also, and I welcome all the182families of our witnesses and thank them for being here this183morning.184    As I've said many times, we face an axis of aggressors that185deepen their cooperation every day. A new cooperative186engagement between our enemies strengthens every day. We need187qualified people who are willing to step up and serve during188these dangerous times.189    Matthew Lohmeier has served our country as an Active Duty190officer in the Air Force and Space Force. Based on his191experience in uniform, he's been an outspoken proponent of192eliminating the divisive DEI [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion]193agenda that was the hallmark of the Department of Defense in194the earlier Administration. Fortunately, President Trump and195Secretary Hegseth have done much toward removing DEI at DOD.196    Mr. Lohmeier's nomination for Under Secretary of the Air197Force represents an opportunity to evaluate closely the kind of198leadership we need in the Air Force and Space Force at this199pivotal moment. This role requires a steady, unifying presence,200and needs someone who can work across the department to advance201readiness, morale, and mission focus. I look forward to hearing202how Mr. Lohmeier intends to be that needed presence.203    Mr. Justin Overbaugh has been nominated to be the Deputy204Under Secretary of Defense for intelligence and Security. In205this role, he would serve as the principal assistant to the206Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security,207overseeing the intelligence, counterintelligence, security, and208law enforcement functions of the DOD.209    Mr. Overbaugh's deep experience as an Army officer in the210fields of intelligence and special operations make him ideal211for a candidate of this position. I look forward to hearing his212priorities for ensuring our defense intelligence enterprise is213best postured to provide timely and accurate intelligence to214our warfighters, safeguard DOD sensitive information from our215adversaries, and inform our acquisitions and investments.216    Mr. Daniel Zimmerman has been nominated to be the Assistant217Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. In218this role, he would serve as the principal advisor to the Under219Secretary of Defense for Policy and the lead policy advisor to220all matters related to Europe, NATO, and Russia.221    Mr. Zimmerman will have responsibility for managing the222NATO alliance, encountering Russian aggression and malign223activities. His background as an intelligence officer and his224experience working in Congress make him an ideal candidate for225this position. I look forward to hearing his priorities, and226how he plans to revitalize the NATO alliance, and develop227initiatives to counter Russian aggression.228    With that, I turn to my friend and colleague, Ranking229Member Reed.230231                 STATEMENT OF SENATOR JACK REED232233    Senator Reed. Well, thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Want234to recognize Mr. Lohmeier, Mr. Overbaugh, and Mr. Zimmerman,235and also our colleague Senator Bill Hagerty. We also want to236recognize the families that are here today.237    Now, Mr. Lohmeier, you've been nominated to be the Under238Secretary for the Department of the Air Force. If confirmed,239you would run the day-to-day operations of the Department of240the Air Force and assist the Secretary in leading the largest241fleet of aircraft and space assets in the world. Most242importantly, you would be responsible for managing the hundreds243of thousands of men and women who make up the Air Force and244Space Force.245    Mr. Lohmeier, I must confess, I have deep concerns about246your ability to represent these men and women. While I247appreciate your past military service, your record of troubling248conduct in uniform, extreme partisanship, and animosity toward249military members with whom you disagree politically is, in my250view, disqualifying to be the Under Secretary.251    We must acknowledge your record of behavior and statements.252In 2021, while you were an Active Duty Space Force Lieutenant253Colonel in command of a large formation, you self-published a254book titled Irresistible Revolution: Marxism's Goal of Conquest255and The Unmaking of the American Military. The book argues that256Marxism is rampant within the ranks and is leading to the257collapse of our military and our society. As you wrote, and258I'll quote to be perfectly clear, ``The path we're on as the259country leads to fratricidal and genocidal warfare.''260    While still on Active Duty in command, you went on a far-261right podcast, which was known for spreading misinformation and262conspiracy theories to advertise your book. All this was done263without knowledge or approval of the Department of Defense. You264were immediately relieved of command when your book and podcast265were discovered.266    After leaving the Space Force, you have continued to write267and speak extensively about Marxism in the military. You268appeared on dozens of podcasts and panels, and made hundreds of269social media posts about this specific issue. As you write in270your book, Irresistible Revolution, I quote in one respect,271``U.S. military servicemembers are no different than members of272the People's Liberation Army. Each is composed of humans,273humans who share a common nature. Because we share the same274nature, what Marxist's ideology does to the Chinese military275servicemembers, it will do to the American.''276    Mr. Lohmeier, I've read much of your writing, and frankly,277I would question your interpretation of Marxism. Nonetheless, I278would make one point clear. I'm concerned that you have a279misguided opinion of American military servicemembers and their280leaders. If confirmed, you would lead an organization that,281like the country it represents, is composed of Republicans,282Democrats, Independents, men and women of all racist creeds and283sexualities. Yet, your language suggests that you regard many284of these men and women as adversaries to be rooted out and285purged from the force.286    I would ask that you explain why servicemembers and287civilians who do not share your political opinions can trust288that they will not be targeted under your tenure. Just as289importantly, I hope you'll pledge not to seek a retribution290against any military members or civilians with whom you have291disagreed and publicly criticized in the past, especially as292many of them would serve under you, if confirmed.293    I hope you'll address these issues thoroughly and294truthfully during your testimony. The Department of the Air295Force faces enormous challenges in the years ahead. I'm going296to ask for your views and how you would address them.297    Mr. Overbaugh, you have been nominated to be Deputy Under298Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security. If299confirmed, you would serve as a principal intelligence advisor300to the Secretary of Defense and would oversee the Defense301intelligence enterprise. Your experience in the special302operations and intelligence community should serve you well in303this role.304    Among many issues you will oversee is the complicated305network of Defense intelligence agencies. These agencies, DIA,306NRO, NSA, and others continue to face challenges in efficiently307coordinating intelligence among themselves in providing308adequate resources to joint all-domain military operations.309Such operations require split second targeting support, and I310would like to know how you would ensure their success.311    Mr. Zimmerman, you have been nominated to be Assistant312Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. If313confirmed, you would be the principal advisor of the Under314Secretary of Defense for Policy and the Secretary of Defense on315international issues that relate to Europe, Russia, the Middle316East, Africa, and the Western Hemisphere. I would note your317experience as a career CIA officer with expertise in several of318these regions.319    If confirmed, one of your challenges will be to ensure we320continue to have cooperation and support from partners and321allies in Europe and the Middle East, and I'm deeply concerned322about the Administration's comments and actions regarding NATO323and Ukraine. As the Administration continues to expand its324campaign against the Houthis in Yemen, it would be more325important than ever that we have reliable friends abroad to326assist us in other areas. Mr. Zimmerman, I would like you to327know your plans of balancing U.S. long-term international328security objectives against short-term demands.329    Thanks, again, to our nominees. I look forward to your330testimoneys. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.331    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much, Ranking Member Reed.332I now have the pleasure of recognizing our colleague, Senator333Hagerty, who I understand will be introducing Mr. Zimmerman334this morning. So, I now turn to you, sir.335336               STATEMENT OF SENATOR BILL HAGERTY337338    Senator Hagerty. Thank you, Chairman Wicker, and I want to339thank you as well, Ranking Member Reed, and to all my esteemed340colleagues here. Thank you for holding this hearing today, and341importantly, to all of the very capable staff that are sitting342behind you. Because I hope you'll look at Mr. Zimmerman and the343position that he's in today, and realize that he was amongst344your ranks, and he's sitting here today. I hope that many of345you'll take this as an inspiration.346    It's my honor today to introduce my good friend Daniel347Zimmerman, President Trump's nominee to be Assistant Secretary348of Defense for International Security Affairs. Daniel is349tailor-made for this role. For nearly two decades, Daniel has350served with distinction at the Central Intelligence Agency, the351White House, and most recently, right here in the U.S. Senate.352    While many of the details of his career remain classified,353I can share a few anecdotes that highlight his experience and354his expertise. Daniel has risked his life in war zones, working355with special operations forces out of Soviet, Arab bunkers in356Iraq to hunt ISIS and other terrorists. He's dealt face to face357with Russian energy oligarchs, and traveled the world from358Europe, to the Middle East, to the Indo-Pacific, all on359sensitive matters that are related to energy and trade360security. Daniel was one of the first people whom the White361House hired to support the historic Abraham Accords, which is362one of President Trump's signature achievements from his first363term that is still bearing fruit in the Middle East today.364    For the last 15 months, I've had the great pleasure of365having Daniel on my Senate staff. He's been a detailee who366served with distinction. During this time, I found that his367tremendous leadership skills, his knowledge of global issues,368are matched only by his humility and his character. He's been a369wonderful colleague and a friend.370    Daniel's the right person to serve as the next Assistant371Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, and I372urge the members of this committee to move quickly on his373nomination. Thank you all for taking him into account this374morning.375    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much, Senator Hagerty, and376you are free to stay, but I'm sure your schedule is quite busy.377    Senator Kaine. So, Mr. Chair, I think a number of us, were378hoping to cross-examine Senator Hagerty before he departs.379    [Laughter.]380    Chairman Wicker. Five minutes each for the first round.381    [Laughter.]382    Chairman Wicker. Only because it's a Thursday, we'll skip383that today. Thank you. We will now begin with opening384statements and we'll go in the order of Lohmeier, Overbaugh,385and Zimmerman.386    Mr. Lohmeier, you are recognized for 5 minutes for your387opening statement, sir.388389STATEMENT OF MR. MATTHEW L. LOHMEIER, TO BE UNDER SECRETARY OF390                           AIR FORCE391392    Mr. Lohmeier. Thank you, Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member393Reed, and members of this committee for considering my394nomination to be Under Secretary of the Department of the Air395Force. I'm grateful for the opportunity, and for the trust of396President Trump. To the many troops, men, and women, both397uniformed and civilian, who have expressed overwhelming support398for me, thank you to those listening who have served or who399presently serve. You have my gratitude.400    I wish to acknowledge and thank my friends and family for401their support, some of whom are here today, including my402parents. I'd especially like to acknowledge and thank my wife,403Sarah, who is here. What a blessing it is for a man who404personally cares deeply about the Air Force core values of405integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we406do, to live with a wife who likewise believes in and embodies407those values. Furthermore, she more than anyone else knows that408I strive to be a man of integrity, and that I hope to inspire409others to live in that same spirit.410    The Under Secretary of the Air Force is by law the Chief411Management Officer of the Department of the Air Force. My412breadth of experience serving in both the Air and Space Forces413makes me uniquely qualified for the job at this pivotal time in414American history, a time in which we face very serious threats415to our national security.416    Even before receiving my commission, while still a cadet at417the United States Air Force Academy 20 years ago, I began to418become aware of the threats we face when I participated in a419special exchange program to China that we no longer have. The420U.S. Government sent a small contingent of Mandarin-speaking421Air Force Cadets to the People's Liberation Army Air Force422Academy in Changchun, China. It's north of North Korea.423    For a brief cold stint in March 2005, I lived in the dorms424with the PLA cadets, attended their classes, even aeronautical425engineering, did PT with those cadets in the snow, ate in their426chow hall, and was wittingly placed on a losing basketball team427so that they could film our crushing defeat in front of their428entire cadet body, no doubt for distribution in State media.429    Most U.S. Air Force Academy cadets know what I mean when I430say there's no better view of the Air Force Academy than in the431rear-view mirror. But after spending time at the Chinese Air432Force Academy, returning to USFA was a treat. Later, after433graduating and receiving a commission from the Air Force434Academy, I finished pilot training and became a T-38 instructor435pilot where I taught future fighter pilots for both the United436States and our foreign mission partners.437    I then flew F-15Cs out of Kadena Airbase in Okinawa, Japan.438That assignment served as yet another reminder to me of the439threat posed by the PRC to our allies and our strategic440partners, as well as to our own economic prosperity, and441military interests at home and abroad. I am keenly aware of442that threat, and I understand the need for ready Air and Space443Forces well trained and equipped to meet the China challenge to444deter any aggression, and if needed, to defeat that aggression.445    Following my time in the cockpit, I transferred to what was446then Air Force Space Command, and provided strategic and447theater missile warning for the United States and our allies.448When the Space Force was subsequently created, I was entrusted449with command of that same mission leading a combined operation450of U.S. and allied partners in control of our Nation's $18451billion space-based missile warning architecture.452    I share that background to make this point. I speak the453language of both the Air Force and the Space Force. I am air-454minded and space-minded. I understand the necessity of United455States superiority in both of those war fighting domains.456Space, in particular, is a strategic domain. It is a theater457where we pursue many objectives, and where the United States458must prevail. Space is necessarily also an operational domain459because our ability to access and use space is a vital national460interest.461    Despite my background, I've been startled by just how much462has changed and developed technologically since I left Active463Duty just shy of 4 years ago. My surprise is evidence of the464dynamic and rapidly evolving threat environment, mentioned here465several weeks ago by Dr. Troy Meink. Combatant commanders are466calling for more air and space power capacity, not less. I'm467persuaded that, if confirmed, I must be a strong advocate for a468larger and better funded Department of the Air Force. Every469single national security option the President needs is470underpinned by air space power.471    The President has nominated me for this important position472with the trust that I'll be a driving force behind a culture of473integrity in the Department of the Air Force. This includes474eliminating all unnecessary distractions, and enabling military475members to focus on their mission.476    Secretary Hegseth has said his priorities include restoring477the warrior ethos, and a focus on warfighting, rebuilding the478military, and reestablishing deterrence. I am firmly aligned479with those priorities, and there are unique ways in which they480must be accomplished in the air and space forces. If confirmed,481all of my efforts will be nested within that framework.482    Thank you, and I look forward to taking your questions.483    [The prepared statement of Mr. Matthew L. Lohmeier484follows:]485486       Prepared Statement by Statement of Mr. Matthew L. Lohmeier487    Thank you, Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Reed, and members of488this Committee, for considering my nomination to be the Under Secretary489of the Department of the Air Force. I'm grateful for the opportunity,490and for the trust of President Trump.491    To the many troops--men and women, both uniformed and civilian--who492have expressed overwhelming support for me: thank you. To those here or493who may be listening who have served or who presently serve: you have494my gratitude.495    I wish to acknowledge and thank my friends and family for their496support, some of whom are here today. I'd especially like to497acknowledge and thank my wife Sara, who is here with me today. What a498blessing it is for a man who personally cares deeply about the Air499Force core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and500Excellence in All We Do, to live with a wife who likewise believes in501and embodies those values. Furthermore, she, more than anyone else,502knows that I strive to be a man of integrity, and that I hope to503inspire others to live in that same spirit.504    The Under Secretary of the Air Force is, by law, the Chief505Management Officer of the Department of the Air Force. My breadth of506experience serving in both the Air and Space Forces makes me uniquely507qualified for the job at this pivotal time in American history.508    Even before receiving my commission, while still a cadet at the509United States Air Force Academy 20 years ago, I participated in a510special exchange program to China that we no longer have. The U.S.511Government sent a small contingent of Mandarin-speaking Air Force512cadets to the People's Liberation Army Air Force Academy in ChangChun,513China (it's north of North Korea). For a brief, cold stint in March5142005, I lived in the dorms with PLA cadets, attended their classes, did515PT with those cadets in the snow, ate in their chow hall, and was516wittingly placed on a losing basketball team so that they could film517our crushing defeat in front of their entire cadet body, no doubt for518distribution in the State media.519    Later, after graduating and receiving a commission from the Air520Force Academy, I finished pilot training and became a T-38 instructor521pilot, where I taught future fighter pilots for both the United States522and our foreign mission partners. I then flew F-15Cs out of Kadena Air523Base in Okinawa, Japan. That assignment served as yet another reminder524to me of the threat posed by China to our allies and strategic525partners, as well as to our own economic prosperity and military526interests at home and abroad.527    I am keenly aware of that threat, and I understand the need for528ready air and space forces, well-trained and equipped to meet the China529challenge, to deter any aggression and--if needed--to defeat it.530    Following my time in the cockpit, I transferred to what was then531Air Force Space Command and provided strategic and theater missile532warning for the United States and our allies. When the Space Force was533subsequently created, I was entrusted with command of that same534mission, leading a combined operation of U.S. and allied partners in535control of our Nation's $18 billion space-based missile warning536architecture.537    I speak the language of the Air Force and the Space Force, I am538air-minded and space-minded, and I understand the necessity of United539States superiority in both of those warfighting domains. Despite my540background, however, I've been startled by just how much has changed541and developed technologically since I left Active Duty just shy of 4542years ago. My surprise is evidence of the dynamic and rapidly evolving543threat environment mentioned here several weeks ago by Dr. Troy Meink.544Combatant Commanders are calling for more air and space power capacity,545not less. I'm persuaded that, if confirmed, I must be a strong advocate546for a larger and better-funded Department of the Air Force. Every547single national security option the President needs is underpinned by548air and space power.549    The President has nominated me for this important position with the550trust that I will be a driving force behind a culture of integrity in551the Department of the Air Force. This includes eliminating all552unnecessary distractions and enabling military members to focus on553their mission. The American people, like me, want nothing less than to554enable our Department's men and women to succeed so that our military555can--through strength--deter conflict.556    Secretary Hegseth has said his priorities include 1) Restoring the557Warrior Ethos and a Focus on Warfighting, 2) Rebuilding the Military,558and 3) Reestablishing Deterrence. I am firmly aligned with those559priorities, and there are unique ways in which they must be560accomplished in the Air and Space Forces. If confirmed, all of my561efforts will be nested within that framework.562    Thank you, again, and I look forward to your questions.563564    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much. Mr. Overbaugh.565566   STATEMENT OF MR. JUSTIN P. OVERBAUGH, TO BE DEPUTY UNDER567       SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY568569    Mr. Overbaugh. Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Reed, and570distinguished members of this committee, thank you for the571chance to appear before you today, and for your consideration572of my nomination to be Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for573Intelligence and Security. I am honored and grateful for this574opportunity to serve our great nation.575    I'm truly humbled by the nomination, and thankful to576President Trump and Secretary Hegseth for placing their trust577in me. Above all, I am profoundly grateful to God for his578countless blessings, and the unmerited grace and forgiveness He579so generously offers through his son Jesus Christ. I'm joined580today by my precious wife of 21 years, Rebecca, and our four581sons; Joshua, Benjamin, Gabriel, and Matthias of whom we are so582proud. We are also blessed to have a number of family, friends,583and former teammates with us here today and watching online as584well. Having their love and support means the world to me.585    If confirmed, I look forward to bringing over 25 years of586intelligence and security experience to the role. Most587recently, I served as director of intelligence for a special588operations joint task force, supporting a new U.S. Special589Operations Command organization focused on global coordination590of unique capabilities against great power competitors. I591collaborated extensively across the intelligence community, the592interagency, and with foreign partners to address high priority593threats.594    Prior to that, I held leadership and staff positions in595human intelligence, counterintelligence, and counter-terrorism.596In these roles, I led both military and civilian teammates in597tactical and operational deployments to both Afghanistan and598Iraq, and strategic assignments in Europe and the United599States.600    I routinely informed Pentagon and Combatant Command601decisionmaking regarding joint and multilateral sensitive602intelligence operations, which I also personally coordinated603with chiefs of station and foreign intelligence partners across604Europe. These operations were instrumental in countering605foreign influence and terror threats against the United States606and our partners, strengthening relationships with key allies607and positioning our forces to deter, and if necessary, defeat608our adversaries.609    If confirmed, along with supporting the priorities of610Secretary Hegseth and Mr. Hansell, should he also be confirmed,611I will advocate for the following areas of emphasis. I hope to612lead the enterprise in strategic assessments that shape defense613requirements, ensuring they are data-driven, actionable, and614aligned with national security priorities. I believe that we do615not have the resources to cover all threats simultaneously.616Therefore, we must be deliberate and discerning about the617capabilities we pursue to defend our Nation and deter, or if618necessary, defeat our adversaries.619    If confirmed, I would encourage the enterprise to reassess620established analytical frameworks, fostering innovation and621adaptive thinking to tackle dynamic threats. I believe the622warrior ethos includes the courage and mental clarity required623to challenge personal and institutional bias, and overcome624bureaucratic intransigence.625    Finally, I would drive the enterprise to prioritize626actionable intelligence, providing clear insights to support627decisionmaking from the platoon leader to the President. I628believe intelligence professionals must be able to separate629signals from noise in order to be value added to the630warfighter.631    Progress in these areas would improve decision support and632security for the enterprise and the American people. This is633desperately needed as I sincerely believe we face some of the634most daunting challenges in the history of our Nation.635    Again, I thank you for your consideration, and I look636forward to answering your questions.637    [The prepared statement of Mr. Justin P. Overbaugh638follows:]639640       Prepared Statement by Statement of Mr. Justin P. Overbaugh641    Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Reed, and distinguished members of642this Committee, thank you for the chance to appear before you today and643for your consideration of my nomination to be the Deputy Under644Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security.645    I am honored and grateful for this opportunity to serve our great646Nation. I am truly humbled by the nomination, and thankful to President647Trump and Secretary Hegseth for placing their trust in me.648    Above all, I am profoundly grateful to God for His countless649blessings and the unmerited grace and forgiveness He so generously650offers through His son Jesus Christ.651    I am joined today by my precious wife of 21 years, Rebecca and our652four sons, Joshua, Benjamin, Gabriel, and Matthias, of whom we are so653proud.654    If confirmed, I look forward to bringing over 25 years of655intelligence and security experience to the role. Most recently, I656served as director of intelligence for a special operations joint task657force, supporting a new U.S. Special Operations Command organization658focused on global coordination of unique capabilities against great659power competitors. I collaborated extensively across the intelligence660community, the interagency, and with foreign partners to address high-661priority threats. Prior to that, I held leadership and staff positions662in human intelligence, counterintelligence, and counterterrorism. In663these roles, I led both military and civilian teammates in tactical and664operational deployments to both Afghanistan and Iraq and strategic665assignments in Europe and the United States. I routinely informed666Pentagon and Combatant Command decisionmaking regarding joint and667multilateral sensitive intelligence operations, which I also personally668coordinated with chiefs of station and foreign intelligence partners669across Europe. These operations were instrumental in countering foreign670intelligence and terror threats against the United States and our671partners, strengthening relationships with key allies and positioning672our forces to deter, and if necessary, defeat our adversaries.673    If confirmed, along with supporting the priorities of Secretary674Hegseth and Mr. Hansell (should he also be confirmed), I will advocate675for the following areas of emphasis:676    I hope to lead the enterprise in strategic assessments that shape677defense requirements, ensuring they are data-driven, actionable, and678aligned with national security priorities. I believe that we do not679have the resources to cover all threats simultaneously, therefore we680must be deliberate and discerning about the capabilities we pursue to681defend our Nation and deter, or if necessary, defeat, our adversaries.682    If confirmed, I would encourage the enterprise to reassess683established analytical frameworks, fostering innovation and adaptive684thinking to tackle dynamic threats. I believe the Warrior Ethos685includes the courage and mental clarity required to challenge personal686and institutional bias and overcome bureaucratic intransigence.687    Finally, I would drive the enterprise to prioritize actionable688intelligence, providing clear insights to support decisionmaking from689the platoon leader to the President. I believe intelligence690professionals must be able to separate signals from noise in order to691be value added to the Warfighter.692    Progress in these areas would improve decision support and security693for the enterprise and the American people. This is desperately needed694as I sincerely believe we face some of the most daunting challenges in695the history of our Nation.696    Again, I thank you for your consideration and look forward to697answering your questions.698699    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, sir. Mr. Zimmerman.700701STATEMENT OF MR. DANIEL L. ZIMMERMAN, TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY702         OF DEFENSE FOR INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS703704    Mr. Zimmerman. Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Reed, and705distinguished members of the Armed Services Committee, thank706you for the chance to appear before you today to be considered707for the role of Assistant Secretary of Defense for708International Security Affairs.709    I am honored by the President's nomination and by his710trust. I also thank Secretary Hegseth and Under Secretary Colby711for their support. I'm humbled by Senator Hagerty's712introduction, and grateful for his leadership and example713    Mr. Chairman, with permission, I'll briefly mention some714priorities that, if confirmed, I would anticipate meriting my715full attention from day one. The International Security Affairs716role spans Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Eurasia, the Middle East,717and Africa. These theaters present many issues of consequence,718which must be addressed judiciously and in ways that fully719support the Department's primary goals of securing the homeland720and deterring China.721    In my view, doing this will require cultivating strong722partnerships in these regions that further U.S. interests, and723encourage our allies urgently to embrace greater responsibility724and burden sharing, which is both in their interest and ours.725    Resolutely addressing with allies persistent threats to our726interests, such as those posed by Russia, Iran's potential to727develop a nuclear weapon and terrorism, and countering China's728ability to project military power influence in these theaters.729All this can and should be done in a way that advances the730President's and Secretary's America First, peace through731strength agenda.732    If confirmed, I would draw on almost two decades of733national security experience, intelligence, in policy roles,734and in the field where I've had the privilege to work on many735of the same issues and regions involved in this portfolio. The736challenges are serious, yet familiar.737    Mr. Chairman, if I may introduce my family. My parents,738David Zimmerman and Beth Zimmerman are here, to whom I owe739immeasurable gratitude. I would like to acknowledge my sister,740Tabitha Zimmerman, and three brothers; Ethan Zimmerman, Luke741Zimmerman, and Nic Zimmerman, who along with my dad, have all742served or are serving in our military and along with their743exemplary colleagues. They hold my deepest respect.744    My four brave children are here; Ransom Zimmerman, Anchor745Zimmerman, Haven Zimmerman, and Liberty Zimmerman. I have asked746them to behave unless I get asked a tough question.747    [Laughter.]748    Mr. Zimmerman. Most important, my wife, Chloe Zimmerman, is749here, a constant friend without parallel who continues to750transform my life. I'm grateful for many other family and751friends attending or listening today, and I give thanks to my752great shepherd, the Lord Jesus.753    Mr. Chairman, if confirmed to this role, I would apply754myself with all the humility, vigor, and excellence our country755expects and deserves to help preserve the inestimable blessings756of liberty for us and for the next generation. Thank you.757    [The prepared statement of Mr. Daniel Zimmerman follows:]758759          Prepared Statement by Statement of Daniel Zimmerman760    Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Reed, and Members of the Armed761Services Committee----762    Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you to be considered763for the role of Assistant Secretary of Defense for International764Security Affairs.765    I am honored by the President's nomination, and by his trust. I766also thank Secretary Hegseth and Under Secretary Colby for their767support.768    I am humbled by Senator Hagerty's introduction and am grateful for769his leadership and example.770    Mr. Chairman, with permission, I will briefly mention some771priorities that--if con.rmed--I would anticipate meriting my full772attention from Day One. The International Security Affairs role spans773Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Eurasia, the Middle East, and Africa. These774theaters present many issues of consequence, which must be addressed775judiciously and in ways that fully support the Department's primary776goals of securing the homeland and deterring China. In my view, doing777this will require:778779      Cultivating strong partnerships in these regions that780further U.S. interests and encourage our allies urgently to embrace781greater responsibility and burden sharing--which is both in their782interest and ours;783784      Resolutely addressing, with allies, persistent threats to785our interests such as those posed by Russia, Iran's potential to786develop a nuclear weapon, and terrorism;787788      And countering China's ability to project military power789and influence in these theaters.790791    All this can and should be done in a way that advances the792President's and the Secretary's America first, peace through strength793agenda.794    If confirmed, I would draw on almost two decades of national795security experience in Intelligence, in policy roles, and in the field,796where I have had the privilege to work on many of the same issues and797regions involved in this portfolio. The challenges are serious, yet798familiar.799    Mr. Chairman, if I may introduce my family, my parents David and800Beth Zimmerman are here, to whom I owe immeasurable gratitude. I would801like to acknowledge my sister Tabitha and three brothers Ethan, Luke,802and Nic--who along with my Dad have all served or are serving in our803military. Along with their exemplary colleagues, they hold my deepest804respect.805    My four brave children are here--Ransom, Anchor, Haven, and806Liberty. Most important, my wife Chloe is here--a constant friend807without parallel, who continues to transform my life.808    I am grateful for many other family and friends attending or809listening today. And I give thanks my Great Shepheard, the Lord Jesus.810    Mr. Chairman, I love this country. If confirmed to this role, I811would apply myself with all the humility, vigor and excellence our812country expects and deserves--to help preserve the inestimable813blessings of liberty for us and for the next generation.814815    Chairman Wicker. Well, thank you.816    Thanks to all three of you, and again, welcome to the817family and friends. We now move to standard questions which are818required of all civilian nominees. So, if you'll each turn your819mics on and answer audibly. Have you adhered to applicable laws820and regulations governing conflicts of interest?821    [Witnesses answer in the affirmative.]822    Chairman Wicker. Have you assumed any duties or taken any823actions that would appear to presume the outcome of the824confirmation process?825    [Witnesses answer in the negative.]826    Chairman Wicker. Exercising our legislative and oversight827responsibilities makes it important that this committee, its828subcommittees, and other appropriate committees of Congress829receive testimony, briefings, reports, records, and other830information from the executive branch on a timely basis. Do you831agree, if confirmed, to appear and testify before this832committee when requested?833    [Witnesses answer in the affirmative.]834    Chairman Wicker. Do you agree to provide records,835documents, and electronic communications in a timely manner836when requested by this committee, its subcommittees, or other837appropriate committees of Congress, and to consult with a838requester regarding the basis for any good faith delay or839denial in providing such records?840    [Witnesses answer in the affirmative.]841    Chairman Wicker. Will you ensure that your staff complies842with deadlines established by this committee for the production843of reports, records, and other information, including timely844responding to hearing questions for the record?845    [Witnesses answer in the affirmative.]846    Chairman Wicker. Will you cooperate in providing witnesses847and briefers in response to congressional requests?848    [Witnesses answer in the affirmative.]849    Chairman Wicker. Will those witnesses and briefers be850protected from reprisal for their testimony or briefings?851    [Witnesses answer in the affirmative.]852    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much.853    Now, we will move to questions by individual members of the854committee, and I'll begin. First, for each of you. Much of the855funding in the Reconciliation Bill, which is being put together856now in the House and Senate, because of our rules, has to be857unspecific and will technically be at the discretion of the858Department of Defense, though we will write recommendations for859them.860    A quick yes or no from each of you, and begin with Mr.861Lohmeier. Do you commit to follow unequivocally the Congress's862spending recommendation in Defense reconciliation?863    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes, Chairman.864    Chairman Wicker. Mr. Overbaugh?865    Mr. Overbaugh. Yes, Chairman Wicker.866    Chairman Wicker. Mr. Zimmerman?867    Mr. Zimmerman. Yes, Chairman.868    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much.869    Then let's move then to Mr. Zimmerman and your prepared870testimony. You mentioned burden sharing. Let's talk about NATO871and the first Trump term. The President demanded that all NATO872allies meet their burden-sharing obligations. Do you think the873NATO members took this challenge seriously? It seems that874they're reversing nearly two decades of decline. Do you believe875this spending marks a renewed commitment on the part of our876NATO allies to burden sharing, Mr. Zimmerman?877    Mr. Zimmerman. Senator, thank you for the question. NATO is878a very important alliance that U.S. commitments there are grave879and serious. I do think there's general consensus that the880alliance has to adapt. You mentioned very appropriately in your881opening remarks, a threat environment where our adversaries are882colluding and collaborating even more and more, underscoring883the need for strong alliances and partnerships and greater884burden sharing.885    I think there is reason to be encouraged by actions that886some NATO members have taken to take greater ownership of their887security needs and be alliance partners. I think the888Administration has identified an urgent need for that process889to accelerate.890    Chairman Wicker. Okay, and one other thing, and I'm glad to891hear you come down strongly on behalf of our participation in892this very important NATO alliance. As far as I know, we do not893yet have a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for NATO. Will894you commit to filling this position at the earliest895opportunity?896    Mr. Zimmerman. Senator, to the extent I can manage that, I897commit.898    Chairman Wicker. Okay, and do you agree it would be very899important for that to be filled based on your earlier900testimony?901    Mr. Zimmerman. Senator, the NATO alliance is a very902important alliance.903    Chairman Wicker. Okay. Thank you very much.904    Let me go back to Mr. Lohmeier, and let me choose my words905here. As the Department of the Air Force makes major basing906decisions, currently including platforms and mission sets like907F-15EX, KC-46, and space control, and very soon the future CCA908and the F-47 support infrastructure, many of us on the909committee remain concerned about the consistency, fairness, and910transparency of the process.911    Mr. Lohmeier, are you aware that in the Fiscal Year 2025912NDAA, which was passed by the Congress and signed into law by913the President, we prohibited programmatic basing decisions or914programmatic sole source basing decisions? Are you aware of915that?916    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes, Senator.917    Chairman Wicker. If confirmed, will you commit to upholding918this law?919    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes, Senator. I am committed to upholding the920law in every respect, if I'm confirmed.921    Chairman Wicker. Okay. Well, and let me just say, how you922do this is going to be very important. There are strategic923imperatives and objective criteria that should be paramount924rather than political considerations.925    Frankly, I'm going to say this after the politicization of926the Space Command Headquarters basing decision, do you think927we've got some confidence rebuilding to do, and what928specifically will you do to restore confidence that this is929being called according to statute and called by the numbers?930    Mr. Lohmeier. Well, I think it's very important, Senator,931and I share your concern that we eliminate the politics of the932decisionmaking process. The service secretaries and the Under933Secretaries should work very carefully to make data-driven934decisions and decisions that will most benefit the warfighter935and our strategic posturing around the globe.936    So, you have my commitment, if confirmed, that we'll do our937very best to make sure those decisions are based on the needs938of those capabilities in various locations and strategy, not939based on politics.940    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much. How's your Mandarin?941    Mr. Lohmeier. Hai hao.942    Chairman Wicker. Did you get that Madam Clerk? Thank you943very much. Senator Reed.944    Senator Reed. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.945    Mr. Lohmeier, you posted the following on your X account on946October 19th, 2024. ``If we are fortunate enough to see a Trump947presidency once again, then there will be serious consequences948for those senior leaders who have broken their oath, betrayed949the trust of the American people, and participated in the950hyper-politicalization of the uniformed services. Let me tell951you about one such officer who still serves--'' Mr. Lohmeier,952what did you mean by serious consequences for these officers,953many who are still serving and would be serving in the Air954Force?955    Mr. Lohmeier. Thank you for bringing this up, Senator. I956share your concern for and commitment to ensuring that we've957got a relatively apolitical military workplace. It was one of958the driving motivating factors prior to my separation from959service in the fall of 2021 for the things that I wrote and960spoke about.961    I was never publicly critical of my chain of command. I was962never publicly critical of my senior leaders while I served in963the uniform of my country. As you mentioned, that post was put964on X in my private capacity as a private citizen in 2024. I've965been out of uniform for the past 4 years, nearly, and have966rather enjoyed my ability to speak freely and express a full967range of the expression of my ideas on platforms such as X.968    However, I'm very committed, if confirmed, to making sure969that we eliminate political distractions from the military970workplace. Our servicemembers and the American people truly971deserve the opportunity to serve in a nonpartisan military972workplace. What I meant by the statement was that I believe973that a Trump presidency or a Trump administration would take974accountability very seriously. We wouldn't overlook that kind975of partisan politicization of the military workplace that I976believed we had experienced in the past years.977    Senator Reed. Do you commit then to not take any action978against any individual military or civilian who carried out DOD979policy and regulations or implemented any laws enacted by980Congress?981    Mr. Lohmeier. Senator, I think I heard all of the question.982I missed probably part of it, but the tenor was that asking of983me a commitment to not hold certain leaders accountable who984were following the law or implementing policy. In that vein, or985that spirit, or in principle, I'm only interested in holding986people accountable who don't follow the law and who don't honor987their oath to the Constitution, which I take very seriously.988    Again, I'm very interested in nonpartisanship from our989uniform wearers in particular, and giving the right to the990American people to entertain their partisan arguments. But I991have no vindictive spirit. I'm not interested in retribution,992but I am interested, if confirmed, and looking forward in993making sure we have proper accountability and high standards in994the Department of the Air Force.995    Senator Reed. Then you disavowed the statement you made in996October 2024, saying, if Trump takes over, there will be997consequences for people. Most of the consequences, I assume998would be targeted to people who you were had differences with999because of their support of the policies including equity and1000other policies. Is that true, or you were just making up all1001the stuff in your post in the last several years?1002    Mr. Lohmeier. Well, Senator, I'd love to look at the1003context of all of the statements that I've made, but I will1004make just one point that as I've contemplated the path to1005confirmation or through the confirmation process, which I've1006taken very seriously. I very much had in mind the social media1007presence, podcast appearances, media appearances I've had for 41008years, and I've left every last jot and tittle of that up1009online and available because I'm very deliberate in what I1010choose to say.1011    I believe in what I say, and I also reserve the right to be1012wrong about things and to change my opinion about things. But I1013have nothing to hide. I try and speak what I believe to be1014true, and I'm happy to be corrected about things in which I'm1015mistaken. But in principle, what I was intending to say in that1016post was that I believe accountability matters, and that's the1017spirit of what I was trying to get at.1018    If confirmed, I'd look forward to ensuring we've got a1019culture of accountability in the Department of the Air Force.1020That was not intended to be retroactive or retribution in1021nature, but simply intended to communicate that leaders who1022prioritize accountability and high standards will do the1023American people and servicemembers service by committing to1024that.1025    Senator Reed. Well, I think we all want to see leaders who1026are accountable themselves and also the highest standards, but1027those standards have to be consistent with this country and the1028servicemen and women who serve. They come from, as I indicated,1029many races, many nationalities, different views, political, or1030otherwise.1031    The goal is, as you indicated, is an apolitical military1032force. Everything that I've read in your book and everything1033else is far from apolitical. You've targeted individuals that1034you felt had for political reasons unfortunate views. If you1035carry that attitude into your job, you'll cause great confusion1036in the Air Force and great animosity within the ranks, fear, et1037cetera.1038    So, thank you for your previous service. Thank you, Mr.1039Chairman. Or Senator Cotton, are you in charge?1040    Senator Cotton.1041    [Presiding.] Mr. Overbaugh, I see the intelligence and the1042security shop in the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, not1043just through my work on this committee, but my work on the as1044chairman of the Intelligence Committee as well. I&S should be1045the central advocate for the DODs intelligence priorities and1046the central orchestrator to ensure that all defense1047intelligence agencies are meeting DOD needs. Yet, it has often1048seemed to me that all the agencies under the I&S umbrella1049appear to largely act on their own accord. Oftentimes, it seems1050a little direct oversight.1051    Can you commit to working with me on this committee and on1052the Intelligence Committee to ensure that we improve I&S's1053enterprise governance to meet the Defense--to make sure that1054the Defense intelligence agencies are providing the1055intelligence that all of our warfighters need?1056    Mr. Overbaugh. Yes, Senator. I absolutely can.1057    Senator Cotton. Thank you.1058    Do share that assessment that it seems like oftentimes1059they're kind of all going off in their own direction?1060    Mr. Overbaugh. Senator, I share your concerns in that1061regard, and what I can commit to you is, if confirmed for this1062position, I would place an emphasis on ensuring that the entire1063Defense, and intelligence, and security enterprise remains1064responsive, particularly to combatant commanders and the1065warfighters to ensure that they're well positioned to deal with1066global threats.1067    Senator Cotton. Thank you.1068    I believe that part of the issue here is that I&S is not1069optimally organized to meet that role of guiding the Defense1070intelligence enterprise and advocating for Defense intelligence1071priorities.1072    I put report language in last year's NDAA that mandated a1073GAO review of the authorities, the roles and responsibility of1074I&S. Can you commit to using the findings of that review to1075inform any potential organizational changes that might be made1076in I&S?1077    Mr. Overbaugh. Yes, Senator, and as I mentioned in my open1078statement, I'm particularly concerned about bureaucratic1079intransigence. So, analyzing the structure and process within1080the organization would be a key focus, if I'm confirmed.1081    Senator Cotton. Thank you.1082    As is often the case, while boxes and lines on a chart are1083important, they're not the only thing to consider. Sometimes,1084it's not the most important thing that needs to change.1085Sometimes, it is leadership and culture. I&S was dual headed as1086the Director of Defense Intelligence and the principal director1087or advisor to the Director of National Intelligence because1088Congress recognized the urgent need for a single proponent to1089ensure the broader national intelligence community meets1090Defense requirements.1091    Yet, I don't think there's any documented processes or1092procedures for ensuring that collaboration between I&S and the1093ODNI, and I think the past interactions between ODNI and I&S1094have not been adequate. Can you commit to working with Mr.1095Hansell to make sure I&S is collaborating closely and1096productively and constructively with the ODNI?1097    Mr. Overbaugh. I absolutely can, Senator, and this is1098something that Mr. Hansell and I have already had an1099opportunity to talk about. I share his passion, and I know that1100if we're confirmed, we look very much forward to working with1101ODNI, and Gabbard, and the rest of her team to ensure that that1102lash up takes place.1103    Senator Cotton. Thank you.1104    To be clear, the work that the Defense intelligence1105agencies produce, I think it's stellar and topnotch. It's often1106some of the best intelligence reporting I see on this1107committee, and especially on the Intelligence Committee. We1108want to make sure that we're providing proper guidance for all1109those agencies underneath your orbit. Also, that they're having1110their proper influence within the broader intelligence1111community, especially claims on resources.1112    Mr. Lohmeier the Air Force has been underfunded for a long1113time, especially in the last two Democratic Administrations.1114That's led to a dramatically smaller fighter force than we've1115had at any times since World War II. Yet, we need air1116superiority given the broad range of threats we face.1117    Do you commit to working with the Administration and with1118Congress to be ensure that we increase resources going forward1119for the Air Force and Space Force?1120    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes, Senator. I commit to that.1121    Senator Cotton. You agree that we need those additional1122resources?1123    Mr. Lohmeier. I do agree.1124    Senator Cotton. Thank you.1125    Part of the problem we've had, too, is a shortage of1126pilots. 1,800 pilot shortage across the total force. As of1127Fiscal Year 2024, retention is only averaging about 40 to 501128percent. Do you agree that we need to focus very intently on1129both recruiting and retaining pilots?1130    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes, Senator, and this is a problem we've had1131for many years. It transcends Administrations, and I know that1132Air Force leaders and Administrations have tried to fix this1133problem. We try and throw money at the problem sometimes, and I1134think that that tends, frankly, to keep in those who are1135already probably on the fence and want to stay in any way. But1136I talked to many pilots, they're interested in fixing their1137quality of life and quality of service concerns as well. You1138have my commitment to try and solve these problems.1139    Senator Cotton. The work I've done on this committee with1140Senator King are just the same. They're always welcome the1141money, but they don't join the Air Force, the Space Force for,1142you know, a couple thousand dollars more a month. They join it1143because they want to fly high-performance aircraft in defense1144of our Nation.1145    One final question. The Ebbing Air National Guard Base in1146Arkansas is home to a growing international fighter training1147mission. We have 48 F-35 scheduled to be located at Ebbing over1148the next 3 years. The Air Force has worked with Senator1149Boozman, and Congressman Womack, and I, very well over the1150years to get this critical mission bedded down. I assume you1151agree that foreign military sales training remains a vital Air1152Force mission.1153    Mr. Lohmeier. I do, Senator,1154    Senator Cotton. Thank you.1155    If confirmed, we can count on you to continue to ensure the1156Air Force supports the mission in Ebbing, and has the resources1157necessary to train our allies?1158    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes, Senator, you have my commitment that1159I'll work very closely with the, with Dr. Meink, if he's1160confirmed. Also, be very transparent in my comms with you about1161the situation in your State.1162    Senator Cotton. Thank you. Senator Shaheen.1163    Senator Shaheen. Thank you, gentlemen, for your past1164service to the country, and for your willingness to continue to1165serve. Welcome to all your families.1166    On Tuesday, Secretary Hegseth announced by tweet that he1167was ending implementation of Women, Peace & Security at DOD,1168claiming it was a Biden era, DEI policy. Unfortunately, he1169missed the fact that President Trump and members of his current1170Administration, including Secretary Rubio, Mike Waltz, and1171Secretary Noem, all worked on this policy in 2017, and1172President Trump signed it. U.S. combat units began using female1173engagement teams during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan to1174gather intelligence and build trust with local communities.1175    Years later, because of the success of those efforts, we1176enshrined this concept into law as part of the WPS Act. Since1177that time, WPS has been used by the warfighters to identify1178victims of human trafficking and joint exercises on non-1179combatant evacuations, to provide human intelligence on violent1180extremist groups like ISIS and Al-Shabaab, and to understand1181the human terrain to improve kinetic and non-kinetic targeting.1182    I'm very concerned that taking away these tools does not1183make us a stronger or more lethal fighting force, and in fact,1184it takes away some of the options we have to be successful.1185Secretary Hegseth also claims that warfighters hate it, and1186yet, the newly confirmed Chairman of the Joint Chiefs not only1187told this committee about WPS's operational value, but he was1188very clear that this is not DEI.1189    Lawfare made public in an article last night, a memo from1190the Director of the Joint Staff providing their best military1191advice to the Secretary, and this is a direct quote from that1192article. Mr. Chairman, I would ask that the article be1193introduced into the record.1194    [The information referred to follows:]11951196    Chairman Wicker. [Presiding.] Without Objection.1197    Senator Shaheen. The article points out from that memo, and1198I quote, ``China and Russia have no equivalent of WPS,'' and1199that the combatant commands 80 engagements with partners over1200the next 2 years under the program, ``counter China by gaining1201access to a population China largely ignores.'' The director1202continues that WPS, ``prevents radicalization by violent1203extremist organizations and disrupts the smuggling of1204narcotics, weapons, and humans into the United States.''1205    Officials from every combatant command and from several1206other military components concurred with this recommendation1207from the Joint chiefs. This is information that's not new to1208this committee. Every four-star combatant commander has told us1209about the strategic advantage that WPS provides to our forward1210deployed forces.1211    So, Mr. Zimmerman, you're nominated to oversee regional1212security for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Western1213Hemisphere. Don't you need all the tools that are available to1214counter violent extremism in Africa and the Middle East? That's1215a question.1216    Mr. Zimmerman. Senator, thank you very much for the1217question. The violent extremism counterterrorism problem is a1218major concern, and if confirmed to this role, one that I'll be1219focused on. It does require, in my view, a whole-of-government1220type of approach. Sometimes, we can be too siloed as a1221government.1222    In my background in the intelligence community, I've had1223the opportunity to work with many other inter-agency partners1224and see the value that comes from across our government. If1225confirmed to the role, I would of course make a priority to1226work with all the tools and coordinate to make sure all the1227tools are available.1228    Senator Shaheen. Thank you.1229    That argues in my mind for the importance of the WPS1230effort. Mr. Overbaugh, you're nominated to oversee intelligence1231functions for the Department of Defense. Again, if confirmed, I1232assume that you would like all tools available to gather human1233intelligence on the ground, especially in a conflict scenario?1234    Mr. Zimmerman. Every single one I can get, Senator.1235    Senator Shaheen. Thank you.1236    Mr. Lohmeier, you're nominated to be Under Secretary of the1237Air Force. If confirmed, I assume your forward deployed airmen1238will want to understand everything they can about the human1239terrain before taking strikes, like on Houthis targets in1240Yemen. Would you agree?1241    Mr. Zimmerman. I would agree with that, Senator.1242    Senator Shaheen. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman,1243    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much. Senator Rounds.1244    Senator Rounds. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1245    First of all, to all of you, thank you for your offer of1246additional service to our country. Mr. Overbaugh, how would you1247recommend addressing the evolving threats posed by near-peer1248adversaries in the domains of cyber artificial intelligence in1249space? It would appear to me that right now there is an1250overarching challenge from multiple near-peer adversaries with1251regard not just to airline and sea, but space and cyberspace.1252The areas that you'll be overseeing include both cyberspace and1253real space coordinated.1254    Talk to us a little bit about how you see your role in1255terms of coordinating our response to those adversaries.1256    Mr. Overbaugh. Senator, thank you for the question. We've1257already had a little bit of experience dealing particularly1258with a soft space cyber triad. It's a critical effort because1259as we continue to push into new domains to meet adversarial1260threats across the globe, we have to stitch those domains1261together in a way that achieves combined effects for the1262warfighter and in defense of the American people.1263    As it relates to cyber threats that you mentioned, I am1264concerned about the threats to our critical infrastructure, the1265disinformation that can come through cyber threats, and also1266zero-day exploits. I think some of our solutions in zero trust1267architecture, active cyber defense, private-public1268collaboration, and offensive cyber capabilities are tools that1269would be able to bring to bear to meet those threats.1270    Space threats, the presence of ever increasingly1271sophisticated ASAP weapons, particularly interested in space-1272based surveillance of our enemies, as well as jamming, and1273spoofing are of significant concern to me. I would look to1274advocate from the position that I'm being nominated, resilience1275and redundancy in our constellations, as well as ensuring1276complete space domain awareness and encouraging commercial1277partnerships to ensure that we're able to meet those threats1278effectively.1279    Senator Rounds. One of the items Senator Cotton started on1280this line of questioning a little bit, and I want to pursue a1281little bit more, there clearly are stove pipes, some intended,1282some unintended, with regard to the sharing of information1283between Title 10 and Title 50 participants. But you've also1284added another item in which is also critical, and that is the1285private sector as well, which adds additional challenges.1286    Could you talk about what your role is in terms of making1287sure that appropriate information is shared and that we make1288the most out of the information that we do gather?1289    Mr. Overbaugh. Senator, I believe that the defense1290intelligence and security enterprise has a role in ensuring1291that we identify the threats accurately so that both public and1292private entities can work effectively to design solutions to1293deal with those threats as opposed to coming up with solutions1294that don't match up with the threats that we face.1295    Senator Rounds. Thank you.1296    Mr. Zimmerman, look, I've got just one real quick question1297for you, and that is basically right now, we've got the1298possibility if we have one of our near-peer adversaries1299confronting us in one theater, there's a very, very high1300probability that we'll have a second near-peer adversary1301confronting us in another theater.1302    How do you see your role in terms of coordinating with our1303partners to make sure that we have the best advantages to be1304able to deal with two threats in two different theaters?1305    Mr. Zimmerman. Senator, I appreciate the opportunity to1306talk about this just for a moment. I think the threat that you1307have articulated is one that requires utmost attention and1308underscores the relevance of this Administration's emphasis on1309partnering with allies, and for them to take greater ownership1310and take seriously their need to boost Defense spending.1311    If confirmed to the role, one of the principal aspects of1312the job, as I understand it, is to manage Defense relations in1313the area of responsibility. If confirmed, I would do all I can1314to partner effectively with allies and partners to ensure that1315their security capabilities are at a level where we can have1316the right posture to address the threat you're describing. So,1317partnerships are extremely important, and if confirmed to the1318role, I would take that seriously.1319    Senator Rounds. Thank you.1320    Mr. Lohmeier, the B-21 Raider coming online shortly,1321probably one of the best and finest of the major projects out1322there on time, on budget. Currently, we're coordinated to have1323about 100 of them in. Clearly, that's not going to be enough.1324Would you seriously consider any requests out there to increase1325the number of B-21s that could be acquired by the Air Force as1326the needs arise?1327    Mr. Lohmeier. Senator, this issue is also very important to1328me. One of my priorities is going to be modernizing the nuclear1329enterprise. Of course, the B-21 is an important piece to that,1330and I understand that 100 B-21 program of record discussion to1331be rather maybe a floor. I'm very open to discussing more.1332    Senator Rounds. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1333    Chairman Wicker. Thank you. Senator Hirono.1334    Senator Hirono. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1335    I want to ask each of you to respond very quickly to the1336following two initial questions that I ask of all of the1337nominees on any of the committees on which I sit. This goes to1338fitness to serve, and we'll start with Mr. Lohmeier. Since you1339became a legal adult, have you ever made unwanted request for1340sexual favors, or committed any verbal or physical harassment,1341or assault of a sexual nature?1342    [Witnesses answer in the negative.]1343    Senator Hirono. Have you ever faced discipline or entered1344into a settlement relating to this kind of conduct?1345    [Witnesses answer in the negative.]1346    Senator Hirono. Before I get to my questions for Mr.1347Lohmeier, let me be clear. Mr. Lohmeier, you were fired,1348removed from command for going on a partisan podcast and1349pushing political conspiracy theories while in uniform. Since1350leaving Active Duty, you have spread divisive, harmful views on1351race, equality, LGBTQ rights, and talked openly about seeking1352retribution against those you perceived did you wrong. Exactly1353the kinds of comments that undermine the unity and1354professionalism of that our military depends on.1355    As if that wasn't bad enough, you're also a January 6th1356conspiracy theorist, calling it, ``a government-led false flag1357and hoax at the Capitol.'' I have deep concerns about your1358nomination to be Under Secretary of the Air Force, and just as1359much concern about what this nomination says to the members of1360our military.1361    I'm very glad that Senator Shaheen asked of questions1362relating to--by the way, that this is a comment to all of you1363about the importance of WPS, and I'm glad that she pointed out1364that this is a very useful tool that neither Russia nor China1365have to combat extremism. To me, this is yet another example of1366the obsession that this Administration has against a whole1367swath of programs and efforts that this Administration deems1368DEI.1369    So, I'll get to my questions. Mr. Lohmeier, I hope you can1370answer these questions yes or no? Do you believe that January13716th attack on the Capitol, it was, ``a government-led false1372flag operation''?1373    Mr. Lohmeier. Senator, let me begin by respectfully saying1374that I believe you've mischaracterized me and my views. Now----1375    Senator Hirono. Excuse me----1376    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes.1377    Senator Hirono.--could you just respond to whether or not1378you believe that that January 6th attack was a government-led1379false flag operation? If you no longer believe that, just tell1380me.1381    Mr. Lohmeier. I have never said exactly what you've just1382attributed to me, but I will answer your question, Senator. I1383believe that it's evident that there were, in fact, undercover1384government agents at the Capitol on January 6th, but I have not1385said exactly what you've said. I'm always careful the way I1386characterize things.1387    Senator Hirono. Excuse me, my time is running out. You deny1388saying it. Do you believe the January 6th attack on the Capitol1389was a hoax?1390    Mr. Lohmeier. I've never used the word hoax, I believe, to1391characterize the event. But what I have just stated, I do1392believe, which is that there were most certainly----1393    Senator Hirono. So, excuse me, again, you deny saying that.1394Oh, are you planning to reprise against, I know that Senator1395Reed asked you some questions, but I want to actually name1396names. Are you planning to reprise against General Whiting,1397Major General Pepper, Colonel Fran, or any other Active1398military servicemember for perceived slights against you?1399    Mr. Lohmeier. Senator, as I've said previously in the1400hearing, I'm very focused on moving forward in the future, and1401making sure that I hold people accountable for their----1402    Senator Hirono. Actually, that's why I'm asking you the1403question. So, let me ask you this. If confirmed, will you1404recuse yourself from initiating or being involved in any1405administrative or personnel actions involving General Whiting,1406General Pepper, and Colonel Fran, yes or no?1407    Mr. Lohmeier. I know two of the----1408    Senator Hirono. Will you recuse yourself?1409    Mr. Lohmeier. Senator, I know two of the individuals you've1410mentioned. One of them is a combatant commander who I presume1411has the trust and respect of the President of the United1412States, and----1413    Senator Hirono. Could you just respond to my question,1414please? I know you're taking up my time.1415    Mr. Lohmeier. Senator, I----1416    Senator Hirono. Will you recuse yourself against in any1417actions that relate to these people that I just mentioned?1418    Mr. Lohmeier. Senator, what I will commit to is that I will1419treat all people fairly according to the law, and I'll try and1420do my job to the best of my duty, if I'm confirmed.1421    Senator Hirono. That is totally not reassuring. Thank you,1422Mr. Chairman. I do have other questions for this nominee, for1423the record.1424    Chairman Wicker. We'll have other rounds. Mr. Lohmeier, you1425were beginning to say what you do believe about January the14266th. So, go ahead and finish that thought if you----1427    Mr. Lohmeier. Thank you, Senator. What I was saying is that1428I believe there were many Americans who were gathered that day1429as a part of a protest, and I also think it's been politically1430fraught for many years, and it continues to be brought up1431because there's so much uncertainty about what was really going1432on. Totally outside of my lane as a nominee for the Under1433Secretary of the Air Force. If confirmed, it's my job is to1434organize training and equip forces to provide the combatant1435commanders and the Air and Space Forces, and that's what I'd be1436focused on.1437    Chairman Wicker. Okay. Senator Hirono, in light of my1438intervention, do you have any followup question at this point?1439    Senator Hirono. No, Mr. Chairman.1440    Chairman Wicker. Oh, okay. Thank you very much.1441    Senator Hirono. My only comment is that his refusal to1442answer very clearly the questions does not reassure me at all1443that he is qualified to take this position.1444    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, ma'am. Senator Ernst.1445    Senator Ernst. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, and thanks1446to all of our witnesses for being here today, and for1447continuing your service to these great United States of1448America.1449    I do want to start--Mr. Lohmeier, we'll start and talk1450about an issue that is extremely important to me and to all of1451Iowa, and that is about our Air National Guard Refueling Wing,1452located in Sioux City, Iowa. When the National Guard's 185th1453Air refueling wing in Sioux City was converted from the F-161454fighters to the KC-135 tankers back in 2003, the Air Force said1455it would upgrade the airfield at the Iowa National Guard1456Facility. Again, this is 22 years ago. This is an important1457issue. It is one I have pushed with the Air Force for a number1458of years now. So, this line of questioning should be no1459surprise.1460    Because the tankers require--they do have heavier1461airframes, they have greater fuel loads that they will be1462delivering. The runway is unable to hold that load. Okay? So,1463this is critical importance. Unfortunately, the Air Force and1464the National Guard never followed through on their promise to1465upgrade that runway. They failed in their commitment to1466complete the runway upgrade.1467    So, I am additionally concerned with this failure, because1468now we have a conversion of the 135s to the KC-46s, and the1469185th Air refueling Squadron could potentially lose its mission1470because of the failure to upgrade this runway. It will directly1471impact the retention of the immense talent of these guardsmen1472in Sioux City. This is completely unacceptable, and the Air1473Force must live up to its commitment as of 22 years ago.1474    So, Mr. Lohmeier, is the Air National Guard a vital1475component of the Air Force?1476    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes, Senator. It is.1477    Senator Ernst. Is it essential that the Air National Guard1478has the infrastructure and resources necessary to execute its1479missions effectively?1480    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes. Every time the Guard comes up, Senator,1481I often reflect on the fact that when I was an F-15 fighter1482pilot, I never even knew what unit happened to be providing1483fuel to me on the tanker in front of me. There's such a1484seamless integration between our Active Duty reserve and guard1485personnel. I think this is a very important issue.1486    Senator Ernst. Absolutely, and I appreciate that. If1487confirmed, do I have your commitment unequivocally, that you1488will fully fund the runway upgrade at the Iowa National Guard1489facility in Sioux City, and ensure it's at the top of the Air1490National Guard MILCON priorities for the fiscal year 26 NDAA?1491    Mr. Lohmeier. Well, Senator, like you, I don't like it when1492people make commitments and can't keep them. I think it's1493important to the trust of the American people, and it's1494important for the Air Force to keep its commitments. So, I'm1495familiar with the history that you've laid out.1496    Unlike perhaps those that have gone before, I'll commit a1497little bit differently to you, that I'll be very transparent in1498my communications with you. I'll take this particular issue1499very seriously, and I want to make sure that if I make1500commitments to you or to the American people, that I'll be able1501to follow through, or the Department of the Air Force will be1502able to follow through. That is, so I'll take that very1503seriously.1504    Senator Ernst. That is disappointing, though, Mr. Lohmeier.1505I think I heard a commitment to Senator Cotton about his home1506State priority. I am asking for a commitment for my home State1507priority. The very mission of this unit relies upon an upgrade1508of its runway. So, this is very problematic for me. I have been1509bringing this up with the Air Force for years now.1510    I'm asking that a commitment be honored for our Iowa Air1511National Guard and the community that supports this National1512Guard Unit. So, given the lack of commitment around this1513project and its direct impact on the 185th's ability to perform1514its mission, I want to make sure we're not putting the cart1515before the horse.1516    So, again, Mr. Lohmeier, I'll give you a second chance1517here. Can I at least have your commitment that you will work1518with the Secretary of the Air Force to pause any discussion on1519changing the 185th Air Refueling Wing's mission set?1520    Mr. Lohmeier. Senator, yes, you have my commitment that I1521will, if confirmed, work very closely with Dr. Meink, if he's1522confirmed, to carefully make data-driven decisions and consider1523all variables. I don't think these are decisions that should1524ever be taken lightly. I certainly don't like that we can't1525follow through with commitments that we've made.1526    So, I make the same commitment to you that I've made to1527Senator Cotton, or that I'd be willing to make with any Senator1528in this room, that I'll weigh each matter in a nonpolitical1529manner, try and make the best decisions for the Force. Of1530course, I'm very interested, Senator, as you suggested, in1531honoring the commitments that the Department of the Air Force1532has made in the past where that's feasible. I'd look forward to1533learning more about that.1534    Senator Ernst. Thank you, Mr. Lohmeier.1535    I want to be clear. This isn't just about the runway. It's1536about whether our Air National Guard is treated as an equal1537partner, as you stated earlier, international defense, or as an1538afterthought. Unfortunately, they have been treated as an1539afterthought. The Iowa's 185th has served with honor, and they1540absolutely deserve infrastructure that matches their1541operational demands. I'm going to continue to press on this,1542and I hope that I have resolution in the near future. We need1543to make sure these commitments are honored. Thank you, Mr.1544Chair.1545    Chairman Wicker. Senator Kaine.1546    Senator Kaine. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and to the witnesses,1547congratulations for your nominations.1548    There's a beautiful phrase in the New Testament in both the1549Gospels of Luke and Matthew that goes something like this; From1550the fullness of the heart, the mouth speaks. Mr. Lohmeier, I1551want to ask you about your very active mouth and what it1552reveals about your heart, your tweeting.1553    I'll just give you a few examples. August 9th, 2024, ``The1554left lies about nearly everything it does, and tens of millions1555of Americans believe the lies.'' So, trashing the left and1556calling tens of millions of Americans, dupes. August 2d, 2024,1557``If today, you're wondering why the left and Mit Romney seem1558to have entirely lost any semblance of a moral compass,1559Vladimir Lenin provides you the answer.'' April 1st, 2023, ``Of1560all that is good and decent, the left is the real oppressor.''1561    But the one I want to ask you about is the one that Senator1562Hirono asked you about, and she read you an excerpt. I'll read1563the whole thing. A tweet from August 9th, 2024, ``Picked this1564up in my basic exchange at Buckley Air Force Base, several1565weeks after J6. This is what the Biden/Harris administration1566ushered in after a government-led false flag and hoax at the1567Capitol. They immediately demonized the men and women in1568uniform. Then they purge conservatives and Christians with1569their shot mandates. Brilliant planning, actually.''1570    Tell me what the phrase that you wrote, ``government-led1571false flag and hoax at the Capitol.'' What does that mean with1572reference to January 6th?1573    Mr. Lohmeier. Thanks for bringing this up again, Senator. I1574like the verses that you've read. I agree that it matters a1575great deal that we try and speak truthfully. I'll remind you,1576respectfully, that the comments that I made that you've just1577shared, were shared on my X account, I presume, while I was a1578private citizen in this country in 2024. I'd been out of1579uniform for 3 years. In fact, with absolutely no intention of1580returning to public service, I was quite enjoying private life1581and being able to criticize people as I wish.1582    Senator Kaine. So, they were a sincere reflection of what1583you had in your heart at the time?1584    Mr. Lohmeier. Well, in as much as those statements were1585properly contextualized, and I can't speak to the context from1586which you've read. I always do try and speak honestly, and1587again, reserve the right to be wrong about any of my views.1588That is----1589    Senator Kaine. But how about just the phrase. With respect1590to January 6th, what does your phrase, a government-led false1591flag and hoax at the Capitol.1592    Mr. Lohmeier. Let me share, too, that I while I do1593recognize the other quotes that you've read, I don't recall1594having written those words that you've just read about January15956th. So that could be partly a memory problem. It could be that1596I retweeted something and that quote has been pulled, but I1597don't recall using that phrase.1598    What I do believe is that private citizens in this country1599can have the right to express their views as mean or as wrong1600as they might be, and that the men and women in uniform defend1601the right of the private citizen to speak those views. That my1602concern while I was in uniform was in fact that the kind of1603partisan rhetoric that I had used, that you've just quoted1604from, for example, was actually being inserted into the1605military workplace in a way that divides troops.1606    So, I was trying to hold our military, cultural, and1607workplace environment accountable to a standard of1608nonpartisanship, as I've indicated, so that we could thrive in1609unity and not division. Now, private citizens have the right to1610say this.1611    Senator Kaine. I completely agree. Private citizens have1612the right to say and believe whatever they want. This is a1613hearing about your qualifications for the position. The1614qualifications are essentially, in my view, a mixture of three1615things; background, character, and judgment. It's about1616judgment. I don't want to confirm somebody into the Pentagon1617who would fall for a conspiracy theory that a fourth grader1618would find incredible.1619    If I searched your social media, and I saw you praising the1620Great Pumpkin over and over again, you would have the right to1621have that view. But I wouldn't want somebody who believed in1622the Great Pumpkin to be in the position that you're nominated1623for. So, if I'm thinking about people in the military. I know1624Virginia has an awful lot of people in the military. One of my1625kids is in the military. There are people in the military who1626are left, right, center, and maybe even more who are completely1627disinterested in politics, and we got crazy.1628    But how would somebody who's in the left, or considers1629themself in the left serving in the Air Force, when you say the1630left lies about nearly everything it does, of all that is good1631and decent, the left is the real oppressor. How would any1632person who identifies that way feel any confidence that you as1633a leader would have their back?1634    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes, Senator. I think it's a great question.1635It's one I actually share your concern for and care greatly1636about. Let me just share briefly in a 10-second answer. That at1637the time that I departed from Active Duty, I had young men and1638women in uniform of all racial or ethnic backgrounds, certainly1639different political backgrounds coming to me privately, sending1640me notes and saying, ``Sir, I never knew what your political1641worldview was. I don't understand completely why you've chosen1642to now take a stand for these issues or write about what you1643did, but I respect you as a leader.'' If confirmed, I'd be1644happy to come back----1645    Senator Kaine. My time has run over, but I'll just--in1646yielding back to the, to the chairman. I don't know where you1647were on January 6th. Most of us were here. A lot of us had a1648friend, a guy named Howie Liebengood, who was a Capitol Police1649Officer who died as a result of January 6th, whose widow Serena1650is one of my constituents.1651    When I hear somebody, anybody talk about what happened here1652as a false flag or a hoax, it's insulting to those of us who1653were here. It's particularly insulting to those who lost loved1654ones that day. I yield back.1655    Senator Scott. [Presiding.] Senator Sullivan.1656    Senator Sullivan. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1657    Mr. Lohmeier, I'm going to cover kind of the topics that1658you and I talked about in my office a couple days ago. First of1659all, I like to ask nominees, maybe I'll ask all of you. Billy1660Mitchell was testifying in front of the--I think it was Senate1661Armed Services Committee, the father of the U.S. Air Force in1662the mid 1930's. He was talking about a certain place in the1663world. He called it the most strategic place on the planet, and1664whoever controlled that place would control the world. Mr.1665Lohmeier, I'll start with you. As an Air Force guy, you know1666where Billy Mitchell was talking about?1667    Mr. Lohmeier. I do, Senator.1668    Senator Sullivan. What place was he talking about?1669    Mr. Lohmeier. It was the State of Alaska.1670    Senator Sullivan. Great. Can I get that confirmation from1671the two other witnesses?1672    Mr. Overbaugh. Yes, Senator, you can.1673    Mr. Zimmerman. Yes, Senator.1674    Senator Sullivan. Most strategic place in the world. Great.1675Good. You guys are starting out really well here. Thank you,1676and our adversaries, also see it as quite strategic.1677    [The information referred to follows:]16781679    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]16801681    Senator Sullivan. This is a depiction of the Russian and1682Chinese incursions into our ADIZ and into our EEZ in the last1683two and a half years. I'm going to flip that over and show you1684the numbers. It's like several.1685    That's in the last two and a half years. Pretty remarkable.1686Doesn't make a lot of news in the Lower 48, our airspace,1687northern airspace. The green, the green ones are depictions of1688joint strategic bomber task forces and joint United States--or1689I'm sorry, Russia, Chinese naval incursion. So, they're doing1690joint ops in the Northern Pacific and Alaska. Just a couple--21691weeks ago.1692    So, Mr. Lohmeier, I want--you're a former F-15 pilot. Can1693you put the other slide up? When you do an intercept mission,1694say from Alaska, how tough are those missions? Our guys do them1695all the time. Every one of those incursions, we intercepted1696them with F-22s, F-16s, F-35. How tough of a mission if you're1697flying from JBER or Eielson Air Force Base out to the ADIZ1698here, is that a tough mission?1699    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes, Senator. The seat in the F-15 and even1700in our newest fighters, isn't comfortable when you're spending1701hours in there hitting the tanker multiple times.1702    Senator Sullivan. So, you're hitting a tanker probably four1703or five times just to go do the intercept. Correct?1704    Mr. Lohmeier. Correct.1705    Senator Sullivan. Sometimes, in the middle of the night, in1706February, you're doing an intercept up there. If you're in a1707single engine F-16 intercepting Russian Bear Bombers in the1708middle of the night in February, and you got to punch out, you1709lose an engine, how likely are you going to survive in that----1710    Mr. Lohmeier. Senator, those are incredibly high-risk1711missions, and we've got great men and women who put their necks1712on the line every day doing just exactly what you've described.1713Especially if you're having to punch out in that environment,1714you're not in a good position.1715    Senator Sullivan. No. So, what the NORTHCOM Commander and1716the INDOPACOM Commander and even the CNO of the Navy has said1717we need more infrastructure up here to support these missions1718because they keep saying we're going to--the Russians and1719Chinese are going to keep doing this even more. So, would you1720work with me and this committee on those goals? We're looking1721at Adak as a Navy Base with two 8,000-foot airstrips. We're1722looking at a hangar up at Utqiagvik, that's Barrow, to be able1723to station search and rescue operations, or Galena, that was a1724former Air Force Base.1725    Would you work with me and this committee on looking at1726that kind of infrastructure that can support the men and women1727in Alaska who are literally on the front lines of great power1728competition doing these kinds of missions. You know, just a1729couple weeks ago, hard missions. Our military up in Alaska do1730such a great job. But can you support me in this committee in1731working on those infrastructure projects that the two combatant1732commanders in this region INDOPACOM and NORTHCOM have testified1733that they need?1734    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes, Senator. I share your interest in this1735area. This is in many respects a cornerstone of our projection1736of power into the Indo-Pacific Theater. You have my commitment1737to work very closely with you on what the Secretary and I are1738trying to do from a basing perspective, an infrastructure1739perspective in the Department of the Air Force, if confirmed.1740    Senator Sullivan. Let me ask one final question. The1741secretary nominee in his testimony also committed to me, the1742Air Force has committed to me and this committee for about1743eight or 9 years now to get more tankers up at Eielson. The1744last Secretary of the Air Force did, the previous Secretary of1745the Air Force did, Democrats, Republicans.1746    Can you commit to me, as the Secretary just did, to work to1747get the four KC-135s that they've been promising these brave1748men and women who need tanking capacity to go do these1749intercepts, real-world missions. No. 2, can you work with me1750and commit to me to getting those four KC-135s up to Eielson?1751    Mr. Lohmeier. Senator, if confirmed, I commit to you that I1752will work to ensure that the commitments that Dr. Meink has1753made are fulfilled.1754    Senator Sullivan. Great. Thank you very much. Thank you,1755Mr. Chairman.1756    Chairman Wicker. [Presiding.] Thank you, Senator Sullivan.1757Senator Blumenthal.1758    Senator Blumenthal. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1759    Mr. Lohmeier, the role of Under Secretary of Air Force is1760not a platform for ideology or grievance. It's a demanding1761leadership position that's responsible for overseeing a budget,1762personnel, institutional integrity. It requires a strategic1763vision, and really importantly, managerial experience. That is1764to say, hands-on experience managing a major organization.1765    I'm at a loss to see what in your background qualifies you1766to lead or actually run the Air Force when you've never led an1767organization that approaches this one at anything like the1768scale and scope of what you would be expected to do, if you're1769confirmed.1770    Mr. Lohmeier. Senator, thanks for the opportunity to1771address that. As I mentioned in my opening statement, I've1772spent time in both the Air Force and the Space Force. I was1773trusted to be an aircraft commander on the $50 million F-151774Eagle air superiority fighter, and then later was placed in1775command of our $18 billion space-based architecture a decade1776ago. In fact, that was my first foray into working with program1777managers, acquisition experts.1778    Senator Blumenthal. Well, what is the largest number of1779people under your direct responsibility that you've----1780    Mr. Lohmeier. Senator, at the time that I finished my1781career, I was a squadron commander, and we had just over 1001782people in our unit.1783    Senator Blumenthal. 100?1784    Mr. Lohmeier. That's right.1785    Senator Blumenthal. How many will you be responsible for if1786you are confirmed?1787    Mr. Lohmeier. The Department of the Air Force is1788approximately 700,000 Active Duty guard, reserve, and civilian1789personnel.1790    Senator Blumenthal. So, 100 versus 700,000. How long were1791you in charge of that squadron?1792    Mr. Lohmeier. I was a squadron commander for 1 year,1793Senator.1794    Senator Blumenthal. One year. Is that the standard length1795of time?1796    Mr. Lohmeier. It is not.1797    Senator Blumenthal. Why was it shorter?1798    Mr. Lohmeier. Senator, it was cut short when I was relieved1799of my command for publishing a book that's been mentioned in1800this hearing that was advocating for a return to an apolitical1801military workplace instead of dividing troops along political1802ideological lines.1803    Senator Blumenthal. So, this is very strikingly reminiscent1804of what we've heard before in these confirmation hearings,1805seemingly for the Secretary of Defense who, also in effect, was1806relieved of his responsibility when he was running a veterans1807organization, and in effect, ran it into the ground, which1808should have been a warning for all of us, as it was for me and1809others on the committee, about lack of managerial experience1810being potentially a really grave pitfall. I'm very fearful that1811we are going to see the same in others in the Department of1812Defense. There's no room for managerial misguidance or1813mistakes.1814    Again, let me ask you, what in your experience qualifies1815you for this job?1816    Mr. Lohmeier. Thank you. I agree with you and share your1817concern. We have no room in the--at this critical time with the1818threats that we face for our service, secretaries and our under1819secretaries, to mismanage, to break the law, to not take the1820priorities of an Administration appropriately seriously.1821    In fact, we need real leaders in place to make hard1822decisions about budgets and acquisition processes, major1823defense programs. We need them to make hard decisions about the1824nuclear modernization efforts that we have underway. If1825confirmed, I'll take that very seriously. I'm a fast learner,1826and I'll surround myself with experts, including Dr. Meink, if1827he's confirmed, to try and solve those problems for the1828Department of Air Force.1829    Senator Blumenthal. Would you use Signal to----1830    Mr. Lohmeier. I do use Signal, Senator?1831    Senator Blumenthal. To talk to others in the Department of1832Defense or the National Security establishment about the plans1833for pilots in the Air Force to do military missions?1834    Mr. Lohmeier. Senator, one of the things I've become quite1835good at over my 15-and-a-half-year career in the Air Force and1836Space Force is understanding very well that there are sensitive1837and classified materials that should only be discussed in1838appropriate platforms. We have appropriate platforms and1839mediums for those communications.1840    Senator Blumenthal. So, the answer is no?1841    Mr. Lohmeier. Signal is an unclassified messaging app just1842like other apps, although it's end-to-end encrypted. So, if1843confirmed, that's something you need to take very seriously in1844those roles. Yes, Senator,1845    Senator Blumenthal. Is your answer no?1846    Mr. Lohmeier. My answer is that I would----1847    Senator Blumenthal. Would you use Signal?1848    Mr. Lohmeier. I'll abide by the law, and I'll make sure1849that any sensitive or classified communications are1850accomplished on the appropriate mediums.1851    Senator Blumenthal. This is a yes or no answer.1852    You would not use Signal, I assume from your answer, yes or1853no?1854    Mr. Lohmeier. I will use Signal for private discussions1855that are unclassified with friends or colleagues as I always1856have.1857    Senator Blumenthal. So, you would not use it to discuss1858missions that pilots in the Air Force? You're going to be----1859    Mr. Lohmeier. Correct.1860    Senator Blumenthal.--the Under Secretary of the Air Force,1861if----1862    Senator Blumenthal.--you're confirmed----1863    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes. Easy commitment, Senator.1864    Senator Blumenthal.--would be flying in hostile territory,1865such as those pilots were when the Secretary of Defense used1866Signal on two occasion to communicate about those highly1867sensitive, confidential, potentially dangerous missions,1868putting pilots at risk. You wouldn't do it. Correct?1869    Mr. Lohmeier. Senator, you have my commitment. I will not1870use Signal to discuss those things.1871    Senator Blumenthal. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1872    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much. Senator Scott.1873    Senator Scott. Thank you, Chairman.1874    Well, first off, congratulations on your nominations. Your1875jobs are going to be exciting. It's going to be an--it's an1876exciting time to be part of building and making sure we have a1877great military. So, you guys are--you're all three going to do1878a great job.1879    So, I just I didn't know I was supposed to come and ask for1880a military base in my State, but I've got one that's important,1881Homestead. But anyway, I just got back from Europe, and this1882has been consistent for--since I've been up here. As I talk to1883allies, they complain. They complain about two things. That1884they are trying to buy our equipment. They complain about the,1885I guess, foreign military sales process to get approval from1886the government. Then, they complain about they can't get the1887equipment quickly because our defense contractors are not on1888time.1889    So, Mr. Zimmerman, can you talk about what you think we can1890do, and what you plan on doing to make it easier to make a1891decision? Because I just--we were just in Denmark, Finland, and1892Estonia, the two that we had the conversation with, all three1893of them, but a lot of it they don't understand when they are1894ally and they can't get an answer.1895    I'm a business guy. What frustrates me about the government1896is just give me a stupid answer. Because if you tell them no,1897that they can go to Israel, they can go to South Korea, they1898can go to other places and buy some of the equipment they need.1899But if it's just a black hole, that doesn't make any sense.1900    Mr. Zimmerman. Senator from my understanding from the1901issue, I think I share your frustration and understand why1902allies have thoughts about the process. If confirmed to the1903role, I understand that the way in which I would be connected1904to the FMS process is an advising role, and particularly1905looking at prioritization in both with our European allies.1906    Here we are in a situation dealing with an underinvestment1907in the defense industrial base over the last several years that1908has limited the supply of what they need. So, that's a1909challenge, but I would give my best advice, if confirmed, to1910the Secretary and Under Secretary about how to prioritize1911allied security needs through the FMS system.1912    Senator Scott. So, you might not be involved in this, but1913it's my understanding that with our defense contractors, we pay1914for them to develop a product, and then they own the IP for1915that product. Is that true, or do you know?1916    Mr. Zimmerman. Senator, I don't know the answer to that. I1917would like to get back to you about that.1918    Senator Scott. Does that make sense? Just off the top of1919your head? Did that make much sense? If we for it, if our1920government pays for it with our taxpayer dollars, they own the1921IP?1922    Mr. Zimmerman. It sounds like if true, it might be one of1923the challenges in the program.1924    Senator Scott. So, what do you think we can do to get our1925defense contractors to fulfill the obligations that they've1926committed to? Because we hear this all from our allies all over1927the world; that our defense contractors are not meeting, not1928just with their commitments to us on time, but commitments to1929our allies for equipment that they need to make sure they can1930defend, which is exactly what President Trump wants them to do,1931be able to defend themselves first.1932    Mr. Zimmerman. Senator, it's a great question, and if1933confirmed, I would do all that I could within the scope of the1934ISA portfolio and how it touches on FMS to ensure that the1935process is as painless and seamless as possible. It is very1936important for our allies and for the Administration's goal of1937burden sharing to have an efficient FMS process.1938    Senator Scott. Okay. Thanks. You-all three are going to do1939a great job. Thanks, Chairman.1940    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Scott. Senator King is1941next, and he is graciously yielded to Senator Kelly. So,1942Senator Kelly, you're recognized.1943    Senator Kelly. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1944    Thank you, Senator King. Mr. Lohmeier, you recently made a1945post that seemed to indicate Russia was justified in its1946invasion of Ukraine because Russia feared NATO expansion. This1947isn't just untrue. It's also the exact kind of misinformation1948that Russia pushed to justify them rolling troops and tanks1949across the border into Ukraine and bombing Ukrainian cities.1950    So, Mr. Lohmeier, I want to be very direct here. In your1951opinion, was Russia justified in its invasion of Ukraine?1952    Mr. Lohmeier. Thanks, Senator Kelly, for taking the time to1953meet with me a week and a half ago. In answer to your question,1954I'll say as directly back as I can as well, and in respect, I1955don't believe I used the word justified in my post. However, I1956am a bit of a historian. I like context, and what I've always1957said publicly is that all heads of State have to make1958determinations for their own security. So, when I say something1959like that, whether it's with Vladimir Putin or any head of1960State, I'm saying that they are entitled to make those1961decisions whether we agree with them or not.1962    Now, it's a bit outside of the lane of the Under Secretary1963of the Air Force, of course, whose role as the chief management1964officer will be to organize training and equip forces for the1965fight in--for any given Administration to meet combat and1966commander needs?1967    Senator Kelly. Well, I'll give you that. That the post did1968not say that. But you did post an article by John Mearsheimer1969that said why the Ukraine crisis is the West's fault. You did1970not say that was your opinion. So, I'm going to ask you the1971question, again. In your opinion, was Russia justified in its1972invasion of Ukraine?1973    Mr. Lohmeier. For context, which always, of course,1974Senator, as you aware, matters a great deal. That was an1975article that was written by John Mearsheimer, an international1976relations scholar, in 2014. It was a comment about Russia's1977annexation of Crimea in 2014, and some of the history leading1978up to that. It was not an article that had any bearing upon1979what happened in the decade that followed, per se, but it was1980an international relation's academic piece that talked about1981the annexation of Crimea.1982    His opinion in that article, and this is a very insightful1983article, in fact, traces through the history of native1984expansion since it was created. It's, again, an academic piece.1985It's something that we study at strategy----1986    Senator Kelly. Crimea was part of Ukraine. In my view,1987still is part of Ukraine.1988    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes, Senator, and the point I just make in1989bringing that up is that the opinion that was shared in that1990post about that article had to do with past conflict and1991implications for the ways in which allies interact on the world1992stage and how that influences the decisions that heads of State1993make. It was not in any way intended to excuse the behavior of1994any head of State, including President Putin.1995    Senator Kelly. So, now I've got two questions. So, the1996title of the paper was, ``Why the Ukraine Crisis Is The West1997Fault.'' Do you agree with that premise?1998    Mr. Lohmeier. It's an enticing title. Again, it was1999pertaining to decisions that were being made a decade prior to2000the conflict that you're asking about. It's an incredibly2001informative academic work that is based in international2002relations theory. I very much like the paper and would still2003recommend to people today if they're interested in2004understanding the conflict in the region. It's a rich resource2005of information.2006    Senator Kelly. Do you agree that the Ukraine crisis is the2007West's fault?2008    Mr. Lohmeier. No, because that's far too simplistic. Again,2009global politics is a messy and complicated affair. What I will2010say is that it's very clear, a couple of years ago, Russia2011invaded Ukraine, and Ukraine's been on the defense of trying to2012fight that war. Of course, it's had bipartisan support in this2013Congress.2014    Senator Kelly. So, was Russia justified in invading2015Ukraine?2016    Mr. Lohmeier. Senator, with respect, I've not said that.2017    Senator Kelly. Well, that's why I'm asking you the2018question.2019    Mr. Lohmeier. I know you are, and I really--the reason I'm2020hesitating shouldn't be taken or interpreted to imply and2021answer one way or the other. I really--I like context. I don't2022like yes and nos, and I don't like soundbite media. I'll say2023that I believe that heads of State retain the right to make2024decisions on who they'll go to war with. That's not something I2025decide. That's not something even the United States or its2026leaders get to decide even as much as we want to weigh in on2027those positions. I can say, though, for certainty that I'm2028grateful----2029    Senator Kelly. But it sounds like you think it's okay for2030one of our adversaries to invade one of our allies.2031    Mr. Lohmeier. I did not say that. What I will say is that2032I'm grateful that there are currently efforts underway by this2033Administration to try and seek a peaceful resolution of that2034conflict. I think it's time that it ended.2035    Senator Kelly. All right. Thank you. Thank you, Mr.2036Chairman.2037    Chairman Wicker. Senator Tuberville.2038    Senator Tuberville. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you,2039gentlemen, for willingness to serve.2040    Mr. Zimmerman, since March 15th, CENTCOM has forces that2041have conducted a sustained campaign targeting the Houthis2042terrorist organization in Yemen to restore freedom of2043navigation in American deterrence. As of April 27th, CENTCOM2044has struck over 800 targets. These targets have killed hundreds2045of Houthis' fighters and numerous Hootie leaders, including2046Senior Hootie Missile and UAV officials. Mr. Zimmerman, in your2047assessment, have U.S. operations against the Houthis been a2048success?2049    Mr. Zimmerman. Senator, I support the Administration's2050forcible approach toward the Houthis beginning in the early2051days of the Administration with the executive order that called2052for the elimination of the threat of the Houthis with allies2053and designating them as a foreign terrorist organization. I2054don't think I have access to the, to the classified information2055that I would like to have to make an assessment about the2056efficacy of the strikes, but I support what the Administration2057is trying to do.2058    Senator Tuberville. Thank you.2059    Mr. Overbaugh, one of the organizations you'll help2060oversee, if you are confirmed, is the Missile and Space2061Intelligence Center, we call MSIC, which is a component of DIA,2062and located in my State at Huntsville, Alabama. MSIC provides a2063world-class analysis on the performance of foreign weapons2064systems, which is critical to ensuring our warfighters dominate2065the battlefield against our adversaries.2066    Mr. Overbaugh, are you familiar with MSIC and MSIC's2067analysis? If so, can you talk a little bit about how important2068this mission is?2069    Mr. Overbaugh. Senator, I am familiar with MSIC, and2070particularly their role in feeding quality intelligence into2071other entities like DIA, to ensure that we have an accurate2072threat picture. I think even more important is the potential2073for MSIC to play a key role in ensuring we understand the2074adversarial threat as it relates to ensuring that our Golden2075Dome is as effective as it possibly can be.2076    Senator Tuberville. Have you had the opportunity to visit2077MSIC headquarters in Huntsville?2078    Mr. Overbaugh. Huntsville, yes. MSIC, no, not yet, Senator.2079    Senator Tuberville. Thank you. Hope you get too soon. Thank2080you.2081    Mr. Lohmeier, you have an absolutely outstanding, unique2082career path as a respect to military officer. Thank you for2083your service. You've got a breadth of experience in both the2084Air Force and Space Force, which is very uncommon, but none of2085those experiences were in managing large budgets. Why should2086you be trusted now with such a heavy responsibility at a time2087when we are taking fiscal responsibility more seriously, thank2088goodness, than ever before, and while there is a growing demand2089from the American people that we have a clean audit of the2090Defense Department?2091    Mr. Lohmeier. Thanks, Senator. I'm glad I get to readdress2092this. While it's true that I don't personally have extensive2093experience with a large budget in an organization or2094acquisition experience, I have sound judgment. I've2095demonstrated it throughout my life. I'm a fast learner.2096    Secretary Meink, if he's confirmed, has demonstrated that2097you can pass 16 or 17 clean audits at the National2098Reconnaissance Office. He'll be a phenomenal leader to work2099with on this problem in the Department of the Air Force. What I2100can say is that we've got exceptional professionals who have2101been trying Administration after Administration to solve our2102budget problems, our acquisition problems in the Department of2103the Air Force. Many of them have had extensive acquisition and2104budgeting experience. But that doesn't mean you're able to2105solve the problems well.2106    So, if confirmed, what I can commit to this committee and2107to the American people is that I'm interested in making data-2108driven decisions. I'm interested in exercising keen judgment,2109discernment about these budget decisions, and coming to the2110right decisions that I believe the American people will be2111grateful for and trust. Doing that in concert with Secretary2112Meink in support of the President's priorities and in support2113of the Secretary of Defense's priorities.2114    Senator Tuberville. Thank you.2115    Your knowledge will be very important moving into space.2116You have a lot of experience in that area. We look forward to2117working with you in that area because as we know, it's going to2118be a much, much more important part of our military in the very2119near future. Thank you, gentlemen. Look forward to confirming2120you.2121    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Tuberville. I would2122mention to members a vote is going on on the floor. I think we2123can possibly finish this hearing before that vote ends. Senator2124King.2125    Senator King. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.2126    Mr. Lohmeier, I deeply respect your career in the Air Force2127and the Space Force. But to followup on Senator Tuberville's2128question, my concern is that the Air Force, and particularly2129your position, is going to be responsible for two-thirds of the2130modernization of the nuclear triad. The Sentinel piece is2131looking like the most consequential civil works project that2132the Pentagon or perhaps in this whole country has ever2133undertaken. It's already in a Nunn-McCurdy breach.2134    So, I'm not satisfied with saying you're data-driven, and2135you're going to hire good people. My concern is, I mean, you're2136the boss, and you would be, if you're confirmed. I'm just2137uncomfortable. I'm not talking about past tweets or books or2138anything else. I'm talking about the future, and that is the2139management of probably the most complex and important defense2140project that's ever been undertaken by the Pentagon.2141    Try to reassure me. I mean, a great center fielder for the2142Red Sox is not necessarily qualified to be general manager.2143Your service is important, but you're talking--we're talking2144about these critically important acquisitions projects that are2145intensely managerial. Try to reassure me, if you can.2146    Mr. Lohmeier. Well, thank you, Senator. I agree with your2147concern. I share your concern for the criticality of the2148Sentinel Program, concern over the Nunn-McCurdy breach that's2149experienced. Modernization of the nuclear enterprise is, of2150course, a priority of mine. So, here's the way in which I can2151try and reassure you, as I have throughout the rest of the2152hearing.2153    I've been entrusted throughout my entire career with both2154leadership of men and women in uniform, as well as being2155entrusted with safeguarding and employing exceptionally2156exquisite and expensive weapon systems, both in the Air Force,2157in the F-15C and in the space-based infrared system, the space-2158based missile warning architecture, an $18 billion2159architecture. I've worked with acquirers' program managers in2160that process.2161    This is not a question of whether or not someone has had2162the qualifications before to manage the Defense Department,2163because who in their most human beings have never had that2164experience? In fact, this is a question of scale or scope, and2165I'll say that I've always been faithful to the trust that's2166been committed to me, even though the scale has been much2167smaller.2168    I'll say, humbly, that I believe I'm up to this challenge.2169I'm well qualified for this job. I'm air-minded and space-2170minded, and I understand very well the threats, especially that2171we face from our peer competitor in China, and so, thank you.2172That's my best attempt to say, Senator. I'm grateful for the2173opportunity, but I'm also humbled by it, and very concerned2174about it as well. I look forward, if confirmed, to doing my2175utmost very best to manage those very serious programs.2176    Senator King. I appreciate that.2177    Mr. Overbaugh, every time, and I like Senator Cotton, I2178also serve on the Intelligence Committee. To me, the most2179important quality for any intelligence official is the2180willingness to tell the truth to the boss, even if it isn't2181what they want to hear. Dan Coats, former DNI, said the job of2182the intelligence community is to find the truth and tell the2183truth.2184    Will you commit to me that you are willing to walk into the2185Oval Office or walk into the office of the Secretary of Defense2186and say this is the intelligence that we have about this2187particular problem that contradicts the policy desires of the2188President or the Secretary, or the Head of the Joint Chiefs?2189    Mr. Overbaugh. Senator, I can absolutely commit to that. I2190agree with you wholeheartedly, that seeking the truth is one of2191the most important, if not the most important components of an2192intelligence professional's job.2193    Senator King. If you look back on recent history, some of2194our real disasters have been caused by slanted, or what I call,2195cooked intelligence. That's to be avoided. Simple question. Did2196Russia start the war in Ukraine by invading?2197    Mr. Overbaugh. Senator, it's a military fact that Russia2198invaded Ukraine in February 2022.2199    Senator King. Thank you.2200    There's one challenge about intelligence that we've2201learned, particularly in Afghanistan, and then again in2202Ukraine, and that is the analysis of the will to fight of a2203population. We blew it in both cases. We overestimated the2204Afghan's will to fight, and had the disaster of the end of that2205war. Then, we did not--we underestimated the Ukrainian's will2206to fight, and all the intelligence was that it would--you know,2207the Russian would be in Kyiv in 2 weeks.2208    I challenge you, and I know the Department has done serious2209work on this, to pay attention to that because that, for2210example, will be a factor in our policy decision about Taiwan.2211So, it's not an easy question. It's not as easy as counting2212tanks from a satellite, but it's nonetheless an incredibly2213important intelligence challenge. So, I hope that's something2214you'll pay some attention to.2215    Mr. Overbaugh. Senator, I will, and apologize, I see that2216we're over time, but I do want to address this. I mentioned it2217in my opening statement about the importance of evaluating and2218questioning the assumptions that we use to make the assessments2219that we make, and examining the frameworks to determine how2220much they are may be influenced by personal bias or2221bureaucratic bias, political influence, or any other type of2222interference, which would inhibit our ability to provide our2223decisionmakers with the very best picture of adversarial threat2224to include, which I personally think is one of the most2225important components of enemy capability is will to fight.2226    Senator King. Thank you.2227    Find the truth and tell the truth. That's what we're2228looking for. Mr. Zimmerman. I'll submit some questions for the2229record.2230    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much, Senator. Senator2231Budd.2232    Senator Budd. Thank you, Chairman, and, again,2233congratulations to each of you. Thanks for the family and2234friends to be here today.2235    Mr. Lohmeier, are you familiar with the strategic basing2236process?2237    Mr. Lohmeier. Somewhat, Senator.2238    Senator Budd. Okay, great.2239    Last month, the Department of Air Force transmitted its2240plan to Congress for the sustainment and recapitalization of2241the Air National Guard fighter fleet. Now, it was the result of2242much analysis and careful planning. It's this document right2243here. Have you had a chance to read this?2244    Mr. Lohmeier. I have not, Senator.2245    Senator Budd. Selfridge Air National Guard Base in2246Michigan, is receiving 15 EXs, and that is not part of this2247plan, which I can guess will change things for the Air Force's2248frontline units. Not the Guard units, but the frontline units.2249So, as an example, Seymour Johnson will have to train these A-225010 pilots on the platform of the F-15 and the mission using2251their F-15 Eagles. You flew the F-15, correct?2252    Mr. Lohmeier. C models. Yes, Senator.2253    Senator Budd. Well, that's a large unplanned increase in2254flying training compared to the simulator-based differences2255training for transitioning currently qualified F-15 pilots to2256the EX model. So, I want to paraphrase a statement from the Air2257Force about the training capacity down at Seymour Johnson.2258    ``F-15 program flying training requirements will jump by2259greater than 50 percent in Fiscal Year 2027 and 2028, and2260currently, the Air Force has no training-coded aircraft2261capacity to meet that requirement without reflow of combat-2262coded F-15E. The Air Force is being forced to examine2263drastically cutting the F-15 syllabus length to meet those2264requirements. This creates risk on both quality and basic2265course air crew graduates and on-combat air forces that will2266receive aircrew with potentially subpar combat airmanship2267skills.''2268    Just to be clear, that statement was given by the Air Force2269in February, and that's before Selfridge basing decision was2270made. So, if confirmed, what will you do to ensure that the 4th2271Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Base has what they need to make2272ends meet with this additional training requirement?2273    Mr. Lohmeier. Senator, I'm really glad you brought all of2274this up. You have my attention. I understood everything you've2275said. It's of great interest. I'll say that I'm very familiar2276with the missions being flown out of Seymour Johnson. In fact,2277I'll just say publicly, it matters a great deal to the Air2278Force and the American people that we had over 80 drones shot2279down in the Middle East this past year, over a 6-month period,2280by a unit out of Seymour Johnson, and we have dozens----2281    Senator Budd. They just arrived at that very moment.2282    Mr. Lohmeier. They performed potentially mass casualty2283events and dozens of these men and women suit up every day out2284of Seymour Johnson doing an absolutely critical mission in2285defense of the homeland.2286    So, you have my commitment that, if confirmed, I'll look2287forward to working with Dr. Meink, if he's confirmed, to2288looking at these things in a nonpartisan way, these basing2289decisions, and the proper force structure, and bed down of2290forces. But I'm interested in learning more from you about2291Seymour Johnson, in particular.2292    Senator Budd. Thank you for that answer.2293    Just to be clear, if confirmed, you'll be responsible for2294assisting the Secretary in organizing training and equipping2295the Air Force. Correct?2296    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes. Thank you, and, in fact, as we've2297mentioned, that's exactly what the role of the Under Secretary2298of the Air Force is, that's our chief prerogative is2299organizing, training, and equipping Air and Space Forces to2300provide to our combatant commanders.2301    Senator Budd. Thank you for that.2302    So, if confirmed, I look forward to hearing the plan soon2303on how the Air Force is going to solve this issue, and at2304Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. Thank you-all, Mr. Chairman.2305    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Budd. Senator2306Duckworth.2307    Senator Duckworth. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.2308    Mr. Lohmeier, you know as well as I do from your military2309service that upholding good order and discipline is a2310foundation for our professional fighting force. Lethality2311relies on a honed practice of servicemembers following lawful2312orders. I, myself, even though as a progressive serving in the2313military, did not agree with President Bush's decision to look2314for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq when we should have2315been destroying the Taliban in Afghanistan. Still volunteered2316to go and proud of my service to this day.2317    Sometimes, servicemembers have to serve against their own2318personal opinions. Circumventing commanders on the battlefield2319in real time could lead to life-or-death mistakes. As former2320Secretary of Defense matters wrote, officers must carry out a2321policy to the best of their ability, even when they might2322disagree with that policy. To that end, I have questions about2323your commitment to this core principle and the troubling2324signals that your confirmation would send to those in uniform.2325    You claim to have only written your book and gone public2326after the Inspector General concluded that your complaint had2327no merit. But we all know that there are other channels2328available to servicemembers concerned about commander decisions2329or policy choices beyond the IG. Before you chose to write your2330book or speak out in the media about policies that concerned2331you, did you consider being a whistleblower to your Senators or2332Representatives, which would've been protected under title 10,2333section 1034, yes or no? Did you consider?2334    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes, Senator.2335    Senator Duckworth. You did consider it? That is news to us.2336I ask that you present this Committee any correspondence that2337you may have had with Members of Congress.2338    Mr. Lohmeier. Copy. I'll do that, Senator.2339    [The information referred to follows:]2340   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]23412342    Senator Duckworth. Thank you.2343    Did you file an article 138 complaint, which under the2344Uniform Code of Military Justice, allows servicemembers to seek2345redress for a wrong conducted by a commander?2346    Mr. Lohmeier. I did not, Senator.2347    Senator Duckworth. Okay. So, why did you not?2348    Mr. Lohmeier. There are many months in question, the2349timeframe that we're talking about here, but at the time that2350we separated after I had been relieved of my command, and there2351was a command directed investigation about me as well as the2352general officer that had relieved me of my command, it was a2353traumatic period, a hard period of hardship for my family and2354my children.2355    Senator Duckworth. No, I'm not talking about that. I'm2356talking about when you were writing the book and you were still2357in uniform. You chose to write--you made the decision to write2358the book because you said there was no other way for you to2359address your concerns. You said that you did reach out to2360Members of Congress, which is news to me, but you did not file2361an Article 138 complaint prior to writing your book and2362speaking in public.2363    Mr. Lohmeier. I understand. I misunderstood your question,2364Senator. My answer to your previous question, you asked if I2365had considered reaching out to Members of Congress, and the2366answer to that question was yes.2367    Senator Duckworth. Did you do it?2368    Mr. Lohmeier. I had communication with Members of Congress,2369and I'd be happy to provide that to you. I exhausted all of the2370means that I understood available to me. I'd been counseling2371with the Base IG, Space Force IG, Base legal, Pentagon Public2372Affairs, and the entire chain of command to include members of2373the Joint Chiefs before I published the book.2374    Senator Duckworth. So, nobody talked to you about Article2375138 complaint, which is a recourse that you could have taken?2376    Mr. Lohmeier. If that was discussed specifically Article2377138, I don't recall the circumstances as to why I chose what I2378did at that time regarding Article 138, specifically,2379    Senator Duckworth. I'm concerned that you didn't follow2380through on all of the recourses that were available to you. You2381are allowed to have your personal views, but there are rules2382governing how public servicemembers can be in opposition to2383lawful orders with your actions, you signal to those under your2384command that it is okay to be insubordinate. As Peter Feaver, a2385scholar who served in George W. Bush's National Security2386Council has written, and I quote, ``Military officers who2387believe that the policymaking process is heading in a bad2388direction have ample recourse to advise within the chain of2389command if their advice is not heeded. The country would not be2390better served by senior officers provoking a civil military2391crisis to advertise their policy differences with civilian2392leaders.''2393    You were relieved of command, not for your beliefs, but for2394how you chose to express them on Active Duty while holding a2395position of authority over others. That is not persecution,2396that is accountability, and if as a former commander you cannot2397recount the basic recourses available to servicemembers, how2398can we expect you to lead airmen and guardians? You were2399relieved of command, not for your beliefs, but for how you2400chose to express them on Active Duty while holding a position2401of authority over others.2402    So, if it's true that you followed these steps, you still2403decided to circumvent the chain of command while still on2404Active Duty to speak up publicly without informing your2405leadership. You could have resigned and spoken out, or2406continued serving and kept your mouth shut, but instead, you2407decided to continue serving and violate your professional2408ethics. You are allowed to have those personal views. But there2409are rules governing how servicemembers can be in opposition to2410lawful orders.2411    So, I sort of feel like you broke the rules. There are ways2412to do this, and you chose to instead circumvent those rules2413that sets the standards for the people that you are about to2414take charge of to continue to circumvent the rules, and that is2415not conducive to good order and discipline within the military.2416Do you understand that? That is my concern.2417    Mr. Lohmeier. If Chairman Wicker's okay with me responding,2418I'd be happy to.2419    Chairman Wicker. Sure. I think the question is; do you2420understand that that's her point of view?2421    Mr. Lohmeier. I understand your view, Senator. I think in2422value or in principle, you and I agree on many things that2423you've said. I will reject the idea that I did anything2424unlawful, unethical, or publicly contrary to--I never publicly2425criticized my chain of command. I never publicly was2426politically partisan while acting in an official capacity. Both2427of those allegations were the reasons I was relieved of my2428command that I wasn't found guilty of either of those things.2429    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, and thank you, Senator2430Duckworth. I think the distinguished ranking member has a2431followup question.2432    Senator Reed. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.2433    Mr. Lohmeier, earlier this year, it came to my attention2434that current serving military personnel have been receiving2435emails, threatening them with being fired for supporting the2436current DOD policies. One email that was sent to a military2437officer with the subject line, ``Clean House,'' states, ``With2438the incoming Administration looking to remove disloyal,2439corrupt, traitorous liberal officers, such as yourself, we will2440certainly be putting your name onto the list of those personnel2441to be removed. We know you support the woke, DEI policies and2442will ensure you never again influence anyone in the future. You2443and--'' the redacted spouse's name--``will be lucky if you are2444able to correct your military retirement.''2445    Mr. Lohmeier, if you became aware of someone sending2446threatening emails to currently serving officers, what would2447you do in your capacity?2448    Mr. Lohmeier. Well, Senator, I think the way in which2449leaders go about communicating with their troops matters a2450great deal. Having been in command, there's no way to retain2451the respect of your troops if you don't communicate2452respectfully to men and women of every background.2453    I don't particularly appreciate the tone in which that2454email was written. I don't know who wrote it. I'm not familiar2455with the background of that email, but I will say once again2456that I share this committee's commitment to an apolitical2457military. I don't believe witch hunts are healthy in the2458military. I think that unity is our strength. I believe that2459when we start to go down the path of discussing partisan2460politics and ideology, it divides men and women. That's why the2461American people tend to be so divided. They have a full range2462of expression of these ideas.2463    Our uniform wearers, to Senator Duckworth's point, ought to2464be focused on their mission and not being caught up in this2465kind of rhetoric. But if these kinds of things came to my2466attention, then of course they deserve attention. Every man and2467woman in uniform deserves to be treated with respect.2468    Senator Reed. Do you believe it would be disqualifying2469firing for someone on Active service in the military as an2470officer listed or civilian if they sent such an email?2471    Mr. Lohmeier. Notionally, I think the context always2472matters, Senator, and I've expressed that I don't necessarily--2473I wouldn't write an email with that tone, personally. I'll2474speak for myself. What's qualifying and disqualifying at a very2475high level is whether or not people are acting ethically and2476legally, upholding the oath to defend and support the2477Constitution and following the lawful orders of those that have2478been appointed over them to lead them. That's what every2479enlisted and officer, troupe across every branch of the2480military is taught to believe in.2481    It's that, ``Hey, whatever baggage I bring to my service in2482uniform, politically, ideologically, I leave that at the2483doorstep. I get the same ugly haircut as those next to me. I2484wear the same uniform, bleed the same color, focus on the same2485mission, and we care about readiness and lethality.''2486    Senator Reed. Well, I too believe that context is2487important. If you look at the context, particularly your2488comments since you were left the service, they created an2489impression of someone committed to, frankly, a reprisal,2490revenge, weeding out from the service those people who did not2491ascribe to your thoughts. You said it in your--in so many2492words, in your X filings and in your book.2493    I find it very difficult that suddenly you will have this2494transition, this enlightenment that will disabuse you of all2495those notions and make you someone who you claim today is2496apolitical, not concerned about the extracurricular activities2497of people in terms of their political positions, et cetera.2498That's totally inconsistent what you've done over the last 42499years. I think you've made that evident today.2500    Mr. Lohmeier. Senator, am I allowed to respond?2501    Senator Reed. Of course. That's the system here.2502    Mr. Lohmeier. I'll say briefly that I really do believe--2503one, I believe that everyone who's been in this hearing2504understands that I'm authentic, and try and be true in what I2505say. Second, I believe that every man and woman that's ever2506worked with me would be glad to welcome me back into public2507service.2508    Senator Reed. Does that include the people that you've by2509name threatened to----2510    Mr. Lohmeier. I've not by name threatened anybody, Senator.2511    Senator Reed. Well, you've certainly indicated your2512displeasure with lots of people by name.2513    Mr. Lohmeier. Well, I'm displeased with the cowardly2514behavior of many people, but I've never threatened anybody. I2515think that we have many great men and women in uniform, high2516and low, who all have the right to try their best to serve this2517country faithfully. I don't necessarily agree with all the2518decisions they make, but I'm not a vindictive person. I think2519that men and women in uniform will be very grateful to see me2520come back into service, if I'm confirmed.2521    Senator Reed. Well, thank you for your testimony,2522gentlemen. I will have questions for Mr. Overbaugh and Mr.2523Zimmerman. Thank you very much, sir.2524    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much. This concludes2525today's hearing. I'd like to thank our witnesses for their2526testimony. For the information of members, questions for the2527record will be due to the committee within two business days of2528the conclusion of this hearing, which is right now we are2529adjourned.2530    [Whereupon, at 11:41 a.m., the Committee adjourned.]25312532                         ------25332534    [Prepared questions submitted to Mr. Matthew L. Lohmeier by2535Chairman Wicker prior to the hearing with answers supplied2536follow:]2537                        Questions and Responses2538                      duties and responsibilities2539    Question. What is your understanding of the current duties and2540functions of the Under Secretary of the Air Force?2541    Answer. According to Title 10, the Under Secretary shall perform2542such duties and exercise such powers as the Secretary of the Air Force2543may prescribe. To my understanding, the Under Secretary of the Air2544Force is responsible for the day-to-day affairs of the Department of2545the Air Force (DAF), including the organizing, training, and equipping2546of the Department's approximately 700,000 Active Duty, Guard and2547Reserve airmen and guardians as well as Department civilians. The Under2548Secretary serves as the ``Chief Management Officer'', overseeing the2549Department's budget and directing strategy and policy development, risk2550management, acquisitions, investments and the management of human2551resources across the enterprise.2552    Question. In particular, what management and leadership experience2553do you possess that you would apply to your service as Under Secretary2554of the Air Force, if confirmed?2555    Answer. I have served in both the United States Air Force and the2556United States Space Force. In the former, I served as an F-15C pilot;2557in the latter, I served as a squadron commander of a space-based2558missile warning system, including a multi-billion-dollar satellite2559architecture responsible for the security of the U.S. homeland. In both2560of these roles, I have accumulated a deep background in strategy,2561policy, operations, and issues relating to human resources of our2562airmen and guardians. This includes the welfare of the servicemembers2563and their families.2564    Question. If confirmed to be the Under Secretary of the Air Force,2565what role would you establish for yourself in the overall supervision2566of the Assistant Secretaries of the Air Force and the Air Force General2567Counsel?2568    Answer. To my knowledge, the Assistant Secretaries of the Air Force2569and the Air Force General Counsel report directly to the Secretary of2570the Air Force. If confirmed, I would look forward to working closely2571with them in realizing the vision of the Secretary and synchronizing2572the Department's efforts across all of their respective portfolios. I2573would represent their equities in senior Department of Defense2574governance bodies focused on the budget, policy, strategy, personnel2575and other matters.2576    Question. If confirmed, what innovative ideas would you consider2577providing to the Secretary of the Air Force regarding the organization2578and operations of the Department of the Air Force?2579    Answer. If confirmed, I would bring my extensive experience as a2580leader in both the Air and Space Forces to realize the Secretary of2581Defense's vision of reinvigorating the warrior ethos of the Department.2582Furthermore, I would leverage the relationships with my Under Secretary2583counterparts to ensure that all services are synchronized in realizing2584the Secretary's vision.2585                         conflicts of interest2586    Question. Federal ethics laws, like 18 U.S.C. Sec. 208, prohibit2587government employees from participating in matters where they, or2588certain family members or organizations with which they have certain2589relationships, have a financial interest.2590    Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to disclose any2591potential conflicts of interest, including investments, business ties,2592family relationships, or other connections that could be perceived as2593influencing your decisionmaking?2594    Answer. Yes.2595    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, that2596if a conflict of interest arises, you will recuse yourself from2597participating in any decisions regarding that specific matter?2598    Answer. I will comply with all recusal requirements under 18 U.S.C.2599Sec.  208.2600    Question. Do you commit, without qualification, if confirmed, to2601decisionmaking on the merits and exclusively in the public interest,2602without regard to private gain or personal benefit?2603    Answer. Yes.2604                    major challenges and priorities2605    Question. What would you see as your highest priorities for the2606near-term and long-term future of the Department of the Air Force?2607    Answer. To my knowledge, the Department of the Air Force faces2608several modernization requirements that need to be addressed2609simultaneously. This includes nuclear modernization, which I believe is2610long overdue. The Air Force maintains two legs of the nuclear triad and2611a substantial portion of its command and control. Ensuring our nuclear2612deterrence is unquestioned is a top priority. Additionally, we must2613ensure our conventional capabilities are modernized for the high-end2614fight. This includes the Next-Gen Air Dominance (NGAD) program and a2615resilient space architecture that denies any so-called ``first-mover2616advantage.''2617    As the Department moves forward on these modernization efforts for2618the long-term, I acknowledge that both the Air and Space Force must be2619ready to ``fight tonight'' with what we already have in our arsenal.2620This means that--in the near-term--I will prioritize the readiness of2621our airmen and guardians and restore a warrior ethos throughout the2622Department.2623    Question. What do you consider to be the most significant2624challenges you would face if confirmed as Under Secretary of the Air2625Force?2626    Answer. If confirmed, I suspect that the modernization of the2627nuclear portfolio and ensuring the resilience of our space-based2628architecture will be the most pressing challenges.2629    Question. What plans do you have for addressing each of these2630challenges, if confirmed?2631    Answer. For nuclear modernization, I plan on executing the vision2632of the Secretary of the Air Force. If confirmed in this role, I believe2633that my greatest contribution will be on communicating that nuclear2634modernization is not an option; it is the very foundation of our2635national security strategy--and we must get it right. This will require2636more than just an all-of DAF effort, or even an all-of-DoD effort; this2637requires buy-in from Congress as well as the many communities across2638the country that host these capabilities. I look forward to working2639with this Committee and this Congress, as well as civil leaders across2640the country, to prioritize this.2641    On resilient space architectures, I believe that we must continue2642to build partnerships with the commercial sector, leveraging what is2643available and only building what we absolutely must.2644                       national defense strategy2645    Question. The 2022 NDS outlines that the United States faces a2646rising China, an aggressive Russia, and the continued threat from rogue2647regimes and global terrorism. The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the NDS2648Commission testified in July 2024 that China, Russia, Iran, and North2649Korea have formed an ``axis of aggressors'', supporting each other's2650military aggression and illegal wars.2651    What is your assessment of the military threat posed by the2652People's Republic of China?2653    Answer. I strongly believe that China poses the greatest military2654threat to our forces. While the United States was focused on countering2655violent extremists in the Middle East, China took advantage of the last2656two decades by modernizing its forces and learning from the successes2657and failures of the U.S. military. Ensuring that our modernization2658timelines are ahead of theirs is crucial. If confirmed, I commit to2659assisting the Secretary and the Department on shortening those2660timelines.2661    Question. What is your assessment of the military threat posed by2662Russia?2663    Though I have not been fully briefed on the Russian military2664threat, evidence in open-source reporting suggests that Russia2665continues to be an acute threat to Europe and our many partners and2666allies there. While the military threat is real, I am perhaps more2667troubled by the pursuit of asymmetric advantages in space, cyber and2668electromagnetic warfare.2669    Question. What is your assessment of the military threat posed by2670collusion among Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea?2671    Answer. Based on what is publicly available, I have become2672concerned with the growing cooperation among these actors. This has2673been exhibited specifically in the conflict in Ukraine, to include2674soldiers from North Korea and drones coming from Iran and China. If2675faced alone, the U.S. maintains overmatch, but growing cooperation2676allows this group to cover down on shortfalls in each country's2677capabilities. If confirmed, I commit to assisting the Secretary in2678organizing, training, and equipping our airmen and guardians to ensure2679advantages based on this collusion are never realized.2680    Question. In 2024, the Air Force announced a refocus on ``Great2681Power Competition,'' with a series of reorganizations intended to2682modernize force structure and force design, to align to the 2022 NDS.2683    In your view, has the GPC initiative been successful?2684    Answer. To my understanding, the Secretary of Defense has directed2685a pause in the implementation of the Department's initiatives to ``re-2686optimize'' for Great Power Competition. I have not been fully briefed2687on the progress made in those efforts to this point. If confirmed, I2688look forward to reviewing the progress and making a threat-informed2689analysis of any future efforts in this vein. I commit to sharing the2690results of that assessment with this Committee and this Congress.2691    Question. What do you perceive to be the Air Force's role in2692competing with and countering China?2693    Answer. In my opinion, the role of the Department is to achieve a2694level of readiness, capability, and capacity that will deter China from2695pursuing military aggression to achieve its national security2696objectives. This requires an unquestionable nuclear deterrent and a2697conventional force able to achieve effects for the joint force anytime,2698anywhere. No joint military operation can be conducted without some2699element of the Department of the Air Force--a claim no other department2700can make.2701    Question. Is the Air Force adequately sized, structured, and2702resourced to implement the current strategy and the associated2703operational plans? Please explain your answer.2704    Answer. I have not been fully briefed on the size, structure, and2705resourcing of the Department. However, based on what is publicly2706available, I am concerned with the fact that our Air Force fleets are2707smaller than they have ever been and that their average age, in most2708cases, is older than desired. Lower mission capable rates are reported2709frequently and the costs of maintaining aging fleets keeps resources2710from our modernization efforts.2711    Question. What are your primary lessons learned from observing2712operations in Ukraine and the Middle East that the Air Force must2713consider in its modernization efforts?2714    Answer. There are three lessons I have taken away from what is2715reported in the conflict in Ukraine that are of importance to the2716Department. First, the increased proliferation and usage of unmanned2717systems--and their successes--mean we must analyze what the proper mix2718of our manned and unmanned Air Force fleet needs to be. Second, the2719resilience of our space-based architecture needs to be a focus area, as2720actors are becoming more adept at jamming position, navigation and2721timing services, like those provided by our GPS constellations. Third,2722the contests in the electromagnetic spectrum mean the Department will2723need to re-evaluate our investments there.2724    Question. Does the Air Force have the requisite analytic2725capabilities and tools to support you, if confirmed, in evaluating the2726Air Force's force structure and sizing strategies to ensure that it can2727and will generate forces that are manned, trained, and equipped to2728execute current plans and strategies? Please explain your answer.2729    Answer. I do not have enough information to make a judgment on the2730soundness of our analytic capabilities and tools. However, if2731confirmed, I commit to reviewing those within the Department,2732conducting my own assessment, and will commit to sharing the results of2733that assessment with this Committee.2734    Question. If confirmed, how will you address any gaps or shortfalls2735in the Air Force's ability to meet the demands placed on it by the2736operational plans that implement the current strategy?2737    Answer. I have not received briefings regarding operational plans2738or the Air Force's ability to meet the demands therein. However, as a2739private observer, the small fleet sizes, the ages of those fleets, and2740the mission capable rates of those fleets are concerning. If confirmed,2741I commit to assisting the Secretary in addressing those issues and will2742be a vocal champion for the resources needed to solve them.2743    Question. If confirmed, what changes or adjustments would you make2744in the Air Force's implementation of the current strategy?2745    Answer. While I applaud the Department's efforts to focus their two2746Services and the Secretariat on high-end conflict and competition, I2747have not been fully briefed on the implementation. I understand there2748has been a pause directed by the Secretary of Defense on some of these2749efforts. If confirmed, I plan on working with the Secretary to evaluate2750the efficacy of current efforts, analyzing any proposed efforts that2751are currently on pause, and sharing the results of my assessment with2752this Committee.2753    Question. How would you characterize your familiarity with the2754civilian leaders of the militaries of other nations and multi-national2755and international air power-focused consultative forums? If confirmed,2756on which leaders and forums would you focus your engagement with a view2757to advancing the interests of the Air Force?2758    Answer. While my familiarity with civilian leaders of the2759militaries of other nations is not substantial--given my years of being2760a private citizen since leaving the U.S. Space Force--I recognize the2761importance of leveraging these relationships to ensure shared security2762objectives are met throughout the world. The acute threat posed by2763Russia demands that we maintain a very tight military relationship with2764our NATO allies and other partners who face unchecked aggression.2765Additionally, Chinese rhetoric and actions require that we bolster the2766relationships with our treaty allies in the Indo-Pacific as well as2767other friends and partners who are observing malign behavior in that2768region. In light of this, I would prioritize forums like the Munich2769Security Conference, the Quad, and ASEAN, and I would ensure the many2770joint and combined exercises we conduct with these partners are not2771only maintained, but strengthened.2772                          air force readiness2773    Question. How would you assess the current readiness of the Air2774Force--across the domains of materiel and equipment, personnel, and2775training--to execute its required missions?2776    Answer. To my knowledge, the Department of the Air Force is ready2777to deter, defend, and fight today. However, our advantage is shrinking,2778and overmatch is a concern of mine. If confirmed, I see my role as2779assisting the Secretary in enhancing that overmatch for our Air and2780Space Forces.2781    Question. In your view, what are the priority missions for which2782current and future Air Force forces should be trained and ready in the2783context of day-to-day activities, as well as for contingencies?2784    Answer. The Secretary of Defense has been very clear in focusing on2785re-establishing deterrence, a warrior ethos, and rebuilding our2786military. Due to this, Air and Space Force should be trained and ready2787to execute five core missions: air & space superiority, global2788precision attack, rapid global mobility, global intelligence,2789surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and command and control.2790Together, these functions provide a range of pre-emptive and reactive2791options to the National Command Authority and allow the Department to2792integrate with the joint force in peacetime, crisis, strategic2793deterrence, and project power for high-end conflict. As we maintain2794readiness, individual units may not train to all five core functions,2795but as a department we stand ready to provide Air Superiority, Global2796Precision Attack, Rapid Global Mobility, Global ISR, and Command and2797Control, homeland, anywhere in the world, in support of U.S. national2798interests.2799    Question. Does the Air Force have the requisite analytic2800capabilities and tools to support you, if confirmed as the Under2801Secretary of the Air Force, in measuring its readiness to execute the2802broad range of potential Air Force missions envisioned by 2022 NDS and2803associated operational plans--from low-intensity, gray-zone conflicts2804to protracted high intensity fights? Please explain your answer.2805    Answer. The Air Force analytic and wargaming tools are essential to2806understanding our readiness and modernization portfolios and to make2807the right decisions that save taxpayers money and ensure the U.S.2808unparalleled advantage. While good, additional capability and capacity2809is required to modernize our wargaming, link models, and improve our2810ability for rapid, timely analysis. We require sophisticated capability2811tradeoff tools that enable a deep understanding of risk-to-mission,2812risk-to-force, and the true costs associated with different force2813structure choices at the speed a scale required to for thorough, data-2814driven judgments that outpace our adversaries. To best support the2815joint force, our Air Force requires advanced wargaming tools and2816dedicated spaces, rapid modeling and simulation capabilities, improved2817and cost-efficient data architecture, and interconnected tradeoff2818tools.2819    Question. If confirmed, how would you prioritize maintaining2820readiness in the near term, with modernizing the Air Force to ensure2821future readiness?2822    Answer. In the near term, the Air Force must focus on developing2823readiness for a peer threat while making smart risk decisions to2824prevent overconsuming current force readiness. To ensure future2825readiness, I believe the Air Force should focus efforts toward finding2826balance between readiness and modernization. This is a tough challenge2827because modernization cannot happen only in time of need and should not2828be conducted across the force simultaneously. If confirmed, I will work2829with Air Force leadership to phase in modernization that minimizes2830impact upon total force readiness and take only calculated and2831appropriate risk to either.2832                                 budget2833    Question. If confirmed, by what standards would you measure the2834adequacy of funding for the Department of the Air Force?2835    Answer. If confirmed as Under Secretary, I will collaborate with2836military leaders to ensure Air and Space Force budgets prioritize2837homeland defense and deterring China and other adversaries. The DAF2838must align with Defense strategy, maintain readiness, and modernize to2839meet evolving threats. DAF must maintain air and space superiority to2840project power and support the Joint Force. I look forward to ensuring2841the resources given by Congress are used efficiently to maximize the2842DAF's effectiveness.2843                              acquisition2844    Question. Civilian oversight of the acquisition system has been a2845cornerstone of the post-World War Two acquisition system.2846    What are your personal views on the principle of civilian control2847of the defense acquisition system?2848    Answer. Delivering the capabilities our warfighters need on time2849and within resources requires a collaborative effort between military,2850civilian, and industry stakeholders. Strong and decisive civilian2851leadership is necessary to ensure these efforts are executed with2852discipline and rigor. If confirmed, I will work with the Department of2853the Air Force's Senior Acquisition Executives to ensure cost, schedule,2854and performance is maintained within our acquisition system.2855    Question. As Under Secretary of the Air Force, what would be your2856role in the Air Force acquisition process--including in the processes2857of defining requirements, acquisition, and budgeting?2858    Answer. If confirmed, I will fulfill my role in the acquisition2859process as assigned to me by the Secretary of the Air Force and as2860prescribed by 10 U.S.C. Sec.  9015. This will include executing all2861aspects of acquisition and budgeting as requested by the Secretary and2862in accordance with department policy. Additionally, I will work the2863Secretary of the Air Force, the Service Chiefs for the Air Force and2864the Space Force, and their staffs, to ensure requirements, acquisition,2865and budgets align.2866    Question. If confirmed, what specific actions would you take to2867improve each of the three aspects of the Air Force acquisition2868process--requirements, acquisition, and budgeting?2869    Answer. If confirmed, I will team with the Assistant Secretaries2870for Financial Management; Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics; and2871Space Acquisition and Integration to review current processes and2872identify where there is room for improvement. Next, I will work with2873them to develop potential efforts for consideration by the Secretary2874and support the decision throughout implementation. We must ensure we2875maximize our budget resources to deliver effective programs that meet2876requirements.2877    Question. What specific measures would you recommend to ensure2878producibility and speed to field are considered for program2879requirements in the Air Force acquisition system?2880    Answer. Efficient production is a key factor in delivering2881warfighter capabilities in an affordable manner within a relevant2882timeframe. If confirmed, I will work with the Secretary, Department of2883the Air Force leaders, and industry to ensure requirements prioritize2884producibility, agility, and speed in the Air Force acquisition system.2885    Question. What metrics are used to measure the success of rapid2886acquisition projects? How is accountability ensured to maintain quality2887and performance standards while accelerating the acquisition timeline?2888    Answer. Success in rapid acquisition projects hinges on balancing2889speed with effectiveness. Several key metrics are used to measure this2890success including cost, schedule, and performance. If confirmed, I will2891work with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition2892and Sustainment as well as Service Acquisition Executives to ensure2893rapid acquisition projects are executed with discipline and rigor.2894    Question. How will you seek to balance the need to rapidly acquire2895and field innovative systems while ensuring acquisition programs stay2896on budget and schedule?2897    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to working with the Secretary,2898Department of the Air Force Leaders, Congress, and other Department2899stakeholders to streamline the requirements and acquisition process. I2900will ensure our acquisition programs provide meaningful and effective2901capabilities for the Joint force while leveraging all acquisition2902authorities and flexibilities to deliver at speed and scale. If2903confirmed, I will also ensure we have the necessary policies in place2904to strengthen the health of the defense industrial base.2905    Question. What are your views on the appropriate roles of OSD2906developmental and operational testing organizations with respect to2907testing of Air Force systems?2908    Answer. Collaboration with our teammates in OSD development and2909test organizations is crucial for ensuring effective use of defense2910funding for next-generation warfighting capabilities. As the Air Force2911prioritizes rapid capability development, OSD guidance may require2912streamlining to expedite testing and evaluation without compromising2913thorough oversight.2914    Question. What do you see as the role of the developmental and2915operational test and evaluation communities with respect to rapid2916acquisition, spiral acquisition, and other streamlined acquisition2917processes?2918    Answer. I believe the developmental and operational test and2919evaluation communities are critical stakeholders within acquisition2920processes and play a key role in ensuring the timely deployment of2921systems that deliver operational advantages to our warfighters while2922meeting their requirements. For any program, regardless of its2923structure, the sequencing and content of testing should be customized2924to the specific program, considering factors such as technical and2925operational risks, the urgency of operational needs, and the efficiency2926of the testing process.2927    Question. In which areas, if any, do you feel the Air Force should2928be developing new test and evaluation capabilities?2929    Answer. In my opinion, faster capability delivery requires2930streamlined developmental and operational testing using real-time data2931analytics and AI-driven assessments for rapid feedback and assured2932mission effectiveness.2933    Question. To what extent should the Air Force exploit non-2934developmental or commercial off-the-shelf solutions to meet Air Force2935requirements? Would this put capabilities into the hands of airmen and2936guardians more quickly, in your view?2937    Answer. I believe the Department of the Air Force should exploit2938non-developmental items (NDI) and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS)2939solutions where feasible, balancing the benefits of rapid acquisition2940and cost savings against potential drawbacks. Prioritizing readily2941available solutions can indeed put capabilities into the hands of2942airmen and guardians more quickly.2943    Question. If confirmed, how would you accelerate the development of2944these new capabilities?2945    Answer. If confirmed, I would advocate for simplifying and2946accelerating the acquisition process for NDI/COTS solutions. This2947includes reducing bureaucratic hurdles, streamlining documentation2948requirements, and empowering program managers to make rapid decisions.2949Exploring and expanding the use of Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs)2950and similar flexible acquisition mechanisms would be a priority.2951                              requirements2952    Question. The Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act2953required the Joint Staff to take a clean-sheet approach to the2954requirements process, and the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense2955Authorization Act required the Secretary of Defense to establish an2956advisory panel on reforming the requirements process.2957    What recommendations would you make to the requirements process to2958make it more adaptive to changes in threats and technologies?2959    Answer. In my opinion, top-level requirements could be written in2960broad mission areas to allow the acquisition community to decompose2961them in ways that allow for rapid technological insertion, increased2962adaptation of commercial capabilities, and the flexibility to trade2963performance for speed in certain circumstances. I believe a robust2964discussion of the reforms proposed in the FoRGED Act and the report2965directed under Section 811 of the National Defense Authorization Act2966for Fiscal Year 2024 will allow the Military Services to work with2967Congress on potential process reforms.2968    Question. What role do you see for the Joint Staff versus the2969military services in the requirements process?2970    Answer. The Joint Staff (JS) acts as the integrator for service2971needs, ensuring the services are working together to provide effective2972mission solutions as a joint team. Furthermore, the JS must provide2973oversight, ensuring the voice of the joint warfighter is front and2974center in the requirements process. In addition, the JS ensures the2975voices of all Services and Combatant Commands are taken into2976consideration and manages the process of joint requirements2977development. The Space Force has unique authorities in the requirements2978process due to the designation of the Chief of Space Operations (CSO)2979as Force Design Architect for the Armed Forces, and as the Joint Space2980Integrator, which provide him broad latitude to capture and satisfy2981joint warfighting gaps that can be filled with space capabilities along2982with developing Service specific requirements.2983                                 audit2984    Question. If confirmed, what specific actions will you take or2985direct to enable the Air Force to achieve a clean financial audit in2986the most expedited fashion?2987    Answer. To my knowledge, the Air Force has made substantial audit2988progress, with roughly 70 percent or so of its general fund balance2989sheet audit-ready. If confirmed, I will prioritize completing an audit2990quickly, leveraging industry tools and software to accelerate the2991process.2992    Question. What are the benefits to Air Force missions and2993effectiveness of achieving and maintaining a clean audit?2994    Answer. Annual audits drive positive change, bolstering mission2995readiness while streamlining operations. Pursuing a clean audit opinion2996enhances Air Force accountability for assets (aircraft, munitions,2997satellites, engines, property), directly impacting mission2998effectiveness.2999    Question. How will you hold Department of the Air Force leaders and3000organizations responsible and accountable for making the necessary3001investments and changes to correct findings and material weaknesses3002identified in the audit process?3003    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Secretary to establish3004Air Force accountability through new governance, strict remediation3005timelines for senior leaders, and targeted investments to achieve a3006clean audit by the 2028 congressional mandate.3007    Question. Based on your experience, how do you see improved data3008from Air Force financial management IT systems that support audit help3009Air Force decisionmaking and readiness?3010    Answer. In my opinion, auditable financial IT systems improve3011readiness reporting (asset status), budget accuracy (focusing on real3012needs), and vendor negotiations (cost-effective mission support).3013    Question. As the Air Force continues down the path to a clean3014audit, there are still lessons that can be gleaned beyond the end goal3015of a clean audit opinion.3016    Based on your experience, how do you anticipate operationalizing3017any intermediate lessons from audit into the Air Force' overall3018management reform objectives?3019    Answer. My experience here is limited, but I believe a clean audit3020opinion demonstrates a level of organizational competence and control3021directly supporting readiness efforts through efficient business3022operations. This approach enables the DAF to quickly adapt to change3023while maintaining a consistent readiness posture.3024                           air force programs3025    Question. What is your understanding and assessment of the3026research, development, and acquisition programs supporting Air Force3027modernization?3028    Answer. The Air Force needs a mission-driven research and3029development (R&D) approach (science and technology, prototyping,3030experimentation). If confirmed, I will collaborate with the Secretary3031and Acquisition Executives on a risk/mission-balanced portfolio3032addressing near/long-term needs aligned with interim National Defense3033Strategy guidance.3034    Question. Where do you believe are the greatest gaps that remain3035between required and current capability in both the Air and Space3036Forces?3037    Answer. Any USSF capability gap would be concerning. We must3038develop both offensive and defensive space control for any potential3039conflict and for day-to-day operational freedom. Enhanced resilience,3040via proliferated constellations, commercial capabilities, and3041protection against kinetic and non-kinetic threats, is absolutely3042crucial.3043    Question. The Air Force is on record as stating a need to purchase3044a minimum of 72 fighter aircraft per year to maintain requisite force3045structure.3046    In your opinion, what is the optimum mix of 4th and 5th generation3047aircraft required to meet the threat outlined in the NDS?3048    Answer. In my opinion, the Air Force requires sufficient 4th and30495th generation aircraft located and operated in areas suited to their3050capabilities. Fourth generation aircraft have many roles to play, and3051where those roles exist, they should be performed by 4th generation--3052not 5th generation--aircraft in order to preserve 5th generation3053aircraft for missions only they can perform. From a capabilities3054perspective, our 4th Generation aircraft still have an active role to3055play in all but the densest and most advanced threat environments3056around the world. Where the threat increases, specifically as we move3057closer to Chinese mainland, the integration of 5th generation3058capabilities becomes more important. But the question of fighter fleet3059composition isn't just about capability, it's also about managing the3060overall health of an aging aircraft fleet. We need to continually3061replace 4th generation fighters with 5th generation fighters over time,3062not just to address a growing, proliferating adversary threat, but also3063to efficiently and effectively manage readiness and sustainment over3064the coming decades.3065    Question. Given the importance of extending the range of U.S.3066aircraft, what do you believe to be the overall tanker requirement for3067the Air Force? At what rate and on what schedule must the Air Force3068procure the new KC-46 to meet that requirement?3069    Answer. Global Air Force deployments rely on aerial refueling.3070Tankers extend the reach of fighters, bombers, reconnaissance, and3071cargo aircraft. A robust, adaptable tanker force is crucial for future3072conflicts. Tankers must refuel receivers when and wherever they need3073gas, ensuring Joint Force deterrence. Studies show benefits from3074tankers with enhanced battlespace awareness, survivability systems. KC-307546A procurement, KC-135 modernization continue. Given tanker3076criticality, the Air Force needs all current and modernized assets,3077ensuring no capability gaps.3078    Question. Large-scale exercises such as Red Flag have illustrated3079that 5th generation fighters such as the F-22 and F-35 need to fly3080against multiple adversary aircraft to conduct much of their required3081training. The Air Force has taken a number of steps to address3082shortages in adversary air, including using contract air and requiring3083units in training to supply their own adversary air.3084    What are your views as to the appropriate balance of contract and3085organic adversary air capability?3086    Answer. The Air Force prioritizes adversary air for combat3087training. Ideally, organic generation (unit sorties/aggressor force)3088would suffice. From what I understand, aircraft availability and3089instructor pilot manning necessitate contracted adversary air.3090    Question. If confirmed, how would you ensure that the Air Force3091properly addresses the challenges associated with the availability of3092adversary air to ensure that its 5th generation fighters are properly3093trained and ready for combat?3094    Answer. If confirmed, I would consider pursuing a professional 5th-3095generation aggressor force while also funding contract adversary air to3096support pilot production, absorption, and readiness, aligned with3097budget priorities.3098    Question. If confirmed, how would you ensure that the Air Force3099properly addresses the challenges associated with the availability of3100adversary air to ensure that its 5th generation fighters are properly3101trained and ready for combat?3102    Answer. If confirmed, I would consider pursuing a professional 5th3103generation aggressor force while funding contract adversary air to3104support Air Force pilot production, absorption, and readiness3105commensurate with budget priorities.3106    Question. What is your assessment of the readiness of the Air Force3107heavy bomber fleet? As to each of the airframes listed below, what3108improvements would you direct, if confirmed, to increase the mission3109readiness of each airframe (B-1, B-2, B52)?3110    Answer. Currently, I am not aware of the challenges facing the3111heavy bomber air frames and am unable to assess the appropriate3112improvements that would enhance the readiness of the fleet. If3113confirmed, I look forward to supporting the readiness of our bomber3114fleet by working with the Secretary, Chief of Staff, and other the Air3115Force leadership.3116                               munitions3117    Question. Air Force munitions inventories--particularly for3118precision guided munitions and air-to-air missiles--have declined3119significantly due to high operational usage, insufficient procurement,3120poor program execution, and a requirements system that does not3121adequately account for the ongoing need to transfer munitions to our3122allies. Due to draw down of certain weapons systems to support Ukraine,3123the Department of Defense has begun to increase production and bolster3124the industrial base.3125    If confirmed, what steps would you take to ensure the Air Force has3126sufficient inventories of munitions to meet the needs of combatant3127commanders?3128    Answer. If confirmed, I would review procurement plans, ensuring3129maximum production of critical weapons and looking to expand capacity3130as needed and where possible. I would also explore affordable mass3131weapons and expanded munitions production overall.3132    Question. What changes in budgeting and acquisition processes would3133you recommend to facilitate faster Air Force munitions replenishment3134rates?3135    Answer. Long lead times hinder munitions replenishment. If3136confirmed, I will explore solutions, including advance/multi-year3137procurement and industrial base expansion.3138    Question. What is your view on the implications of DOD's self-3139imposed restrictions on area attack and denial munitions, which are3140intended to be consistent with the terms of the Ottawa Convention, to3141which the United States is not a party?3142    Answer. To my knowledge, the US hasn't signed or ratified the3143Ottawa Treaty. If confirmed, I will ensure Air Force compliance with3144DOD directives, including munitions limitations.3145    Question. Based on your experience, how should the Air Force be3146factoring in the needs of foreign partners and allies into overall3147munitions forecasting in order to improve the long-term production3148stability of the industrial base?3149    Answer. The Air Force will collaborate with Allies and partners to3150project and formally submit long-term munitions needs. This demand3151signal enables US industrial base expansion, engaging lower-tier3152suppliers. Multi-year procurements provide industry stability for3153infrastructure, workforce, and supply chain investments, supporting3154defense industrial base revitalization.3155    Question. The Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA required the Department of3156Defense to establish a pilot program to incorporate CL-20 into existing3157munitions.3158    What is your understanding of the efforts by the Air Force to3159execute any activities under this pilot in order to improve the3160explosive yield or operational envelope of any of its munitions?3161    Answer. If confirmed, I will review Air Force efforts to understand3162the utility of CL-20 to improve the performance of existing munitions3163and for weapons currently in development.3164    Question. Regardless of whether the Air Force is doing anything3165under this pilot program, how is the Air Force considering3166incorporation of new energetic materials, like CL-20, or new3167manufacturing processes for energetics, like biomanufacturing, into3168existing munitions to increase explosive effects or operational3169envelope of its weapons?3170    Answer. I am aware of research on improved warheads and propellants3171for increased effectiveness and range solely based on publicly3172available information. If confirmed, I will ensure Air Force3173collaboration with industry to identify, develop, and implement these3174advancements.3175                                 space3176    Question. The United States is increasingly dependent on space,3177both economically and militarily--from the Global Positioning System on3178which many industries and military capabilities rely, to the missile3179warning systems that underpin U.S. nuclear deterrence. Our strategic3180competitors--China and Russia--are engaged in a concerted effort to3181leap ahead of U.S. technology and limit U.S. freedom of action in the3182space warfighting domain.3183    In your view, does the 2022 NDS accurately assess the strategic3184environment as it pertains to the domain of space?3185    Answer. The 2022 NDS recognized space as key to joint warfighting3186and highlights growing Chinese space capabilities. Secretary Hegseth3187emphasized space's importance, vowing investment in offensive and3188defensive capabilities. If confirmed, I will provide inputs in support3189of prioritizing a secure space environment for the US, our Allies, and3190partners, reflecting its growing importance.3191    Question. In your view, what will ``great power competition'' look3192like in space and to what extent do you view China's and Russia's3193activities related to the space domain as a threat or challenge to U.S.3194national security interests?3195    Answer. I believe China and Russia will continue to use coercion to3196undermine US partnerships. This is particularly true in the space3197domain, which is crucial to US security and prosperity. Achieving space3198superiority is vital for the Air Force and the Joint Force overall. If3199confirmed, I will work to ensure a robust US force structure with3200offensive and defensive space capabilities to achieve national security3201objectives.3202    Question. Are there other nation-states or other actors operating3203in space that you perceive as a risk to the United States or as cause3204for concern? If so, why?3205    Answer. Space is becoming more accessible for a greater number of3206actors. North Korea and Iran, though not rivaling great powers, exploit3207space and possess counterspace technology (e.g., jamming). Any actor3208can leverage space tech (navigation, communications, imagery) via3209smartphones, potentially challenging US interests. China's space3210expansion, particularly in developing nations, threatens US space3211influence, in my opinion.3212    Question. What specific actions would you take, if confirmed, to3213enhance existing Air Force acquisition policies and process to move3214space operations projects to orbit faster and cheaper?3215    Answer. The USSF must leverage private and commercial space3216industry innovation and take advantage of agile acquisition approaches.3217Driving speed into our acquisitions allows the Space Force to deliver3218new capabilities faster to outpace U.S. adversaries and maintain the3219technological advantage received from space. If confirmed, I will work3220with the office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and3221Sustainment, the other Departments, and with congressional stakeholders3222to implement policy and statutory reforms and integrate commercial3223space solutions needed to support moving space capabilities to orbit3224faster and cheaper.3225    Question. The Space force is now acquiring space systems for3226protect and defend missions no different than any other weapon system3227of the Air Force.3228    Do you believe the Space Force is adequately structured and capable3229to acquire, test and evaluate these weapons systems to deliver the3230required effects to the combatant commands such as Space Command?3231    Answer. The Space Force is rapidly developing its acquisition3232processes for space-based weapon systems, but the unique features of3233the space domain require tailored testing and evaluation approaches.3234Increased resources and infrastructure for space-specific testing,3235including innovative methodologies and expanded capabilities, are3236crucial for robust assessments. Continuous adaptation and refinement of3237these processes will be essential for the Space Force to effectively3238deliver capabilities to Combatant Commands. This iterative approach3239will ensure the Space Force can meet the evolving demands of space-3240based defense.3241    Question. What recommendations would you make to this acquisition3242and testing process to improve its effectiveness in supporting the3243combatant commands?3244    Answer. The rapid pace of emerging technologies from adversaries3245requires an increasingly agile acquisition and testing process to3246integrate and operate capabilities that support the requirements needed3247by combatant commanders to meet warfighting timelines. If confirmed, I3248would review the current processes for acquisition and test and3249evaluation, work to reduce bureaucratic obstacles, and promote3250collaboration and integration with commercial capabilities to improve3251the Department's support to combatant commands and ensure they have the3252capabilities needed in the Joint fight.3253    Question. What is your vision for the ideal relationship between3254the Space Force and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)? How will3255you minimize duplication of effort between the organizations?3256    Answer. If confirmed, my vision is to ensure the Space Force works3257across the national security space community, including the NRO, to3258efficiently acquire and deploy the capabilities the guardians need to3259maintain the U.S.'s advantage in space. To minimize duplicative efforts3260with the NRO, I would prioritize a comprehensive review of current3261integration efforts to determine how the Department of the Air Force3262could better collaborate with its mission partners to successfully3263achieve this vision.3264                      cyber and electronic warfare3265    Question. Section 1657 of the fiscal year 2020 NDAA directed the3266appointment of an independent Principal Cyber Advisor (PCA) for each3267Military Department, to act as the principal advisor to the Secretary3268concerned on all cyber matters affecting that Department.3269    What do you see as the role of this position in the Air Force?3270    Answer. As mentioned, the role of the PCA is codified in law. If3271confirmed, I will advocate for the PCA to continue providing trusted3272advice on all cyber matters impacting the DAF.3273    Question. If confirmed, how would you plan to utilize the Air Force3274PCA as part of your leadership structure?3275    Answer. If confirmed, I will recommend to the Secretary that we3276maintain the PCA's role as an independent cyber advisor within the3277DAF's leadership structure.3278    Question. What are Air Force's top three cyber challenges, and how3279will you use the PCA to address them?3280    Answer. In the current resource constrained environment, the DAF3281must field emerging technologies and novel solutions that enable3282warfighting and the warfighter. There are numerous challenges resident3283in the cyberspace domain, however top challenges include keeping pace3284with malicious cyber actors to ensure warfighting systems have3285integrity and are available to support warfighting requirements; the3286ability of the AF and USSF to provide fully trained and equipped forces3287for presentation to the Joint Force; and, the DAF's ability to address3288the resources required to secure, protect and defend Air and Space3289capabilities. The PCA's statutory role as an independent advisor is3290crucial to providing unbiased advice and feedback on recommendations3291from the Services on proposed solutions to the challenges across the3292cyberspace domain.3293    Question. In September 2023, DOD released its 2023 Cyber Strategy.3294The strategy charges DOD to persistently engage malicious cyber actors3295and other malign threats to U.S. interests in cyberspace.3296    In your view, how well postured is the Air Force to meet the goals3297outlined in the 2023 Cyber Strategy? What actions would you take, if3298confirmed, to mitigate any gap between Air Force capacity and3299capability and Cyber Strategy goals?3300    Answer. The DAF is focused on implementing the current DOD Cyber3301Strategy. If confirmed, I will advocate for continuous reassessment of3302current and future investment strategies, resources, and policies3303necessary to mitigate any gaps that exist in our capability and3304capacity to maintain warfighting readiness and lethality across the3305cyberspace domain.3306    Question. If confirmed, what actions would you take to improve3307military and civilian cybersecurity career paths?3308    Answer. Protecting Americans requires prioritizing cybersecurity.3309Our military and civilian workforce is key. If confirmed, I will3310champion cyber workforce modernization: streamlining careers, deepening3311expertise (via industry/academia collaboration), aligning roles with3312classifications, improving talent management, enabling outside3313transitions to public service, and securing competitive incentives and3314development programs to attract and retain top talent.3315    Question. If confirmed, what would you do to enhance Air Force3316information dominance capabilities?3317    Answer. Air and Space Force missions require information dominance.3318JADC2 and GIISR development must consider system interconnectedness and3319actionable information for timely decisions. Future operations need3320near real-time, accurate tactical information globally, without3321disruptive classification or sharing barriers. If confirmed, I will3322leverage partnerships to field information systems optimizing air and3323space power, enabling joint and combined forces to achieve national3324security objectives.3325    Question. If confirmed, specifically what measures would you take3326or direct to improve the cybersecurity culture across the Air Force3327workforce--military, civilian, and contractor? How would you empower3328and hold key leaders accountable for improvements in DOD cybersecurity?3329    Answer. Cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility. If confirmed, I3330will empower the workforce to identify and mitigate risks, fostering3331shared responsibility for system and information security. We will3332embed cybersecurity in acquisitions, prioritize critical vulnerability3333investments, and enforce accountability for negligence. I will champion3334cybersecurity in exercises and inspections, informing investments. This3335fosters cybersecurity ownership, keeping the Air Force ahead of3336threats.3337    Question. What is your vision for the future of Air Force3338electronic warfare (EW) capabilities?3339    Answer. To my knowledge, the Department's new EMS superiority3340policy addresses contested spectrum, restructuring/modernizing EW, and3341promoting EMS/EW awareness (training/doctrine). This aligns with the3342interim National Defense Strategy guidance. EW is crucial; Air and3343Space Force investment in it is essential. Joint and combined3344operations require EMS-focused, software-defined, rapidly updatable3345capabilities. If confirmed, I will prioritize EW, supporting innovation3346and new doctrine in this area.3347    Question. What is your assessment of the adequacy and efficacy of3348the EW training that Air Force personnel received in an Air Force3349environment in specific airframes? In a joint environment with other3350Military Services?3351    Answer. Enhanced Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO)3352training (operational/tactical/personnel) is likely needed. A finite3353spectrum and increasing demand (military/civilian/commercial) creates3354congestion. Training is constrained by physics, technology, and3355domestic/international law/policy. Collaboration with stakeholders is3356needed to find realistic joint training solutions minimizing impact on3357other spectrum users.3358    Question. The Air Force is now re-invigorating the role of EW in3359the combat arms. It has stood up the 350th electronic warfare wing to3360ensure EW and Spectrum operations can perform their mission against a3361near peer adversary at speed and relevance. It has begun to acquire the3362EA-37B electronic warfare platform, which has the capability to perform3363EW and spectrum operations across multiple domains. Lacking however is3364the development of a dedicated career field devoted to EW and spectrum3365operations.3366    If confirmed, will you commit to review and report back to this3367committee on the role of EW and spectrum operations in the Air Force to3368ensure it is holistically integrated across multiple domains, whether3369the 350th EW wing can adequately support the EW platforms that the Air3370Force maintains and whether there should be a dedicated career field to3371this mission set?3372    Answer. If confirmed, I will review the Department's electronic3373warfare/spectrum operations posture, focusing on cross-domain3374integration, the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing's support capacity, and3375the feasibility and benefits of a dedicated career field.3376                            unmanned systems3377    Question. What is your opinion on the manned and unmanned teaming3378envisioned by the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program?3379    Answer. In my opinion, to dominate in contested and highly3380contested environments, the Air Force must innovate with regard to3381risk-tolerant and runway-flexible capabilities that strengthen combat3382power generation, credible mass, and forward posture. Collaborative3383Combat Aircraft, teaming with crewed platforms like the F-22, F-35, and3384F-47, represent an innovative capability that can be purchased at lower3385costs than a comparable crewed platform, will help reduce our3386dependence on traditional Main Operating Bases, and will increase the3387lethality and survivability of our more exquisite, crewed platforms3388during conflict.3389    Question. Do you see utility in encouraging the Military Services3390to conduct more joint development in the area of aircraft and unmanned3391systems?3392    Answer. There is significant utility in ensuring compatibility and3393adaptability of unmanned systems across the Joint Force. Similar3394systems can be used for different service missions; and specific3395service systems can be used to address gaps in Joint Concepts. Joint3396development increases alignment, opens options for missions, and3397targets and helps to give direction and vector to spur growth in the3398industrial base. While there is benefit in compatibility and3399adaptability, we must ensure joint development does not increase unit3400cost or reduce capability.3401                    air force military end strength3402    Question. In your view, is the Air Force's current end strength3403sufficient to meet national defense objectives? If not, what end3404strength do you believe is necessary to do so?3405    Answer. Combatant commanders are calling for more air and space3406power, not less. Based on publicly available information, I am3407concerned as to whether the Air Force's current end strength is3408sufficient to meet national defense objectives, especially when3409contemplating the prospect of waging conflict in multiple theaters or3410regions simultaneously. However, I do not, at present, know what that3411proper end strength is. If confirmed, I will make it a priority to3412investigate this matter and communicate my findings and recommendations3413with this committee.3414    Question. How will the continued stand up of the Space Force, and3415the related transfer of Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard3416personnel, impact Air Force and Space Force end strength requirements3417over the next 5 years, in your view?3418    Answer. The capabilities of Air Force Reserve and Air National3419Guard personnel performing space missions is essential. I will ensure3420DAF submits end strength and resource requests to Congress commensurate3421with the transfer of space missions and personnel to the Space Force,3422including end strength adjustments required by Section 514 of the3423Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA as covered space functions transfer from the Air3424National Guard to the Space Force.3425    Question. What additional force shaping authorities and tools does3426the Air Force need, in your view? Is the Air Force's current end3427strength sufficient to meet national defense objectives? If not, what3428end strength do you believe is necessary?3429    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Chief of Staff of the3430Air Force, the Chief of Space Operations, the Director, Air National3431Guard, and the Chief of Air Force Reserve to review Air Force and Space3432Force end strength requirements to ensure an adequate balance between3433current operational requirements and any future force requirements. I3434will commit to ensuring the right end strength is achieved to properly3435sustain a force structure that meets all mission demands and continuing3436to work on modernizing our capabilities and our force.3437    Question. What additional force shaping authorities and tools does3438the Air Force need, in your view?3439    Answer. I am not aware of any additional authorities needed at this3440time. If confirmed, I will review force shaping tools, ensuring proper3441DAF force strength management. I will work with Congress to maintain3442DAF agility regarding needed force size and skills.3443                   air force recruiting and retention3444    Question. The 2024 National Defense Strategy Commission stated that3445``The DOD workforce and the all-volunteer force provide an unmatched3446advantage. However, recruiting failures have shrunk the force and raise3447serious questions about the all-volunteer force in peacetime, let alone3448in major combat.'' In addition, DOD studies indicate that only about 233449percent of today's youth population is eligible for military service,3450and only a fraction of those who meet military accession standards are3451interested in serving.3452    If confirmed, how would you ensure the Department of the Air Force3453maintains sufficiently high recruitment and retention standards?3454    Answer. The Department constantly evaluates recruitment and3455retention programs, optimizing for talent competition. Recruiting and3456retention rates are high. If confirmed, I will review these, ensuring3457we attract and retain high-quality talent needed for national defense.3458    Question. If required to choose between maintaining high3459recruitment and retention standards and achieving authorized end3460strength levels, which would be more important, in your view?3461    Answer. Maintaining readiness while building the future force is3462crucial. Data-informed recruiting and retention is key. If confirmed, I3463will assess standards and policies, ensuring they support readiness and3464warfighting needs.3465    Question. What impact do current medical and other qualifications3466for enlistment in the Air Force have on the number of individuals3467eligible for military service? If confirmed, what changes to such3468qualifications, if any, would you recommend to increase the number of3469individuals eligible for service without degrading the quality of3470recruits?3471    Answer. I do not have access to information that would give me a3472reason to doubt current standards. In my view, we must balance3473standards with medical science/modernization and force readiness. If3474confirmed, I will review qualifications and will prioritize this3475balance, working with DOD to maximize effectiveness and ensure3476readiness.3477    Question. Rather than relying solely on ever-higher compensation3478for a shrinking pool of volunteers, what creative steps would you take,3479if confirmed, to expand the pool of eligible recruits and improve Air3480Force recruiting?3481    Answer. To my knowledge, Air and Space Force recruiting is on track3482for fiscal year 2025, with record highs. If confirmed, I will evaluate3483recruiting personnel, marketing, policies, and programs to ensure we3484attract the talent needed for warfighter readiness.3485    Question. What do you consider to be key to the Department of the3486Air Force's future success in retaining the best qualified personnel3487for continued service in positions of greater responsibility and3488leadership in the Air Force and Space Force?3489    Answer. Developing and retaining personnel requires continuous3490training, education, and experience, fostering DAF leadership. If3491confirmed, I will collaborate with development and management experts3492and career field managers to align officer/enlisted/civilian3493development with Air and Space Force needs, ensuring robust quality of3494life and quality of service programs supporting our airmen and3495guardians and their families.3496    Question. What steps, if any, should be taken to ensure that3497current operational requirements and tempo do not adversely impact the3498overall recruiting, retention, readiness, and morale of airmen and3499guardians?3500    Answer. If confirmed, I will evaluate operational requirements,3501recruiting, retention, and readiness to prioritize strategic force3502management, quality-of-life, quality-of-service, warrior ethos, and3503technology/innovation. I will tirelessly advocate for our airmen and3504guardians, ensuring they have the necessary resources, training, and3505support.3506    Question. In your view, do current recruiting standards--3507particularly DOD-wide criteria for tier-one recruits--accurately3508predict recruit attrition and/or future success in the Air Force?3509    Answer. To my understanding, DOD's tier-one recruiting standards3510(education/aptitude/fitness) are valuable. Robust standards aid initial3511unit integration, but predicting attrition and success is difficult3512given evolving warfare and diverse career paths. If confirmed, I will3513ensure DAF prioritizes meritocracy and refines recruitment metrics.3514    Question. If confirmed, how would you ensure the Air Force and3515Space Force can continue to bring in new talent, while managing high3516retention?3517    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with our services to continuously3518evaluate our recruiting force, our marketing strategies, and our3519recruiting policies and programs to recruit new talent. We will3520continuously evaluate our training, education, and experiential3521development to retain the right leaders, and continuously look at how3522we are providing quality of life and quality of service to keep3523retention high.3524    Question. How would an individual's job performance factor into3525your decisions to grant enlistment extensions or officer continuation?3526    Answer. If confirmed, I would evaluate how job performance is3527currently considered in Air Force and Space Force retention decisions,3528recognizing that force structure requirements are also important3529considerations in granting enlistment extensions and officer3530continuation to ensure the services maintain necessary manning across3531career fields.3532    Question. If confirmed, how would you ensure that the Department of3533the Air Force maintains sufficiently high recruitment and retention3534standards?3535    Answer. I understand the Department continuously evaluates3536recruitment and retention programs to optimize policies and processes3537necessary to thrive in the fierce competition for talent. I understand3538the Department is seeing historically high recruiting and retention3539rates. If confirmed, I will review these standards to ensure we recruit3540and retain quality, highly skilled talent needed to fight and defend3541the Nation we serve.3542    Question. In your view, what impact do current medical and other3543qualifications for enlistment in the Department of the Air Force have3544on restricting the number of individuals eligible for military service?3545    Answer. I currently have no reason or data to doubt the current3546standards and criteria. In my view, we must balance our standards to3547keep pace with medical science and modernization while meeting the need3548for a ready and capable force. To that end, if confirmed, I will keep3549the balance of those standards in the forefront and work with DOD to3550maximize our effectiveness and ensure force readiness.3551    Question. If confirmed, what changes to such qualifications, if3552any, would you recommend to increase the number of individuals eligible3553for service in the Air Force or Space Force without degrading the3554quality of recruits?3555    Answer. Again, I currently have no reason or data to doubt the3556current standards and criteria. In my opinion, we must balance our3557standards to keep pace with medical science and modernization while3558meeting the need for a ready and capable force. If confirmed, I will3559keep the balance of those standards in the forefront and work with DOD3560to maximize our effectiveness and ensure force readiness.3561    Question. What factors do you consider to be key to the Department3562of the Air Force's future success in retaining the best qualified3563personnel for continued service in positions of greater responsibility3564and leadership?3565    Answer. Developing and retaining personnel requires continuous3566training, education, and experience that fosters DAF leaders. If3567confirmed, I will collaborate with development and career field3568managers to align officer, enlisted, and civilian development with Air3569and Space Force needs, ensuring robust quality of life and quality of3570service programs.3571                            pilot retention3572    Question. The Air Force has consistently reported a shortage of3573thousands of pilots including a shortage of at least 950 fighter3574pilots.3575    What are the Air Force's current efforts to address this critical3576problem? How would you assess the effectiveness of these efforts to3577date?3578    Answer. I believe airline hiring growth challenges Air Force pilot3579retention. This represents a risk to critical experience in the force.3580Congress enabled historically high pilot retention bonuses. If3581confirmed, I will monitor bonus effectiveness and work with Air Force3582leaders and Congress to improve pilot production and retention.3583    Question. What monetary and non-monetary incentives and initiatives3584implemented by the Air Force have yielded the most positive impacts on3585pilot retention?3586    Answer. The Department prioritizes pilot retention (compensation,3587talent management, quality of life/service), using targeted bonuses,3588assignment stability and transparency, and a holistic approach. If3589confirmed, I will monitor these efforts, working with Air Force leaders3590to ensure effectiveness.3591    Question. What additional authorities does the Air Force need from3592Congress to address this shortfall definitively?3593    Answer. If confirmed, I will review whether and/or what additional3594authorities are needed to address the pilot shortage.3595    Question. How has the Air Force increased pilot production capacity3596commensurate with the demands of the NDS?3597    Answer. To my understanding, the Department recognizes the critical3598importance of addressing the pilot shortage to meet the demands of the3599Interim National Defense Strategic Guidance with a highly trained and3600ready force. The Air Force has implemented numerous programs to3601increase pilot production capacity through a multi-pronged approach3602that encompasses recruitment, retention, modernization of training, and3603monetary incentives.3604    Question. As the Air Force prepares for competition with a peer-3605adversary, what steps is it taking to increase quality standards within3606and screening rates for flight school, and the pipeline beyond?3607    Answer. The Air Force's mission requires addressing the pilot3608shortage. If confirmed, I will consult experts within the Department3609and externally to enhance pilot pipelines, optimize training, and3610prioritize retention.3611                      air force reserve components3612    Question. In your view, what is the appropriate relationship3613between the Active Air Force and the Air Force Reserve and Air Force3614National Guard?3615    Answer. Active/Guard/Reserve interoperability is crucial. Seamless3616integration enhances Total Force capability and readiness. If3617confirmed, I will evaluate component dynamics to leverage each3618component's unique strengths.3619    Question. What is your vision for the roles and missions of the Air3620Force Reserve Components? If confirmed, what new objectives would you3621seek to achieve with respect to the Air Force Reserve Components'3622organization, force structure, and end strength?3623    Answer. The Total Force, including the uniquely capable Air Reserve3624Component, needs roles/missions aligned with interim National Defense3625Strategic Guidance. The Guard/Reserve provide strategic depth/3626operational capacity across all missions/domains. If confirmed, I will3627ensure an integrated Total Force approach to organizing, training, and3628equipping airmen.3629    Question. Are you concerned that continued reliance on Air Force3630Reserve Components to execute operational missions--both at home and3631around the globe--is adversely affecting the ability to meet their3632recruiting and retention missions? Why or why not?3633    Answer. In my opinion, sustained operations tempo creates3634challenges. If confirmed, I will consult Guard/Reserve leadership,3635assessing impacts and identifying necessary support for long-term force3636health.3637                           nuclear enterprise3638    Question. The Air Force is responsible for maintaining and3639operating two legs of the nuclear triad, including its nuclear weapons3640and the majority of the 107 nuclear command, control and communications3641systems that link the President to the nuclear forces. There have been3642a number of troubling incidents since 2007, including the inadvertent3643transportation of six nuclear armed AGM-86 cruise missiles without3644authorization by a B-52 from Minot Air Force Base to Barksdale Air3645Forces Base, and the shipment of ICBM fuses to Taiwan. There have also3646been continued reports of low morale and incidents of cheating on exams3647at ICBM bases. These actions resulted in a loss of confidence and3648dismissal of the two senior leaders of the Air Force, both the3649Secretary and the Chief of Staff. They also resulted in number of3650reviews, including a DOD enterprise review in 2014 by Secretary Hagel.3651The reviews resulted in such actions as creation of Air Force Global3652Strike Command, and its elevation to a four-star command, and the3653establishment of a Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and3654Nuclear Integration (A10).3655    What are your overall views on responsibility of the Under3656Secretary of the Air Force as regards the nuclear enterprise?3657    Answer. The Secretary (through the Under Secretary and Chief of3658Staff) ensures nuclear deterrence mission safety, security,3659reliability, effectiveness and credibility. If confirmed, this will be3660a top priority.3661    Question. If confirmed, what actions will you take to oversee the3662continued implementation of these reforms of the nuclear-focused3663organizational and personnel systems?3664    Answer. If confirmed, I would assess implementation and3665effectiveness of these reforms to determine their positive impact and I3666commit to sharing the results of that assessment with this Committee.3667    Question. If confirmed, what would be your approach to ensure these3668nuclear-related systems are adequately resourced?3669    Answer. If confirmed, I will prioritize monitoring Air Force3670nuclear enterprise resourcing to ensure sufficient support for mission3671safety, security, reliability, effectiveness, and credibility.3672    Question. Will you commit that, if confirmed, you will personally3673visit Air Force nuclear facilities and bases to gain an in-depth3674understanding of both the infrastructure, hardware, and especially how3675our airmen operate, maintain and secure them?3676    Answer. Yes. Strategic nuclear deterrence is a top DAF priority. If3677confirmed, I will personally visit airmen executing this 24/7 mission,3678ensuring they have the necessary resources and facilities.3679    Question. If confirmed, will you commit to preserving the unique3680role of Air Force Global Strike Command within the Air Force nuclear3681enterprise and ensuring its structure reflects the command's3682responsibility for two legs of the Nation's strategic nuclear triad and3683over 70 percent of the DOD's nuclear command, control, and3684communications capabilities?3685    Answer. Consistent with the direction of the Secretary, the CSAF3686and I, if confirmed, will ensure any restructuring of AFGSC will3687improve the nuclear enterprise obligations to USSTRATCOM and not3688adversely impact it.3689    Question. The 2022 Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) reaffirmed long-3690held American doctrine to maintain the Nation's nuclear triad of land-,3691sea-, and air-based capabilities.3692    Do you agree that modernizing each leg of the nuclear triad and the3693Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear weapons complex is a critical3694national security priority?3695    Answer. Yes, modernizing the nuclear triad and the Department of3696Energy's nuclear weapons complex is not just a priority, but a3697necessity for maintaining America's defense superiority. A robust and3698modern nuclear deterrent is the cornerstone of our national security,3699and it is essential that we invest in its modernization to stay ahead3700of emerging threats and maintain our strategic edge. If confirmed, I3701will assess the status and provide the needed advocacy to continue to3702have a capable, and ready nuclear deterrent.3703    Question. Do you believe the current program of record is3704sufficient to support the full modernization of the nuclear triad,3705including delivery systems, warheads, and infrastructure?3706    Answer. As I understand it, the current plan modernizes the triad3707(delivery systems, warheads, infrastructure). If confirmed, I will3708review existing nuclear systems and modernization initiatives to best3709maintain a safe, secure, effective deterrent.3710    Question. The Minuteman III ICBM is decades beyond its planned3711lifecycle and must be replaced by the Sentinel ICBM if the U.S. is to3712retain a triad of strategic nuclear delivery systems. However, the3713Sentinel program has encountered significant issues over the past year,3714culminating with a Nunn-McCurdy breach.3715    Do you support the current program of record for the Sentinel ICBM,3716and if confirmed, will you advocate for fully funding the program?3717    Answer. Sentinel, certified as essential, underwent restructuring.3718If confirmed, I will follow Nunn-McCurdy recommendations. ICBM3719modernization is absolutely foundational to deterrence. I will continue3720to seek schedule and cost improvements for the program. Success3721requires coordinated government, industry and community effort for this3722massive, once-in-a-generation modernization.3723    Question. Do you support the current program of record for the3724Long-Range Stand Off weapon and if confirmed, will you advocate for3725fully funding the program?3726    Answer. If confirmed, I will review the status of the Long-Range3727Stand-Off (LRSO) program, ensuring on-time delivery of this critical3728deterrence capability and adequate resourcing.3729    Question. What are your views on expanding production of the B-213730bomber?3731    Answer. If confirmed, I will review the B-21 program and work with3732Air Force leaders and the Commander of USSTRATCOM to assess the total3733number required for the Joint Force.3734    Question. What are your views on reconverting the full B-52 fleet3735back to be nuclear-capable once the New START Treaty expires?3736    Answer. To my knowledge, the Air Force has assessed what it would3737take to achieve full B-52 nuclear reconversion. If confirmed, I will3738review this assessment and ensure the Air Force is postured and3739responsive to Presidential direction.3740    Question. The Air Force owns and operates the majority of the 1073741nuclear command, control and communications systems. Major reforms have3742been put in place at U.S. Strategic Command to set future requirements,3743while the Undersecretary for Acquisition and Sustainment oversees the3744acquisition of new capabilities to replace existing systems.3745    What are your views on the adequacy of the current Air Force3746nuclear, command, control and communications systems?3747    Answer. Maintaining safe, secure, reliable, effective, and credible3748nuclear deterrence, including NC3, aligns with the Secretary of3749Defense's priorities for the Department. If confirmed, I will assess3750DAF NC3 systems, evaluating their contribution to this deterrence.3751    Question. Do you support the current organizational approach to the3752acquisition and management oversight of the modernization of nuclear3753command, control and communications?3754    Answer. I have not yet been fully briefed on this approach. If3755confirmed, I will review Air Force NC3 modernization programs and their3756management structures.3757    Question. The E-4B National Airborne Operations Center utilizes an3758aging 747-200 platform that must be replaced in the 2030's to ensure3759the capability and continuity of a number of essential missions3760including nuclear, command, control and communications.3761    What are your views on the Survivable Airborne Operations Center3762program to replace this platform?3763    Answer. If confirmed, I will review the SAOC program, ensuring it3764delivers the critical capability of a highly survivable command,3765control, and communications center.3766    Question. Patrols in the missile fields are accomplished using3767Humvees which are ill-equipped for the long duration patrols, extreme3768cold and road conditions resulting in accidents and tragic fatalities3769of missile field Security Forces. The use of Joint Light Tactical3770Vehicles as a replacement are also ill-suited to this mission, except3771in certain convoy operations.3772    Do you support efforts to replace this capability currently3773underway by the Air Force Global Strike Command with a more commercial3774solution?3775    Answer. Yes, I support the efforts of Air Force Global Strike3776Command to review commercial replacement options. I support continued3777efforts to determine a suitable commercial replacement for daily site3778security in missile field operations.3779    Question. If confirmed, how would you ensure that the Air Force3780continues its efforts to improve the training, readiness, morale,3781welfare, and quality of life of the airmen charged to execute and3782support the Air Force's nuclear mission?3783    Answer. If confirmed, my top priorities will be strengthening both3784mission readiness and family support. To enhance our mission3785effectiveness, I will focus on fostering a warrior ethos and3786modernizing training through the integration of cutting-edge3787technologies. Simultaneously, I am committed to rebuilding vital3788support systems for military families. This includes expanding access3789to quality childcare, enhancing spouse employment assistance programs,3790and streamlining relocation support.3791                 cruise missile defense of the homeland3792    Question. Former Deputy Secretary of Defense Hicks designated Air3793Force as the DOD lead for developing a cruise missile defense3794architecture for the homeland in July 2022.3795    Where is Air Force on finalizing an architecture?3796    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to implementing President3797Trump's Iron Dome for America Executive Order, also known as the Golden3798Dome. The comprehensive Golden Dome architecture will include3799contributions from multiple Services and Agencies, to include the Air3800and Space Force. The Air Force and Space Force will also contribute to3801the Golden Dome with sensing, command and control, and interceptor3802systems to defend the homeland.3803    Question. Has the Unified Command Plan realignment of Space Command3804as the global integrator for missile defense caused a course correction3805in this process?3806    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to implementing President3807Trump's Iron Dome for America Executive Order, also known as the Golden3808Dome. The comprehensive Golden Dome architecture will include3809contributions from multiple Services and Agencies, to include the Air3810and Space Force. The Air Force and Space Force will also contribute to3811the Golden Dome with sensing, command and control, and interceptor3812systems to defend the Homeland.3813    Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to expedite the3814completion of a final architecture and develop an acquisition and3815fielding strategy for the defense system, as well as for the associated3816domain awareness and missile warning and tracking modernization3817capabilities?3818    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to implementing President3819Trump's Iron Dome for America Executive Order, also known as the Golden3820Dome. The comprehensive Golden Dome architecture will include3821contributions from multiple Services and Agencies, to include the Air3822and Space Force. The Air Force and Space Force will also contribute to3823the Golden Dome with sensing, command and control, and interceptor3824systems to defend the Homeland.3825    Question. In your view, how does this effort align with the3826President's recent ``Iron Dome for America'' executive order to develop3827a national integrated air and missile defense architecture?3828    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to implementing President3829Trump's Iron Dome for America Executive Order, also known as the Golden3830Dome. The comprehensive Golden Dome architecture will include3831contributions from multiple Services and Agencies, to include the Air3832and Space Force. The Air Force and Space Force will also contribute to3833the Golden Dome with sensing, command and control, and interceptor3834systems to defend the Homeland.3835                                spectrum3836    Question. Electromagnetic spectrum plays a critical role in many3837DOD missions.3838    In what ways do the Air Force and Space Force rely on spectrum to3839support warfighter requirements? In your view, which warfighter3840spectrum requirements will be essential to competing with Russia and3841China on a future battlefield?3842    Answer. The Air and Space Forces rely heavily on the3843electromagnetic spectrum for all warfighting functions, from3844communication and navigation to intelligence gathering and weapons3845systems. The ability to maintain assured access to and control of the3846electromagnetic spectrum will be essential for competing with3847sophisticated adversaries like Russia and China. To compete effectively3848with these nations, future warfighters will require resilient3849communication systems, effective air-and land-based radars, spectrum-3850agile weapons systems, advanced electronic warfare capabilities, and3851dynamic spectrum access tools for contested environments. Effective3852coordination and collaboration across services and with international3853allies will be vital for achieving spectrum dominance and maintaining a3854competitive edge.3855    Question. In March 2023 testimony before the Senate Armed Services3856Committee, former Secretary of Defense Austin stated that, with respect3857to losing ``S-band'' spectrum, ``it [would] be devastating, . . . it3858would take us somewhere north of 20 years to try to recover from--from3859the loss of that--that spectrum. Parts of that spectrum are vital to3860our national defense and the protection of the homeland. And--and, you3861know, in order to describe exactly--well, you know what the--what the3862specific platforms are, but we would have to go to a classified session3863to speak in detail about this. But I would tell you that this is not3864something you can fix overnight once you break it. It'll take 20 years3865plus to recover from that.''3866    In addition, with respect to the Secretary's statement, General3867Alvin stated when he was nominated to be Chief of Staff of the Air3868Force, ``I agree with previous testimony that has been provided by3869Secretary Austin that this would take decades.''3870    Do you agree with the former Secretary of Defense and the Chief of3871Staff of the Air Force?3872    Answer. To my knowledge, the S-band contains spectrum that is3873foundational to a wide range of critical Air and Space Force missions,3874including missile warning, satellite control, air defense radar3875operations, space tracking, counter-UAS, and testing against adversary3876threats. My understanding is that losing access to this band would3877severely degrade our ability to execute national security functions in3878both peacetime and conflict.3879    It is also my understanding that recovery from such a loss would3880not be quick or easy. The risks to mission assurance and national3881defense in the interim would be profound.3882    If confirmed, I will prioritize efforts to preserve and modernize3883the Department's access to the electromagnetic spectrum, especially in3884bands like S-band that are essential to our strategic advantage. I will3885also work to ensure the Department of the Air Force remains an active3886partner in national spectrum policy discussions, balancing national3887security requirements with broader spectrum demands.3888    Question. Were DOD required to ``vacate'' or leave the ``Mid-Band''3889spectrum instead of sharing, what are the potential operational and3890dollar costs to the Air Force and Space Force, in your view? How long3891would a move to a different area of the spectrum take, in your view?3892    Answer. If the DOD were required to vacate the mid-band spectrum3893instead of sharing it, estimating the potential operational and dollar3894costs to the Air Force and Space Force is impossible without first3895identifying available alternative spectrum and rigorously studying its3896suitability through scientific processes. Given that the physics of the3897mid-band cannot be replicated in other parts of the spectrum, finding a3898suitable alternative presents a significant technical challenge, with3899potentially significant implications for national security. This3900analysis is crucial to ensure the desired operational effects are3901maintained.3902    Similarly, the time required for a transition to a different3903spectrum is dependent on the specific band chosen, industry's ability3904to manufacture components that operate in this range, and the3905complexity of migrating existing systems, and therefore the cost cannot3906be estimated until a suitable alternative frequency is identified and3907studied.3908    Question. In your view, how would direction to DOD to vacate3909additional portions of spectrum affect the implementation of the3910President's ``Iron Dome for America'' executive order whose missile3911defense radars operate primarily in the S-band?3912    Answer. Vacating any part of the S-band spectrum, especially3913frequencies crucial for missile defense radars, could severely hamper3914President Trump's ``Golden Dome for America'' initiative. Any decision3915regarding S-band reallocation must carefully weigh the benefits against3916the potential risks to missile defense capabilities. If confirmed, I3917will review the latest analysis and work with DOD CIO, Combatant3918Commanders, and the Congress to find the right balance to secure3919America's vital national security interests.3920                  science, technology, and innovation3921    Question. In your view, how have the Air Force and Space Force3922prioritized limited research and development funding across its3923technology focus areas? Specifically, where are the Air Force and Space3924Force either increasing or decreasing focus and funding?3925    Answer. The Air Force and Space Force R&D communities have3926incredible opportunities to provide both new technologies to improve3927legacy platforms while providing leap-ahead capabilities in the near-3928and mid-term. Today's investment in R&D will ultimately determine who3929has the technological advantage in tomorrow's conflicts. If confirmed,3930I look forward to gaining additional insight into the Department's R&D3931portfolio to ensure investments in those areas are fully aligned with3932delivering the most lethal and impactful capabilities to the warfighter3933for both deterrence and armed conflict.3934    Question. If confirmed, how would you improve efforts the Air Force3935and Space Force are making to identify new technologies developed3936commercially by the private sector and apply them to military and3937national security purposes?3938    Answer. It is critical that the Air Force leverage those3939commercially developed technologies for military applications--where3940possible and with the proper safeguards in place--and utilize USAF3941investments for military unique technology development. There is3942untapped expertise throughout the commercial market--in the traditional3943Primes, the non-traditional companies, and the immense small business3944community. In a resource-constrained environment, the Department of the3945Air Force needs to pull every lever and turn every knob available to3946tap into the multi-billion-dollar market out there that is eager to3947contribute to protect America's equities and way of life. If confirmed,3948I plan to prioritize this and ensure the Air Force is leveraging every3949innovation possible.3950    Question. How would you work to increase investments in research3951infrastructure through Air Force MILCON investments to match growing3952investments in China in research infrastructure in domains such as3953quantum science, hypersonics, and advanced materials?3954    Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure the authorities granted by3955Congress under Title 10 will be utilized to their maximum extent, to3956include innovative uses of minor MILCON authorities to combat the3957rising costs of maintaining aging facilities and targeted modernization3958projects while working to increase the prioritization of major3959laboratory and test center facility requirements for MILCON funding for3960strategic investments by the USAF.3961    Question. If confirmed, how would you ensure that the limited Air3962Force science and technology budget is used for genuine science and3963technology technical challenges, and not to support more mature3964prototyping and development activities more appropriately addressed3965with other Air Force RDTE resources?3966    Answer. Science and Technology (S&T) investments are focused on3967Basic Research, Applied Research, and Advanced Technology Development3968areas that need to be informed by and aligned to operational3969requirements and capability needs. If confirmed I look forward to3970reviewing how the current Air Force structure supports S&T3971prioritization and will work to ensure Air Force optimizes S&T3972resourcing, infrastructure, and expertise.3973    Question. In your view, would the Air Force benefit from3974authorities that enable it to make use of expert foreign national3975talent in appropriate capacities and in appropriate settings to support3976modernization priorities and better compete with peer adversaries?3977    Answer. I believe the Air Force, and indeed the broader national3978security enterprise, would benefit from carefully managed authorities3979that allow us to leverage the expertise of foreign nationals in3980appropriate capacities and settings. This talent pool can offer unique3981skills and perspectives crucial for advancing modernization priorities3982and maintaining a competitive edge against peer adversaries,3983particularly in critical technology areas. However, any such initiative3984must prioritize robust security protocols and rigorous vetting3985processes to safeguard sensitive information and protect national3986security interests. A balanced approach that leverages talent while3987mitigating risk is essential.3988    Question. What incentives should the Air Force provide to3989universities and researchers to develop domestic technical talent and3990counter opportunities for researchers in critical fields being offered3991by peer adversaries, including China?3992    Answer. If confirmed, I will carefully consider the need for3993incentives to encourage universities and researchers to develop3994domestic technical talent, particularly in critical fields where3995competition with peer adversaries is intense. This includes reviewing3996existing programs and exploring potential new approaches to ensure we3997can attract and retain the best and brightest minds to support the Air3998Force's mission.3999                           operational energy4000    Question. The Department defines operational energy as the energy4001required for training, moving, and sustaining military forces and4002weapons platforms for military operations, including the energy used by4003tactical power systems, generators, and weapons platforms. Longer4004operating distances, remote and austere geography, and anti-access/area4005denial threats are challenging DOD's ability to assure the delivery of4006fuel. As the ability to deliver energy is placed at risk, so too is the4007Department's ability to deploy and sustain expeditionary Air Force4008units around the globe.4009    What are your ideas for future capabilities that would enable an4010expeditionary Air Force through the assured delivery of energy to the4011warfighter?4012    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the DAF to pursue4013revolutionary future capabilities that deliver energy assurance and4014maximize combat capability in contested domains. To my knowledge, the4015DAF is using a public-private partnership to maximize return on4016investment for a Blended Wing Body (BWB) aircraft that will increase4017efficiency by 30 percent and offer solutions to multiple capability4018needs. I will also explore potential hybrid-electric aircraft and space4019solar power technologies that enable agile combat employment concepts4020for expeditionary forces. I will strengthen the linkages between DAF4021offices and industry to promote innovative future capabilities that4022assure the delivery of energy to the warfighter.4023    Question. What are your ideas for reducing the risk associated with4024the Air Force's dependence on vulnerable supply lines?4025    Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure appropriate emphasis is placed4026upon energy supportability, specifically by ensuring holistic analysis4027of campaign-level energy consumption and addressing expected supply4028chain risks. I will optimize fuel use by exploring the viability of4029alternative propulsion systems for legacy aircraft, increased4030performance through better mission planning and execution software,4031improved aerodynamics through drag reduction technologies, and engine4032sustainment technologies that maximize lethality per gallon.4033                       infrastructure challenges4034    Question. Non-DOD funding mechanisms such as energy savings4035performance contracts, utility energy savings contracts, and power4036purchase agreements are excellent means by which the Air Force can4037improve infrastructure, increase resilience, reduced deferred4038maintenance, implement alternative energy resources, save taxpayer4039funds, and secure other benefits without upfront appropriated funds.4040    If confirmed, what steps would you take to streamline this process4041and how long would it take you to resume entering into contracts of4042this sort for the benefit of Air Force installations?4043    Answer. If confirmed as Under Secretary, I will leverage all4044authorities, including third-party contracts, to bolster infrastructure4045and energy security. I will collaborate with OSD and DOE to streamline4046processes and expedite solutions.4047               air force-related defense industrial base4048    Question. What is your assessment of the systems and processes for4049identifying, evaluating, and managing risk in the Air Force's organic4050and commercial defense industrial base, including the munitions4051industrial base?4052    Answer. A strong Air Force requires understanding and managing4053defense industrial base risk. If confirmed, I will advance tools and4054processes to proactively identify supply chain risks and capacity4055bottlenecks, addressing them before crises arise.4056    Question. What do you see as the levers to motivate the defense4057industrial base to make additional capital investment (for facilities4058and tooling), as well as research and development investments to4059increase the capacity of the defense industrial base?4060    Answer. Industry relies on clear and consistent demand signal to4061determine where return on investment can be found. If confirmed, I will4062work within the Air Force and with Congress to incentivize capital4063investment in the industrial base.4064    Question. How should Air Force acquisition leaders consider impacts4065on the industrial base when addressing requirements for4066recapitalization or modernization of major defense weapons systems and4067munitions?4068    Answer. If confirmed, I will collaborate with Service Acquisition4069Executives to ensure acquisition strategies consider industrial base4070impacts, promoting competition, lowering barriers to entry, and4071incentivizing strategic investment and R&D.4072    Question. How would you seek to ensure the Air Force engages with4073the broadest industrial base possible, including traditional4074contractors, nontraditional contractors, and small businesses?4075    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with Service Acquisition4076Executives to connect the Air Force with all supply chain tiers,4077including crucial small businesses. I will engage industry4078associations, state/local governments, and trade organizations to4079understand industrial base risks and constraints.4080    Question. If confirmed, what changes, if any, would you pursue in4081systems and processes to ensure that risk in the Air Force-relevant4082sectors of the defense industrial base is adequately managed to enable4083the development, production, and sustainment of technically superior,4084reliable, and affordable weapons systems and munitions?4085    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with Service Acquisition4086Executives to proactively identify and address industrial base risks4087and bottlenecks. I will also ensure acquisition strategies promote4088competition, leverage Modular Open Systems Architectures, and4089prioritize producibility.4090                  military health system (mhs) reform4091    Question. Do you support the implementation of the MHS reforms4092mandated by the NDAAs for fiscal years 2017, 2019, and 2020?4093    Answer. If confirmed, I will support the DHA as directed by4094Congress. The DAF remains a steadfast partner, providing leadership and4095project management to transfer programs and resources lawfully. Despite4096service-specific challenges, I will ensure DAF dedication to the4097Defense Health Agency and Military Treatment Facilities supporting Air4098Force and Space Force missions and community healthcare.4099    Question. Will you ensure that the Air Force continues to provide4100the military medical personnel needed to provide care in military4101treatment facilities?4102    Answer. I champion the MHS mission for a medically ready force and4103ready medical force--anytime, anywhere. Our servicemembers and families4104deserve the best care, and our medical personnel are key. If confirmed,4105I will review personnel strategy to ensure we recruit, access, and4106retain the right talent for this complex mission.4107                         military compensation4108    Question. What is your assessment of the adequacy of military4109compensation and benefits?4110    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to a detailed review of4111military compensation, including the junior enlisted pay increase4112Congress enacted last year, to better understand which, if any, areas4113may need revision to allow for a more targeted approach to the overall4114compensation package.4115    Question. If confirmed, what steps would you take to control the4116rising cost of military personnel?4117    Answer. If confirmed, I will review DAF personnel costs, drivers of4118growth, and potential savings while maintaining our ability to attract4119and retain talent.4120                     non-deployable servicemembers4121    Question. Do you agree that airmen and guardians who are non-4122deployable for more than 12 consecutive months should be subject either4123to separation from the Army or referral into the Disability Evaluation4124System?4125    Answer. Readiness is paramount. If confirmed, I will align non-4126deployment policies with Air Force priorities, prioritizing readiness4127and mission needs. Individual circumstances will be considered, but4128operational strength and deployability are key. I will ensure our4129forces remain ready.4130    Question. In your view, under what circumstances might the4131retention of a servicemember who has been non-deployable for more than413212 months be in the best interest of the Department of the Air Force?4133    Answer. I lack sufficient information to speculate. If confirmed, I4134will work with DAF leaders to understand the current approach and4135consider Air Force mission and readiness requirements.4136                           suicide prevention4137    Question. If confirmed, what actions would you take to prevent4138suicides in the Active Air Force, the Air Force Reserve, and the Air4139National Guard, and in the families of airmen across all components?4140    Answer. The Air Force must promote mental well-being, eliminate4141barriers to care, and destigmatize seeking help. This enhances4142lethality, readiness, and warrior ethos. If confirmed, I will support4143the Brandon Act and evidence-based programs improving mental health4144access.4145     sexual harassment and assault prevention and response programs4146    Question. Do you believe the policies, programs, resources, and4147training that DOD and the Military Services have put in place to4148prevent and respond to sexual assault, and to protect servicemembers4149who report sexual assault from retaliation, are working? If not, what4150else must be done?4151    Answer. As a private citizen who previously served in leadership4152roles in the Air and Space Forces, I see significant emphasis on ending4153sexual violence in our Services. Sexual assault harms our airmen and4154guardians and has a direct impact on readiness, demanding our4155attention. If confirmed, I will review related policies, programs,4156resources, and training for effectiveness, including retaliation4157protection for reporters.4158    Question. What is your view of the necessity of affording a victim4159both restricted and unrestricted options to report sexual harassment?4160    Answer. Restricted and unrestricted reporting offer victims4161confidential help or official reporting. These options allow the DAF to4162tailor support to individual needs.4163                  space force personnel management act4164    Question. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year41652024 authorized the Space Force to combine all Active and Reserve4166component guardians into a single, full-time/part-time, component.4167    In your judgment, how will this novel military personnel4168arrangement benefit the Space Force?4169    Answer. I have been informed that the Space Force Personnel4170Management Act (PMA) directs the Space Force to design and implement an4171alternative military personnel management system without components.4172This unified service will offer guardians the ability to serve in both4173full-time and part-time work roles and transition between them based on4174individual preferences and the needs of the Space Force. This authority4175benefits the Space Force by providing unique talent management4176opportunities extending the continuum of service without service4177interruption, attracting and retaining talent, and ultimately enhancing4178military readiness and lethality.4179    Question. How will you ensure former members of the Air Force4180Reserve and Air National Guard are not disadvantaged by joining the4181Space Force under this new construct?4182    Answer. My understanding is that the Space Force is working closely4183with the AFR and ANG on a phased implementation plan to transfer space4184aligned missions, billets, resources, and personnel. The PMA ensures4185that guardians serving in full-time and part-time work roles are4186treated the same as similarly situated members of regular and Reserve4187components, respectfully. If confirmed, I will review the4188implementation plan and work to ensure that members of the ARC and ANG4189are not disadvantaged in any way by volunteering to the Space Force.4190    Question. The Committee understands that personnel information4191technology systems are the main obstacle preventing the Space Force4192from implementing the Space Force Personnel Management Act4193expeditiously.4194    If confirmed, how will you assist the Space Force acquire the4195necessary technology required to implement the Space Force Personnel4196Management Act?4197    Answer. The Space Force Personnel Management Act provides the4198authority the Space Force needs to develop and implement a modern4199military personnel system. It is my understanding that integration with4200the legacy DAF and OSD personnel IT systems is one of the most4201challenging lines of effort for implementing the PMA. If confirmed, I4202will review the Space Force's resourcing and technology requirements4203unhindered throughout the multi-year implementation process to ensure4204that they meet congressional intent and take care of our guardians.4205    Question. Section 514 of the Servicemember Quality of Life4206Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 20254207requires the Secretary of the Air Force to transfer to the Space Force4208the covered space functions and personnel of the Air National Guard.4209    What is you understanding of when the transfer of the covered units4210and equipment to the Space Force will occur, and what is the associated4211plan for transferring personnel?4212    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with Space Force, Air Force, and4213National Guard leadership to develop a comprehensive plan for4214transferring covered space functions and personnel who choose to4215transfer from the Air National Guard to the Space Force within the4216transition timeline established by Congress.4217         air force integrated pay and personnel system (afipps)4218    Question. The Committee is aware that the AFIPPS program continues4219to struggle with significant schedule delays and cost overruns. This4220program is essential for the Air Force to implement modern personnel4221policy and for Air Force audit requirements.4222    What is your view of the importance of AFIPPS?4223    Answer. I understand AFIPPS modernizes DAF personnel and pay. If4224confirmed, I will seek a detailed program briefing and, if needed,4225collaborate with DAF leadership on a finalization strategy.4226    Question. If confirmed, what will you do to ensure AFIPPS delivers4227the promised capability according to latest schedule and cost4228estimates?4229    Answer. Caring for our people is paramount. If confirmed, I will4230work with DAF leadership to understand this program's status and future4231needs.4232             department of the air force civilian workforce4233    Question. How would you describe the current State of the4234Department of the Air Force (including the Space Force) civilian4235workforce, including its morale and the Department's ability to4236successfully recruit and retain top civilian talent?4237    Answer. Civilians are vital to military readiness. If confirmed, I4238will ensure the Department prioritizes hiring top talent for4239warfighting-critical positions. I will also review the work environment4240and employee engagement, adjusting as needed.4241    Question. In your judgment, what is the biggest challenge facing4242the Air Force and Space Force in effectively and efficiently managing4243their civilian workforce?4244    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with DAF leadership to understand4245workforce management challenges. I will maximize congressional hiring4246and compensation flexibilities, fostering a meritocratic, innovative4247culture. I will commit to reviewing personnel processes for civilian4248workforce management efficiencies.4249    Question. In your view, do Air Force and Space Force supervisors4250have adequate authorities to address and remediate employee misconduct4251and poor duty performance, and ultimately to divest of a civilian4252employee who fails to meet requisite standards of conduct and4253performance?4254    Answer. If confirmed, I am committed to hiring and retaining the4255have the best people. If I am confirmed, I will review the4256effectiveness of the numerous personnel management authorities and4257systems and explore greater efficiencies. The Department must make4258every effort to create a future-ready, agile and adaptive workforce4259able to meet the rapidly evolving challenges of the 21st century.4260    Question. If so, are both civilian and military supervisors4261adequately trained to exercise such authorities? If not, what4262additional authorities or training do Air Force and Space Force4263supervisors require?4264    Answer. If confirmed, I am committed to making sure the Department4265continues to have the best people and that supervisors are properly4266trained. If I am confirmed, I will review the effectiveness of the4267numerous personnel management authorities and systems and explore4268greater efficiencies. The Department must make every effort to create a4269future-ready, agile and adaptive workforce able to meet the rapidly4270evolving challenges of the 21st century.4271                        senior executive service4272    Question. Given that competent and caring leadership is one of the4273most significant factors in shaping a high-performing DOD civilian4274workforce, if confirmed, what factors and characteristics would be most4275important to you in selecting candidates for appointment to the Senior4276Executive Service?4277    Answer. The Senior Executive Service is vital and if confirmed, I4278will prioritize candidates with proven competence, strong character and4279a commitment to a more efficient and effective Department.4280    Question. If confirmed, how would you ensure that SES under your4281authority are held accountable for both organizational performance and4282the rigorous performance management of their subordinate employees?4283    Answer. If confirmed, I will focus on ensuring the Senior Executive4284Service is held accountable for achieving results. This involves4285supporting SES leaders in fostering a culture of excellence within4286their organizations. My leadership will emphasize clear expectations,4287measurable outcomes, and consistent performance evaluations. High4288achievers will be recognized, and underperformance will be addressed.4289    Question. Are you satisfied with the subject matter and rigor of4290SES professional development programs currently available across DOD4291and in the Air Force and Space Force? If not, what changes would you4292make to these programs, if confirmed?4293    Answer. Professional development for our Senior Executive Service4294(SES) cadre is critical to ensuring we have the strategic leadership4295required for the complex challenges facing the Air and Space Forces. If4296confirmed, I will review the DAF SES professional development programs4297to ensure alignment with the DOD and DAF priorities.4298         domestic violence and child abuse in military families4299    Question. What is your understanding of the extent of domestic4300violence and child abuse in the Air Force, and, if confirmed, what4301actions would you take to address these issues?4302    Answer. I take the health and well-being of the force and our4303military families extremely seriously. I recognize that domestic4304violence and child abuse are serious issues that have no place, but do4305exist. Domestic violence is a serious problem that impacts readiness in4306the Department of the Air Force. If confirmed, I commit to ensuring4307these issues are receiving the attention they deserve and the necessary4308resources to support effective prevention and response.4309                        military quality of life4310    Question. If confirmed, what quality of life and morale, welfare,4311and recreation (MWR) programs would you consider to be a priority?4312    Answer. MWR programs are a necessity and go a long way toward4313improving quality of life for military members and their families,4314especially when stationed far from home. Fostering resilient and ready4315families directly impacts readiness, recruitment, and retention of4316military members. If confirmed, I will work with DAF leaders to4317understand which programs are high in demand, and where new programs4318may need to be introduced based on community needs.4319    Question. What metric would you apply in determining which MWR and4320quality of life programs should be sustained or enriched and which4321should be eliminated or reduced in scope as ineffective or outmoded?4322    Answer. MWR and quality of life are critical factors in readiness4323and enable recruitment and retention. If confirmed, I will work with4324senior leaders to conduct a review of existing MWR and quality of life4325programs to assess the effectiveness of these programs in supporting4326readiness.4327                 military family readiness and support4328    Question. What do you consider to be the most important family4329readiness issues for servicemembers and their families?4330    Answer. We recruit airmen and guardians but retain families. Press4331reports suggest compensation, spousal employment, childcare, and food4332insecurity challenge families. If confirmed, I will work with DAF4333leaders to identify key challenges, assess existing support, and4334develop enhanced strategies, advocating for necessary resources.4335    Question. If confirmed, what specific actions would you take to4336ensure that military families are provided with accessible, high-4337quality childcare, at an appropriate cost?4338    Answer. Military readiness requires affordable, quality childcare.4339If confirmed, I will collaborate with DAF leaders to evaluate current4340initiatives and explore opportunities to expand childcare options--4341traditional, non-traditional, and community-based--for our airmen and4342guardians.4343                        congressional oversight4344    Question. In order to exercise its legislative and oversight4345responsibilities, it is important that this Committee and other4346appropriate committees of Congress are able to receive testimony,4347briefings, reports, records (including documents and electronic4348communications) and other information from the Department.4349    Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on request,4350to appear and testify before this committee, its subcommittees, and4351other appropriate committees of Congress? Please answer yes or no.4352    Answer. Yes.4353    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to4354provide this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees4355of Congress, and their respective staffs such witnesses and briefers,4356briefings, reports, records (including documents and electronic4357communications), and other information as may be requested of you, and4358to do so in a timely manner? Please answer yes or no.4359    Answer. Yes.4360    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to4361consult with this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate4362committees of Congress, and their respective staffs, regarding your4363basis for any delay or denial in providing testimony, briefings,4364reports, records--including documents and electronic communications,4365and other information requested of you? Please answer yes or no.4366    Answer. Yes.4367    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to4368keep this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees of4369Congress, and their respective staffs apprised of new information that4370materially impacts the accuracy of testimony, briefings, reports,4371records--including documents and electronic communications, and other4372information you or your organization previously provided? Please answer4373yes or no.4374    Answer. Yes.4375    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on4376request, to provide this committee and its subcommittees with records4377and other information within their oversight jurisdiction, even absent4378a formal Committee request? Please answer yes or no.4379    Answer. Yes.4380    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to4381respond timely to letters to, and/or inquiries and other requests of4382you or your organization from individual Senators who are members of4383this committee? Please answer yes or no.4384    Answer. Yes.4385    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to4386ensure that you and other members of your organization protect from4387retaliation any military member, Federal employee, or contractor4388employee who testifies before, or communicates with this committee, its4389subcommittees, and any other appropriate committee of Congress? Please4390answer yes or no.4391    Answer. Yes.4392                                 ______43934394    [Questions for the record with answers supplied follow:]4395              Questions Submitted by Senator Dan Sullivan4396                             8(a) contracts4397    1. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Lohmeier, the Small Business Act (SBA)43988(a) program, created by Congress, provides a contract vehicle through4399which sole source and set aside contracts can be awarded to small4400businesses owned by Alaska Native corporations, Community Development4401Corporations, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations. These4402corporations are tied to political relationships, not racial4403classifications. They also are some of our most efficient contractors,4404earning stellar Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System4405(CPARS) marks. Last many of these small businesses employ veterans at4406rates far exceeding the national average, allowing our Nation's finest4407to continue to serve after they take off the uniform. Will you commit4408to me to work to preserve and strengthen 8(a) contracting for the4409Department of the Defense?4410    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes, if confirmed, I will work with Congress, the4411Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Department of the Air Force4412Office of Small Business Programs (SAF/SB), and interagency partners4413such as SBA on improving, preserving, and strengthening Section 8(a)4414contracting and other Small Business Programs whenever using them would4415be in the best interest of the Department of the Air Force. I4416understand that the Section 8(a) Program and other Small Business4417Programs have served as valuable tools for supporting the warfighters4418and strengthening the defense industrial base while streamlining and4419expediting defense acquisitions.44204421    2. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Lohmeier, I recently toured an SBA 8(a)4422contracting operation and saw firsthand the value 8(a) brings to the4423Federal customer in terms of cost and efficiency while delivering4424mission-critical solutions that increase our national security and4425warfighter readiness. 8(a) contracts represent the best ``bang for the4426buck'' for taxpayers, giving contracting officers additional4427flexibility while also maximizing efficiency by reducing red tape. Do4428you see the value in increased efficiency in flexibility brought from4429initiatives such as the 8(a) program?4430    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes, I understand that the Section 8(a) Program and4431other Small Business Programs have served as valuable tools for4432supporting the warfighters and strengthening the defense industrial4433base while streamlining and expediting defense acquisitions. If4434confirmed, I look forward to working with the Department of the Air4435Force Office of Small Business Programs (SAF/SB) on promoting the use4436of flexible and efficient contracting methods that Congress established4437for Small Business Programs.44384439    3. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Lohmeier, rapid response capabilities are4440essential to enable our warfighters to win on the battlefield. At the4441same time, our defense contractors must rapidly respond to the needs of4442our military to make the U.S. Military more lethal. Flexible and4443efficient contracting through the SBA 8(a) program is one trusted way4444to do this. Please explain how you will ensure that proven, dependable,4445and cost-effective 8(a) programs remain in place and supported by the4446Department of Defense.4447    Mr. Lohmeier. By law and guidance, the Under Secretary of the Air4448Force directly supervises the Director, Department of the Air Force4449Office of Small Business Programs (SAF/SB). If confirmed, I will ask4450the Director, SAF/SB, to recommend actions that I can take as the Under4451Secretary to ensure that Small Business Programs such as the Section44528(a) Program remain available to Department of the Air Force for4453supporting warfighters and strengthening the defense industrial base4454while streamlining and expediting defense acquisitions.4455    I will further work with Congress, the Office of the Secretary of4456Defense, the Department of the Air Force Office of Small Business4457Programs (SAF/SB), and interagency partners such as SBA on improving,4458preserving, and strengthening Section 8(a) contracting and other Small4459Business Programs whenever using them would be in the best interest of4460the Department of the Air Force.4461                                 alaska4462    4. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Lohmeier, on President Trump's first day4463in office, he signed the Executive Order ``Unleashing Alaska's4464Extraordinary Resource Potential.'' This sent a strong message to4465Alaska, America, and the world, that unleashing Alaska's extraordinary4466resources and jobs in a growing economy is one of his Administration's4467top priorities. For years, I've worked toward the success of the Alaska4468LNG project. Not only could Alaska LNG shipments provide our allies4469with energy security, reaching them in 6 days without any strategic4470choke points, but this pipeline crosses directly through some of our4471most prominent military bases in my State, several of which have had4472issues with supply. Now, purchase agreements and other ways to commit4473to the project, beyond just the Department of Defense's (DOD) immediate4474need, will help secure financing for the project quickly and at the4475lowest cost in line with President Trump's America First Energy and4476National Security agenda. Can I get your commitment to work with me on4477the Alaska LNG (AKLNG) Project?4478    Mr. Lohmeier. If confirmed, I will work with Congress and other4479stakeholders to identify and support projects that enhance the energy4480security of our installations in Alaska and everywhere the Department4481operates.[PD1]44824483    5. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Lohmeier, Eielson Air Force Base (AFB)4484which in addition to being home to F-35 squadrons, F-16 interceptors,4485and KC-135s along with hosting many nations each year for Red Flag4486events, still needs many more ``warm'' facilities to house KC-1354487airframes. It can only fit two right now. Additionally, other4488infrastructure is very outdated, and facilities are not keeping pace4489with Wainwright Army base. Will you work with me to acquire the4490infrastructure necessary to hold the tankers?4491    Mr. Lohmeier. If confirmed, I will ensure infrastructure4492requirements at Eielson AFB are properly assessed and prioritized to4493support the critical missions being conducted from the installation.44944495    6. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Lohmeier, my State holds the highest4496concentration of combat-coded fifth generation aircraft anywhere else4497in the country (over 100). Any conflict in the Indo-Pacific region will4498undoubtedly call upon Alaskan warfighters and our military assets. For4499the last decade I've pressed every Chairman of the Joint Chiefs,4500Secretary of the Air Force, and Chief of Staff of the Air Force on the4501need for more aerial refueling assets in Alaska to support the4502increasing training requirements and intercept missions.4503    Last year, I wrote a letter to your predecessor, Secretary Kendall,4504pressing him to fulfill the Air Force's commitments on this issue and4505Kendall replied with a signed memorandum finally codifying the movement4506of 4x KC-135s to Eielson AFB in so called ``active association''. This4507MUST NOT be delayed any longer.4508    Can I get your commitment that, if confirmed, you will see the4509completion of that KC-135 basing through to the end?4510    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes, if confirmed, I commit to addressing previous4511basing decisions at Eielson AFB. The tanker fleet is an essential4512component of U.S. power projection, Homeland Defense, strategic4513deterrence, global strike, rapid global mobility, and coordinated Joint4514Force and coalition efforts. The Air Force will work closely with4515theater MAJCOMs to ensure we source the three remaining KC-135 for4516Eielson in a deliberate, efficient, and timely manner and commit to4517providing you updates.45184519    7. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Lohmeier, can I also get your commitment4520to work expedite the delivery time and increase the readiness rates of4521the KC-46?4522    Mr. Lohmeier. I understand that the KC-46 is replacing a large4523portion of the Air Force's tanker fleet and that it is progressing4524toward full operational capability. If confirmed, I commit to working4525with the Service Acquisition Executive and Boeing to resolve issues and4526get us on the shortest path to delivering aircraft that fully meet4527warfighter requirements.45284529    8. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Lohmeier, in our discussion in my office4530we spoke about the need for additional hangar and infrastructure4531capability at Deadhorse (near Prudhoe Bay) to help extend the Air4532Force's reach in the Arctic. The U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM)4533Commander, General Gregory Guillot, as well as the U.S. Pacific Air4534Forces (PACAF) Commander, General Kevin Schneider, have both expressed4535interest in this location. Will you work with me, if confirmed, to get4536the military construction approved to support operations out of4537Deadhorse?4538    Mr. Lohmeier. The Arctic is critical to our ability to defend the4539homeland and project power internationally. If confirmed, I commit to4540continuing to evaluate our posture in Alaska, and I will work with4541Congress to ensure the Department has sufficient infrastructure to4542support its missions and operations.45434544    9. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Lohmeier, the 18th Fighter Interceptor4545Squadron (FIS) at Eielson AFB is responsible for interception of4546Russian and Chinese strategic bombers and fighters that cross into the4547Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). Oftentimes, however,4548the 18th FIS is short of either pilots or mechanics to accomplish their4549mission. They always do accomplish the mission, but often at great4550extra cost in manpower and time (especially as intercepts have4551increased in the last year). Will you commit to looking at the task4552organization and real-life manning of this unit and its sustainers and4553ensure that they are manned 100 percent to finish their mission?4554    Mr. Lohmeier. As the Air Force works to align with OSD on optimal4555organizations toward the overall mission of warfighting, I am committed4556to looking at all task organizations and real-life manning of all4557fighter units and their sustainers to ensure they are effectively4558manned to accomplish their mission.45594560    10. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Lohmeier, as you are aware I've been4561fighting to get the KC-135 Active Association complete at Eielson AFB4562for nearly a decade and your predecessor signed off on it. I appreciate4563your commitment during your hearing to see this through to completion.4564I've ran into a number of issues with the Air Force Site Activation4565Task Force (SATF) which has visited Eielson nearly six times to conduct4566housing surveys. It appears they are using housing data from 2023 to4567make decisions regarding the amount of available housing at Eielson.4568Will you commit to work with me to ensure that SATF is using the most4569current housing data to inform its decisions about housing at Eielson4570and to relook the Air Force's housing requirements as soon as possible4571to ensure we are meeting mission need at the base?4572    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes if, confirmed, I will review the housing data4573being used by the DAF to inform housing requirements and ensure we are4574using the most current data.45754576    11. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Lohmeier, as part of President Trump's4577Golden Dome program, there will almost certainly be a need to ensure4578that our advanced early warning radar systems like the E-7 are capable4579of detecting incoming aircraft and missile threats both at home and if4580necessary, forward deployed. We have had a number of issues in Alaska4581with E-3 AWACS [Airborne Warning and Control System] readiness rates4582due to aging airframes and parts. Will you commit to reviewing the E-74583program to make sure we are properly resourcing it and work with me to4584ensure that we have that capability on hand when required in Alaska?4585    Mr. Lohmeier. I understand that enhanced airborne Battle Management4586Command and Control (BMC2) and Airborne Moving Target Indicator (AMTI)4587capabilities are essential to countering advanced and emerging4588adversary air threats. If confirmed, I commit to reviewing the program4589and working with the Service Acquisition Executive and the warfighter4590to ensure we can deliver this generational advancement in radar4591technology to replace the increasingly unreliable and unsustainable E-45923G.45934594    12. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Lohmeier, one of the results of President4595Biden's energy policies and the ``lock up'' of my State through his4596executive orders is an energy emergency affecting our national security4597that is unfolding on some Alaska bases. I spoke to Secretary Peter4598Hegseth recently about this issue and explained to him that there have4599been a number of instances where commanders of bases like Joint Base4600Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) in Anchorage had to tell servicemembers and4601their families to turn down their heat, unplug personal property, and4602turn-off certain critical systems that sustain the base. This was done4603to preserve electricity and avoid brownouts in the region. Would U.S.4604national security be enhanced if there was a reliable source of clean-4605burning Alaskan natural gas available to supply the energy needs of4606these bases?4607    Mr. Lohmeier. Expanding our access to available, but underutilized,4608sources of energy, such as natural gas is important to power our4609installations and achieve national energy dominance. If confirmed, I4610will work with OSD, the Department of Energy, the Department of4611Interior, and other stakeholders, such as our utility partners, to4612identify potential solutions to ensure our installations have the power4613they need to meet critical mission requirements.4614                               __________4615             Questions Submitted by Senator Mazie K. Hirono4616                     character and fitness to serve4617    13. Senator Hirono. Mr. Lohmeier, your public record raises serious4618concerns about your judgment, professionalism, and ability to maintain4619an apolitical, unified military. Given your track record of promoting4620partisan conspiracy theories, why should this Committee believe you are4621suddenly willing--or even able--to separate your personal politics from4622your official duties?4623    Mr. Lohmeier. I am very proud of my military service which ended4624with an honorable discharge. During my time in Service and for every4625day after as a private citizen, I have been a champion for an4626apolitical military and will continue to be. If confirmed, I commit to4627dedicating myself to preserving a non-partisan Department of the Air4628Force. I believe very strongly that protecting the institution from4629partisanship is fundamental to our system of government.46304631    14. Senator Hirono. Mr. Lohmeier, you have publicly suggested that4632addressing racism, sexism, and extremism in the ranks is somehow more4633dangerous than the extremism itself. How do you expect to build trust--4634particularly among LGBTQ+ servicemembers, servicemembers of color, and4635women--when your own statements dismiss the very real barriers they4636face?4637    Mr. Lohmeier. My record shows an unblemished career of working with4638airmen and guardians from all walks of life. Some of the best guardians4639under my command in the Space Force were members of the LGBTQ+4640community and I have publicly stated that for the record when4641testifying before Congress in 2024. Unity is our strength, and I firmly4642believe my record reflects a leadership style focused on that unity--4643not division. If confirmed, I will continue to lead that way in the4644Department of the Air Force.4645                         apolitical environment4646    15. Senator Hirono. Mr. Lohmeier, civil-military relations are4647foundational to the legitimacy of our Armed Forces. In this leadership4648position, how would you enforce the Department of Defense's strict4649prohibitions on political activity among Air Force and Space Force4650personnel, including under title 10 authorities, to preserve an4651apolitical military chain of command?4652    Mr. Lohmeier. It is well understood that servicemembers' political4653activities are regulated, both in their official and personal4654capacities. The First Amendment protects freedom of speech and permits4655the expression of ideas for all Americans; however, servicemembers,4656owing to their critical role in our national security, have accepted4657limits on their freedom of expression. Strict regulations on political4658activities among servicemembers ensure that personal political beliefs4659do not interfere with mission readiness or decisionmaking. Those4660safeguards protect the armed forces from external political pressures,4661ensuring their primary focus remains on national security and defense.4662I expect all DAF servicemembers to prudently exercise their individual4663liberties consistent with these obligations of military service. Those4664servicemembers who fail to abide by these regulations will be addressed4665as appropriate, including through potential administrative or4666disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).4667                acquisitions and supply chain challenges4668    16. Senator Hirono. Mr. Lohmeier, the Under Secretary must oversee4669major acquisition programs and help safeguard the defense industrial4670base, including partnerships with small businesses and innovation hubs.4671Given recent supply chain disruptions and consolidation within the4672defense industry, what concrete actions would you take to ensure4673competition, speed, and resilience in Air Force and Space Force4674acquisitions?4675    Mr. Lohmeier. It is important that the Department of Air Force4676continues to increase efforts to take full advantage of the speed,4677innovation, and capabilities offered by the commercial sector and the4678competitive defense industrial base. If confirmed, I will partner with4679my DOD counterparts and work with Congress to help ensure the4680Department of the Air Force has the tools and resources to explore4681flexible acquisitions to add speed, resilience, and increased program4682execution efficiency while cultivating secure supply chains, addressing4683workforce readiness, and utilizing economic deterrence as a tool to4684protect our industrial and innovation base. I will also review current4685commercial strategy and policy to ensure the Department is empowering4686collaboration with domestic industry to grow the industrial base and4687streamline technology maturation to satisfy emerging operational needs.4688                           budget stewardship4689    17. Senator Hirono. Mr. Lohmeier, the Under Secretary of the Air4690Force plays a critical role in the development and execution of the4691Department's more than $200 billion annual budget. Can you walk this4692Committee through your approach to balancing modernization priorities,4693like Next Generation Air Dominance--against current operational4694readiness?4695    Mr. Lohmeier. The primary challenge the DAF faces today lies in4696creating the force we need to defeat our future adversaries while not4697undercutting our ability to fight tonight. The Air Force is the4698smallest and oldest it has ever been, and it needs to move ahead on4699modernization to face the growing threat by investing in such4700capabilities as F-47, Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), High Value4701Air Asset (HVAA) protection, Air Base Air Defense (ABAD), and Long-4702Range Kill Chain (LRKC). The USSF needs to grow in capacity and4703capability, in mission areas such as Space Based Sensing and Targeting,4704Counter-C5ISRT, Missile Warning, PNT, and SATCOM, with additional4705lethal and resilient capabilities, including additional guardians to4706develop, operate, and sustain those systems, to deter and prevail in a4707complex competition with China.4708                               __________4709                Questions Submitted by Senator Tim Kaine4710           characterization of the events of january 6, 20214711    18. Senator Kaine. Mr. Lohmeier, did you author the social media4712post below?47134714    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes, and at the time of this post I had been out of4715uniform for several years. I authored this as a private citizen freely4716expressing my Constitutional right to free speech. It does not reflect4717how I would express myself as a leader of the Department of the Air4718Force, if confirmed.4719                               __________4720            Questions Submitted by Senator Elizabeth Warren4721                                 ethics4722    19. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, if you are confirmed, will you4723commit not to seek any employment with or compensation from a defense4724contractor, including through serving on a board, as a consultant, or4725as a lobbyist, for 4 years after leaving DOD?4726    Mr. Lohmeier. I will abide by the extensive post-government4727employment ethics rules required by Federal law. These provisions set4728forth comprehensive restrictions relating to acceptance of compensation4729from defense contractors, as well as communicating back to the Federal4730Government on behalf of any future employers and clients. I believe4731that these existing rules are appropriate and sufficient to protect the4732public interest. If confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of4733my office honorably, and I will seek any post-government employment in4734full compliance with the applicable ethics rules.47354736    20. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, if you are confirmed, will you4737commit not to engage in any lobbying activities, including unregistered4738``shadow'' or ``behind-the-scenes'' lobbying under the guise of4739consulting or advising, focused on DOD or any of its components for 44740years after leaving DOD?4741    Mr. Lohmeier. I will abide by the extensive post-government4742employment ethics rules required by Federal law. These provisions set4743forth comprehensive restrictions relating to acceptance of compensation4744from defense contractors, as well as communicating back to the Federal4745Government on behalf of any future employers and clients. I believe4746that these existing rules are appropriate and sufficient to protect the4747public interest. If confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of4748my office honorably, and I will seek any post-government employment in4749full compliance with the applicable ethics rules.47504751    21. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, will you commit not to seek4752employment, board membership with, or any other form of compensation4753from a company that you regulated or otherwise interacted with while in4754government, for at least 4 years after leaving office?4755    Mr. Lohmeier. I will abide by the extensive post-government4756employment ethics rules required by Federal law. These provisions set4757forth comprehensive restrictions relating to acceptance of compensation4758from defense contractors, as well as communicating back to the Federal4759Government on behalf of any future employers and clients. I believe4760that these existing rules are appropriate and sufficient to protect the4761public interest. If confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of4762my office honorably, and I will seek any post-government employment in4763full compliance with the applicable ethics rules.47644765    22. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, during your nomination process,4766did anyone on the Trump campaign, transition team, or other closely4767related entity approach you about your loyalty to President Trump?4768    Mr. Lohmeier. No.47694770    23. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, if you were approached about your4771loyalty to President Trump, did you sign a loyalty pledge or other4772similar oath? If so, please provide a copy of the text of that pledge4773or oath.4774    Mr. Lohmeier. Not applicable; I was not approached about my loyalty4775to President Trump.47764777    24. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, if you were approached about your4778loyalty to President Trump, did you make any verbal representations of4779loyalty? If so, please describe this representation.4780    Mr. Lohmeier. Not applicable; I was not approached about my loyalty4781to President Trump.47824783    25. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, in November 2024, the New York4784Times and other news outlets reported that Boris Epshteyn, a top4785adviser to President Trump, allegedly requested payment from4786prospective political appointees to promote their candidacies for top4787positions within the Administration. Did you discuss the possibility of4788joining the Administration with Mr. Epshteyn at any time?4789    Mr. Lohmeier. No.47904791    26. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, if you did discuss the4792possibility of joining the Administration with Mr. Epshteyn, did Mr.4793Epshteyn seek payment from you for promoting your candidacy for a4794position within the Administration?4795    Mr. Lohmeier. Not applicable; I was not approached.47964797    27. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, at any time, did lawyers for4798President Trump or members of President Trump's team approach you4799regarding Mr. Epshteyn and the allegations cited above? If so, please4800describe the information that they provided you (including copies of4801documents), what was discussed during any calls, and any other4802information pertaining to this interaction.4803    Mr. Lohmeier. No.48044805    28. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, were you in contact with Mr. Elon4806Musk at any time during your nomination process? If so, please describe4807the nature of those contacts.4808    Mr. Lohmeier. No.48094810    29. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, was Mr. Musk present or involved4811in any interviews you did related to your nomination? If so, please4812describe the nature of his involvement.4813    Mr. Lohmeier. I am a nominee of the President of the United States,4814and in the interview process, the President asked me questions. I'm4815extremely honored that President Trump had the faith and confidence to4816nominate me for the position of Under Secretary of the Air Force.48174818    30. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, was Mr. Musk involved in any way4819with your nomination, including but not limited to directly or4820indirectly contacting Senators regarding their position on your4821nomination?4822    Mr. Lohmeier. No, not to my knowledge.48234824    31. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, who was in the room or4825participated in any of your interviews regarding your nomination?4826    Mr. Lohmeier. Various staffers were present for my interview,4827including staffers from the Presidential Personnel Office and the4828Department of Defense. I'm extremely honored that President Trump had4829the faith and confidence to nominate me for the position of Under4830Secretary of the Air Force.48314832    32. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, if you own any stock or hold any4833other interest in any defense industry contractors, will you divest it4834to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest?4835    Mr. Lohmeier. The Ethics Agreement I signed on March 14, 2025,4836which was previously provided to the Committee, sets forth my ethics4837commitments, if confirmed.48384839    33. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, what do you consider the role of4840the press in a democracy?4841    Mr. Lohmeier. The freedom of the press is protected under the First4842Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. I firmly believe that a free and4843open press is an essential element to the functioning of a legitimate4844democracy.48454846    34. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, do you think it would be an4847appropriate use of taxpayer resources to ``dig up dirt'' on journalists4848who investigate or criticize you, your office, or the Trump4849administration?4850    Mr. Lohmeier. No.48514852    35. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, will you commit not to retaliate,4853including by denying access to government officials or facilities,4854against news outlets or individual journalists who publish articles4855that are critical of you, your office, your agency, or the Trump4856administration?4857    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes.48584859    36. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, have you requested, or has anyone4860requested on your behalf, that any other person or third party sign a4861nondisclosure, confidentiality, non-disparagement, or similar agreement4862regarding your conduct in a personal or professional capacity?4863    Mr. Lohmeier. No.48644865    37. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, will you voluntarily release any4866individual from any such agreements before this committee votes on your4867nomination?4868    Mr. Lohmeier. Not applicable; I have not requested such agreements,4869nor has anyone done so on my behalf.48704871    38. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, have you ever paid or promised to4872pay, or has anyone paid or promised to pay on your behalf, an4873individual as part of any non-disclosure, confidentiality, non-4874disparagement, or similar agreement?4875    Mr. Lohmeier. No.48764877    39. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, if the answer to the previous4878question was yes, how much was promised, how much was paid, and what4879were the circumstances?4880    Mr. Lohmeier. Not applicable.48814882    40. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, will you commit to recuse4883yourself from all particular matters involving your former clients and4884employers for the duration of your service at DOD?4885    Mr. Lohmeier. The Ethics Agreement I signed on March 14, 2025,4886which was previously provided to the Committee, sets forth my ethics4887commitments, if confirmed.48884889    41. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, please provide a list of all your4890clients at Lohmeier Consulting LLC within the last 5 years.4891    Mr. Lohmeier. Lohmeier Consulting LLC is the name of a Single-4892Member/Sole Proprietorship LLC that I created three and a half years4893ago at the time I separated from Active Duty in September 2021. I had4894no standing or permanent clients. My clients consisted of various local4895event organizers (often volunteer based non-profits) in states across4896the country (such as Arizona Women of Action, in Arizona) who would4897reach out asking if I would speak at events they had organized.4898Sometimes those events included an honorarium and sometimes I spoke at4899no cost.4900                congressional oversight and transparency4901    42. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, what is your understanding of the4902role of the Department of Defense Inspector General and service4903Inspectors General?4904    Mr. Lohmeier. Inspectors General promote integrity and4905accountability throughout the Department by investigating allegations4906of fraud, waste, and abuse, and misconduct. IGs also serve as a4907confidential avenue for reporting wrongdoing and protecting4908whistleblowers. Their oversight helps maintain public trust and ensures4909the Department operates effectively and ethically. Crucially, they4910provide impartial recommendations to the Secretary of Defense and4911Congress based on their findings, driving necessary reforms and4912improvements within the Department. By identifying systemic issues and4913holding individuals accountable, the Inspector General system4914contributes directly to a more efficient, effective, trustworthy,4915ready, and lethal defense apparatus.49164917    43. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, will you ensure your staff4918complies with any Inspector General deadlines established for requested4919communications, documents, and witnesses, and that staff will be4920protected from reprisal for their testimony?4921    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes.49224923    44. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, if you are not able to comply4924with any Inspector General requests and deadlines, will you notify the4925Republican and Democratic members of this committee regarding the basis4926for any good faith delay or denial?4927    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes.49284929    45. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, if you are confirmed, will you4930commit to refusing to follow illegal orders from any individual,4931including the President?4932    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes, and I do not believe the President would issue4933an illegal order.49344935    46. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, what actions would you take if4936you were given an illegal order from any individual, including the4937President?4938    Mr. Lohmeier. I reject the premise of this question. The President4939would never order me to take an illegal action. If confirmed, I would4940work with appropriate personnel such as the General Counsel's Office if4941given a directive that I believed was illegal.49424943    47. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, will you commit to voluntarily4944provide a deposition if you are requested by Congress to provide one?4945    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes.49464947    48. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, will you commit to voluntarily4948testify in front of Congress if you are requested by Congress to do so?4949    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes.49504951    49. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, will you commit to testify or4952provide a deposition in front of Congress if you are issued a subpoena4953to do so?4954    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes.49554956    50. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, will you commit to providing4957information or documents to Congress voluntarily if you are requested4958to do so?4959    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes, if permitted under governing laws and4960regulations.49614962    51. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, will you provide information or4963documents to Congress if you are issued a subpoena to do so?4964    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes, if permitted under governing laws and4965regulations.49664967    52. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, will you commit to following4968current precedent for responding to information requests, briefings,4969and other inquiries from Congress, including the Senate and House Armed4970Services Committees and their minority members?4971    Mr. Lohmeier. I do not have enough information as I am not familiar4972with the full extent of current precedent. However, if confirmed, I4973commit to being responsive to this Committee and this Congress.49744975    53. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, if confirmed, will you commit to4976posting your official calendar monthly?4977    Mr. Lohmeier. If confirmed, I commit to meeting all legal4978disclosure requirements.49794980    54. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, do you think the Federal4981Government has an overclassification problem? If so, please provide4982examples of overclassification you have encountered.4983    Mr. Lohmeier. In general, I believe enabling access to information4984rapidly and as broadly as possible is vital to national security. If4985confirmed, I commit to working with the Secretary as well as my4986colleagues throughout the Department to ensure data is properly4987classified.49884989    55. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, if confirmed, do you think your4990department should pursue strategic technology to support automated4991declassification?4992    Mr. Lohmeier. I am not familiar with these strategic technologies,4993but, if confirmed, I commit to receiving a brief on what options may be4994available to the Department.4995                              project 20254996    56. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, have you discussed Project 20254997with any officials associated with the Trump campaign, the Trump4998transition team, or other members of the Trump administration? If so,4999please explain what you discussed, when you discussed it, and with whom5000you discussed it.5001    Mr. Lohmeier. No.50025003    57. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, have you discussed Project 20255004with any officials associated with the Heritage Foundation? If so,5005please explain what you discussed, when you discussed it, and with whom5006you discussed it.5007    Mr. Lohmeier. No.5008                           foreign influence5009    58. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, have you received any payment5010from a foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government5011within the past 5 years?5012    Mr. Lohmeier. No.50135014    59. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, have you communicated with any5015foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government within5016the past 5 years?5017    Mr. Lohmeier. I have provided relevant information in connection5018with my background check.50195020    60. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, please disclose any5021communications or payments you have had with representatives of any5022foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government within5023the past 5 years and describe the nature of the communication.5024    Mr. Lohmeier. I have provided relevant information in connection5025with my background check.5026                        impoundment control act5027    61. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, do you believe the Secretary of5028Defense, or the Secretary of Energy has the legal authority to block5029the disbursement of funds appropriated by Congress?5030    Mr. Lohmeier. I fully acknowledge and respect Congress'5031constitutional role in appropriating funds to be carried out by the5032executive branch for designated purposes. I commit, if confirmed, to5033executing my responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the5034law. I would ensure that my actions and advice to the Secretary of5035Defense on this matter are informed by the Administration's legal5036positions and advice from the Department's General Counsel's office.50375038    62. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, what is your understanding of the5039Impoundment Control Act?5040    Mr. Lohmeier. My understanding is that Congress passed the5041Impoundment Control Act in 1974. This Act provides a framework for5042handling circumstances in which the President seeks to defer or cancel5043execution of appropriated funds. I commit, if confirmed, to executing5044my responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on5045this matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice5046to the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by the5047Administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's5048General Counsel's office.50495050    63. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, do you commit to complying with5051the Impoundment Control Act?5052    Mr. Lohmeier. If confirmed, I commit to following all laws.50535054    64. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, do you commit to notifying the5055Senate and House Armed Services Committees, including the majority and5056minority, if you are asked not to comply with the Impoundment Control5057Act or not to expend the money that Congress appropriates or5058authorizes?5059    Mr. Lohmeier. If confirmed, I commit to complying with applicable5060legal requirements regarding responding to requests from Congress.50615062    65. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, the Constitution's Spending5063Clause (Art. I, Sec.  8, cl. 1) and Appropriations Clause (Art. I,5064Sec.  9, cl. 7) give Congress, not the Executive, power of the purse.5065The Supreme Court has unanimously upheld this power. Do you believe5066that impoundments are constitutional?5067    Mr. Lohmeier. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my5068responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on this5069matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice on5070this matter are informed by the Administration's legal positions and5071advice from the Department's General Counsel's office.50725073    66. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, the funding levels in5074appropriations bills passed into law are not targets or ceilings;5075instead, they are amounts the executive branch must spend, unless5076stated otherwise. Congress could--if it wanted the President to have5077discretion--write those amounts as ceilings. Do you agree?5078    Mr. Lohmeier. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my5079responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on this5080matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice on5081this matter are informed by the Administration's legal positions and5082advice from the Department's General Counsel's office.50835084    67. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, what is your understanding of the5085requirements for DOD to obligate funding that Congress authorizes and5086appropriates, in accordance with the time period that Congress deems it5087to do so?5088    Mr. Lohmeier. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my5089responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on this5090matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice on5091this matter are informed by the Administration's legal positions and5092advice from the Department's General Counsel's office.50935094    68. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, do you commit to expending the5095money that Congress appropriates and authorizes?5096    Mr. Lohmeier. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my5097responsibilities consistent with the Constitution and the law on this5098matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and advice on5099this matter are informed by the Administration's legal positions and5100advice from the Department's General Counsel's office.51015102    69. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, do you commit to following and5103implementing every provision of the annual National Defense5104Authorization Act passed into law?5105    Mr. Lohmeier. If confirmed, I commit to following all laws.51065107    70. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, if you became aware of a5108potential violation of the Antideficiency Act, Impoundment Control Act,5109or other appropriations laws, what steps would you take?5110    Mr. Lohmeier. If confirmed, I commit to following all laws.5111                        research and development5112    71. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, does the Federal Government5113benefit from partnering with colleges, universities, nonprofits, and5114federally funded research and development centers?5115    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes. By partnering with colleges, universities,5116nonprofits, and federally funded research and development centers, the5117Federal Government leverages unique analytical, engineering, and5118research capabilities and cutting-edge facilities that complement our5119own Federal workforce and laboratory infrastructure. Active5120partnerships with academia also build the pipeline for future Federal5121scientists and engineers with the competency to take on the hard5122technical problems associated with developing military technologies to5123support our warfighters.51245125    72. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, under your leadership, will your5126agencies continue to work with colleges, universities, nonprofits, and5127federally funded research and development centers to research and5128address our toughest national security challenges?5129    Mr. Lohmeier. If confirmed, I will support these strategic5130partnerships as a force multiplier to our DOD-internal workforce. The5131scientists, engineers, and researchers in colleges, universities,5132nonprofits, and federally funded research and development centers5133possess world-unique expertise and facilities in many areas where the5134government cannot attract and retain personnel in sufficient depth and5135numbers. I understand these partnerships are an important enabler to5136the DOD's enduring technological superiority both domestically and5137abroad.5138                    information air dominance center5139    73. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, do you support the Air Force5140creating a new Information Dominance Center?5141    Mr. Lohmeier. It is my understanding that the intent of the IDSC is5142to consolidate and increase Air Force focus on information dominance5143capabilities, including Command, Control, Communications, and Battle5144Management (C3BM); Cyber; Electromagnetic[DC2] Warfare (EW);5145Information Systems; and Enterprise Digital Infrastructure. If5146confirmed, I look forward to receiving an in-depth briefing on this5147reorganization effort, reviewing the data and analysis behind it, and5148making my own assessment.51495150    74. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, what do you see as the role of a5151new Information Dominance Systems Center in supporting great power5152competition?5153    Mr. Lohmeier. It is my understanding that the intent of the IDSC is5154to consolidate and increase Air Force focus on information dominance5155capabilities, including Command, Control, Communications, and Battle5156Management (C3BM); Cyber; Electromagnetic Warfare (EW); Information5157Systems; and Enterprise Digital Infrastructure. If confirmed, I look5158forward to better understanding the role of the IDSC and making my own5159assessment on how it would support the priorities outlined in the5160Interim National Security Guidance.5161         protecting classified information and federal records5162    75. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, what is your understanding of the5163need to protect operational security, or OPSEC?5164    Mr. Lohmeier. OPSEC is of paramount importance and is everyone's5165responsibility in the Department of Defense. As a U.S Air Force and U.S5166Space Force veteran, I have a strong record of practicing OPSEC to5167protect information [M(3]and encouraging all members of my organization5168to do likewise.51695170    76. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, what are the national security5171risks of improperly disclosing classified information?5172    Mr. Lohmeier. Improper disclosure of classified information could5173cause irreparable damage to national security, endanger personnel,5174compromise military operations, weaken national defenses, and point to5175potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Additionally, it can damage5176international trust and confidence in the U.S., leading to a weakening5177of alliances and reduced willingness to share sensitive information.5178And, in line with General Caine's testimony, we should always strive to5179preserve the element of surprise.51805181    77. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, what would you do if you learned5182an official had improperly disclosed classified information?5183    Mr. Lohmeier. I would follow National Security protocols to address5184mishandling of classified information and mitigate risks. When such a5185disclosure is brought to my attention, I would consult with my security5186and classification management team and legal counsel and request an5187investigation be conducted to assess any damage, with the results from5188the investigation be provided to leadership and the Department for any5189pending action.51905191    78. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, what is your understanding of5192government officials' duties under the Federal Records Act?5193    Mr. Lohmeier. It is the responsibility of every government official5194to safeguard government activities and transactions in accordance with5195the laws and regulations. The DAF implements the Federal Records Act5196working closely with other Federal agencies such as the National5197Archives and Records Administration. The Department is actively5198pursuing a Federal Records Act initiative to modernize strategies as5199well as improving overall processes via technology, such as5200implementing tagging for records data, automating record filing, and5201utilizing eDiscovery processes to retrieve records within records5202schedules--ensuring compliance and easing the burdens on our airmen and5203guardians.52045205    79. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, should classified information be5206shared on unclassified commercial systems?5207    Mr. Lohmeier. No.5208               retaliation and protecting whistleblowers5209    80. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, do you believe that5210servicemembers, civilians, grantees, and contractors should be5211protected from any form of retaliation for coming forward about an5212illegal order, sexual assault or harassment, negligence, misconduct, or5213any other concern that they wish to raise?5214    Mr. Lohmeier. I believe in following all laws, including those5215protecting whistleblowers. If confirmed, I commit to following all5216laws.52175218    81. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, have you ever retaliated against5219any individual for coming forward about an illegal order, sexual5220assault or harassment, negligence, misconduct, or any other concern5221that they wish to raise?5222    Mr. Lohmeier. No.52235224    82. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, if you are confirmed, will you5225commit to protecting whistleblowers? If so, please specify how you will5226do so.5227    Mr. Lohmeier. I believe in following all laws, including those5228protecting whistleblowers. If confirmed, I commit to following all5229laws.52305231    83. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, if you are confirmed, will you5232commit to preventing retaliation against any individual for coming5233forward about an illegal order, sexual assault or harassment,5234negligence, misconduct, or any other concern that they wish to raise?5235    Mr. Lohmeier. I believe in following all laws, including those5236protecting whistleblowers. If confirmed, I commit to following all5237laws.52385239    84. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, do you consider it to be5240retaliation to demote an individual, prevent the promotion or5241advancement of an individual, remove an individual from the military or5242their role, or take other adverse actions related to personnel5243decisions for an individual, in response to that individual engaging in5244protected activity?5245    Mr. Lohmeier. I do not have enough information based on this5246question to provide an answer. However, I believe in following all5247laws, including those protecting whistleblowers. If confirmed, I commit5248to following all laws.52495250    85. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, do you consider it to be5251retaliation to encourage another person(s) to demote an individual,5252prevent the promotion or advancement of an individual, remove an5253individual from the military or their role, or take other adverse5254actions related to personnel decisions for an individual, in response5255to that individual engaging in protected activity?5256    Mr. Lohmeier. I do not have enough information based on this5257question to provide an answer. However, I believe in following all5258laws, including those protecting whistleblowers. If confirmed, I commit5259to following all laws.52605261    86. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, do you support President Trump's5262proposal to create a board to review and purge three-and four-star5263officers?5264    Mr. Lohmeier. I am not familiar with any discussions regarding such5265a board. Under our system of government, the civilian leadership must5266remain in a higher position hierarchically than the military5267leadership. As such, I believe that civilian leadership has a right to5268choose their advisors.52695270    87. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, if you support President Trump's5271proposal to create a board to review and purge three-and four-star5272officers, what criteria would you use for any board to review three-and5273four-star officers to determine whether these officers are fit for5274leadership and for selecting who will be appointed to be the board?5275    Mr. Lohmeier. Not applicable; I am not familiar with any such board5276or discussions about such a board.52775278    88. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, have you or do you plan to5279recommend the Trump administration remove specific officers?5280    Mr. Lohmeier. No. If confirmed, my focus will be on assisting the5281Secretary of the Air Force with their title 10 responsibility to5282organize, train, and equip the Department of the Air Force.52835284    89. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, what is your justification for5285their removal, including your assessment of their character and5286leadership?5287    Mr. Lohmeier. Not applicable. If confirmed, my focus will be on5288assisting the Secretary of the Air Force with their Title 105289responsibility to organize, train, and equip the Department of the Air5290Force.52915292    90. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, what do you think a servicemember5293or officer should do if they discover wrongdoing or are asked to follow5294orders that they believe to be illegal or in violation of the5295Constitution?5296    Mr. Lohmeier. Our oath is to support and defend the Constitution5297and only follow lawful orders. I have a long record of doing just that.5298If confirmed, I commit to continuing that record and will encourage all5299in the Department of the Air Force to do so.53005301    91. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, what should the criteria be for5302reducing the rank of base commanders?5303    Mr. Lohmeier. In general, I believe all commanders should be held5304accountable and I believe the Nation expects accountability throughout5305the Department. Adverse administrative actions are already captured5306under governing regulations, and I have no reason to believe they are5307not already sufficient. If confirmed, I commit to upholding the core5308values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All5309We Do.53105311    92. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, what steps will you take to make5312clear that officers should report orders that they believe are illegal?5313    Mr. Lohmeier. Alongside the Secretary, if confirmed, I commit that5314consistent communication on the importance of adhering to the law will5315be a hallmark of my tenure.5316                 january 6th attack on the u.s. capitol5317    93. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, on August 9, 2024, in a tweet you5318referred to January 6 as ``a gov't led false flag and hoax at the5319Capitol.'' Do you still agree with this statement? If not, why did you5320make it?5321    Mr. Lohmeier. I authored this as a private citizen freely5322expressing my Constitutional right to free speech. It does not reflect5323how I would express myself as a leader of the Department of the Air5324Force and a representative of that institution, if confirmed.53255326    94. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, do you believe that January 6th5327was a false flag operation and on what basis?5328    Mr. Lohmeier. My statements in the past on this topic were authored5329as a private citizen freely expressing my Constitutional right to free5330speech. They do not reflect how I would express myself as a leader of5331the Department of the Air Force and a representative of that5332institution, if confirmed.53335334    95. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, why do you believe that there5335were ``undercover government agents at the Capitol on January 6?''5336    Mr. Lohmeier. I read it in a report by the Department of Justice5337(DOJ) Inspector General, released on December 11, 2024, which5338specifically addresses the FBI's handling of confidential human sources5339(CHSs) on January 6. The report confirms that there were 26 FBI CHSs in5340Washington, DC, that day. Three of those informants had specific tasks5341from the FBI. Twenty-three others attended on their own initiative, 35342of whom entered the Capitol and 11 of whom entered restricted areas.53435344    96. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, on the evening prior to President5345Biden's inauguration, you watched a Tucker Carlson Tonight episode5346focused on the aftermath of January 6th and stated that, ``The5347progressive Left's appalling invective had reached an unbelievably low,5348mean, and accusatory State. I recognized that kind of speech. It was5349the ideologically possessed rhetoric of genocide.'' Do you still stand5350by that statement and if so, why?5351    Mr. Lohmeier. This statement must be understood in the context of5352the entire book from which it was extracted and not in isolation. The5353warning of the last chapter of my book Irresistible Revolution is that5354the country is dangerously polarized, and that a country ``cannot5355persist in the hate-filled demonization of entire groups of people5356based on their race or political affiliation'' without it leading5357eventually to violence. My message in the book was an invitation for5358our servicemembers to ``avoid the anger of partisan politics'' and to5359avoid the demonization of entire groups of people based on their race5360or political affiliation. I invited uniformed servicemembers to not5361participate in this divisive rhetoric and to ``never use your position5362of authority to unduly propound partisan political views. To do so is5363to undermine good order and discipline.'' (reference chapter 7 of the5364book in question)5365                         criticisms of the left5366    97. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, do you agree that it is essential5367for the military to remain an apolitical institution? If confirmed, do5368you commit to ensuring that the military remains apolitical?5369    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes, this is a topic I am passionate about. If5370confirmed, I commit to ensuring the military remains an apolitical5371institution.53725373    98. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, is it appropriate to punish,5374promote, demote, or take other personnel actions against military5375personnel for their political views? If you think it is, under what5376circumstances?5377    Mr. Lohmeier. Servicemembers are required to abide by guidance5378found in DOD Directives governing political activities for members of5379the armed forces. Violations of those directives should be5380appropriately addressed. If confirmed, I will continue to advocate that5381servicemembers abide by these governing DOD regulations.53825383    99. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, on January 12, 2024, you stated5384that ``I believe Democrats' obsession with uniformity--and love affair5385with DEI [diversity, equity, and inclusion]--is the result of a5386possession of the Communist spirit.'' Do you still agree with this5387statement? If not, why did you make it?5388    Mr. Lohmeier. I believe that context is important regarding these5389statements. I made them as a private citizen freely expressing my5390Constitutional right to free speech. As a private citizen, I have often5391criticized and or warned that the military was losing its focus on5392lethality. However, these statements do not reflect how I would express5393myself as a leader of the Department of the Air Force and a5394representative of that institution, if confirmed.53955396    100. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, on December 24, 2023, you stated5397that ``Democrats still lynch those who fight against DEI initiatives.5398They only go as far as is socially permissible, but they are possessed5399of the same spirit they've always been.'' What do you mean by this5400statement and do you still agree with it? If you no longer agree with5401it, why did you make it?5402    Mr. Lohmeier. I do not recall ever having made this statement. I5403have searched but cannot find any online content suggesting I've ever5404made this statement. Statements like this do not reflect how I would5405express myself as a leader of the Department of the Air Force and a5406representative of that institution, if confirmed.54075408    101. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, on April 1, 2023, you stated5409that, ``Of all that is good and decent the Left is the real5410oppressor.'' Do you still agree with this statement? If not, why did5411you make it?5412    Mr. Lohmeier. I can find no evidence that I ever made such a5413statement. If I did, I made it as a private citizen freely expressing5414my Constitutional right to free speech. These statements do not reflect5415how I would express myself as a leader of the Department of the Air5416Force and a representative of that institution, if confirmed..54175418    102. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, on March 30, 2023, you stated5419that, ``The left is always pointing fingers at conservatives for5420inciting violence, but they are the ones guilty of it. It's always5421someone else's fault. The left is sick.'' Do you still agree with this5422statement? If not, why did you make it?5423    Mr. Lohmeier. If I made this statement, I made it as a private5424citizen freely expressing my Constitutional right to free speech. These5425statements do not reflect how I would express myself as a leader of the5426Department of the Air Force and a representative of that institution,5427if confirmed.54285429    103. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, you wrote in reference to a5430Tucker Carlson Tonight episode that, ``Again, the reason his remarks5431are relevant is because they reveal the rhetorical demonization of5432conservatives and whites in the country. It is specifically the kind of5433rhetoric necessary to justify violence against people.'' You also wrote5434that, ``To be perfectly clear, the path we are on as a country leads to5435fratricidal and genocidal warfare.'' Do you stand by these statements5436and do you believe that our country is on the path to fratricidal and5437genocidal warfare?5438    Mr. Lohmeier. These statements must be understood in the context of5439the entire book from which they were extracted and not in isolation.5440The warning of the last chapter of my book Irresistible Revolution is5441that the country is dangerously polarized, and that a country ``cannot5442persist in the hate-filled demonization of entire groups of people5443based on their race or political affiliation'' without it leading5444eventually to violence. My message in the book was an invitation for5445our servicemembers to ``avoid the anger of partisan politics'' and to5446avoid the demonization of entire groups of people based on their race5447or political affiliation.54485449    104. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, do you believe any of the above5450statements reflect servicemembers who consider themselves to be5451Democrats or on the Left? If so, which statements do you consider5452accurate regarding servicemembers?5453    Mr. Lohmeier. The statements I have made that are partisan in5454nature have been made as a private citizen in this country. I always5455honored and acted true to my obligation to remain apolitical while5456wearing the uniform of the country. Our uniformed servicemembers are5457entitled to their own private political views, but their expression of5458those views and their conduct are strictly governed by law and DOD5459regulations. Our men and women in uniform set aside their political5460differences to focus on what unites them in accomplishing a mission in5461defense of our country.54625463    105. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, do you think it is appropriate5464for a leader to disparage those they lead as having ``a possession of5465the Communist spirit'' or ``the real oppressor,'' or lynch[ing] those5466who fight against DEI initiatives,'' or ``sick''?5467    Mr. Lohmeier. My record shows an unblemished career of working with5468airmen and guardians from all walks of life. I have had members under5469my command who did not know my political views, nor I theirs. I believe5470that is as it should be. I have never disparaged those I have led.5471Unity is our strength, and I firmly believe my record reflects a5472leadership style focused on that unity--not division. If confirmed, I5473will continue to lead that way in the Department of the Air Force.5474                         lgbtq+ servicemembers5475    106. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, on August 26, 2024, you stated,5476``Wow-Military families are facing terrible decisions about whether to5477continue serving or to pull their kids out of the DOD education5478environment to save their children from gender-fluid/queer/trans5479cults.'' Do you stand by this statement? Please explain what you mean5480by ``gender-fluid/queer/trans cults.''5481    Mr. Lohmeier. I believe that context is important regarding these5482statements. I made them as a private citizen freely expressing my5483Constitutional right to free speech. They do not necessarily reflect5484how I would express myself as a leader of the Department of the Air5485Force and a representative of that institution, if confirmed.54865487    107. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, on May 23, 2024, you stated5488that, ``Military leaders cannot pretend to care about solving the5489problem of sexual assaults in the military while also propagating5490mental illness and celebrating sexual deviance.'' Do you stand by this5491statement? Please explain what you mean by ``mental illness'' and5492``sexual deviance.''5493    Mr. Lohmeier. I believe that context is important regarding these5494statements. I made them as a private citizen freely expressing my5495Constitutional right to free speech. They do not necessarily reflect5496how I would express myself as a leader of the Department of the Air5497Force and a representative of that institution, if confirmed.54985499    108. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, on May 15, 2024, you stated that5500a May 13, 2024, memorandum ``admonishes servicemembers to celebrate and5501honor the lifestyle and contributions of lesbians, gays, bisexuals,5502transgenders and queers . . . The memorandum `empowers commanders' to5503`organize' activities for their bases. It is a revolutionary campaign5504that no longer needs to hide its aims. It employs all of the right5505revolutionary language. It is Marxist-rooted DEI at its best. It is5506evil. If you are in uniform, now is the time for you to speak up5507against this as if the life of your country depends on it, because it5508does . . . Feigned kindness in the face of evil is only foolishness.5509Tolerance of this revolutionary spirit at this critical hour is little5510short of treasonous. Cowardice is the opposite of faith and love.'' Do5511you stand by these statements?5512    Mr. Lohmeier. I believe that context is important regarding these5513statements. I made them as a private citizen freely expressing my5514Constitutional right to free speech. They do not necessarily reflect5515how I would express myself as a leader of the Department of the Air5516Force and a representative of that institution, if confirmed.55175518    109. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, do you believe that members of5519the LGBTQ+ community, including servicemembers and their families, are5520``evil''?5521    Mr. Lohmeier. No, and I never said that.55225523    110. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, do you believe that members of5524the LGBTQ+ community, including servicemembers and their families, are5525``treasonous''?5526    Mr. Lohmeier. No, and I never said that.55275528    111. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, do you believe that those who5529support the LGBTQ+ community, including servicemembers and their5530families, are ``evil''?5531    Mr. Lohmeier. No, and I never said that.55325533    112. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, do you believe that those who5534support LGBTQ+ community, including servicemembers and their families,5535are ``treasonous''?5536    Mr. Lohmeier. No, and I never said that.55375538    113. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, on July 1, 2023, you stated that5539a transgender servicemember was ``weak, mentally and physically, and5540needs a different environment to work out [her] problems.'' Do you5541believe that transgender people are mentally and physically weak?5542    Mr. Lohmeier. No, and I did not make such a generalization.55435544    114. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, in response to a tweet from5545another user who posted about an openly transgender female fighter, you5546tweeted, ``A mental health epidemic celebrated by the left and forced5547into the rest.'' Do you stand by this statement, and do you believe5548that being transgender means someone is part of a ``mental health5549epidemic''?5550    Mr. Lohmeier. I believe that context is important regarding these5551statements. I made them as a private citizen freely expressing my5552Constitutional right to free speech. They do not necessarily reflect5553how I would express myself as a leader of the Department of the Air5554Force and a representative of that institution, if confirmed.55555556    115. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, how do you think Department of5557Defense leaders making statements like the above hurts recruitment and5558morale for servicemembers with LGBTQ+ children?5559    Mr. Lohmeier. I do not have access to the data that would assist in5560making a determination as to whether such statements are having a5561negative effect on recruiting or morale.55625563    116. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, did you ever support ``Don't5564Ask, Don't Tell''?5565    Mr. Lohmeier. I support the law. If confirmed, I will continue to5566uphold the law.55675568    117. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, do you currently support ``Don't5569Ask, Don't Tell''?5570    Mr. Lohmeier. I support the law. If confirmed, I will continue to5571uphold the law.55725573    118. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, do you believe that LGBTQ+5574servicemembers should be able to openly serve in our military?5575    Mr. Lohmeier. I support the Department's policy of allowing all to5576serve as long as they can meet the standards without accommodation.55775578    119. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, do you expect to meet recruiting5579goals and attract the most effective future leaders if you continue to5580insult and denigrate servicemembers who are part of the LGBTQ+5581community?5582    Mr. Lohmeier. I reject the premise of this question. I do not5583desire to insult or denigrate any servicemembers.5584                             investigations5585    120. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, did you receive permission from5586any component of the Department of Defense to publish your book,5587Irresistible Revolution: Marxism's Goal of Conquest & the Unmaking of5588the American Military?5589    Mr. Lohmeier. No. However, I consulted with and received legal5590counsel from my base judge advocate general and consulted with and5591received advice from DOD public affairs before publication. My purpose5592in consulting with them was to understand my legal obligations as well5593as DOD policy and I acted consistent with their advice and counsel.55945595    121. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, were you advised by public5596affairs personnel or any other individuals that the pre-publication5597review of your book was unnecessary? Please provide a copy of any5598correspondence or documentation that confirms this.5599    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes, I was advised by both my base judge advocate5600general and a DOD public affairs officer that prepublication review was5601unnecessary given the academic/historical nature of the work.5602Unfortunately, I do not have written correspondence or documentation5603confirming this. DOD may still have these files on hand.56045605    122. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, after you were relieved as the5606commander of the 11th Space Warning Squadron at Buckley Air Force Base5607but were still an Active Duty servicemember, you went on the Sean5608Hannity Show and said that communications were sent out to every base5609to prepare for the Department's ``extremism down-days'' and that these5610communications ``taught that the country was evil. That it was founded5611in 1619 not 1776. And that Whites are inherently evil.'' The Department5612of Defense provided training videos to Fox News that contradicted your5613claims. Do you still stand by these statements?5614    Mr. Lohmeier. The interview in question was taken in my personal5615capacity, which was indicated at the beginning of the interview. In the5616interview, I accurately communicated the guidance that servicemembers5617had received from the Department, and I advocated for an apolitical5618military, and said that my standard as a commander was to not tolerate5619any discrimination based on race or political affiliation. However,5620what I said has been mischaracterized in the question above. I stand by5621the comments I made during that interview in their full context, but5622those comments were made in reference to what was being taught and5623discussed at my base specifically. The partisan and anti-American5624rhetoric at my base were the subject of a formal written complaint to5625the Space Force IG in November 2020, over a half-year before my book5626was published.56275628    123. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, did the Air Force Inspector5629General launch an investigation about your conduct relating to the5630complaint made to the Air Force Inspector General dated May 14, 2021?5631    Mr. Lohmeier. To the best of my knowledge, the Air Force Inspector5632General did launch an investigation into my conduct; however, I am not5633aware of ``the complaint'' referenced.56345635    124. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, did the Air Force Inspector5636General complete any investigation on your conduct?5637    Mr. Lohmeier. My present understanding is that completion of the5638investigation was deemed unnecessary due to my voluntary separation5639from the Service. However, shortly after I separated, I was informed by5640phone that the investigation had been ``closed,'' and that neither I5641nor then-Lt Gen Stephen Whiting had been found guilty of misconduct.56425643    125. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, if the Air Force Inspector5644General completed any investigation regarding your conduct, please5645provide the results of this investigation.5646    Mr. Lohmeier. I do not have anything in writing indicating the5647results of that investigation. After I honorably separated from Active5648Duty in September 2021, I received a phone call from the Air Force IG5649office who informed me that the investigation had closed, and that5650neither I nor then-Lt Gen Stephen Whiting had been found guilty of5651misconduct.56525653    126. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, please provide a copy of the5654results of the Command Directed Investigation (CDI) initiated by5655Lieutenant General Stephen Whiting, USSF, to determine whether public5656comments you had made constituted prohibited partisan political5657activity.5658    Mr. Lohmeier. While [DC5]Lt Gen Whiting did inform me that he had5659directed an investigation, I was never provided with the results and5660presume this means that the allegations were appropriately5661unsubstantiated.5662                         nuclear modernization5663    127. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, if the Air Force plans to extend5664Minuteman III to 2050, would the Air Force and lead contractor Northrop5665Grumman Corp. benefit from additional time to better plan and manage5666the Sentinel program?5667    Mr. Lohmeier. It is my understanding the Minuteman III will5668continue to be sustained and operated by the Air Force until replaced5669by Sentinel. The capabilities and deterrence value of Sentinel5670capabilities are critical to national defense. If confirmed, I will5671commit to working with the acquisition enterprise and industry to5672successfully manage the Sentinel program.56735674    128. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, what is your understanding of5675the value of an Integrated Master Schedule for managing large and5676complex programs?5677    Mr. Lohmeier. I understand the value of an Integrated Master5678Schedule (IMS) to be critical to verifying the attainability of5679contract objectives, evaluating progress toward meeting program5680objectives and integrating government/contractor program schedule5681activities. I believe this type of comprehensive roadmap can help5682improve communication, coordination, and control throughout a program's5683life.56845685    129. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, under what circumstances should5686a complex program advance without an Integrated Master Schedule?5687    Mr. Lohmeier. I understand that advancing a complex program without5688an Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) is generally a higher-risk5689proposition and should be avoided whenever possible.56905691    130. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, what is your understanding of5692the biggest challenges confronting the Sentinel program?5693    Mr. Lohmeier. I understand there to be a variety of challenges5694confronting the Sentinel programs, including talent acquisition, supply5695chain deliveries, and construction complexity, to name a few. I know5696that overcoming these challenges will require strong leadership,5697effective management, and sustained commitment from the government,5698industry, and the public. If confirmed, I look forward to getting fully5699briefed on this program and helping to find solutions to the5700challenges.5701                               __________5702             Questions Submitted by Senator Tammy Duckworth5703                     politicization of the military5704    131. Senator Duckworth. Mr. Lohmeier, you stated in your hearing5705testimony that you engaged with Members of Congress about your5706concerns, after your Inspector General (IG) complaint was found with no5707merit but before you decided to publish your book and publicly speak5708out. You committed to providing documentation of your correspondence5709with Members of Congress. Can you please provide records of this5710correspondence with dates?5711    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes, as I stated in my hearing testimony, I attempted5712to engage Members of Congress by letter about my concerns over the5713politicization of the military workplace after I had discussed my5714concerns with my chain of command and after my IG complaint had been5715dismissed. I have attached that letter, dated May 14, 2021. The same5716letter was addressed and sent to various members of both the Senate and5717House of Representatives.57185719    132. Senator Duckworth. Mr. Lohmeier, if confirmed, do you commit5720not to retaliate against general officers or military servicemembers5721for executing lawful policies enacted by a previous Administration?5722    Mr. Lohmeier. I commit to following the law.5723                    inspector general investigation5724    133. Senator Duckworth. Mr. Lohmeier, as you promised in our call5725on April 30, 2025, can you please provide documentation of your claim5726that, after you separated, the Air Force cleared you of any accusations5727or formal charges of engaging in prohibited partisan political activity5728or partisan statements?5729    Mr. Lohmeier. I honorably separated from Active Duty on September57301, 2021. The honorable discharge status is indicated on my DD214. After5731I separated from the Air Force, the Air Force IG office called to5732inform me that they had closed their investigation, and the evidence5733did not substantiate any allegations against me. I never received any5734written notification afterward, but the Air Force may have additional5735documentation.5736                        unauthorized disclosures5737    134. Senator Duckworth. Mr. Lohmeier, if confirmed, do you commit5738that your deliberations and decisions will only be communicated through5739official, secure channels and any decisions properly documented for5740both oversight and institutional memory?5741    Mr. Lohmeier. Yes.5742                                 ______57435744    [The nomination reference of Mr. Matthew L. Lohmeier5745follows:]57465747    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]57485749                                 ______57505751    [The biographical sketch of Mr. Matthew L. Lohmeier, which5752was transmitted to the Committee at the time the nomination was5753referred, follows:]57545755    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]57565757                                 ______57585759    [The Committee on Armed Services requires all individuals5760nominated from civilian life by the President to positions5761requiring the advice and consent of the Senate to complete a5762form that details the biographical, financial, and other5763information of the nominee. The form executed by Mr. Matthew L.5764Lohmeier in connection with his nomination follows:]57655766   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]57675768                                 ______57695770    [The nominee responded to Parts B-F of the committee5771questionnaire. The text of the questionnaire is set forth in5772the Appendix to this volume. The nominee's answers to Parts B-F5773are contained in the committee's executive files.]57745775    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]57765777                                 ______57785779    [The nomination of Mr. Matthew L. Lohmeier was reported to5780the Senate by Chairman Wicker on May 13, 2025, with the5781recommendation that the nomination be confirmed. The nomination5782was confirmed by the Senate on July 24, 2025.]5783                                 ______57845785    [Prepared questions submitted to Mr. Justin P. Overbaugh by5786Chairman Wicker prior to the hearing with answers supplied5787follow:]57885789                        Questions and Responses5790               duties, qualifications, and relationships5791    Question. Section 137a of title 10, U.S. Code, establishes the5792position of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and5793Security (DUSD(I&S)) and provides that the DUSD ``shall be appointed5794from among persons who have extensive experience in intelligence5795matters.''5796    If confirmed as DUSD(I&S), what do you believe would be your most5797critical duties and responsibilities?5798    Answer. The primary responsibility of the Deputy Under Secretary of5799Defense for Intelligence and Security (DUSD(I&S)) is to support the5800Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (USD(I&S)) as5801well as the Secretary of Defense by executing his intelligence and5802security responsibilities and authorities, including the authorities5803that are codified in Title 10 and Title 50 of the United States Code.5804Conducting this responsibility in support of the warfighter and our5805national defense will always be on the top of my mind. If confirmed, I5806will also always want to balance the USD(I&S)'s responsibilities with5807the protection of privacy and civil liberties, pursuant to section5808137(c) of Title 10 United States Code and in accordance with Federal5809law and the regulations and directives of the Department of Defense.5810    I understand that the responsibilities of the DUSD(I&S) by statute5811and policy are contained in DOD Directive 5143.01. I would support the5812USD(I&S) as the Principal Staff Assistant and advisor regarding5813intelligence, counterintelligence, security, sensitive activities, and5814other intelligence-related matters; exercising authority, direction,5815and control on behalf of the Secretary of Defense over the Defense5816Intelligence Agency (DIA), the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency5817(NGA), the National Security Agency / Central Security Service (NSA /5818CSS), the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and the Defense5819Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA); establishing policy and5820priorities for, and providing oversight of, the defense intelligence5821and security enterprises; exercising oversight of personnel policy to5822ensure that intelligence organizations in the Department of Defense are5823staffed, organized, trained, and equipped to support the missions of5824the Department; ensuring that the DOD intelligence components that are5825also elements of the intelligence community (IC) are responsive to the5826Director of National Intelligence (DNI) in the execution of the DNI's5827authorities; ensuring that the combatant commanders, the Joint Chiefs5828of Staff, and the civilian leadership of the Department are provided5829with appropriate intelligence support; ensuring that5830counterintelligence activities in the Department are conducted and5831managed efficiently and effectively; ensuring that certain sensitive5832activities which the Department conducts or supports are conducted and5833managed efficiently and effectively; overseeing the implementation of5834assigned DOD security policies and programs to ensure efficiency and5835effectiveness; and serving as the Program Executive for the Military5836Intelligence Program (MIP).5837    Question. What is your understanding of the role of the DUSD(I&S)5838as ``first assistant'' to the Under Secretary of Defense for5839Intelligence and Security (USD(I&S))?5840    Answer. As the principal assistant to the Under Secretary, the5841DUSD(I&S) assists the USD(I&S) in carrying out the responsibilities,5842fulfill functions, manage relationships, and exercise authorities as5843provided for in law and DOD Directive 5143.01, including the exercise5844of authority, direction, and control on behalf of the Secretary of5845Defense over the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), the National5846Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), the National Security Agency/5847Central Security Service (NSA/CSS), the National Reconnaissance Office5848(NRO), and the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA).5849In addition, the DUSD(I&S) assists the USD(I&S) in planning, policy,5850and strategic oversight for all defense intelligence,5851counterintelligence and security policy, plans, and programs. Last, the5852DUSD(I&S) advises on and assists the Under Secretary with all5853responsibilities in providing staff advice and assistance to the5854Secretary of Defense. If confirmed, as a leader in the Department it is5855an implied responsibility, when appropriate, beneficial, and lawful, to5856collaboratively support the intelligence-related needs for the whole-5857of-government mission to protect our Nation's security.5858    Question. What is your understanding of the differences between the5859title 10 and title 50 duties of the USD(I&S)--duties that, in regard to5860some matters, could be delegated to you if confirmed as the DUSD(I&S)?5861    Answer. My understanding is that the DUSD(I&S) supports the5862USD(I&S) and Secretary of Defense in fulfilling all the Secretary's5863statutory responsibilities in the areas of intelligence and security,5864whether codified in Title 10 or Title 50 of the United States Code.5865Although I am not aware of any specific portfolio assignments or5866delegations at this time, the duties of the USD(I&S) are further5867prescribed in DOD Directive (DoDD) 5143.01. This includes providing5868overall direction and supervision for policy, program planning and5869execution, and use of resources for DOD activities that are part of the5870Military Intelligence Program and for personnel security, physical5871security, industrial security, and the protection of classified5872information and controlled unclassified information-related activities.5873Of note, section 137(c) of title 10 also states that it shall be a top5874priority of the USD(I&S) to protect privacy and civil liberties in5875accordance with Federal law and the regulations and directives of DOD.5876    I also understand that the USD(I&S) supports the Secretary of5877Defense in fulfilling the responsibilities in subsection 3038(a) of5878Title 50, United States Code, in consultation with the Director of5879National Intelligence, to ensure: (1) that the budgets of the5880intelligence community (IC) elements within the Department of Defense5881(DoD) are adequately funded to the overall DOD intelligence needs; (2)5882the implementation of the policies and resource decisions of the5883Director of National Intelligence by DOD Components within the National5884Intelligence Program (NIP); (3) that DOD tactical intelligence5885activities complement and are compatible with intelligence activities5886funded by the NIP; (4) that the IC elements within DOD are responsive5887and timely with respect to satisfying the needs of operational military5888forces; (5) waste and unnecessary duplication among the DOD5889intelligence activities are eliminated; and (6) that DOD intelligence5890activities are conducted jointly where appropriate.5891    Question. What leadership and management experience do you possess5892that you would apply to your service as DUSD(I&S), if confirmed?5893    Answer. If confirmed, it would be my privilege to put my nearly 265894years of experience in leadership and management in service as5895DUSD(I&S). Most recently, I've served as the Chief Operations Officer5896for Strategic Decision Solutions, a boutique strategy and risk5897consulting firm serving midsize ($200mil to $1b) property and casualty5898insurance companies. Prior to that, I served in the U.S. Army for over589925 years, retiring as a Colonel. I've successfully led and managed5900organizations specializing in Infantry, Intelligence5901Counterintelligence and Recruiting operations. As part of my duties,5902I've managed relationships with U.S. community leaders, U.S. and5903foreign intelligence services, and U.S. interagency and foreign5904military partners.5905    Question. Please provide an example of a situation in which you led5906and brought to conclusion a management improvement/change initiative in5907a complex organization.5908    Answer. As Director of Intelligence for a Special Operations--Joint5909Task Force at U.S. Special Operations Command, I led a change5910initiative to establish full-spectrum intelligence support for a new5911strategic organization tasked with global synchronization of sensitive,5912national-level capabilities. As part of this effort, I successfully5913convened seven international partners to collaborate on 148 global5914operations, enhancing partner-nation interoperability and improving the5915efficiency and efficacy of operations and intelligence sharing.5916Additionally, I built a new decision support and analytical team that5917connected our joint task force with 25 national defense, intelligence,5918and academic organizations. This initiative culminated in the creation5919of a comprehensive, global threat picture, which significantly5920strengthened our ability to respond to emerging threats and made a5921measurable impact on global security operations.5922    Question. What is your experience across the domain of intelligence5923matters? Security matters?5924    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to applying my over two5925decades of intelligence and security related experience to the role of5926DUSD(I&S). Mostly recently, I served as Director of Intelligence for a5927Special Operations--Joint Task Force, establishing full-spectrum5928intelligence support to a new U.S. Special Operations Command5929organization charged with global synchronization of sensitive,5930national-level capabilities. In this capacity I worked across the5931Intelligence Community and Interagency along with Foreign Allies and5932Partners to reorient some of the U.S.'s most exceptional resources5933toward our most challenging threats. Prior to that role, I served in5934various intelligence positions of increasing responsibility including5935Human Intelligence Branch Chief at U.S. Special Operations Command, the5936Commander of all U.S. Army Strategic Counterintelligence operations in5937Europe and Africa, Counterintelligence Case Officer, Executive Officer5938for the U.S. Army's only dedicated Counterintelligence unit charged5939with supporting Special Operations Forces, Military Source Operations5940Collector in eastern Afghanistan, the Senior Intelligence Officer for59412d Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, and as a Reconnaissance Platoon5942Leader in the 101st Airborne Division. Along the way, I earned two5943graduate degrees (MS in Defense Analysis and MA in National Security5944and Strategic Studies), co-authored scholarly articles on intelligence5945and foreign policy, graduated from DIA's Advanced Foreign5946Counterintelligence Operations Course, earned the U.S. Army5947Counterintelligence Agent's Badge and Credentials and was recognized5948with the National Counterintelligence Executive's 20145949Counterintelligence Operations Award.5950    Question. Are there are any actions you would take to enhance your5951ability to perform the duties and exercise the powers of the DUSD(I&S)?5952    Answer. If confirmed, leveraging the experience and wisdom of the5953career professionals within the DISE and throughout the Department will5954be critical to my own and the organization's success. I believe in the5955value of seeking knowledge in every direction and will do so if5956confirmed. Furthermore, I would work to ensure an organization climate5957that encourages the best ideas to flow freely through the organization.5958    From my understanding of the responsibilities of the OUSD(I&S) and5959requirements in support of DOD, the broader IC, and the whole-of-5960government, it is imperative to foster and facilitate a collaborative5961environment to achieve mission success. If confirmed, I will personally5962work to maintain strong relationships and seek new opportunities for5963collaboration with stakeholders.5964    Question. If confirmed, specifically what would you do to ensure5965that your tenure as DUSD(I&S) epitomizes the fundamental requirement5966for civilian control of the Armed Forces embedded in the U.S.5967Constitution and other laws?5968    Answer. As a proud Veteran, I am fully committed to upholding the5969fundamental requirement in the U.S. Constitution and other laws for5970civilian control of the Armed Forces, a key principle of American5971governance and enabler for our success as a Nation. This includes5972executing my responsibilities and duties established by law and policy5973to the President, Secretary of Defense, and to the U.S. Congress, and5974holding those who I manage and oversee accountable for the same.5975    Question. How do you view the relationship and division of5976responsibilities between the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense5977for Intelligence and Security (OUSD(I&S)) and the Office of the5978Director of National Intelligence (ODNI)?5979    Answer. The partnership between OUSD(I&S) and Office of the5980Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) is essential to the success of5981the DISE. The OUSD(I&S) works closely with the ODNI to effectively5982integrate intelligence in support of U.S. national security interests.5983Through the effective partnership and integration between OUSD(I&S) and5984ODNI, the Intelligence Community delivers coordinated intelligence to5985policymakers and warfighters on crucial threats to our national5986security. If confirmed, I will seek to continue to strengthen the5987partnership between OUSD(I&S) and the ODNI to maximize effects and5988return on investment of our combined efforts.5989    The USD(I&S) himself is dual-hatted as the Director of Defense5990Intelligence at ODNI and there is a military officer who serves as the5991DNI's Advisor on Military Affairs (DAMA) to ensure tight coordination5992between the Department of Defense Intelligence Enterprise (DIE) and the5993greater IC. The staffs must coordinate to effectively and efficiently5994ensure quality intelligence is provided in support of our national5995leadership and warfighters. I believe that USD(I&S) plays a critical5996role and is effective in ensuring IC support to Warfighters.5997    Last, as a principal member of the Suitability and Security5998Clearance Performance Accountability Council (PAC), the USD(I&S) works5999with the DNI, who is the Security Executive Agent and a principal6000member of the PAC.6001    Question. How do you view the relationship and division of6002responsibilities between the OUSD(I&S) and the Office of the Under6003Secretary of Defense for Policy (OUSD(P)), particularly as regards6004policy and programs for information operations, including military6005deception and operations security (OPSEC)?6006    Answer. My understanding is that the Under Secretary of Defense for6007Policy (USD(P)) is the Principal Staff Assistant for oversight of6008Information Operations (IO), and that the USD(I&S) is the Program6009Management Lead for DOD deception activities and operations security.6010In coordination with the USD(P), the USD(I&S) develops and oversees6011implementation of DOD policy, programs, and guidance for military6012deception and operations security; the coordination and deconfliction6013of DOD IO and intelligence activities; and develops and oversees the6014implementation of policy for intelligence support to IO. If confirmed,6015I will prioritize ensuring the Department has all available tools to6016effectively compete along the full competition continuum. A strong6017partnership between OUSD(I&S) and OUSD(P) is critical in the6018development and effectiveness of DOD activities to counter adversary6019activities in the ``gray zone'', which will enable our ability to deter6020adversaries short of armed conflict and re-establish deterrence.6021    Question. In your view, what would be the optimum relationship6022between the OUSD(I&S) and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in6023regard to providing operational intelligence, counterintelligence, and6024security support to the warfighter?6025    Answer. I understand that the USD(I&S) is responsible for6026supporting the Secretary of Defense in discharging his intelligence and6027security responsibilities and authorities under Title 10 and Title 506028of the United States Code. This includes exercising authority,6029direction, and control on behalf of the Secretary of Defense over6030certain defense intelligence components of the Department of Defense6031and working closely with the Joint Staff, Combatant Commands, Service6032Components, and the ODNI to develop effective policy, plans, programs,6033and priorities. The optimal relationship between OUSD(I&S) and the6034Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is mutual support and6035consultation to ensure the defense intelligence enterprise (DIE)6036provides the warfighters with the best intelligence possible, to6037conduct their planning and operations and to provide the Secretary of6038Defense with the best defense intelligence and military advice.6039    Question. What is your understanding of how the responsibilities6040for the oversight of the activities and programs of special operations6041forces are delineated between the OUSD(I&S) and the Assistant Secretary6042of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict6043(ASD(SOLIC))?6044    Answer. I understand that USD(I&S), the Assistant Secretary of6045Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict (ASD(SO/6046LIC)), and the DOD Senior Intelligence Oversight Official (SIOO) acting6047together are the primary oversight officials for all U.S. Special6048Operations Forces intelligence and intelligence-related activities and6049programs. A strong partnership between OUSD(I&S), ASD(SO/LIC), and6050their Deputies is critical in the development and effectiveness of many6051DOD activities in the ``gray zone,'' which will enable DOD's ability to6052deter adversaries short of armed conflict and reestablish deterrence.6053If confirmed, we will work closely together with the SIOO, who I6054understand provides independent oversight within the Department of6055intelligence and intelligence-related activities. I will continue this6056close partnership to ensure that the United States is best postured to6057maximize effects. In doing so, I will ensure defense intelligence6058activities adhere to appropriate coordination processes within the6059Office of the Secretary of Defense.6060    Question. How do you view the relationship and division of6061responsibilities between OUSD(I&S) and the Office of the Under6062Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment (OUSD(A&S)) in6063regard to both unclassified and classified contract efforts?6064    Answer. I understand the relationship between OUSD(I&S) and the6065Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment6066(OUSD(A&S)) is one of cooperation and collaboration. I am aware of6067existing important efforts between both offices, to include an6068examination of DOD oversight of classified contracting, getting the6069National Background Investigation Services program back on track, and6070partnering to protect the National Security Innovation Base and Defense6071Industrial Base from adversary compromise. If confirmed, I look forward6072to learning more about these efforts and making my own assessment of6073their progress.6074    Also, if confirmed, a priority of mine will be to better enable6075intelligence to inform Department investments, effectively matching6076capabilities with threats, along the entire acquisition life cycle. I6077will work closely with the USD(A&S) to best integrate intelligence6078efforts to effectively support decisionmakers amidst a rapidly evolving6079technological and threat environment.6080    Question. How do you view the relationship and division of6081responsibilities between the OUSD(I&S) and the DOD Chief Information6082Officer, particularly with respect to the cybersecurity mission;6083developing interoperability requirements applicable to information6084systems architectures for processing intelligence and6085counterintelligence information; and the certification of intelligence6086information systems?6087    Answer. I view the relationship between the OUSD(I&S) and the6088Department of Defense Chief Information Officer (DoD CIO) as one6089predicated on collaboration and partnership to align, secure, and6090modernize information security policies and DOD's information system6091architectures to support our warfighters. I understand that the DOD CIO6092advises the Secretary of Defense on information technology, including6093National Security Systems and defense business systems, cybersecurity,6094and develops DOD strategy and policy for all DOD information6095technology. Along with the newly established position for the Assistant6096Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy, the partnership between6097OUSD(I&S) and DOD CIO is imperative for continuing cybersecurity6098efforts, such as implementing Zero Trust on all three DOD network6099fabrics to mitigate nefarious actors including potential insider6100threats.6101    If confirmed, I will work with the DOD CIO to advance the6102department's mission by ensuring an integrated, intelligence, and6103counterintelligence informed management of IT and network security that6104addresses the evolving cybersecurity threat.6105    Question. How do you view the relationship between the OUSD(I&S)6106and the heads of the Intelligence Components of the Military6107Departments? What factors would you recommend that the USD(I&S)6108consider and weigh in providing input to the Secretaries of the6109Military Departments on the duty performance of the heads of their6110respective Intelligence Components?6111    Answer. My understanding is that the OUSD(I&S) staff works closely6112with the heads of the intelligence and counterintelligence components6113of the Military Departments. The USD(I&S) then provides input to the6114Secretaries of the Military Departments on the performance of the6115senior intelligence officer within each Military Department.6116    The USD(I&S) is the Principal Staff Assistant to the Secretary of6117Defense with authority delegated from the Secretary to establish policy6118for DOD intelligence, counterintelligence, security, sensitive6119activities, and other intelligence-related matters. If confirmed as the6120DUSD(I&S), I will assist the Directors for Defense Intelligence within6121OUSD(I&S) with their specific programmatic responsibilities and support6122the USD(I&S) in carrying out his assigned responsibilities and6123exercising the authorities delegated to the USD(I&S) by the Secretary6124of Defense.6125    The Secretaries of the Military Departments exercise authority,6126direction, and control over all components within their respective6127Departments. The heads of the intelligence and counterintelligence6128components within the Military Departments are under the authority,6129direction, and control of the Secretary of the Military Department, and6130subject to the policy oversight of the USD(I&S).6131    I understand that DOD Directive 5143.01 outlines the6132responsibilities and functions, relationships, and authorities of the6133USD(I&S). In accordance with this Directive, OUSD(I&S) assists the6134USD(I&S) to develop and provide policy guidance, resource advocacy, and6135oversight for the integration of Reserve Component intelligence6136elements, and ensures the Department effectively employs and resources6137Reserve Component intelligence elements to best support the National6138Defense Strategy. The programmatic role of OUSD(I&S) is the same with6139respect to the Active and Reserve Components of the Military Services.6140Like the Active Components, the Reserve Components' intelligence6141elements are under the authority, direction, and control of the6142Secretary of the relevant Military Department in which they are6143located, and subject to the policy oversight of the OUSD(I&S).6144    Question. What is your understanding of the DUSD(I&S)'s6145responsibility and authority for the management and oversight of6146Military Intelligence Program (MIP) and National Intelligence Program6147(NIP) funding? How do the processes employed by the OUSD(I&S) in the6148execution of these responsibilities differ from the Planning,6149Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process applicable to all6150other DOD organizations and funding?6151    Answer. My understanding is that USD(I&S) executes the Secretary's6152statutory responsibilities regarding the budgets of the DOD components6153that comprise the Intelligence Community (IC), specifically ensuring6154the budgets of DOD IC elements are adequate to satisfy the overall6155intelligence needs of the Department. Further, as the MIP Executive6156Agent, the USD(I&S) is also responsible for the management and6157oversight of the Military Intelligence Program (MIP). The USD(I&S)6158executes the functions for the NIP of the Department, as delegated by6159the Secretary of Defense, and as the Director of Defense Intelligence6160for ODNI, has visibility into the NIP through participation in the ODNI6161PPBE decision forums. Additionally, the DNI and the USD(I&S) then6162jointly issue intelligence programming guidance to closely synchronize6163NIP and MIP-funded programs to ensure the Department's priorities are6164communicated to the IC. If confirmed, I will support the USD(I&S) in6165his partnership with the ODNI in ensuring DOD intelligence requirements6166are effectively supported within the NIP budget.6167    With respect to the DOD PPBE process, it is my understanding that6168the USD(I&S) is a full participant in the Department's PPBE process and6169that military intelligence requirements compete with the other DOD6170requirements.6171    Question. If confirmed, specifically what actions would you take to6172develop and sustain an open, transparent, and productive relationship6173between the Senate Armed Services Committee and the OUSD(I&S) and the6174Defense Agencies under the authority, direction, and control of the6175USD(I&S)?6176    Answer. I believe that collaborative congressional oversight6177provides an invaluable perspective on DOD activities that informs6178better decisions within both branches of government, ultimately making6179DOD more effective in achieving our common purpose of strengthening our6180national defense. If confirmed, I intend to maintain a routine,6181continuous, and transparent dialog with the defense oversight6182committees to discuss the Department's activities that are subject to6183their oversight, including defense intelligence, counterintelligence,6184security, sensitive activities, and other intelligence-related6185activities. I am committed to maintaining open lines of communication6186with Congress to ensure accurate and consistent information is shared6187from the OUSD(I&S) and the defense agencies under USD(I&S) authority.6188Through this approach, I will seek to facilitate effective oversight6189and build mutual trust between DOD and Congress, enabling DOD6190constructive conversations and collaboration on statutory authorities,6191resource allocation, and oversight.6192    Question. If confirmed, will you commit to ensure that this6193Committee is provided with the notifications required under law, and6194that any such notification is accurate, complete, and timely?6195    Answer. I am committed to keeping Congress fully and currently6196informed for all activities that fall under the USD(I&S)'s6197responsibility under DOD Directive 5143.01, including fulfilling the6198notification requirements in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2723. If6199confirmed, I will examine how the OUSD(I&S) supports the USD(I&S) with6200respect to this responsibility and pursue improvements, as needed, to6201ensure such notifications are accurate, complete, and timely.6202                         conflicts of interest6203    Question. Federal ethics laws, to include 18 U.S.C. Sec. 208,6204prohibit government employees from participating in matters where they,6205or certain family members or organizations with which they have certain6206relationships, have a financial interest.6207    Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to disclose any6208potential conflicts of interest, including investments, business ties,6209family relationships, or other connections that could be perceived as6210influencing your decisionmaking?6211    Answer. I agree to comply with all conflicts of interest disclosure6212requirements set forth in the Ethics in Government Act and implementing6213regulations.6214    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, that6215if a conflict of interest arises, you will recuse yourself from6216participating in any decisions regarding that specific matter?6217    Answer. I agree to comply with all recusal requirements under 186218U.S.C. Sec.  208 and implementing regulations.6219    Question. Do you commit, without qualification, if confirmed, to6220decisionmaking on the merits and exclusively in the public interest,6221without regard to private gain or personal benefit?6222    Answer. I commit to deciding matters on the merits based on the6223public interest, without regard to any private gain or personal benefit6224                    major challenges and priorities6225    Question. What do you consider to be the most significant6226challenges you would face if confirmed as the DUSD(I&S)?6227    Answer. If confirmed, the most significant challenge I anticipate6228as DUSD(I&S) will be how to ensure that the DISE is most effectively6229supporting the Secretary of Defense's priorities of restoring a warrior6230ethos, rebuilding our military, and reestablishing deterrence in6231support of our national defense in a rapidly changing environment.6232    Effective management of the DISE is essential, and we must align6233efforts to maximize effects downrange and the return on our investment.6234This includes ensuring we have the right technology and organizational6235structure to enable our personnel--some of America's best--to increase6236their impact in today's operational environment, and to position the6237Enterprise for the rapidly changing landscape of the future. If6238confirmed, I would ensure the Enterprise has the culture, business best6239practices, and processes necessary to be agile, while remaining laser6240focused on the mission. Adapting the DISE at the speed of relevance6241will be difficult, but essential. From my perspective, technology6242advancements in ubiquitous sensing, space control, and unmanned systems6243at scale are examples of the challenges to which we must adapt.6244    If confirmed, I will endeavor to better enable intelligence to6245inform Department investments, effectively matching capabilities with6246threats. With program costs incredibly high--and the cost of6247misallocation on the modern battlefield even higher--the premium on6248intelligence effectively informing the entire acquisition life cycle is6249at an all-time high. I believe the speed of the technology will require6250increased focus earlier in the development cycle, requiring an6251increased focus on scientific & technical intelligence.6252    We must ensure the Department has all the tools required to most6253effectively compete along the full continuum of conflict. Our6254adversaries are increasingly conducting malign activity below a6255threshold that has traditionally triggered a military response.6256Enhancing DOD Irregular Warfare capabilities will allow us to provide6257leaders with risk-informed options to better compete short of armed6258conflict and re-establish deterrence. Similarly, I believe offensive6259cyber capabilities and an increased focus on Defense human intelligence6260are areas for opportunity. Finally, offensive counterintelligence6261efforts are essential in disrupting our adversaries. These options may6262often carry additional risk; however, the DISE will strive to provide6263risk-informed options to the Secretary that support his and the6264President's national security objectives.6265                  expanding roles and responsibilities6266    Question. In 2003, Congress established the position of Under6267Secretary of Defense for Intelligence with the intent to improve6268coordination of the Department of Defense's intelligence and security6269efforts in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11,62702001. The roles and responsibilities of the Under Secretary have6271expanded significantly since the creation of the position, particularly6272in the areas of security and law enforcement.6273    What is your understanding of the evolution and growth of the roles6274and responsibilities of the OUSD(I&S) since its establishment?6275    Answer. I understand that the evolution of the roles and6276responsibilities of the OUSD(I&S) since its establishment in 2003 have6277been strategic and responsive to the evolution and growth of6278requirements to support the Secretary of Defense in executing6279intelligence and security responsibilities and authorities under Title628010 and Title 50 of the United States Code. The growth is largely6281attributed to the evolution of important security functions and6282programs that enable the Department to more effectively compete across6283the spectrum of conflict, to include implementation and oversight of6284Trusted Workforce 2.0 and the designation of the Under Secretary as the6285Principal Staff Assistant for Law Enforcement. I see these and others6286as necessary to support the Secretary in the successful implementation6287of the Interim National Defense Strategic Guidance.6288    Question. If confirmed, how do you intend to balance the6289significant and varied responsibilities of the OUSD(I&S)?6290    Answer. I understand that the USD(I&S) is the Principal Staff6291Assistant and advisor to the Secretary of Defense with authority6292delegated from the Secretary of Defense to establish policy and provide6293oversight for DOD intelligence, counterintelligence, security,6294sensitive activities, other intelligence-related matters, and law6295enforcement. If confirmed as the DUSD(I&S), I will support the USD(I&S)6296in fulfilling all responsibilities in a manner that supports the6297Interim National Defense Strategic Guidance. I will identify and6298leverage the extraordinary expertise and talent across OUSD(I&S) and6299Defense Intelligence and Security Enterprise to successfully accomplish6300this objective.6301  supervision, and oversight of the defense intelligence and security6302                               enterprise6303    Question. The USD(I&S) is vested with responsibility for the6304overall direction and supervision of the Defense Intelligence and6305Security Enterprise in the execution of intelligence,6306counterintelligence, security, sensitive activities, and other6307intelligence-related matters across DOD. Subject to USD(I&S) oversight,6308responsibility for executing policies and programs in these domains6309vests primarily in the Military Departments and Services, elements of6310the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the Defense Agencies.6311    What is your understanding of the role of the OUSD(I&S) in6312coordinating the activities of the Defense Intelligence and Security6313Enterprise?6314    Answer. I see intelligence and security as mutually reinforcing6315mission areas. The Department must understand the intentions,6316capabilities, and activities of strategic competitors and adversaries.6317Similarly, the security apparatus must safeguard our personnel,6318information, capabilities, and infrastructure against adversaries. I6319understand that OUSD(I&S) works across the Department with the Military6320Services and defense agencies to identify requirements and capabilities6321to meet DOD priorities. They work closely with the ODNI to ensure the6322national intelligence priorities take all Departmental requirements6323into account. These efforts ensure Enterprise alignment with all6324national and Department-level strategies, guidance, direction, and6325relevant priorities. The USD(I&S) also executes the Military6326Intelligence Program (MIP) and participates in the ODNI specified6327National Intelligence Program (NIP) process to ensure resources are6328aligned against DOD priorities.6329                       national defense strategy6330    Question. What is your assessment of the current strategic6331environment, including your assessment of the critical and enduring6332threats to the national security of the United States and its allies6333and partners?6334    Answer. The United States faces one of the most dangerous strategic6335environments in our Nation's history, characterized by the6336vulnerability of the U.S. Homeland from years of unsecured borders,6337increasingly capable air and missile threats, and others; China's6338unprecedented military buildup and its intent to seize control of the6339Indo-Pacific; and a range of other persistent threats to the United6340States and its Allies and partners, including Russia, Iran, North6341Korea, and terrorists. In addition, growing cooperation between Russia,6342China, Iran, and North Korea must be monitored to safeguard our6343interests.6344    Question. If confirmed, how would you prioritize the efforts of the6345Defense Intelligence and Security Enterprise relative to the critical6346and enduring threats identified above?6347    Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure the DISE prioritizes6348intelligence support and effective security posture, aligned to6349strategic priorities and the evolving threat environment. I will work6350across DOD and the Intelligence Community to prioritize capabilities6351that address critical and enduring threats while identifying and6352considering capability gaps and shortfalls throughout the Planning,6353Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process. In addition, I6354will partner closely with the DNI to align the MIP and NIP for greatest6355effect downrange and return on investment.6356    Question. In your view, what role(s) should the Defense6357Intelligence and Security Enterprise play in the implementation of the6358National Defense Strategy?6359    Answer. The DISE plays a vital role in implementation of an NDS6360promulgated by the Secretary of Defense. In support of the objectives6361of the next NDS, the DISE must support both warfighters and6362decisionmakers; provide decision advantage; reestablish deterrence; and6363safeguard personnel, information, operations, resources, technologies,6364and facilities against a wide range of threats and challenges. At the6365same time, the DISE must also maintain its ability to provide strategic6366warning globally.6367    Question. How would you assess the current readiness and6368capabilities of the Defense Intelligence and Security Enterprise to6369execute the NDS?6370    Answer. I believe the DISE is well-postured to support DOD's6371execution of the Department's strategic priorities. If confirmed, I6372will conduct my own assessment of the Enterprise's readiness and seek6373new and innovative ways to improve its ability to execute the Interim6374NDS and the next NDS promulgated by the Secretary of Defense.6375          strengthening alliances and attracting new partners6376    Question. Mutually beneficial alliances and partnerships are6377crucial to U.S. success in competition and conflict against a great6378power.6379    Question. If confirmed as DUSD(I&S), what would be your priorities6380to strengthen and synchronize existing intelligence and6381counterintelligence relationships with foreign governments and6382international organizations as well as to foster new relationships?6383    Answer. My time in Army intelligence leading collection operations6384and supporting Special Operations Forces taught me the immense value of6385close partnerships with foreign partners. Strong international6386relationships and intelligence sharing during my military service6387resulting in increased mission success and decreased risk to force,6388while shedding light on the fidelity of strategy, formed the foundation6389for my appreciation of their value at the national level. U.S.6390intelligence sharing relationships in many cases provide outstanding6391return on investment as we each leverage our respective placement,6392access, and capabilities while economizing resources. Allies and6393partners can be force multipliers that enable DOD to effectively6394execute the Secretary's next National Defense Strategy if they approach6395the relationship as true partners, willing to contribute as able and6396appropriate, not simply be recipients of our intelligence and6397information. If confirmed, I commit to strengthening defense6398intelligence and counterintelligence relationships with Allies and6399partners, including ensuring we have the intelligence sharing6400relationships needed to execute the next National Security and National6401Defense Strategies. I also commit to working with the USD(P) and ODNI6402to ensure synchronization of existing U.S. partnerships and the6403appropriate prioritization of outreach to new partners.6404    Question. If confirmed, what factors should be considered in6405rendering decisions on the disclosure and release of intelligence to6406foreign governments and international organizations, including in6407support of combatant commanders' expressed desire for better6408intelligence and intelligence sharing to counter foreign malign6409activities?6410    Answer. I understand that the National Disclosure Policy (NDP) sets6411forth the factors that must be considered prior to the disclosure of6412classified military information, including military intelligence, to6413appropriate foreign partners. I also understand that the USD(I&S) is6414responsible for issuing policy for the sharing of military6415intelligence. If confirmed, I will support the release of military6416intelligence and coordinate with the DNI to enable the release of6417national intelligence to Allies and partners to support combatant6418command requirements in accordance with the NDP when in support of the6419National Security and National Defense Strategies and aligned with6420United States policy.6421                   oversight of sensitive activities6422    Question. The Department of Defense defines sensitive activities as6423``operations, actions, activities, or programs that, if compromised,6424could have enduring adverse effects on U.S. foreign policy, DOD6425activities, or military operations or cause significant embarrassment6426to the U.S., its allies, or the DOD.''6427    What is your understanding of the role of the USD(I&S) in providing6428oversight of DOD sensitive activities?6429    Answer. The USD(I&S) is the Principal Staff Assistant and advisor6430to the Secretary of Defense and Deputy Secretary of Defense regarding6431intelligence, counterintelligence, law enforcement, security, sensitive6432activities, tradecraft, and other intelligence-related matters. The6433USD(I&S) establishes policy and provides oversight and direction for6434the coordination, assessment, reporting, and conduct of DOD6435intelligence and intelligence-related sensitive activities, the Defense6436Cover Program, special communications, technical collection support to6437intelligence activities, defense sensitive support, and the clandestine6438use of technology.6439    If confirmed, I would work closely with relevant defense and6440interagency stakeholders to ensure DOD sensitive activities are6441conducted consistent with law and DOD policy.6442    Question. If confirmed, what factors would you consider in6443assessing risks associated with proposed DOD sensitive activities?6444    Answer. I believe that if DOD is to provide the Secretary of6445Defense with all necessary options to effectively compete and deter6446adversaries short of armed conflict, DOD must be prepared to take6447greater risks in the conduct of the sensitive activities necessary to6448reestablish deterrence. However, I strongly believe that these risks6449must be informed risks. OUSD(I&S) should play a critical role in6450strengthening the oversight of DOD sensitive activities, providing the6451Secretary and other decisionmakers with a deeper understanding of the6452intelligence, the threat environment, potential impact assessments, and6453other critical information available to DOD's interagency and6454international partners. If confirmed, I will work with the team to look6455at these and other factors and determine the extent to which our6456current risk assessment methodologies are adequate for the current6457environment to provide the most valuable risk informed decisions.6458    Question. Do you believe the USD(I&S) has a responsibility to keep6459the congressional defense committees fully and currently informed of6460DOD sensitive activities? If so, how would you seek to fulfill that6461responsibility?6462    Answer. Yes, I believe that the USD(I&S) has this responsibility6463under law, policy, and precedent. If confirmed as the Deputy USD(I&S),6464I intend to support the USD(I&S) to maintain a routine, continuous, and6465transparent dialog with the congressional defense committees on all6466Defense Intelligence and Security Enterprise activities, to include DOD6467sensitive activities. I believe that collaborative congressional6468oversight provides an invaluable perspective on DOD activities that6469informs better decisions within both branches of government, ultimately6470making DOD more effective in achieving our common purpose of6471strengthening national defense.6472    defense department and the intelligence community collaboration6473    Question. Since September 11, 2001, collaboration--both analytical6474and operational--between the Department of Defense and the Intelligence6475Community has grown increasingly close. Seamless collaboration is vital6476to effective and rapid responses to non-traditional threats and6477bringing together the strengths of the full spectrum of defense and6478intelligence capabilities can generate more effective solutions to6479complex problems. However, absent effective management and oversight,6480such collaboration risks blurring distinct agency missions,6481authorities, and funding, as well as creating redundant lines of6482effort.6483    In your view, are there aspects of the current relationship between6484the Department and the Intelligence Community that should be re-6485examined or modified?6486    Answer. I am aware that the OUSD(I&S) works closely with both ODNI6487and the Central Intelligence Agency to ensure that the Intelligence6488Community (IC) is able to deliver both national and military6489intelligence support to policymakers and warfighters. OUSD(I&S) also6490enables the rest of the DOD and the IC to coordinate and deconflict to6491ensure the most effective execution of intelligence and sensitive6492activities. If confirmed, I will seek to strengthen the relationship6493between OUSD(I&S) and the IC so that we can continue to work together6494to enhance IC capabilities and enable DOD operations.6495                          economic competition6496    Question. Adversarial economic competition is increasingly an issue6497that DOD needs to factor into its planning process as it intersects6498with military and national security challenges. Adversaries like China6499are using economic competition as a gray zone tactic to out-maneuver6500the U.S. by operating in the interstitial spaces between traditional6501agencies ``lanes in the road'' and stove-piped authorities.6502Increasingly, geographic combatant commands are having to consider in6503their planning process and theater security cooperation plans how to6504combat adversarial economic competition techniques.6505    How is DOD postured from an intelligence perspective to understand6506and analyze the intersection of economic and national security to6507better prepare DOD to contribute to economic competition?6508    Answer. Economic security is national security--the U.S. military6509is only as powerful as the underlying strength of the U.S. industrial6510base. While the President and the Secretary have made clear the6511expectation that the Department aligns its resources to support the6512warfighter, DOD can play a significant role in coordinated operations6513across the economic and military domains to support national security6514objectives. I understand that DOD has pockets of excellence that6515contribute heavily to this mission space, but there is certainly room--6516and a requirement--for increasing depth in relevant areas of expertise6517to ensure DOD is optimally postured to leverage commercial, financial,6518economic, and military tools to reinforce the United States' military6519advantage. This includes an increased focus on China's efforts to gain6520an economic advantage against the United States and its Allies and6521partners as well as how their specific economic tradecraft is affecting6522our competition in order to inform leadership decisions.6523    Question. What expertise and capabilities does DOD have to support6524the collection and analytic needs for economic competition?6525    Answer. While I have not been fully briefed on current6526capabilities, I am generally aware that the Defense Intelligence6527Enterprise has expertise in several relevant fields, ranging from6528economics and political science to engineering and biosciences. If6529confirmed, I will seek to identify gaps in our expertise and6530capabilities in order to optimize the Enterprise against the economic6531competition problem set.6532    Question. How will you prioritize intelligence support for the6533geographic and functional combatant commands, as well as senior6534leadership in the Department, with regards to adversarial economic6535competition needs?6536    Answer. Given the complex and multidisciplinary nature of economic6537competition, I believe that it is critical that support provided to the6538combatant commands aligns with the vision and priorities of DOD senior6539leadership. The President and the Secretary have made clear the6540expectation that the Department aligns its resources to support the6541warfighter. We must ensure we have modern structures that appropriately6542align to the threat, using obsolete organizational structures and6543outmoded approaches to address new types of threats will not work. If6544confirmed, I will work to support the USD(I&S) and work with the6545Defense Intelligence Enterprise (DIE), the Intelligence Community, and6546the broader U.S. Government to ensure the DIE's support is6547appropriately distributed with--and aligned between--these key6548customers to maximize effects.6549joint requirements oversight council (jroc) and the joint capabilities6550              integration and development systems (jcids)6551    Question. Per section 181 of title 10, U.S. Code, the JROC is6552vested with the responsibility to assess joint military capabilities;6553establish and approve joint performance requirements that ensure6554interoperability between military capabilities; and identify new joint6555military capabilities based on advances in technology and concepts of6556operation. The JCIDS process was established to address overlap and6557duplication in Military Services' programs by providing the information6558the JROC needs to identify the capabilities and associated operational6559performance requirements needed by the joint warfighter.6560    What is your understanding of the role of the JROC and JCIDS in6561identifying and establishing joint warfighter capability requirements6562in the domains of military intelligence, counterintelligence, and6563security?6564    Answer. I understand that military intelligence,6565counterintelligence, and security requirements generated from DOD6566Components, including the combatant commands, are accounted for among6567the other Joint Capability Areas in the Joint Requirements Oversight6568Council's (JROC) subordinate Functional Capabilities Boards (FCB).6569These FCBs process ``bottom up'' deliberate and urgent requirements and6570provide ``top down'' portfolio reviews that evaluate specific6571enterprise capability areas. The Joint Capabilities Integration and6572Development Systems (JCIDS) process is also informed by a yearly JROC-6573led Capability Gap Assessment that validates and prioritizes Combatant6574Command capability gaps expressed in their Integrated Priority Lists.6575    The USD(I&S), as a statutory advisor to the JROC and its6576subordinate boards, provides advice that supports JCIDS throughout all6577stages of requirements generation and validation processes and plays a6578central role in bridging DOD and IC requirements by directly6579facilitating the common gatekeeping function between the Joint JCIDS6580and the Intelligence Community Capability Requirements Process.6581    Question. What is your understanding of the role of the defense6582intelligence enterprise to provide support and insight in the process6583of informing requirements for the broader acquisition system,6584especially related to understanding threat systems and illuminating6585supply chain issues? Are there sufficient people and resources to6586support acquisition intelligence for the Department?6587    Answer. I have real concerns about the ability of the existing DOD6588acquisition integration structure with the intelligence enterprise to6589effectively match the speed of the technology cycle, the increasing6590scope of acquisitions challenges, and the criticality of the defense6591supply chain resiliency in the face of adversary threats. The DISE is a6592vital component of the acquisition process, providing intelligence6593throughout the requirements development and acquisition lifecycle on6594current and future adversary capabilities and threats to DOD supply6595chains. Ensuring that intelligence is incorporated throughout the6596requirements development and acquisition lifecycle is necessary to6597deliver effective, affordable, and resilient capabilities that are6598matched to the threat environment and free from adversary compromise.6599If confirmed, I will make it a priority to improve the incorporation of6600accurate intelligence into the full acquisition lifecycle, to include6601more robust integration at the earlier stages of the process, to better6602inform DOD investments.6603    Question. What is your understanding of the role of the Office of6604the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security6605(OUSD(I&S)) in identifying and establishing requirements for rapid or6606urgent operational needs, or other acquisition capabilities (like6607middle tier acquisitions) not tied to major acquisition programs?6608    Answer. I understand that, as part of statutory responsibilities to6609support JCIDS urgent and emergent operational needs processes, the6610USD(I&S) assists in validating requirements from an intelligence6611perspective, and further supports solution analysis by identifying6612emerging technologies and capabilities in the Defense Intelligence6613Enterprise or National Intelligence Community. When necessary, the6614USD(I&S) may also facilitate Military or National Intelligence Program6615funding to accelerate the fielding of a necessary and promising6616intelligence capability. The analysis performed by USD(I&S) for urgent6617needs is not limited to major acquisition programs, but may also6618include science, technology, research, and development capabilities6619that are of sufficient Technical Readiness Level to be eligible for6620consideration as a solution to a requirement. From my current6621perspective, I am concerned that intelligence inputs into the DOD6622acquisition process are inordinately focused on major acquisitions6623versus rapid acquisitions, and even then, intelligence inputs often6624arrive too late in the cycle to fully inform the first and most6625critical decisions on which programs to develop and purchase. If DOD6626leaders are to successfully make these hard choices, OUSD(I&S) must6627improve how the DISE delivers accurate and relevant intelligence to6628inform DOD's earliest acquisitions decisions, as well as the entire6629program lifecycle. If confirmed, I intend to leverage all DOD6630authorities available to accelerate these processes to act at the speed6631of operational need.6632                 intelligence support to the warfighter6633    Question. If confirmed, how would you balance the need for the6634combat support Defense intelligence agencies to provide intelligence6635support to the warfighter with the need to provide intelligence support6636to policymakers?6637    Answer. Balancing support to the warfighter with intelligence6638support to policymakers is one of the OUSD(I&S)'s primary6639responsibilities. In today's environment of global and regional6640threats, most issues are relevant to both warfighting commands and6641policymakers. If confirmed, where there remain tactical and operational6642differences, I would work to ensure the DISE continues to satisfy6643requirements for operationally relevant intelligence that directly6644enable warfighter success, and I would work collaboratively across DOD6645and with interagency partners to inform policy and military6646decisionmaking by our national leaders.6647    Question. In your view, what opportunities exist across the6648Intelligence Community to improve intelligence support to the6649warfighter? If confirmed, what would you do to leverage these6650opportunities?6651    Answer. My experience in uniform underpins my belief in the6652importance of and the continued opportunity to improve collaboration6653across the intelligence community to better support the warfighter.6654    If confirmed, I would engage early and often with the combatant6655commanders to improve my understanding of their needs, and I would6656frequently engage leaders within the national intelligence community to6657obtain support to meet those warfighter needs. I am particularly6658interested in applying greater attention to faster, more agile, and6659adaptive processing, exploitation, and dissemination of intelligence6660data to better support the warfighter and others that engage our6661adversaries at the tactical edge--especially as DOD warfighters6662increasingly rely on resilient and survivable sensors further removed6663from the battlefield to inform their tactical decisions.6664    Question. If confirmed, what steps would you take to ensure that6665the geographic combatant commands are adequately assessing and6666prioritizing their intelligence needs?6667    Answer. I understand that OUSD(I&S) conducts multiple engagements6668with the combatant commands to include regular meetings with all6669combatant command J2s on a variety of issues in order to maintain a6670current understanding of regional risks and intelligence priorities. If6671confirmed, I will promptly establish my own relationships with the6672Combatant Commanders and ensure that they are able to prioritize and6673receive the intelligence support they require.6674    Question. In your view, what are the shortfalls, if any, in6675providing the functional combatant commands and combat support agencies6676adequate intelligence support, and ensuring that their intelligence6677needs are prioritized?6678    Answer. As I am not yet in the position, I do not have a completely6679informed perspective on this matter. If confirmed, I commit to6680supporting the Secretary's priorities and evaluating intelligence needs6681of the Combatant Commands, Combat Support Agencies, Defense Agencies,6682and Services. I would also strengthen relationships with the Joint6683Staff to assess capability gaps, prioritize needs, and recommend6684strategic alignment of MIP funding against the highest intelligence6685needs of the warfighter in a manner that maximizes our return on our6686investments. Last, I would support the USD(I&S) to work with the DNI to6687closely synchronize NIP and MIP investments to ensure synergy in6688maximizing effects for the warfighter.6689    Question. In your view, how are intelligence operations carried out6690by special operations forces different from those carried out by the6691Intelligence Community?6692    Answer. I understand that Special Operations Forces (SOF)6693intelligence operations are focused on DOD requirements and priorities.6694These priorities may differ from those of the IC in that they are6695sometimes more tactical, focused on support to military operations or6696preparation of military operations. This intelligence enables a6697commander to make decisions that reduces risk to force and can create6698opportunities for further collection and exploitation. SOF missions6699require accurate, detailed, and timely intelligence that only6700integrated, multi-disciplinary collection and analysis can provide. It6701is essential that SOF intelligence operations are conducted pursuant to6702applicable law and policy, and subject to the requisite intelligence6703oversight rules, consistent with all DOD intelligence activities.6704                        innovative technologies6705    Question. What role do you see for AI in supporting national and6706economic security?6707    Answer. I believe national and economic security have a reciprocal6708relationship. The role of AI for one will generally apply to the other.6709AI has the potential to enhance the speed and efficiency of how the6710DISE provides support to national security. In an environment of6711expanding data sources and a limited workforce, AI could assist in6712triaging and transforming the tasks requiring human attention. We must6713carefully consider the biases and vulnerabilities created through the6714introduction of AI, although it is without question that AI integration6715is necessary and has the potential to provide improved accuracy and6716precision in our support.6717    Question. If confirmed, what priority would you assign to ensuring6718that the Defense intelligence enterprise invests in AI applications, as6719well as training and business process reengineering to ensure effective6720use of such applications by the workforce?6721    Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that AI is considered in the6722modernization of capabilities, infrastructure, processes, and6723tradecraft within the DISE. We should default to its investment where6724it can improve our speed, accuracy, and efficiency.6725    We can learn from AI investment across the government to understand6726where to leverage its potential in shaping our operating environment6727and driving future advantages.6728    Question. What role do you envision for AI in bringing greater6729efficiencies, timeliness, and accuracy to intelligence collection,6730analysis, dissemination, and military decisionmaking?6731    Answer. I cannot speak highly enough of our intelligence6732professionals. Their expertise and time are invaluable. I believe that6733AI can assist in prioritizing the collection that receives their6734attention and collate that information in a manner that expediates6735their analysis. AI can also be used to improve the efficiency in6736disseminating more relevant, accurate, and actionable intelligence into6737the hands of the warfighter at greater speed and volume, thereby6738enabling better and faster military decisionmaking. AI can also be used6739to create new ways of generating and responding to intelligence6740requirements.6741    Question. Are there other technology areas that you view as6742promising as they relate to the intelligence and security functions of6743OUSD(I&S)?6744    Answer. I believe that to accomplish the Secretary's objective of6745rebuilding our military capabilities, we must be flexible and6746aggressive in our approach to innovation and adopting commercial6747solutions. Critical to success will be closer integration between DOD6748and the commercial sector in order to identify and pilot new6749capabilities that can be used to maintain an advantage against our6750adversaries at the speed of relevance.6751    Additionally, I believe there are a number of promising areas that,6752if confirmed, I will work with OUSD(I&S) components and DISE to support6753regaining decision advantage in today's contested environment. Among6754these areas are: the exploitation of, and our defense against,6755exquisite intelligence collection technologies, such as ubiquitous6756sensing and space ISR; expanding virtual domain operations that disrupt6757adversary intelligence; the use of advanced computing and software to6758improve the efficiency of intelligence collection management; and6759survivable cloud compute and data transport to the tactical edge.6760    Question. In your view, does DOD have sufficient numbers and6761expertise in the intelligence community to monitor and analyze6762technological advances in industry, academia and our adversaries6763research establishments that will impact DOD missions and national6764security?6765    Answer. As I am not in the position, I am unable to provide a6766comprehensive assessment to answer this question. However, from my6767outside perspective, I am concerned that the DOD may lack sufficient6768quantity and specialization of Science and Technology Intelligence6769(S&TI) personnel that are necessary to remain competitive with our6770adversaries. The sheer volume of information in open-source research6771alone presents challenges for the capability and capacity of human6772analysts, even when paired with AI tools. Additionally, many emerging6773technologies require highly specialized expertise that are either in6774short supply or may not be currently available within the U.S.6775Government and might require changes to DOD authorities to fully6776address. Even with improvements, DOD will increasingly be reliant on6777outside expertise for cutting edge technology, particularly in niche6778fields such as quantum computing, biotechnology, and advanced6779materials. I do not believe that we can rely on traditional6780organizational structures and approaches to solve these new challenges.6781OUSD(I&S) creatively uses existing programs such as the6782Intergovernmental Personnel Act and the Applied Research Laboratory for6783Intelligence & Security to close talent gaps. DOD must also effectively6784leverage commercial sector innovation to help us close these gaps. If6785confirmed, I will support the USD(I&S) efforts with the USD(R&E), the6786ODNI, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), the private sector, and others6787to develop options to ensure that the DISE has access to the expertise6788needed to stay ahead of adversary technological advancements.6789    Question. In your view, what areas of emerging technology should we6790be prioritizing collection and analysis to better prepare DOD for6791future conflicts?6792    Answer. Although I am not yet in the position and have not had the6793opportunity to be fully briefed at the classified levels, if confirmed,6794I will conduct a full assessment on which emerging technologies we must6795improve collection and analysis against. Beyond traditional focuses for6796collection and analysis, there are emergent technologies that are6797advancing adversary capabilities. We must understand how adversaries6798seek to develop and deploy those technologies, along with identifying6799opportunities for how we can deny adversary employment.6800    Some specific areas that we should be prioritizing include quantum,6801space-based technologies and biotechnology.6802           counterintelligence, law enforcement, and security6803    Question. What is your assessment of current and anticipated6804counterintelligence threats to DOD? Which threats do you assess to be6805the most concerning and why?6806    Answer. As I am not yet in the position and briefed on classified6807information, if confirmed, I will seek to understand the6808counterintelligence threat environment at the classified level in order6809to develop informed recommendations to counter threats to our6810intelligence advantage.6811    I am aware that the advent of ubiquitous sensing, artificial6812intelligence-powered exploitation of data, and analytics (also referred6813to as data analytics), may make it increasingly challenging for U.S.6814intelligence to operate with the same effectiveness and agility against6815our adversaries without the appropriate modernization of our efforts.6816Additionally, as DOD increasingly relies on space-based capabilities6817for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support to6818warfighters, protecting U.S. space superiority from foreign denial and6819deception grows more essential.6820    Question. What is your understanding of the roles and6821responsibilities of the OUSD(I&S) to provide strategic direction and6822oversight of implementation of counterintelligence policy, programs,6823guidance, and training to ensure they are responsive to validated DOD6824and national counterintelligence priorities? What changes, if any, in6825these roles and responsibilities would you recommend, if confirmed?6826    Answer. I understand the USD(I&S) has broad responsibility for6827oversight of DOD counterintelligence (CI). Further, although I do not6828yet have access to classified information, I understand that the6829Department is implementing its DOD CI Strategy, ``Confronting Threats6830to America's Military Advantage, 2021-2031,'' and has recently6831completed a year-long, end-to-end review to identify CI capability6832requirements, gaps, and solutions to implement that strategy.6833    I also understand the USD(I&S) along with the Director of the6834Defense Intelligence Agency is a standing member of the National CI and6835Security Center's National CI Policy Board. In addition, DOD6836participates with the FBI in the National CI Task Force and local CI6837Task Forces under a formal memorandum of understanding. Through this6838and other forums the USD(I&S) provides policy, oversight, advocacy,6839guidance and direction to DOD CI activities conducted, oftentimes, in6840cooperation or in partnership with other Departments and Agencies6841across the U.S. Government.6842    One of my major priorities, if confirmed, is to support the6843USD(I&S) to assist the Secretary in reestablishing deterrence by6844presenting him with risk informed options to impose costs on our6845adversaries short of armed conflict. Among these options is a greater6846focus on counterintelligence, and in particular, offensive6847counterintelligence, to disrupt foreign intelligence services before6848they can act with malign intent against the United States.6849                 personnel security and insider threat6850    Question. The OUSD(I&S) is accountable for managing and overseeing6851DOD's insider threat, personnel security, security clearance process,6852and the National Industrial Security programs. DOD has experienced6853devastating attacks from insider threats--attacks that have led to the6854death and injury of DOD personnel, as well as to the loss of highly6855classified information critical to national security. Recent delays6856have exacerbated backlogs in processing security clearances and6857reinvestigations for DOD personnel.6858    Most of these very challenging new and enhanced requirements have6859been assigned to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency6860(DCSA). What is your current assessment of the ability of DCSA to6861transform itself to meet these objectives?6862    Answer. I understand that after President Trump transferred the6863background investigation and security clearance function to DCSA in68642019, DCSA vetting services have proved essential to national-level6865efforts to modernize personnel vetting and uniformly execute the6866National Industrial Security Program. DCSA services establish the6867foundation for execution of various subsequent security requirements6868and procedures which enable the essential concept of security in-depth.6869Additionally, in accordance with Section 847 of the National Defense6870Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, DCSA has been charged to6871prepare to conduct assessments of Foreign Ownership, Control, and6872Influence (FOCI) not only for cleared defense contractors, but also all6873DOD contracts over $5 million--an effort that, if confirmed, I intend6874to assess closely to determine how best to support the FOCI mission in6875an effort to protect the Defense Industrial Base from compromise.6876Ultimately, to effectively and efficiently serve the DOD and other6877Federal agencies, I believe that DCSA requires cutting-edge technology,6878adaptable processes, the capacity to operate at scale, and--perhaps6879most significantly--the best talent available with the skills needed to6880pursue these objectives.6881    Although I do not yet have enough information to make a full6882assessment currently, the criticality of these efforts and the State of6883our capabilities relative to the timing of these mandates is6884concerning. If confirmed, I look forward to working with DCSA to fully6885assess the State of play.6886    Question. There has been a backlog in processing security6887clearances that has been growing since 2023, after many years of steady6888progress in improving the security clearance process timelines. What is6889your understanding of the current issues causing the backlog and the6890status of efforts within DCSA to reduce that backlog?6891    Answer. I am dismayed at the continuing challenges to delivering6892timely security clearances, and if confirmed, it would be a top6893priority to avoid further delay in meeting the requirements of Trusted6894Workforce 2.0. Our national security depends on recruiting and6895retaining highly qualified individuals serving in critical positions6896across the Federal Government and industry, and delays in the security6897clearance process hinders our ability to fill these roles at the speed6898of mission requirements. People are our most important asset, but an6899inefficient and lengthy background investigation and security clearance6900process prevents the DOD from attracting and competing for top-tier6901talent. Every day a scientist, engineer, or analyst waits on their6902clearance to begin Federal work is 1 day closer to taking a job6903elsewhere--or never even applying to the U.S. Government at all.6904    If confirmed, I will fully engage with DCSA to understand the6905factors contributing to timeliness concerns and will hold them6906accountable for their performance. I commit to modernizing and6907accelerating the clearance process through rigorous oversight and6908dedication to business transformation, advanced technology, and data-6909driven solutions.6910    Question. Specifically, if confirmed, how would you ensure that6911DCSA is highly responsive to the needs of the USD(A&S) for vetting DOD6912contractors in responsibility determinations?6913    Answer. I understand that DCSA provides vetting of contractor6914personnel and companies for eligibility to access classified6915information in accordance with regulatory requirements for the National6916Industrial Security Program. This vetting assesses alignment of6917eligibility decisions with national security interests. This is one6918piece of a security apparatus that must work in concert with and at the6919speed of the acquisitions decisionmaking process to enable6920uncompromised delivery of supplies and technologies to properly equip6921our warfighters.6922    If confirmed, I will support the USD(I&S)'s efforts to prioritize6923collaboration with OUSD(A&S) to optimize security in acquisitions,6924including vetting people and companies within a certain timeframe and6925under conditions that allow the Department to acquire critical6926supplies, services, and technologies at the speed of mission6927requirements.6928    Question. What is your understanding of the status of development,6929approval, and implementation of the Trusted Workforce 2.0 initiative?6930    Answer. I recognize that Trusted Workforce (TW) 2.0, originally6931launched in 2018 under President Trump, is a national-level reform6932effort aimed at improving overall efficacy of vetting for clearances6933and suitability. While I understand that TW 2.0 may have demonstrated6934some relative progress at times over the last few years, there clearly6935remains unacceptable challenges to full implementation of its6936objective.6937    If confirmed, I will support the USD(I&S)'s efforts to collaborate6938with our ODNI, Office of Personnel Management (OPM), and Office of6939Management and Budget colleagues to evaluate and take appropriate6940action to ensure that DOD fulfills its TW 2.0 responsibilities.6941Furthermore, I commit to keeping DOD's interagency and private industry6942partners fully and regularly informed of DCSA's progress in6943implementing TW 2.0, and identifying to them--as well as the Congress--6944any indications of additional delays or cost overruns in meeting the6945performance and timeliness standards set for the vetting enterprise.6946Specifically, I will work to ensure Department leaders know the impact6947of failing to meet these standards, so efforts can be appropriately6948prioritized in support of Department objectives.6949    Question. What is your understanding of the status of development,6950approval, and implementation of continuous vetting initiative?6951    Answer. It is my understanding that continuous vetting (CV),6952including the adjudication of CV information, is a key element of6953Trusted Workforce 2.0. As DOD further implements CV, I believe its6954implementation must prioritize advanced technology, capacity, and cost-6955effectiveness. Without an effective and timely CV architecture, DOD6956will be unable to optimize its workforce in a secure manner,6957jeopardizing mission success.6958    If confirmed, I will push OUSD(I&S) and DCSA to incorporate modern6959technology, maximize efficiency, and continuously improve the ability6960to identify and assess risk to our Nation's trusted workforce.6961Specifically, I will work to ensure Department leaders know the impact6962of failing to meet these standards set for the vetting enterprise, so6963efforts can be appropriately prioritized in support of Department6964objectives.6965    Question. What is your understanding of the remaining challenges in6966achieving reciprocity of clearances and access to classified6967information across government components and their contractors?6968    Answer. I am aware of concerns about reciprocity between Federal6969components, particularly with IC agencies. My understanding is that6970reciprocity between DOD components has been significantly improved, but6971the delays in reciprocity that remain are generally related to6972differences between IC agencies in their individual enhanced6973eligibility requirements for access to especially sensitive6974information, such as polygraph requirements.6975    If confirmed, I will ensure DOD personnel vetting policies and6976processes are aligned to Trusted Workforce 2.0 initiatives and tracked6977through a performance management system to ensure effective and6978efficient transfer of trust and the mobility of the Federal workforce,6979as well as our contractors and others in private industry who are6980granted clearances.6981    Question. In your view, how should DCSA posture the Department to6982deter, detect, and mitigate insider threats before they harm national6983security?6984    Answer. Over the course of my military service, I learned time and6985again the importance of empowering leadership and accountability at all6986mission levels. I understand that USD(I&S) is responsible for policy6987and oversight of the Department's Insider Threat program, ensuring DOD6988components have the necessary guidance, resources, and capabilities to6989empower leaders at all levels to manage insider risk to readiness,6990resources, and national security information. I understand that DCSA's6991role in the Insider Threat program is to be a data and system provider,6992enabling information sharing and decentralized program implementation6993so DOD commanders at all levels effectively manage their own risks.6994    If confirmed, I will work with DCSA, the Military Departments, and6995other DOD components to ensure component and subordinate level insider6996threat program interoperability with enterprise data and systems.6997    Question. How would you characterize the threat posed by foreign6998nations to the integrity of the National Security Innovation Base?6999Which threats do you assess as most concerning, and why?7000    Answer. The threat posed by foreign nations to the integrity of the7001National Security Innovation Base is persistent and significant. While7002I am not currently briefed on classified information, from open-source7003reporting I appreciate that the National Security Innovation Base is7004being exploited in sustained attempts to erode U.S. technology7005superiority critical to maintaining a military advantage over7006adversaries and the economic well-being of U.S. industry. Threat actors7007increasingly seek to weaponize the open and collaborative nature of the7008strong partnerships and relationships DOD has cultivated with U.S.7009academic institutions. Additionally, foreign threats don't just include7010outright theft of information through espionage and other illicit7011means, but also rely on more subtle approaches such as foreign7012acquisition of critical nodes within the U.S. supply chain.7013    If confirmed, I look forward to further strengthening DOD efforts7014to protect the National Security Innovation Base--to include an7015emphasis on robust intelligence support to Foreign Ownership, Control,7016and Influence mitigation and support to the Committee on Foreign7017Investment in the United States--to thwart our adversaries while7018continuing to support the vital and enabling aspects of innovation. In7019addition to FOCI and the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United7020States (CFIUS) efforts, I believe a key component of this effort will7021be not only enhancing our defensive posture here at home but taking7022action to impose costs on adversaries and reestablish deterrence.7023    Question. How would you propose to improve the support provided by7024the DCSA, the DOD counterintelligence organizations, and the national7025Intelligence Community to better protect the National Security7026Innovation Base, and enhance the Department's innovation strategy,7027especially with respect to technology companies that are non-7028traditional DOD contractors?7029    Answer. DCSA plays a vital role in safeguarding national security7030by conducting background investigations and granting security7031clearances for DOD personnel and contractors. DCSA also oversees the7032National Industrial Security Program (NISP), which protects classified7033information within the Defense Industrial Base.7034    Although the core security principles of the NISP remain valid for7035all companies and contractors, as I understand from open-source7036reporting, the NISP's administrative requirements may lack the agility7037needed to facilitate effective acquisition decisions and ensure supply7038chain integrity in today's landscape, especially for classified7039programs. Furthermore, I am concerned that these regulations do not7040adequately address the needs of the National Security Innovation Base,7041a significant portion of which operates outside of the traditional NISP7042framework. It is these non-traditional DOD contractors that7043increasingly drive national security innovation, presenting DOD with7044the greatest opportunities for leap-ahead technologies, but meanwhile7045posing unique vulnerabilities to our adversaries.7046    Question. In your view, is DCSA postured to better leverage7047artificial intelligence and other automation tools to improve due7048diligence vetting, as well as security clearance processes and7049suitability determinations?7050    Answer. I recognize the immense potential of artificial7051intelligence and machine learning to revolutionize personnel vetting7052and due diligence. Through automating routine tasks and analyzing vast7053datasets, I believe we could significantly improve the speed and7054accuracy of these vetting processes. If confirmed, I will prioritize7055development and adoption of these technologies across the DOD, working7056closely with DCSA to ensure responsible and effective implementation7057and return on investment.7058    Question. According to the ``Fork in the Road'' memo from the7059Office of Personnel Management, ``Employees will be subject to enhanced7060standards of suitability and conduct as we move forward,'' but no7061further guidance has been issued on what that means. What is your7062current understanding of the current definition for ``suitability''7063being used by DOD, the process for those suitability determinations,7064and how that might change?7065    Answer. I understand USD Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)) is the7066Department's lead for suitability based on guidance issued by OPM. If7067confirmed, I look forward to working with the USD(P&R) to ensure the7068appropriate intelligence and security inputs are incorporated into7069their guidance.7070                     collection & special programs7071    Question. In light of the rapidly evolving nature of the national7072security environment, to include significant advances by adversarial7073nations in the development and fielding of capabilities that could7074challenge DOD tradecraft, technologies, methodologies, and processes,7075what do you see as the most pressing challenges to DOD's ability to7076conduct technical and human intelligence collection activities?7077    Answer. Adversary investment in advanced technologies such as7078artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and encrypted7079communications, as well as the dispersion of sophisticated capabilities7080across the globe, have complicated the information environment and7081reduced our national security advantage. Additionally, the emergence of7082ubiquitous sensing and the increasing volume of commercially available7083data on individuals and their activity pose novel counterintelligence7084challenges to DOD human intelligence collection activities, operational7085security, force protection, and many other areas of potential7086vulnerability.7087    Meanwhile, our own foundational vulnerabilities such as fragmented7088infrastructure, limited interoperability, and outdated network7089architectures amplify the threat from these advanced capabilities.7090Therefore, we must invest in innovation to stay ahead of these advanced7091technologies while building a secure, efficient foundation to move our7092information from sensors to decisionmakers securely and faster than our7093adversaries.7094    If confirmed, I will work to smartly allocate and realign resources7095to close the seams that adversaries exploit, raising the barrier and7096cost of conducting intelligence against the U.S., and ensuring our7097intelligence enterprise can securely navigate an era defined by7098relentless digital exposure and ubiquitous technical surveillance. This7099will include DISE efforts to address the reality of global ubiquitous7100sensing, the proliferation of networked, correlated, and automated7101systems, and the algorithms that can exploit gathered information.7102    Question. If confirmed, how do you intend to approach these7103challenges to ensure that the DOD intelligence enterprise is postured7104to operate in an increasingly contested security and intelligence7105environment?7106    Answer. DOD operates within an increasingly contested security and7107intelligence environment. Embracing new technology and investing in7108innovative solutions is vital to the Department's ability to grasp7109collection opportunities in the physical and digital domains.7110    If confirmed, I will lead the continuous review of processes and7111policies to support warfighters and decisionmakers in this changing7112environment. This may require changes in how DOD personnel train and7113use tradecraft, technologies, and methodologies, as well as process7114adjustments for collection analysis. Aggressive efforts to ensure DOD7115is leveraging the best commercial technologies will remain essential,7116as will our ability to rapidly field technologies where required. As we7117adapt our efforts, we must ensure the DOD's intelligence collection7118activities are lawful and conducted in accordance with the United7119States Constitution.7120    Alignment across mission and technology needs, modernization of7121planning doctrine in this new landscape, and reducing barrier of entry7122for DOD elements and personnel to access best-in-class capabilities in7123a resource efficient manner is essential in 2025 and beyond.7124                         information operations7125    Question. What are your views on the roles, responsibilities, and7126preparedness of the Defense Intelligence and Security Enterprise to7127conduct operations in the information environment, as well as deter and7128defense against such operations by adversaries?7129    Answer. I believe that for DOD to compete effectively in the7130information environment, the Defense Intelligence and Security7131Enterprise must inform activities that shape the perceptions of7132specific foreign audiences to gain or maintain a competitive advantage.7133Our efforts to deter and defend against adversary information7134operations should be prioritized with appropriate resources and must7135include more robust coordination and collaboration across the7136Department, including with the USD(P) as the Secretary of Defense's7137Principal Information Operations Advisor, as well as the interagency.7138    Question. In your view, how can the Defense Intelligence and7139Security Enterprise better support the requirements of the combatant7140commanders for intelligence to enable their information operations?7141    Answer. I believe that the DISE should enhance its ability to7142support Combatant Commanders by focusing on three key areas:7143understanding adversary goals, enabling maneuver in the information7144environment, and identifying proxies and influence networks. First, the7145DISE must improve its intelligence collection and analysis to fully7146understand adversary goals in the information space--what they seek to7147achieve, how they measure success, and where vulnerabilities exist.7148Second, intelligence must be aligned with warfighter requirements to7149facilitate maneuver in the information environment, ensuring that7150commanders can shape narratives, counter adversary information7151operations, and integrate influence activities into broader operational7152planning to support American objectives Finally, the DISE should7153increase its focus on tracking adversary use of proxies and influence7154mechanisms--whether state-sponsored media, cyber actors, or third-party7155enablers--to provide a clearer picture of the information battlespace.7156If confirmed, I look forward to assessing and improving the7157Enterprise's support to information operations in these areas.7158            imperative for independent intelligence analysis7159    Question. If confirmed, specifically what would you do to ensure7160that DOD intelligence analysts, including those seconded to offices7161that are not part of the defense intelligence structure, are7162independent and free of pressure from influence from their chain of7163command to reach a certain conclusion, including a conclusion that fits7164a particular policy preference?7165    Answer. I am deeply committed to ensuring that all defense7166intelligence assessments remain unbiased, objective, and free from7167political interference. An absolute focus on the mission and support of7168the warfighter demands it. The credibility of intelligence7169assessments--and the willingness of our leaders to accept and act on7170those assessments--is predicated on apolitical, non-partisan analytical7171judgments. We cannot support the warfighter or policymaker without the7172best thinking from all of our people in support of our national7173security.7174    If confirmed, I will support the USD(I&S) efforts to work with the7175DIE to ensure that all DOD intelligence analysts adhere to Intelligence7176Community analytic standards promulgated in Intelligence Community7177Directive 203, which mandates that all-source intelligence analysis7178must be objective and independent of political considerations.7179                   the defense intelligence workforce7180    Question. The USD(I&S) exercises policy oversight of the Defense7181Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) to ensure that defense7182intelligence, counterintelligence, and security components are7183structured; manned; trained--including joint intelligence training,7184certification, education, and professional development; and equipped to7185execute their missions.7186    In your view, is the DOD civilian intelligence workforce properly7187sized with the appropriate capabilities, in your view? Please explain7188your answer.7189    Answer. As I am not yet in the position, I have not yet had an7190opportunity to comprehensively assess the size or capabilities of the7191DISE workforce. I am aware that the Secretary has directed reductions7192within the civilian defense workforce to more effectively align with7193the Administration's national security priorities, and I fully support7194this critical effort. If confirmed, I will immediately review the work7195that has been done to date across the DISE workforce and provide7196recommendations for how to most effectively meet the requirements of7197the DISE in support of national security.7198                                 space7199    Question. If confirmed, what would be your approach to enhancing7200the interface and synchronization of space-based capabilities resident7201in the Intelligence Community with military space organizations?7202    Answer. If confirmed, I will support the USD(I&S)'s work with the7203Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, the United States7204Space Force, the ODNI, and defense and intelligence agencies to ensure7205roles, responsibilities, and requirements amongst the various7206stakeholder organizations are aligned and mutually support IC and7207military space-based intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR)7208needs. I would also ensure that DOD and IC ISR space architectures7209remain integrated to maximize ISR support to the Joint Force to achieve7210our national security objectives.7211    Question. How would you recommend deconflicting tasking7212requirements in the space warfighting domain across DOD with tasking7213requirements from Intelligence Community customers?7214    Answer. If confirmed, I would first work to understand the gaps and7215concerns with existing tasking processes and procedures from the Joint7216Staff, Combatant Command, and Service perspectives. I will then work7217alongside the Joint Staff and ODNI to support the development of new7218processes, tools, and concepts of employment to assure Combatant7219Commanders and warfighters access to the space-based intelligence,7220surveillance, and reconnaissance necessary to support military7221operational requirements. New architectures must be responsive to the7222warfighter.7223    Question. The Space Force has been assigned the mission of space-7224based ISR. To ensure the timely presentation of forces and effects to7225the combatant commander by the Space Force, Congress enacted into law7226section 1684 of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 20247227(P.L. 118-31), further amended by section 1654 of the National Defense7228Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (P.L. 118-366) which stated7229that:7230    ``The Secretary of the Air Force shall be responsible for7231presenting space-based ground and airborne moving target indication7232systems to the combatant commands to accomplish missions assigned to7233such commands under the Unified Command Plan that--(1) are primarily or7234fully funded by the Department of Defense; and (2) provide near real-7235time, direct support to satisfy the operational requirements of such7236commands.''7237    If confirmed, will you adhere to this provision of law?7238    Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I would ensure that OUSD(I&S) and the7239Defense Intelligence Enterprise partner with the leads of the MTI7240Working Group established by the fiscal year 2024 NDAA to identify the7241most cost-effective delivery mechanisms to improve lethality.7242                 unidentified anomalous phenomena (uap)7243    Question. What is your understanding of the current congressional7244concerns regarding transparency and reporting on UAP issues with7245Congress?7246    Answer. I am aware of the tremendous public and congressional7247interest in understanding both historical and contemporary UAP7248observations. If confirmed, I am committed to enabling the Department7249of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and National Archives and7250Records Administration to declassify and share information related to7251UAP with the American public to the greatest extent possible. It is7252imperative that we also continue to protect sensitive information7253regarding sources and methods, to ensure that gaps potentially revealed7254by declassification of information to the public--and therefore to our7255adversaries--is a risk-informed decision. When UAP information is7256unable to be safely and responsibly declassified, I am committed to7257providing all such information, at all levels of classification, to the7258appropriate congressional committees of jurisdiction.7259    Question. What do you see as the intelligence communities' level of7260effort and focus on the UAP challenge?7261    Answer. I understand the Department enjoys strong support from the7262IC and the whole of the DISE for its UAP mission. In line with statute,7263AARO reports to both DOD and the ODNI and regularly convenes a group of7264IC partners to share information and expertise. IC partners routinely7265support AARO in the analysis and resolution of UAP reports. If7266confirmed, I will ensure this strong partnership is sustained.7267    Question. The All-Domain Anomalous Resolution Office, or AARO, was7268established to be the central clearinghouse for reporting and analysis7269of UAP incidents.7270    Do you believe AARO is adequately staffed and resourced to carry7271out its mission? What areas do you believe AARO should be focusing on?7272    Answer. Yes. I understand that AARO is adequately staffed and7273resourced to meet its mission. I believe that AARO should focus on7274fully leveraging partnerships and capabilities across the USG to close7275gaps in domain awareness and minimize technological and intelligence7276surprise. If confirmed, I will ensure AARO has the support it needs to7277succeed, and that its efforts--and that of the DISE--are complementary7278and synchronized with other DOD efforts to address Unmanned Vehicles in7279an effective manner.7280    Question. How will you improve the integration of intelligence7281community technical collection assets, such as signals intelligence and7282measurement and signatures intelligence systems, into UAP reporting?7283    Answer. I understand that DOD enjoys strong support from the IC in7284this regard. AARO convenes multiple UAP Communities of Interest that7285engage IC partners to draw on their expertise, resources, and7286capabilities. If confirmed, I will ensure continued DOD collaboration7287with IC partners to expand and improve technical collection for UAP7288detected in air, sea, or space.7289                           sexual harassment7290    Question. If confirmed, what actions would you take were you to7291receive or otherwise become aware of a complaint of sexual harassment7292or discrimination from an employee of the OUSD(I&S)?7293    Answer. Every member of the DISE workforce is entitled to work in7294an environment free of harassment or discrimination of any type. If7295confirmed, I will ensure that leaders across the DISE are acting to7296ensure that our workplace is free of harmful sexual or other harassment7297or discrimination and will take immediate action to correct and hold7298accountable those responsible for actions counter to law and policy.7299                           detainee treatment7300    Question. Do you support the standards for detainee treatment7301specified in the revised Army Field Manual on Interrogations, FM 2-730222.3, issued in September 2006, and in DOD Directive 2310.01E, The7303Department of Defense Detainee Program, dated August 19, 2014?7304    Answer. Yes, I support the standards for detainee treatment7305specified in Army Field Manual 2-22.3, Human Intelligence Collector7306Operations and DOD Directive 2310.01E, Department of Defense Detainee7307Program.7308    Question. Section 2441 of title 18, U.S. Code, defines grave7309breaches of common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, including7310torture and cruel and inhuman treatment.7311    In your view, does section 2441 define these terms in a way that7312provides U.S. detainees in the custody of other nations, as well as7313foreign detainees in U.S. custody appropriate protections from abusive7314treatment?7315    Answer. Yes.7316                        whistleblower protection7317    Question. Section 1034 of title 10, U.S. Code, prohibits taking or7318threatening to take an unfavorable personnel action against a member of7319the armed forces in retaliation for making a protected communication.7320Section 2302 of title 5, U.S. Code, provides similar protections to7321Federal civilian employees. By definition, protected communications7322include communications to certain individuals and organizations outside7323of the chain of command, including the Congress.7324    If confirmed, what actions would you take to ensure that military7325and civilian members of the Defense Intelligence and Security7326Enterprise who report fraud, waste, and abuse, or gross mismanagement--7327including in classified programs--to appropriate authorities within or7328outside the chain of command--are protected from reprisal and7329retaliation, including from the very highest levels of DOD and the7330broader Intelligence Community?7331    Answer. If confirmed, I commit to ensuring protections are afforded7332to DISE employees who report fraud, waste, and abuse, or gross7333mismanagement, in a manner consistent with law, regulation, and policy.7334Additionally, I will ensure that personnel who pursue retaliatory7335actions upon protected personnel are addressed appropriately, as7336established by law, regulation, and policy.7337    Question. If confirmed, what role would you play in ensuring7338consistency in the application and interpretation of whistleblower7339protections across the Defense Intelligence and Security Enterprise?7340    Answer. If confirmed, I commit to ensuring DOD policy implementing7341such protections is applied consistently and uniformly in accordance7342with law.7343                        congressional oversight7344    Question. In order to exercise legislative and oversight7345responsibilities, it is important that this Committee, its7346subcommittees, and other appropriate committees of Congress receive7347timely testimony, briefings, reports, records--including documents and7348electronic communications, and other information from the executive7349branch.7350    Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on request,7351to appear and testify before this Committee, its subcommittees, and7352other appropriate committees of Congress? Please answer with a simple7353yes or no.7354    Answer. Yes.7355    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to7356provide this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees7357of Congress, and their respective staffs such witnesses and briefers,7358briefings, reports, records--including documents and electronic7359communications, and other information, as may be requested of you, and7360to do so in a timely manner? Please answer with a simple yes or no.7361    Answer. Yes.7362    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to7363consult with this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate7364committees of Congress, and their respective staffs, regarding your7365basis for any delay or denial in providing testimony, briefings,7366reports, records--including documents and electronic communications,7367and other information requested of you? Please answer with a simple yes7368or no.7369    Answer. Yes.7370    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to7371keep this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees of7372Congress, and their respective staffs apprised of new information that7373materially impacts the accuracy of testimony, briefings, reports,7374records--including documents and electronic communications, and other7375information you or your organization previously provided? Please answer7376with a simple yes or no.7377    Answer. Yes.7378    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on7379request, to provide this Committee and its subcommittees with records7380and other information within their oversight jurisdiction, even absent7381a formal Committee request? Please answer with a simple yes or no.7382    Answer. Yes.7383    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to7384respond timely to letters to, and/or inquiries and other requests of7385you or your organization from individual Senators who are members of7386this committee? Please answer with a simple yes or no.7387    Answer. Yes.7388    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to7389ensure that you and other members of your organization protect from7390retaliation any military member, Federal employee, or contractor7391employee who testifies before, or communicates with this committee, its7392subcommittees, and any other appropriate committee of Congress? Please7393answer with a simple yes or no.7394    Answer. Yes.7395                                 ______73967397    [Questions for the record with answers supplied follow:]73987399             Questions Submitted by Senator Roger F. Wicker7400                  resourcing intelligence capabilities7401    1. Senator Wicker. Mr. Overbaugh, I note in your opening statement,7402you stated: ``I believe that we do not have the resources to cover all7403threats simultaneously, therefore we must be deliberate and discerning7404about the capabilities we pursue . . . '' Do you agree that we face the7405most complex and dangerous security environment since World War II?7406    Mr. Overbaugh. I agree that we face a very complex, dynamic, and7407constantly changing security environment. Under President Trump's7408leadership, the Department is focused on achieving Peace through7409Strength and will continue to enhance, advance, and invest in7410capabilities to defend against the emerging threats facing our Nation7411and against U.S. interests abroad. If confirmed, I will support the7412efforts of the Secretary of Defense and the Under Secretary of Defense7413for Intelligence and Security to ensure that defense and national7414intelligence resources and capabilities are aligned to defend against7415these emerging threats and security challenges.74167417    2. Senator Wicker. Mr. Overbaugh, do you agree that we should be7418growing our intelligence capabilities to deal with the growing threats7419our Nation faces instead of reducing our footprint in key theaters like7420Europe and the Middle East?7421    Mr. Overbaugh. I agree it is necessary to enhance our intelligence7422capabilities in line with the President's and Department of Defense7423priorities to enable the achievement of Peace through Strength, defend7424the homeland, and deter emerging threats facing our Nation. If7425confirmed, I will support the Secretary of Defense and Under Secretary7426of Defense for Intelligence and Security in ensuring the alignment of7427defense and national intelligence resources to address these emerging7428security challenges.7429                               __________7430              Questions Submitted by Senator Dan Sullivan7431                             8(a) contracts7432    3. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Overbaugh, the Small Business Act (SBA)74338(a) program, created by Congress, provides a contract vehicle through7434which sole source and set aside contracts can be awarded to small7435businesses owned by Alaska Native corporations, Community Development7436Corporations, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations. These7437corporations are tied to political relationships, not racial7438classifications. They also are some of our most efficient contractors,7439earning stellar Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System7440(CPARS) marks. Last many of these small businesses employ veterans at7441rates far exceeding the national average, allowing our Nation's finest7442to continue to serve after they take off the uniform. Will you commit7443to me to work to preserve and strengthen 8(a) contracting for the7444Department of the Defense?7445    Mr. Overbaugh. Mr. Overbaugh--I fully support merit-based efforts7446to increase U.S. companies' participation in the marketplace,7447particularly in enriching our Defense Industrial Base. I do not support7448any efforts that award public moneys based on the immutable7449characteristics of the applicants. I appreciate the unique value that7450Alaska Native corporations, Community Development Corporations, Indian7451tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations bring to the DOD through the74528(a) program. If confirmed, I commit to working with you and others in7453Congress to preserve and strengthen 8(a) contracting, ensuring that7454such contracts meet stringent security requirements while leveraging7455their proven efficiency.74567457    4. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Overbaugh, I recently toured an SBA 8(a)7458contracting operation and saw firsthand the value 8(a) brings to the7459Federal customer in terms of cost and efficiency while delivering7460mission-critical solutions that increase our national security and7461warfighter readiness. 8(a) contracts represent the best ``bang for the7462buck'' for taxpayers, giving contracting officers additional7463flexibility while also maximizing efficiency by reducing red tape. Do7464you see the value in increased efficiency in flexibility brought from7465initiatives such as the 8(a) program?7466    Mr. Overbaugh. Mr. Overbaugh--I understand that the 8(a) program7467offers valuable flexibility and efficiency in contracting, delivering7468cost-effective, mission-critical solutions that bolster national7469security and warfighter readiness. If confirmed, I will work to ensure7470OUSD(I&S) supports initiatives like the 8(a) program as long as they7471continue to show benefit to the Warfighter and American Taxpayer.74727473    5. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Overbaugh, rapid response capabilities are7474essential to enable our warfighters to win on the battlefield. At the7475same time, our defense contractors must rapidly respond to the needs of7476our military to make the U.S. Military more lethal. Flexible and7477efficient contracting through the SBA 8(a) program is one trusted way7478to do this. Please explain how you will ensure that proven, dependable,7479and cost-effective 8(a) programs remain in place and supported by the7480Department of Defense.7481    Mr. Overbaugh. Mr. Overbaugh--I recognize that rapid response7482capabilities are critical for warfighters, and the 8(a) program offers7483a valuable avenue for achieving this through flexible, secure, and7484efficient contracting.7485                  protecting the u.s. industrial base7486    6. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Overbaugh, the United States defense7487industrial base has always been a major target for foreign espionage--7488especially by major adversaries like China and Russia. One concerning7489trend the last few years is the very real threat of sabotage of7490industrial base assets by foreign agents. We saw attempts attributed to7491Russia to sabotage critical defense industrial base infrastructure in7492NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organization] countries since 2022. Germany7493and the United Kingdom for instance both saw fires and explosions break7494out at ammunition and missile facilities linked to the War in Ukraine.7495We saw an assassination plot against the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)7496of Rheinmetall, a major German arms supplier, and fires set by7497explosive devices that went off at DHL logistics hubs in Germany,7498England, and Poland bound for aircraft. If confirmed, will you commit7499to doing an assessment of the security of the U.S. defense industrial7500base against the types of plots I just described and report back to7501Congress as soon as possible about ways we could better protect these7502critical nodes?7503    Mr. Overbaugh. The increasing threat of foreign espionage and7504sabotage, particularly from adversaries like China and Russia, demands7505our urgent and coordinated attention. Concerning incidents in Europe,7506such as those targeting ammunition and logistics facilities, underscore7507the vulnerabilities within our defense industrial base and a shift7508toward more aggressive tactics. If confirmed, I commit to a thorough7509review of our security posture throughout the U.S. defense industrial7510base, prioritizing protection against espionage and sabotage. I will7511work closely with DOD leadership and Congress to ensure we have the7512necessary resources, policies, and partnerships to safeguard this7513critical asset, maintaining our national security and competitive edge.7514                       collaboration with israel7515    7. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Overbaugh, for more than 4 decades, Iran7516has served as the primary source of instability and chaos in the Middle7517East. Hamas would not have been able to carry out the attacks of7518October 7 without Iran's support. In Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and7519beyond, Iran has, and continues to, work against American interests.7520Iran today could produce weapons-grade uranium for one nuclear weapon7521in just a week and multiple bombs in under a month. Iranian petroleum7522exports remain at or near levels not seen in more than 6 years,7523providing funding for their terrorist activity. Do you agree Iran must7524be prevented from obtaining a nuclear weapon?7525    Mr. Overbaugh. Mr. Overbaugh: The President said that Iran must be7526stopped from getting a nuclear weapon due to its destabilizing role in7527the Middle East, funding of proxies, and rapid uranium enrichment7528capacity. The United States should smartly leverage all aspects of7529National power to counter Iran's stalling and prevent its7530nuclearization.75317532    8. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Overbaugh, in your view, what more should7533the United States be doing to stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear7534weapon?7535    Mr. Overbaugh. Mr. Overbaugh: The United States could leverage7536multilateral sanctions, cyber operations, and regional alliances to7537pressure Iran, while signaling military readiness and engaging in tough7538diplomacy to prevent nuclear weapon development. Direct military action7539should only be used as a last resort and only when clear we can7540reasonably expect to achieve our limited military objectives. To7541counter Iran's stalling tactics in ongoing nuclear talks, the United7542States similarly could consider tightening sanctions and the escalation7543of cyber operations thus bolstering regional deterrence in coordination7544with allies to pressure Tehran into a verifiable deal before the 20257545sanctions deadline.7546                               __________7547                Questions Submitted by Senator Jack Reed7548                          allies and partners7549    9. Senator Reed. Mr. Overbaugh, our network of allies and partners7550remains our greatest asymmetric advantage in strategic competition with7551China, Russia, and others. Do you agree that robust intelligence7552sharing with allies and partners is critical for our national security?7553    Mr. Overbaugh. I agree that robust intelligence sharing7554relationships with allies and partners contributes to our national7555security. Through these relationships, we are able to share the burdens7556of intelligence and security activities undertaken against global7557actors that negatively impact our national security, and we are able to7558inform and influence foreign policymakers' decision calculus as they7559determine what is best for their countries.75607561    10. Senator Reed. Mr. Overbaugh, do you believe that in order to7562maintain robust intelligence sharing that our foreign partners must7563have trust that we will protect the information they share with us?7564    Mr. Overbaugh. Trust is the cornerstone for developing and7565maintaining robust intelligence sharing with our foreign partners. Our7566allies and partners must trust us, and we must trust them when it comes7567to information and having that trust is based on durable relationships.75687569    11. Senator Reed. Mr. Overbaugh, when there are public reports that7570senior U.S. officials have been sharing classified and sensitive7571information in unclassified channels, do you agree that foreign7572partners are less likely to share their information with us?7573    Mr. Overbaugh. Our foreign relationships are based on trust and7574mutual benefit to our national security, which we will never violate.7575For countries with whom we have intelligence sharing arrangements, we7576commit to protecting information received from the partner. If7577intelligence they provide to us begins to be treated arbitrarily, I7578believe we could see a decrease in what they might be willing to share7579with the United States.75807581    12. Senator Reed. Mr. Overbaugh, if confirmed as Deputy Under7582Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (DUSD(I&S)), what7583specific actions would you recommend to strengthen existing7584intelligence and counterintelligence relationships with foreign7585governments and international organizations?7586    Mr. Overbaugh. If confirmed, I will validate the State of existing7587intelligence sharing arrangements with our allies and partners and7588ensure efforts support U.S. national security objectives and the burden7589of the associated intelligence activities is shared appropriately. I7590will also take action to ensure the Defense Intelligence Enterprise is7591pursuing cooperation, intelligence sharing, and interoperability to the7592fullest practicable extent. By pursuing such collaborative efforts, the7593United States and like-minded partners can optimize resources in7594fiscally restrained environments to deepen coordination, strengthen7595deterrence, preserve our warfighting advantage, and increase the7596resilience of our force.7597              civilian workforce cuts and vulnerabilities7598    13. Senator Reed. Mr. Overbaugh, former intelligence officials have7599expressed concern that the Trump administration's indiscriminate cuts7600to the civilian workforce--including across the Department of Defense7601(DOD) and the Intelligence Community--could create a significant7602counterintelligence vulnerability. In your view, does sudden7603professional and financial instability make a person more of a7604counterintelligence risk?7605    Mr. Overbaugh. A top priority for the Department must be educating7606our workforce, both current and former, on the threats posed by foreign7607intelligence entities. If confirmed, I will assess the effectiveness of7608our counterintelligence awareness and reporting programs, ensuring we7609equip individuals to recognize and report targeting by foreign7610adversaries. Critically, our awareness efforts must also highlight7611support structures for personal challenges like mental health or7612financial difficulties. While these challenges do not cause betrayal,7613ensuring access to support can mitigate vulnerabilities and strengthen7614our overall security posture.7615               strategic declassification of intelligence7616    14. Senator Reed. Mr. Overbaugh, in the lead up to Russia's7617invasion of Ukraine, the Biden administration was successful in7618deliberately releasing information derived from intelligence in an7619effort to expose Russia's true plans and intentions and shape the views7620of the international community. Previous Central Intelligence Agency7621(CIA) Director Williams Burns published an article last year where he7622emphasized the importance of ``strategic declassification'' or ``the7623intentional public disclosure of certain secrets to undercut rivals and7624rally allies.'' For years, the geographic combatant commands have been7625pushing for more widespread use of strategic declassification in7626support of information operations. What are your views on the7627importance of strategic declassification of intelligence in support of7628information operations?7629    Mr. Overbaugh. I recognize the strategic value of the carefully7630considered declassification of intelligence. If confirmed, I will7631approach declassification in support of information operations with a7632focus on both maximizing its strategic benefit in the information7633environment while upholding the principles of transparency and public7634trust with respect to intelligence and other national security7635information.76367637    15. Senator Reed. Mr. Overbaugh, do you believe strategic7638declassification could be used more widely while still protecting7639sensitive sources and methods and what are the challenges from an7640intelligence community perspective?7641    Mr. Overbaugh. I believe there is benefit to the selective7642declassification or sanitization of information in support of foreign7643policy objectives when it is done in a manner that takes into7644consideration the overall effect on sources and methods. Usually, it is7645not the one-time declassification of information that affects our7646sources and methods, but a compilation of declassification activities7647that can then cause harm.7648              defense intelligence and security enterprise7649    16. Senator Reed. Mr. Overbaugh, the Under Secretary of Defense for7650Intelligence and Security (USD(I&S)) is vested with responsibility for7651the overall direction and supervision of the Defense Intelligence and7652Security Enterprise. What is your understanding of the role of the7653Office of USD(I&S) in the oversight of the activities of the Defense7654Intelligence and Security Enterprise?7655    Mr. Overbaugh. The USD(I&S) is responsible for planning, policy,7656and strategic oversight for all defense intelligence,7657counterintelligence and security policy, plans, and programs.7658Additionally, the USD(I&S) exercises authority, direction, and control7659over the Defense Intelligence Agency, National Geospatial Intelligence7660Agency, National Security Agency, National Reconnaissance Office, and7661the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) on behalf of7662the Secretary of Defense.76637664    17. Senator Reed. Mr. Overbaugh, if confirmed, how would you seek7665to coordinate such activities across the broader Intelligence7666Community?7667    Mr. Overbaugh. I take seriously the USD(I&S) oversight7668responsibility of the activities of the Defense Intelligence and7669Security Enterprise. If confirmed, I commit to taking an active7670oversight role in the Enterprise to coordinate with the broader IC and7671will support the USD(I&S)'s role as the DNI's Director for Defense7672Intelligence. In doing so, I will ensure robust engagement with ODNI to7673advocate for IC investments, capabilities, and activities that address7674DOD requirements.7675                               __________7676             Questions Submitted by Senator Jeanne Shaheen7677                       anomalous health incidents7678    18. Senator Shaheen. Mr. Overbaugh, I've long been concerned about7679directed energy attacks on our servicemembers, diplomats, and7680Intelligence Community abroad. In 2021, Congress passed the HAVANA Act7681and secured $10 million to help Anomalous Health Incident (AHI) victims7682pay for their care. In the fall of 2024, DOD published its interim rule7683that unlocked the ability to provide payments to victims.7684    Mr. Overbaugh. However, these payments have still not gone out and7685I am hearing that victims are continuing to pay for care out of their7686own pockets. My office has been in contact with former Defense7687Intelligence Agency (DIA) officials who are going into debt to cover7688their medical bills.7689    Brave men and women who have put their lives on the line for our7690country are going into medical debt because they cannot access funds7691meant for them is frustrating, to say the least. If confirmed, will you7692commit to getting HAVANA Act payments out to the AHI victims as soon as7693possible?7694    I share your concern regarding those who may have been affected by7695Anomalous Health Incidents (AHI). I have not yet been briefed on the7696status of HAVANA Act payments. However, I commit to you that I will7697take actions necessary to expedite these payments if they have not been7698made, as required.7699                               __________7700            Questions Submitted by Senator Elizabeth Warren7701                                 ethics7702    19. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, if you are confirmed, will you7703commit not to seek any employment with or compensation from a defense7704contractor, including through serving on a board, as a consultant, or7705as a lobbyist, for 4 years after leaving DOD?7706    Mr. Overbaugh. I will abide by the extensive post-government7707employment ethics rules required by Federal law as well as the terms of7708my Ethics Agreement. These provisions set forth comprehensive7709restrictions relating to acceptance of compensation from defense7710contractors and communicating back to the Federal Government on behalf7711of any future employers and clients. I believe that these existing7712rules are appropriate and sufficient to protect the public interest. If7713confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of my office7714honorably, and I will seek any post-government employment in full7715compliance with the applicable ethics rules.77167717    20. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, if you are confirmed, will you7718commit not to engage in any lobbying activities, including unregistered7719``shadow'' or ``behind-the-scenes'' lobbying under the guise of7720consulting or advising, focused on DOD or any of its components for 47721years after leaving DOD?7722    Mr. Overbaugh. I will abide by the extensive post-government7723employment ethics rules required by Federal law as well as the terms of7724my Ethics Agreement. These provisions set forth comprehensive7725restrictions relating to acceptance of compensation from defense7726contractors and communicating back to the Federal Government on behalf7727of any future employers and clients. I believe that these existing7728rules are appropriate and sufficient to protect the public interest. If7729confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of my office7730honorably, and I will seek any post-government employment in full7731compliance with the applicable ethics rules.77327733    21. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, will you commit not to seek7734employment, board membership with, or any other form of compensation7735from a company that you regulated or otherwise interacted with while in7736government, for at least 4 years after leaving office?7737    Mr. Overbaugh. I will abide by the extensive post-government7738employment ethics rules required by Federal law as well as the terms of7739my Ethics Agreement. These provisions set forth comprehensive7740restrictions relating to acceptance of compensation from defense7741contractors and communicating back to the Federal Government on behalf7742of any future employers and clients. I believe that these existing7743rules are appropriate and sufficient to protect the public interest. If7744confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of my office7745honorably, and I will seek any post-government employment in full7746compliance with the applicable ethics rules.77477748    22. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, during your nomination process,7749did anyone on the Trump campaign, transition team, or other closely7750related entity approach you about your loyalty to President Trump?7751    Mr. Overbaugh. No, I was not approached.77527753    23. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, if you were approached about7754your loyalty to President Trump, did you sign a loyalty pledge or other7755similar oath? If so, please provide a copy of the text of that pledge7756or oath.7757    Mr. Overbaugh. No, I was not approached.77587759    24. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, if you were approached about7760your loyalty to President Trump, did you make any verbal7761representations of loyalty? If so, please describe this representation.7762    Mr. Overbaugh. No, I was not approached.77637764    25. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, in November 2024, the New York7765Times and other news outlets reported that Boris Epshteyn, a top7766adviser to President Trump, allegedly requested payment from7767prospective political appointees to promote their candidacies for top7768positions within the Administration. Did you discuss the possibility of7769joining the Administration with Mr. Epshteyn at any time?7770    Mr. Overbaugh. No.77717772    26. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, if you did discuss the7773possibility of joining the Administration with Mr. Epshteyn, did Mr.7774Epshteyn seek payment from you for promoting your candidacy for a7775position within the Administration?7776    Mr. Overbaugh. No. I have never met with or spoken with Mr.7777Epshteyn.77787779    27. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, at any time, did lawyers for7780President Trump or members of President Trump's team approach you7781regarding Mr. Epshteyn and the allegations cited above? If so, please7782describe the information that they provided you (including copies of7783documents), what was discussed during any calls, and any other7784information pertaining to this interaction.7785    Mr. Overbaugh. No.77867787    28. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, were you in contact with Mr.7788Elon Musk at any time during your nomination process? If so, please7789describe the nature of those contacts.7790    Mr. Overbaugh. No. I have never met with or spoken to Mr. Musk.77917792    29. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, was Mr. Musk present or involved7793in any interviews you did related to your nomination? If so, please7794describe the nature of his involvement.7795    Mr. Overbaugh. No.77967797    30. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, was Mr. Musk involved in any way7798with your nomination, including but not limited to directly or7799indirectly contacting Senators regarding their position on your7800nomination?7801    Mr. Overbaugh. No.78027803    31. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, who was in the room or7804participated in any of your interviews regarding your nomination?7805    Mr. Overbaugh. I met with various staffers from the Administration7806before I was nominated, but the President nominate me.78077808    32. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, if you own any stock or hold any7809other interest in any defense industry contractors, will you divest it7810to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest?7811    Mr. Overbaugh. I will comply with all provisions of the Ethics7812Agreement.78137814    33. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, what do you consider the role of7815the press in a democracy?7816    Mr. Overbaugh. The role of a free press is to inform the public,7817hold power to account, and support democratic society by ensuring7818transparency, fostering debate, and protecting individual rights.78197820    34. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, do you think it would be an7821appropriate use of taxpayer resources to ``dig up dirt'' on journalists7822who investigate or criticize you, your office, or the Trump7823administration?7824    Mr. Overbaugh. No.78257826    35. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, will you commit not to7827retaliate, including by denying access to government officials or7828facilities, against news outlets or individual journalists who publish7829articles that are critical of you, your office, your agency, or the7830Trump administration?7831    Mr. Overbaugh. Yes.78327833    36. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, have you requested, or has7834anyone requested on your behalf, that any other person or third party7835sign a nondisclosure, confidentiality, non-disparagement, or similar7836agreement regarding your conduct in a personal or professional7837capacity?7838    Mr. Overbaugh. No.78397840    37. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, will you voluntarily release any7841individual from any such agreements before this committee votes on your7842nomination?7843    Mr. Overbaugh. Not Applicable.78447845    38. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, have you ever paid or promised7846to pay, or has anyone paid or promised to pay on your behalf, an7847individual as part of any non-disclosure, confidentiality, non-7848disparagement, or similar agreement?7849    Mr. Overbaugh. No.78507851    39. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, if the answer to the previous7852question was yes, how much was promised, how much was paid, and what7853were the circumstances?7854    Mr. Overbaugh. Not Applicable.78557856    40. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, will you commit to recuse7857yourself from all particular matters involving your former clients and7858employers for the duration of your service at DOD?7859    Mr. Overbaugh. I will abide by the extensive post-government7860employment ethics rules required by Federal law as well as the terms of7861my Ethics Agreement. These provisions set forth comprehensive7862restrictions relating to acceptance of compensation from defense7863contractors and communicating back to the Federal Government on behalf7864of any future employers and clients. I believe that these existing7865rules are appropriate and sufficient to protect the public interest. If7866confirmed, I will carry out the responsibilities of my office7867honorably, and I will seek any post-government employment in full7868compliance with the applicable ethics rules.78697870    41. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, please provide a list of all7871your clients at Strategic Decision Solutions, Arcuri Group LLC, and7872Resilient National within the last 5 years.7873    Mr. Overbaugh. My Resilient National clients were Strategic7874Decision Solutions and Keystone Bible Church. I do not have, and cannot7875gain, access to Strategic Decision Solutions or Arcuri Group LLC for7876the past 5 years. congressional Oversight and Transparency78777878    42. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, what is your understanding of7879the role of the Department of Defense Inspector General and service7880Inspectors General?7881    Mr. Overbaugh. The Department of Defense Inspector General (DoD IG)7882and the service Inspectors General (Army, Navy, Air Force, etc.) play7883critical oversight roles within the U.S. military and defense7884establishment. Their primary purpose is to ensure integrity,7885efficiency, and accountability in defense operations and personnel7886conduct.78877888    43. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, will you ensure your staff7889complies with any Inspector General deadlines established for requested7890communications, documents, and witnesses, and that staff will be7891protected from reprisal for their testimony?7892    Mr. Overbaugh. Yes.78937894    44. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, if you are not able to comply7895with any Inspector General requests and deadlines, will you notify the7896Republican and Democratic members of this committee regarding the basis7897for any good faith delay or denial?7898    Mr. Overbaugh. If confirmed, I will work to comply with Inspector7899General requests in a timely manner. I would defer to the Office of the7900Inspector General to update members of the Committee regarding the7901progress of the Inspector General's ongoing reviews.79027903    45. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, if you are confirmed, will you7904commit to refusing to follow illegal orders from any individual,7905including the President?7906    Mr. Overbaugh. If confirmed, I will follow the U.S. Constitution7907and other laws of the United States.79087909    46. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, what actions would you take if7910you were given an illegal order from any individual, including the7911President?7912    Mr. Overbaugh. I reject the premise of this question. The President7913would never give me an illegal order. If confirmed, I would work with7914appropriate officials if given an order that I believed was illegal.79157916    47. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, will you commit to voluntarily7917provide a deposition if you are requested by Congress to provide one?7918    Mr. Overbaugh. Yes.79197920    48. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, will you commit to voluntarily7921testify in front of Congress if you are requested by Congress to do so?7922    Mr. Overbaugh. Yes.79237924    49. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, will you commit to testify or7925provide a deposition in front of Congress if you are issued a subpoena7926to do so?7927    Mr. Overbaugh. Yes.79287929    50. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, will you commit to providing7930information or documents to Congress voluntarily if you are requested7931to do so?7932    Mr. Overbaugh. Yes.79337934    51. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, will you provide information or7935documents to Congress if you are issued a subpoena to do so?7936    Mr. Overbaugh. Yes.79377938    52. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, will you commit to following7939current precedent for responding to information requests, briefings,7940and other inquiries from Congress, including the Senate and House Armed7941Services Committees and their minority members?7942    Mr. Overbaugh. Yes.79437944    53. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, if confirmed, will you commit to7945posting your official calendar monthly?7946    Mr. Overbaugh. If confirmed, I am committed to meeting all legal7947disclosure requirements.79487949    54. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, do you think the Federal7950Government has an overclassification problem? If so, please provide7951examples of overclassification you have encountered.7952    Mr. Overbaugh. I believe there is a widespread perception that the7953Federal Government struggles with overclassification. I have not had7954direct access to classified information in my current role to cite7955specific examples, but I understand the concern that excessive7956classification can hinder transparency, impede informed public7957discourse, and stifle innovation. If confirmed, I commit to working7958diligently to review classification procedures to ensure that7959information is classified only when truly necessary to protect national7960security and that declassification processes are efficient and7961effective.79627963    55. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, if confirmed, do you think your7964department should pursue strategic technology to support automated7965declassification?7966    Mr. Overbaugh. Yes.7967                              project 20257968    56. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, have you discussed Project 20257969with any officials associated with the Trump campaign, the Trump7970transition team, or other members of the Trump administration? If so,7971please explain what you discussed, when you discussed it, and with whom7972you discussed it.7973    Mr. Overbaugh. No.79747975    57. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, have you discussed Project 20257976with any officials associated with the Heritage Foundation? If so,7977please explain what you discussed, when you discussed it, and with whom7978you discussed it.7979    Mr. Overbaugh. No. As far as I am aware, I do not know anyone in7980the Heritage Foundation. I am, however, committed to hearing from and7981engaging with a wide range of perspectives, those that I agree with,7982those that I disagree with, and everyone in between. In addition, I7983will always be transparent about my interactions and honest about how7984those perspectives shape my understanding.7985                           foreign influence7986    58. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, have you received any payment7987from a foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government7988within the past 5 years?7989    Mr. Overbaugh. No, I have not.79907991    59. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, have you communicated with any7992foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government within7993the past 5 years?7994    Mr. Overbaugh. Yes. Through my work as a Military Intelligence7995Officer, I have engaged with numerous FVEY, NATO, and other allies and7996partners in the last 5 years. I have not engaged with any foreign7997government or entity outside of my military requirements.79987999    60. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, please disclose any8000communications or payments you have had with representatives of any8001foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government within8002the past 5 years and describe the nature of the communication.8003    Mr. Overbaugh. I have had no communications or payments as8004described.8005                        impoundment control act8006    61. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, do you believe the Secretary of8007Defense or the Secretary of Energy has the legal authority to block the8008disbursement of funds appropriated by Congress?8009    Mr. Overbaugh. I have no considered this issue before. If8010confronted with this hypothetical, I would work with officials from the8011Office of the General Counsel.80128013    62. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, what is your understanding of8014the Impoundment Control Act?8015    Mr. Overbaugh. My understanding is that Congress enacted the8016Impoundment Control Act in 1974. This Act provides a framework for8017handling circumstances in which the President seeks to defer or cancel8018execution of appropriated funds. I commit, if confirmed, to executing8019my responsibilities consistent with the U.S. Constitution and other8020laws on this matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions8021and advice to the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by8022the Administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's8023General Counsel's office.80248025    63. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, do you commit to complying with8026the Impoundment Control Act?8027    Mr. Overbaugh. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my8028responsibilities consistent with the U.S. Constitution and other laws8029on this matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and8030advice to the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by the8031Administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's8032General Counsel's office.80338034    64. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, do you commit to notifying the8035Senate and House Armed Services Committees, including the majority and8036minority, if you are asked not to comply with the Impoundment Control8037Act or not to expend the money that Congress appropriates or8038authorizes?8039    Mr. Overbaugh. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my8040responsibilities consistent with the U.S. Constitution and other laws8041on this matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and8042advice to the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by the8043Administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's8044General Counsel's office.80458046    65. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, the Constitution's Spending8047Clause (Art. I, Sec.  8, cl. 1) and Appropriations Clause (Art. I,8048Sec.  9, cl. 7) give Congress, not the Executive, power of the purse.8049The Supreme Court has unanimously upheld this power. Do you believe8050that impoundments are constitutional?8051    Mr. Overbaugh. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my8052responsibilities consistent with the U.S. Constitution and other laws8053on this matter as on all others. I would ensure that my actions and8054advice to the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by the8055Administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's8056General Counsel's office.80578058    66. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, the funding levels in8059appropriations bills passed into law are not targets or ceilings;8060instead, they are amounts the executive branch must spend, unless8061stated otherwise. Congress could--if it wanted the President to have8062discretion--write those amounts as ceilings. Do you agree?8063    Mr. Overbaugh. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my8064responsibilities consistent with the U.S. Constitution and other laws,8065including appropriations legislation. I would ensure that my actions8066and advice to the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by8067the Administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's8068General Counsel's office.80698070    67. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, what is your understanding of8071the requirements for DOD to obligate funding that Congress authorizes8072and appropriates, in accordance with the time period that Congress8073deems it to do so?8074    Mr. Overbaugh. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my8075responsibilities consistent with the U.S. Constitution and other laws,8076including authorization and appropriations legislation. I would ensure8077that my actions and advice to the Secretary of Defense on this matter8078are informed by the Administration's legal positions and advice from8079the Department's General Counsel's office.80808081    68. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, do you commit to expending the8082money that Congress appropriates and authorizes?8083    Mr. Overbaugh. If confirmed, I commit to expending resources in8084accordance with congressional appropriations and authorizations for8085those programs within my authority. I would ensure that my actions and8086advice to the Secretary of Defense on this matter are informed by the8087Administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's8088General Counsel's office.80898090    69. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, do you commit to following and8091implementing every provision of the annual National Defense8092Authorization Act passed into law?8093    Mr. Overbaugh. I commit, if confirmed, to executing my8094responsibilities consistent with the U.S. Constitution and other laws,8095including the National Defense Authorization Act. I would ensure that8096my actions and advice to the Secretary of Defense on this matter are8097informed the Administration's legal positions and advice from the8098Department's General Counsel's office.80998100    70. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, if you became aware of a8101potential violation of the Antideficiency Act, Impoundment Control Act,8102or other appropriations laws, what steps would you take?8103    Mr. Overbaugh. If confirmed, were I to become aware of any8104violation of the Antideficiency Act, Impoundment Control Act, or other8105appropriations laws, I would abide by the Department's procedures to8106report such violations to the appropriate authorities. I would further8107ensure that my actions and advice to the Secretary of Defense regarding8108any such violations are informed by the Administration's legal8109positions and advice from the Department's General Counsel's office.8110                        research and development8111    71. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, does the Federal Government8112benefit from partnering with colleges, universities, nonprofits, and8113federally funded research and development centers?8114    Mr. Overbaugh. Yes, I strongly believe the Federal Government8115benefits significantly from engaging with certain colleges,8116universities, nonprofits, and federally Funded Research and Development8117Centers (FFRDCs). I understand that OUSD(I&S) sponsors a university8118affiliated research center (UARC) to foster innovation and assist in8119developing the next generation of talent in critical intelligence and8120security career fields. I understand UARCs and FFRDCS are key to8121addressing 21st century technology challenges by engaging academia,8122government, and industry to provide objective, trusted advice on8123critical national security issues.81248125    72. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, under your leadership, will your8126agencies continue to work with colleges, universities, nonprofits, and8127federally funded research and development centers to research and8128address our toughest national security challenges?8129    Mr. Overbaugh. If confirmed, I commit to continuing to engage with8130FFRDCs, UARCs, and other institutions of higher learning to develop new8131and transformative technology and analysis for the warfighter8132consistent with the Administration's mission and priorities.8133         protecting classified information and federal records8134    73. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, what is your understanding of8135the need to protect operational security, or OPSEC?8136    Mr. Overbaugh. I understand that protecting operations security8137(OPSEC) is critical to safeguarding our national security. OPSEC8138requires the identification and protection of critical information from8139exploitation by adversaries. A strong OPSEC posture, built on awareness8140and vigilance, is essential at all levels. If confirmed, I will8141prioritize OPSEC, coupled with information security, to protect and8142enable all our operations and decisions.81438144    74. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, what are the national security8145risks of improperly disclosing classified information?8146    Mr. Overbaugh. Improper disclosure of classified information poses8147significant risks to our national security. It can compromise8148intelligence sources and methods, putting lives at risk and hindering8149our ability to gather critical intelligence. It can reveal sensitive8150military plans and capabilities, giving adversaries an advantage on the8151battlefield. It can undermine diplomatic efforts, damage relationships8152with allies and partners, and erode trust in the United States.8153Furthermore, it can harm our economic competitiveness by revealing8154proprietary information and technological advantages. In short, the8155improper disclosure of classified information can have far-reaching and8156devastating consequences for our national security, and I take this8157matter with the utmost seriousness.81588159    75. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, what would you do if you learned8160an official had improperly disclosed classified information?8161    Mr. Overbaugh. If I learned that an official had improperly8162disclosed classified information, I would take immediate and decisive8163action to ensure the incident is reported to the appropriate8164authorities for investigation, contain the damage, assess the scope of8165the disclosure, and work to mitigate any harm to national security. I8166would also address any vulnerabilities in our security posture that8167contributed to the disclosure. The protection of controlled and8168classified information is paramount, and I would treat any breach with8169the seriousness it deserves.81708171    76. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, what is your understanding of8172government officials' duties under the Federal Records Act?8173    Mr. Overbaugh. If confirmed, I will adhere to the Federal Records8174Act and the applicable DOD policies that implement it, which ensure8175that the Federal records I create or receive are appropriately8176maintained, and I will hold the personnel of the Defense Intelligence8177and Security Enterprise accountable for the same.81788179    77. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, should classified information be8180shared on unclassified commercial systems?8181    Mr. Overbaugh. No.8182               retaliation and protecting whistleblowers8183    78. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, do you believe that8184servicemembers, civilians, grantees, and contractors should be8185protected from any form of retaliation for coming forward about an8186illegal order, sexual assault or harassment, negligence, misconduct, or8187any other concern that they wish to raise?8188    Mr. Overbaugh. Yes, I do.81898190    79. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, have you ever retaliated against8191any individual for coming forward about an illegal order, sexual8192assault or harassment, negligence, misconduct, or any other concern8193that they wish to raise?8194    Mr. Overbaugh. No.81958196    80. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, if you are confirmed, will you8197commit to protecting whistleblowers? If so, please specify how you will8198do so.8199    Mr. Overbaugh. Yes, if confirmed, I will commit to protecting8200whistleblowers in accordance with applicable law. I will foster a8201culture where the organization understands that doing so supports the8202mission.82038204    81. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, if you are confirmed, will you8205commit to preventing retaliation against any individual for coming8206forward about an illegal order, sexual assault or harassment,8207negligence, misconduct, or any other concern that they wish to raise?8208    Mr. Overbaugh. Yes, I do.82098210    82. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, do you consider it to be8211retaliation to demote an individual, prevent the promotion or8212advancement of an individual, remove an individual from the military or8213their role, or take other adverse actions related to personnel8214decisions for an individual, in response to that individual engaging in8215protected activity?8216    Mr. Overbaugh. Yes, each of those actions could amount to an act of8217retaliation, depending on the circumstances.82188219    83. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, do you consider it to be8220retaliation to encourage another person(s) to demote an individual,8221prevent the promotion or advancement of an individual, remove an8222individual from the military or their role, or take other adverse8223actions related to personnel decisions for an individual, in response8224to that individual engaging in protected activity?8225    Mr. Overbaugh. Yes, each of those actions could amount to an act of8226retaliation, depending on the circumstances.8227                     politicization of the military8228    84. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, if confirmed, do you commit not8229to retaliate against general officers or military servicemembers for8230executing lawful policies enacted by a previous Administration?8231    Mr. Overbaugh. Yes, I do.8232                        unauthorized disclosures8233    85. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, what is the normal process after8234the Department becomes aware of indications that classified or8235sensitive defense or intelligence information has been found in the8236public sphere?8237    Mr. Overbaugh. I understand that DOD takes immediate action8238whenever there is credible information that classified or sensitive8239defense information has been found in the public sphere. This could8240involve initiating an inquiry or investigation to assess the scope of8241the potential compromise, secure any compromised information to the8242extent possible, and identify the source of the unauthorized8243disclosure. If circumstances warrant, DOD then pursues appropriate8244administrative, legal, or other remedial actions based on the findings8245of the inquiry or investigation.82468247    86. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, if confirmed, do you commit to8248holding senior officials who violate protections of sensitive8249information to the same standard as junior soldiers and civilians?8250    Mr. Overbaugh. All DOD personnel with access to classified8251information are responsible for protecting such information. If8252confirmed, I understand my responsibilities will include directing,8253administering, and overseeing the DOD Information Security Program, on8254behalf of the Secretary and Deputy Secretary. I will advocate for a8255culture of accountability at all levels, backed up by clear,8256modernized, and standardized guidance, to ensure that all DOD personnel8257support this shared and sacred obligation.82588259    87. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, if confirmed, do you commit to8260providing documented justifications to this Committee for any actions8261taken to remove or re-detail individuals as a result of the memo8262entitled ``Efforts to Combat Unauthorized Disclosures,'' dated 21 March82632025?8264    Mr. Overbaugh. Although I am familiar with the publicly released8265memorandum, I am not familiar with actions or activities it may have8266initiated. If I am confirmed, I would certainly anticipate being8267brought up to speed on any such actions and will commit to working with8268Congress, without impeding any investigative matters.82698270    88. Senator Warren. Mr. Overbaugh, if confirmed, do you commit that8271your deliberations and decisions will only be communicated through8272official, secure channels and any decisions properly documented for8273both oversight and institutional memory?8274    Mr. Overbaugh. If confirmed, I commit to ensuring that all8275deliberations and decisions are communicated through official, secure8276channels. Furthermore, I will ensure that all decisions are properly8277documented to facilitate effective oversight and maintain institutional8278memory. Recognizing the need for speed and security, I will also work8279closely with the DOD CIO to ensure we have modernized communication8280tools that enable secure decisionmaking at mission speeds. This is8281critical for maintaining security, accountability, transparency, and8282operational effectiveness within the organization.8283                                 ______82848285    [The nomination reference of Mr. Justin P. Overbaugh8286follows:]82878288    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]82898290                                 ______82918292    [The biographical sketch of Mr. Justin P. Overbaugh, which8293was transmitted to the Committee at the time the nomination was8294referred, follows:]82958296   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]82978298                                 ______82998300    [The Committee on Armed Services requires all individuals8301nominated from civilian life by the President to positions8302requiring the advice and consent of the Senate to complete a8303form that details the biographical, financial, and other8304information of the nominee. The form executed by Mr. Justin P.8305Overbaugh in connection with his nomination follows:]83068307   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]83088309                                ------83108311    [The nominee responded to Parts B-F of the committee8312questionnaire. The text of the questionnaire is set forth in8313the Appendix to this volume. The nominee's answers to Parts B-F8314are contained in the committee's executive files.]83158316    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]83178318                                 ______83198320    [The nomination of Mr. Justin P. Overbaugh was reported to8321the Senate by Chairman Wicker on May 13, 2025, with the8322recommendation that the nomination be confirmed. The nomination8323was confirmed by the Senate on September 18, 2025.]8324                                ------83258326    [Prepared questions submitted to Mr. Daniel Zimmerman by8327Chairman Wicker prior to the hearing with answers supplied8328follow:]83298330                        Questions and Responses8331                       duties and qualifications8332    Question. The Assistant Secretary of Defense for International8333Security Affairs (ASD(ISA)) is the principal advisor to the Under8334Secretary of Defense for Policy and the Secretary of Defense on8335international security strategy and policy on issues of Defense8336Department interest that relate to the nations and international8337organizations of Europe (including the North Atlantic Treaty8338Organization and Russia), the Middle East, Africa, and their8339governments and defense establishments.8340    What is your understanding of the duties and functions of the8341ASD(ISA) under current regulations and practices?8342    Answer. My understanding of the duties and functions of the8343Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs8344(ASD(ISA)) are based on U.S. code and applicable DOD guidance (see DOD8345Directive 5111.07). Statutorily and by guidance the ASD(ISA), under the8346authority, direction, and control of the Under Secretary of Defense for8347Policy (USD(P)), is the principal civilian advisor to the Secretary of8348Defense, Deputy Secretary of Defense, and the USD(P) on all matters8349relating to international security strategy and policy issues related8350to nations and international organizations in Europe, including the8351North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union;8352Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia; the Middle East; and Africa. To fulfill8353the National Defense Strategy, the ASD(ISA) conducts defense relations8354in this assigned area of responsibility, develops country-specific and8355regional security strategy and policy, and issues guidance to translate8356and incorporate national and DOD policy into these approaches.8357    Question. If confirmed, what additional duties and functions would8358you expect the Secretary of Defense and the Under Secretary of Defense8359for Policy to prescribe for you?8360    Answer. I am not aware of any additional duties and8361responsibilities that would be prescribed by the Secretary, but I would8362be prepared to assume additional ones that are compatible with8363effectively meeting the core responsibilities and duties of the8364position.8365    Question. What background and experience do you possess that8366qualify you for this position?8367    Answer. I have enjoyed the tremendous privilege to serve my country8368for nearly two decades in a variety of leadership and national security8369roles through my career at the Central Intelligence Agency. My duties8370have involved many of the most pressing issues confronting our national8371security, including matters related directly to portfolio of the8372ASD(ISA), as I understand it.8373    As a briefer for the President's Daily Brief, I presented our8374government's most sensitive national security insights to senior8375policymakers on a daily basis, discussing issues ranging from China and8376advanced weapons to Iran and terrorism. I was a senior member of the8377White House team that developed the Abraham Accords and participated in8378diplomatic engagements throughout the Middle East. I have managed the8379interagency process at both the Central Intelligence Agency and the8380National Security Council (NSC), and I have led analytic teams on cyber8381threats, energy security, and global trade. I have worked on sensitive8382projects in the Eurasia theater and served alongside special operations8383forces in the warzone. I have experience working closely with foreign8384liaison partners worldwide to advance U.S. and shared interests. My8385Senate fellowship in Senator Hagerty's office has equipped me with an8386understanding and deep respect for the role of Congress in national8387security policy. My academic background includes studies in8388international diplomacy, military and economic statecraft, financial8389mathematics, and history.8390                         conflicts of interest8391    Question. Federal ethics laws, to include 18 U.S.C. Sec. 208,8392prohibit government employees from participating in matters where they,8393or certain family members or organizations with which they have certain8394relationships, have a financial interest.8395    Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to disclose any8396potential conflicts of interest, including investments, business ties,8397family relationships, or other connections that could be perceived as8398influencing your decisionmaking?8399    Answer. I agree to comply with all conflicts of interest disclosure8400requirements set forth in the Ethics in Government Act and implementing8401regulations.8402    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, that8403if a conflict of interest arises, you will recuse yourself from8404participating in any decisions regarding that specific matter?8405    Answer. I agree to comply with all recusal requirements under 188406U.S.C. Sec.  208 and implementing regulations.8407    Question. Do you commit, without qualification, if confirmed, to8408decide matters on the merits, and exclusively in the public interest,8409without regard to private gain or personal benefit?8410    Answer. I commit to deciding matters on the merits based on the8411public interest, without regard to any private gain or personal8412benefit.8413                    major challenges and priorities8414    Question. If confirmed, what broad priorities would you establish?8415    Answer. I support the President's America First, peace through8416strength agenda. I agree with Secretary Hegseth that China and securing8417the homeland constitute our country's top security challenges and are8418the right priorities for defense policy.8419    If confirmed, I would work under Under Secretary Colby to further8420the Department's policy objectives. As I understand them with respect8421to the ASD(ISA) area of responsibility, these should include among8422others pursuing a durable peace in Ukraine, spurring urgent defense8423investments and greater responsibility from NATO allies, addressing8424threats presented by Russia, partnering with key ally Israel, denying8425Iran a nuclear weapon, countering terrorist threats to the homeland,8426and preventing China from geostrategic advances in these theaters.8427    In addition to such policy aims, if confirmed, I would also strive8428to provide diligent, accountable, and humble leadership in the8429position.8430    Question. In your view, what are the major challenges, if any, you8431would confront if confirmed as ASD(ISA)?8432    Answer. In my understanding, the major challenge of the ASD(ISA)8433portfolio will be to help optimize the allocation of defense resources.8434I agree with Secretary Hegseth that China and securing the homeland8435must take precedence, and that reviving the defense industrial base and8436enhancing readiness are fundamental to that. In my view, the ASD(ISA)8437must be ready to help position the Department to focus on these8438priorities while resolutely addressing persistent threats facing the8439United States stemming from Russia, Iran, terrorism, and China's8440expanding influence in the Middle East and Africa. I see effective8441partner engagements that enable and drive greater burden sharing as8442vital for this end.8443    If confirmed, I would also anticipate the organizational challenge8444of quickly mastering Department processes and ensuring my advice,8445leadership, and decisionmaking are timely, informed, and effective8446toward furthering U.S. national security interests and Department8447policy.8448    Question. If confirmed, what management actions and timelines would8449you establish to address each of these challenges?8450    Answer. If confirmed, I would take a number of actions to address8451these challenges, starting with understanding existing Departmental8452guidance and requesting briefings on all the core elements of the8453ASD(ISA) portfolio to ensure I am prepared to provide optimal advice8454and support to Under Secretary Colby and Secretary Hegseth in advancing8455the President's defense priorities. Based on previous interagency8456management experience, I would plan to swiftly establish clear8457communication and workflow practices, and to develop productive8458relationships with my colleagues at DOD as well as with counterparts8459across the NSC, State Department, Intelligence Community, and all8460relevant departments. I would focus closely on upcoming allied8461engagements to promote the Administration's clear message encouraging8462allies and partners to take greater ownership of their security needs.8463I would pursue excellent communication with Congress to ensure the8464Department receives appropriate congressional input on matters related8465to the ASD(ISA) portfolio.8466          detainee treatment and naval station guantanamo bay8467    Question. Do you support the standards for detainee treatment8468specified in the revised Army Field Manual on Interrogations, FM 2-846922.3, issued in September 2006, and in DOD Directive 2310.01E, The8470Department of Defense Detainee Program, dated August 19, 2014, and8471required by section 1045 of the National Defense Authorization Act for8472Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92)?8473    Answer. I am not in a position to give an informed answer to this8474question. My understanding is that the Assistant Secretary of Defense8475for Special Operations and Low-Intensity conflict conducts oversight of8476detainee treatment.8477    Question. What are your views on the continued use of the detention8478facility at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay?8479    Answer. I am not in a position to give an informed answer to this8480question. My understanding is that the Assistant Secretary of Defense8481for Special Operations and Low-Intensity conflict conducts oversight of8482Guantanamo Bay operational policy.8483    Question. Executive Order 13567 established the Periodic Review8484Board (PRB) Periodic Review of Individuals Detained at Guantanamo Bay8485Naval Station Pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force8486process.8487    If confirmed, what specific actions would you take to address the8488cases of detainees already recommended by a PRB for transfer from8489Guantanamo to another nation?8490    Answer. I am not in a position to give an informed answer to this8491question.8492    Question. In your view, what standard of care should govern the8493physical and mental health services provided to detainees at8494Guantanamo, whether they are migrants or law of war detainees?8495    Answer. I am not in a position to give an informed answer to this8496question.8497    Question. What is your understanding of the authorities that are8498available to the Department of Defense to transfer migrants and hold8499them at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay?8500    Answer. I am not in a position to give an informed answer to this8501question.8502    Question. What are your views on the objectives and outcomes of the8503Department's Military Commission process?8504    Answer. My understanding is that the Military Commissions process8505provides standards and processes for trials of alien unprivileged enemy8506belligerents for violations of the law of war and other offenses8507triable by military commission. If confirmed, I would not anticipate8508being directly involved in policy decisions regarding the Office of8509Military Commissions and Military Commissions proceedings. However, I8510support ensuring that policy is not an impediment to thorough and8511speedy justice for those responsible for the 9/11 attacks and other8512terrorist attacks.8513    Question. Section 2441 of title 18, U.S. Code, defines grave8514breaches of common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, including8515torture and cruel and inhuman treatment.8516    In your view, does section 2441 define these terms in a way that8517provides U.S. detainees in the custody of other nations, as well as8518foreign detainees in U.S. custody appropriate protections from abusive8519treatment?8520    Answer. I am not in a position to give an informed answer to this8521question.8522     u.s. northern command/defense support to civilian authorities8523    Question. Civil authorities may request DOD support for domestic8524disasters and certain counter-drug operations as well as in managing8525the consequences of a terrorist event employing a weapon of mass8526destruction.8527    In your view, are the procedures by which other Federal, State, and8528Local agencies request DOD support efficient and effective?8529    Answer. I am not in a position to give an informed answer to this8530question. My understanding is that the Assistant Secretary of Defense8531for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs oversees defense support8532of civil authorities policy, authorities, and processes.8533    Question. In your view, are DOD procedures for evaluating and8534approving the provision of support requested by a civil authority8535efficient, effective, and timely?8536    Answer. I am not in a position to give an informed answer to this8537question.8538    Question. What is your understanding of the factors that are8539considered in determining whether DOD will provide support to a civil8540authority?8541    Answer. I am not in a position to give an informed answer to this8542question.8543    Question. What types of assistance in this context are8544inappropriate, in your view?8545    Answer. I am not in a position to give an informed answer to this8546question.8547    Question. What role do you believe that DOD should play in8548addressing security at the southwest border? What aspects of the8549current DOD role at the southwest border, if any, could be improved?8550    Answer. My understanding is that the Assistant Secretary of Defense8551for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs oversees defense support8552of civil authorities policy, authorities, and processes.8553                         u.s. southern command8554    Question. If confirmed, what recommendations would you make to the8555President to deter Russian and Chinese influence in the SOUTHCOM AOR?8556    Answer. I am not in a position to give an informed answer to this8557question. My understanding is that the Assistant Secretary of Defense8558for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs and the Assistant8559Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities have8560responsibility for DOD strategy and policy in the U.S. Southern Command8561(USSOUTHCOM) area of responsibility (AOR) and the Western Hemisphere8562and advise on USSOUTHCOM posture and activities.8563    Question. Do you believe these influences threaten hemispheric8564security and prosperity?8565    Answer. I am not in a position to give an informed answer to this8566question.8567                  counternarcotics activities (so/lic)8568    Question. DOD serves as lead agency for the detection and8569monitoring of aerial and maritime foreign shipments of drugs flowing8570toward the United States. On an annual basis, DOD expends nearly $18571billion to build the counternarcotics capacity of U.S. Federal, State,8572and local law enforcement agencies and certain foreign governments.8573    What changes, if any, should be made to DOD's counternarcotics8574strategy and supporting activities?8575    Answer. I am not in a position to give an informed answer to this8576question. I believe the narcotics threat facing our country is a true8577menace and deserves an all-of-government response. My understanding is8578that the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-8579Intensity Conflict oversees the DOD counternarcotics program.8580    Question. Corruption and the absence of the rule of law enable the8581transnational criminal organizations' narcotics trade that contributes8582to the flow of illegal drugs into the United States.8583    In your view, what should be DOD's role in countering the flow of8584narcotics to nations other than the United States?8585    Answer. I am not in a position to give an informed answer to this8586question.8587    Question. To what extent do you view our allies and partners in the8588region as partners in countering counternarcotics and other illicit8589activities?8590    Answer. I am not in a position to give an informed answer to this8591question.8592    Question. How, if at all, should U.S. security assistance be scoped8593to address factors at the root of counternarcotics trafficking, in your8594opinion?8595    Answer. I am not in a position to give an informed answer to this8596question.8597                  approaches to strategic competition8598    Question. The Department of Defense published Interim National8599Defense Strategic Guidance (INDSG) on March 13, 2025. The INDSG8600supersedes the Biden Administration's 2022 National Defense Strategy.8601The INDSG prioritizes defense of the homeland and deterrence of China8602over all other threats. The underlying premise of the strategy assumes8603that limited resources should serve to constrain America's strategic8604appetite--indeed the INDSG indicates a preference for limited defense8605spending and a reduced focus on Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.8606    In your view, what are the distinctions between the military8607capabilities and capacities the United States needs to prevail in day-8608to-day strategic competition with Russia and the capabilities and8609capacities it needs to deter Russia's use of military force to achieve8610political objectives and, if necessary, prevail in a military conflict8611with the Russia?8612    Answer. In my understanding, the Department and the Administration8613judges that U.S. military strategy needs to focus our resources on8614defending the homeland and deterring China. For regions such as Europe8615and the Middle East that still hold key U.S. interests, it will be8616critical to maintain a network of allies and partners that the United8617States can count on to field capabilities necessary to defend8618themselves effectively, with more focused U.S. support. This applies8619across the spectrum from competition to armed conflict and will require8620many of our allies and partners, especially in Europe, to accelerate8621investments in their militaries, societal resilience, and defense8622industrial capacity. Fortunately, from public reporting, it seems that8623our allies have heard this call and are stepping up to take greater8624ownership of their defense needs. If confirmed, critical to my role8625will be clearly and persuasively aligning our allies' defense goals8626with those of the President.8627    Question. In your view, what are the enduring advantages that8628enable the United States to prevail in strategic competition with8629Russia and with China? If confirmed, what policies and approaches would8630you implement to sustain and strengthen those advantages?8631    Answer. The United States must possess the world's most lethal8632fighting force. If confirmed, I would work to sustain and strengthen8633this advantage.8634    Question. In your assessment, what new capabilities are needed for8635the Joint Force to compete below the threshold of armed conflict?8636    Answer. In my understanding, the United States is well positioned8637to operate below the threshold of armed conflict to defend the Homeland8638and deter China in the Indo-Pacific in alignment with the INDSG. If8639confirmed, I commit to working with our Combatant Command and8640Departmental leaders to understand and advocate for resourcing any8641additional and novel capabilities in this space.8642    Question. If confirmed, what policies would you propose to counter8643Russia's efforts to compete strategically below the threshold of armed8644conflict in regions within the ASD(ISA)'s responsibility?8645    Answer. I would like to study this issue more closely and receive8646the relevant briefings before offering a well-informed view. For allies8647to contribute effectively to these strategies, they must surge defense8648spending and swiftly strengthen security capabilities, as President8649Trump and Secretary Hegseth have urged them to do. If confirmed as8650ASD(ISA), securing greater allied burden sharing and accountability8651will be one of my top priorities.8652    Question. What is your assessment of the military threat posed by8653the People's Republic of China in the regions within the ASD(ISA)'s8654responsibility?8655    Answer. The military threat posed by China is the most serious and8656pressing for the United States. The 2025 Annual Threat Assessment of8657the U.S. Intelligence Community states that China presents the most8658comprehensive and robust military threat to U.S. national security. The8659heightened risk of simultaneous aggression against the United States8660and its allies is a significant and growing challenge. European nations8661stepping up and leading on conventional defense and deterrence of8662Russia in Europe will be vital to mitigate the threat of simultaneous8663aggression against the United States and its allies. The presence of8664China in the Middle East threatens a key geographic area which could8665become critical in the event of a Pacific contingency. In Africa, China8666has deepened engagement to bolster relationships with African countries8667and their militaries. China has looked to gain African countries'8668support for establishing maritime points of presence to advance its8669goal of developing the People's Liberation Army into a global8670expeditionary force that can project power well beyond the Indo-8671Pacific.8672    Question. What is your assessment of the military threat posed by8673Russia?8674    Answer. Russia's nuclear, missile, and other asymmetric8675capabilities enable Russia to pose a direct military threat to the8676United States, the rest of NATO, and other allies. Russia's battle-8677hardened military poses a serious threat to Eastern Europe, including8678NATO members.8679    Question. What is your assessment of the threat posed by collusion8680among Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea?8681    Answer. I am deeply concerned that China, Russia, Iran, and North8682Korea have increasingly collaborated with each other in recent years,8683presenting heightened security challenges to the United States and our8684allies. The United States must take such coordination seriously, since8685too many of our allies are inadequately prepared to assume greater8686security burdens, and the United States itself would be hard pressed to8687adequately fight multiple major wars. This is a key challenge I would8688focus on addressing if confirmed as ASD(ISA).8689    Question. In your view, should the Defense Department's force8690sizing construct be based on the need to conduct simultaneous conflicts8691in Asia and Europe?8692    Answer. In my view, a strategy that prioritizes defending the8693homeland and deterring China while fostering increased burden-sharing8694from allies and partners, especially in Europe, is the best force8695planning construct. This can position the United States and our allies8696to deter--or if necessary fight and win--simultaneous conflicts in the8697Indo-Pacific and Europe.8698    Question. If confirmed, what would you do if you determine that the8699DOD cannot meet the demands placed on it by the President's defense8700strategy?8701    Answer. The Department must be responsive to the President. If8702confirmed, I would work under the guidance of the Secretary and USD(P)8703to ensure we prioritize the Department's activities and resources to8704achieve the President's intent.8705    Question. How do you view issues of economic competition as part of8706the border strategic competition environment? What role, if any, should8707DOD have in assessing, influencing or impacting economic competition as8708part of its broader strategy?8709    Answer. I strongly support Secretary Hegseth's goal of rebuilding8710the military by reviving our defense industrial base, reforming our8711acquisition process, passing a financial audit, and rapidly fielding8712emerging technologies. I see the combination of these initiatives being8713the foundation of DOD's role in supporting a broader U.S. Government8714strategy for economic competition.8715                     u.s. european command (eucom)8716    Question. Do you believe the deterrent posture in Europe is8717sufficient to deter further Russian aggression in Europe?8718    Answer. I am not in a position to give an informed answer to this8719question. I understand the Department of Defense has begun conducting a8720global force posture review to assess the effectiveness of existing8721missions and forces assigned to USEUCOM. If confirmed, I would actively8722engage in this effort, including addressing this question.8723    Question. In your assessment, are there capability and/or capacity8724shortfalls in current U.S. posture that affect the U.S. ability to8725carry out the EUCOM Theater Campaign Plan?8726    Answer. I am not in a position to give an informed answer to this8727question. I understand the Department of Defense has begun conducting a8728global force posture review to assess the effectiveness of existing8729missions and forces assigned to USEUCOM. If confirmed, I would actively8730contribute to this effort, including addressing this question.8731    Question. In your assessment, does the United States have8732sufficient air and missile defense capability and capacity to defend8733critical infrastructure in EUCOM? If not, what are the areas of highest8734risk?8735    Answer. I am not in a position to give an informed answer to this8736question. I understand the Department of Defense has begun conducting a8737global force posture review to assess the effectiveness of existing8738missions and forces assigned to USEUCOM. If confirmed, I would actively8739contribute to this effort, including addressing this question.8740    Question. If confirmed, what specific changes would you make to8741U.S. capabilities or force posture in Europe to execute the Interim8742National Defense Strategic Guidance more effectively?8743    Answer. I am not in a position to give an informed answer to this8744question. I understand the Department of Defense has begun conducting a8745global force posture review to assess the effectiveness of existing8746missions and forces assigned to USEUCOM using the INDSG to guide the8747process. If confirmed, I would actively contribute to this effort,8748including addressing this question.8749    Question. Defender Europe 2025 and other exercises the United8750States conducts with European Allies and partners illustrate our8751collective ability to mobilize large forces rapidly to respond to a8752crisis.8753    Do you support DOD maintaining the large scale and frequent8754exercises it has conducted in Europe in recent years?8755    Answer. If confirmed, I would review the resource requirements8756necessary to achieve our national security objectives in Europe in8757light of our global strategic and defense priorities as indicated by8758President Trump and Secretary Hegseth.8759European Deterrence Initiative (EDI)8760    Question. Since establishment of the EDI in 2014, the NDAA has8761authorized billions of dollars each year for EDI investments to support8762stability and security, and to deter Russian aggression.8763    In your view, has EDI improved U.S. and allied capability and8764capacity to deter Russian aggression in the European theater?8765    Answer. If confirmed, I would review and provide my best advice to8766my leadership on the allocation of resources across the different8767theaters and recommend investments that best protect U.S. interests,8768deter conflict, and leverage the investments of our allies to provide8769for their own defense.8770    Question. Do you believe continued, robust funding for programs,8771activities, and investments under EDI's five lines of effort is8772required to support implementation of EUCOM's mission to deter and8773defend against aggression?8774    Answer. It is my understanding that the EDI's lines of effort--8775increased presence, exercises and training, enhanced prepositioning,8776improved infrastructure, and building partner capacity--have8777contributed to the capabilities and readiness of U.S. forces in8778USEUCOM, of NATO allies, and of regional partners. If confirmed, I8779would review the resource requirements necessary to achieve our8780national security objectives in Europe in light of our global strategic8781and defense priorities as indicated by President Trump and Secretary8782Hegseth.8783NATO Alliance8784    Question. In your view, how important to U.S. strategic interests8785is the U.S. commitment to its obligations under the North Atlantic8786Treaty, especially Article 5?8787    Answer. I believe NATO holds far-reaching importance for the United8788States and that our commitments to the alliance are grave and serious.8789My understanding is that the President has said the United States8790remains committed to NATO. The United States remains the only country8791that has invoked Article 5 commitments, which gives that provision8792special significance. President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have been8793clear that Article 3 is also important, and I agree with the8794Administration's vision for all members to contribute to a NATO that is8795more lethal, ready, and relevant. The alliance must adapt, and if8796confirmed it will be my particular responsibility to ensure that8797European and Canadian NATO allies do their part.8798    Question. What do you view as the essential strategic objectives of8799the NATO Alliance and what do you perceive to be the greatest8800challenges in meeting those objectives?8801    Answer. My understanding is that NATO's strategic objectives are to8802deter conflict in Europe and defeat threats to treaty Allies should8803deterrence fail. NATO is, and should refocus on being, a military8804alliance to defend the member states in the Euro-Atlantic area. A great8805challenge to those objectives is that Russia now has a battle-hardened8806military while Europe's development of combat-credible forces and its8807defense industrial base has lagged. Meanwhile, China poses a grave and8808near-term threat to U.S. interest in the Indo-Pacific. A sense of8809urgency among our allies is needed to achieve a NATO that is more8810lethal, ready, and relevant.8811    Question. NATO has long held the position that, ``as long as8812nuclear weapons exist, NATO will remain a nuclear alliance.'' In your8813view, do you believe this principle requires the United States to8814continue to deploy nuclear weapons in NATO countries?8815    Answer. I support this principle, and my understanding is that the8816presence of U.S. nuclear weapons in Europe has proven to be a key8817tenant of the alliance and played a fundamental role deterring conflict8818and aggression.8819    Question. Do you believe that NATO should expand the nuclear8820sharing role to additional alliance members?8821    Answer. I understand this has been a topic of ongoing debate in8822think tank channels, but I would like to study this question more8823closely and receive briefings on the topic before offering a view. I do8824not have sufficient information at this time to give an informed8825answer.8826    Question. What do you see as the benefits, or negative8827consequences, of NATO countries individually pursuing their own nuclear8828weapons?8829    Answer. I would like to study this question more closely and have8830an opportunity to engage our NATO allies on their views of NATO's8831nuclear deterrence posture before offering my own perspective. If8832confirmed, I would make it a priority to assess and engage on this8833issue in light of our global defense requirements in this critical8834area.8835    Question. The dual-hatted position of the Commander of EUCOM as8836NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) allows U.S. and Allied8837forces to be highly integrated in Europe. Similar dual-hat8838responsibilities have been integrated to other senior U.S. Commanders,8839including Commander of U.S. Air Forces Europe and Africa as Commander8840NATO Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) and Commander U.S. Army Europe and8841Africa as NATO Allied Land Command Commander.8842    What is your assessment of the benefits of these dual-hatted8843structures to allied cohesion and integration?8844    Answer. I am not currently in a position to make a fully informed8845analysis of the pros and cons of the dual-hatted structures.8846    Question. Do you share current EUCOM Commander General Cavoli's8847view that the dual-hatted role for the EUCOM Commander as SACEUR is8848important and, as he testified to the Senate Armed Services Committee,8849that not having an American in the role of SACEUR ``would bring some8850challenges in terms of nuclear command and control''?8851    Answer. The SACEUR is an important position and I am not aware of8852any Department plans to relinquish it. If confirmed, I would consult8853with my leadership as well as military colleagues in the Joint Staff8854and USEUCOM prior to making recommendations.8855Russia8856    Question. In your view, does Russia pose a threat to the United8857States, its allies, or its interests in the AOR and globally? If so,8858please describe how you perceive that threat.8859    Answer. Yes. Despite facing international sanctions since 2014,8860which were further strengthened during the first Trump Administration,8861Russia has maintained a capable military, developed its strategic8862capabilities, and increased production of crucial military equipment.8863Of particular concern is Russia's expansion of its nuclear arsenal,8864posing a threat to the U.S. homeland, as well as its tactical nuclear8865weapons, which threaten its European and Asian neighbors. Russia also8866presents challenges in cyberspace, undersea, space, and the Arctic.8867    Question. In your view, which EUCOM and NATO activities most8868effectively deter Russia and mitigate the Russian threat to NATO8869Allies?8870    Answer. I do not believe I am not in a position at this time to8871give the informed answer this question deserves. I understand the8872Department of Defense has begun conducting a global force posture8873review to assess the effectiveness of existing missions and forces8874assigned to USEUCOM. If confirmed, I would actively support USD(P) in8875this effort, including addressing this question.8876    Question. What aspects of U.S. and NATO force posture do you assess8877as having the most significant deterrent effect on Russia?8878    Answer. I do not believe I am not in a position at this time to8879give the informed answer this question deserves. I understand the8880Department of Defense has begun conducting a global force posture8881review to assess the effectiveness of existing missions and forces8882assigned to USEUCOM. If confirmed, I would actively support USD(P) in8883this effort, including addressing this question.8884    Question. In your view, what more should DOD do to counter Russian8885malign influence in Europe?8886    Answer. While I have worked on this issue extensively from within8887the Intelligence Community, I do not believe I am not in a position at8888this time to give the informed answer this question deserves from a DOD8889perspective. I understand the Department of Defense has begun8890conducting a global force posture review to assess the effectiveness of8891existing missions and forces assigned to USEUCOM. If confirmed, I would8892actively support USD(P) in this effort, including addressing this8893question.8894Ukraine8895    Question. In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale,8896unprovoked, and illegal invasion in Ukraine.8897    What do you believe to be Russia's military objectives in Ukraine?8898    Answer. I do not believe I have all the relevant information at my8899disposal, including classified information, to fully assess this8900question.8901    Question. What do you believe would be the implications for United8902States national security interests if Russia were able to achieve its8903goals in Ukraine?8904    Answer. Russia remains a serious military threat to U.S. and8905European security, and thus credible deterrence remains a strategic8906imperative. As President Trump has repeatedly emphasized, it is vitally8907important that our European allies lead from the front in providing8908security assistance to Ukraine and deterring further Russian8909aggression, including by rapidly increasing their own defense spending8910and production.8911    Question. Do you believe it is important for the United States to8912continue support, including security assistance to help Ukraine deter8913and defeat Russian aggression? If not, why not?8914    Answer. If confirmed, I would support the Administration's goal to8915forge a durable peace in Ukraine. I believe it is important for Ukraine8916to be well-armed to support its self-defense, even after the war is8917concluded. My understanding is that the United States has already8918contributed a very great deal to Ukraine's defense and must weigh8919future assistance against urgent security needs elsewhere, including8920protecting U.S. territorial integrity and deterring threats from China.8921The President has rightly emphasized Europe should lead from the front8922in securing Ukraine's future. If confirmed, I would make it a priority8923to advance this overall approach.8924                     u.s. africa command (africom)8925    Question. AFRICOM has minimal assigned forces and, as a result, is8926required to compete for the vast majority of its U.S. forces in the8927global force management process.8928    What is your assessment of the availability and predictability of8929forces and associated capabilities to support the AFRICOM Theater8930Campaign Plan, the NDS, and other emergency requirements?8931    Answer. It is my understanding that USAFRICOM has no assigned8932forces and fewer allocated forces than most other Combatant Commands. I8933also understand that it competes for capabilities when it faces an8934emerging requirement. If confirmed, I would carefully review all8935requirements to provide the best advice on whether existing missions8936and forces allocated to USAFRICOM are sufficient to support DOD's8937priorities given the competitive geostrategic environment.8938    Question. Are there any changes you would recommend to the8939allocation or assignment of forces to AFRICOM, if confirmed?8940    Answer. If confirmed, I would carefully review all requirements to8941provide the best advice on whether existing missions and forces8942assigned to USAFRICOM are sufficient to support DOD's priorities given8943the competitive geostrategic environment.8944    Question. What should be the primary objectives of the DOD8945specifically, and the United States more broadly, in the AFRICOM AOR?8946    Answer. In my understanding, the Department's two key objectives in8947the USAFRICOM AOR are to degrade terrorist groups' ability to strike8948the U.S. homeland or overseas equities and to counter China's attempts8949to project military power.8950    Question. What is your assessment of the strategic objectives of8951Russia and China in Africa? In what areas, if any, do these oppose U.S.8952and partner objectives?8953    Answer. With 53 countries in USAFRICOM's AOR it is hard to8954generalize, yet my understanding is that China and Russia both actively8955seek deeper engagement and influence across the continent. China has8956sought to bolster relationships with African countries and their8957militaries and to use investment to create dependencies, while gaining8958African countries' support for its global policy objectives. China8959looks to Africa as a launchpad for expanding military power beyond the8960Pacific. Meanwhile, Russia uses extractive and destabilizing means to8961assert influence in Africa, including paramilitary deployments, seeking8962to create dependencies on Russian military assets. These activities are8963too often at the expense of African countries and opposed to U.S. and8964partners' shared objectives for stability and security.8965                     u.s. central command (centcom)8966    Question. In your opinion, what are the key U.S. national security8967interests in the Middle East? Please explain your answer.8968    Answer. In my view, key U.S. national security interests in the8969Middle East include countering terrorist threats to the homeland,8970denying Iran a nuclear weapon and intercontinental ballistic missiles,8971promoting the security of model ally Israel, supporting the free flow8972of goods and trade, and generally acting increasingly as a security8973enabler and integrator for our regional partners.8974    Counterterrorism remains a key national security priority in the8975USCENTCOM AOR. Several terrorist groups aspire to possess either the8976intent or capability to strike the U.S. homeland or U.S. personnel.8977    The Middle East also remains at risk of nuclear proliferation by8978Iran. If confirmed, I will help ensure that the Department of Defense8979stands ready to support the President's National Security Presidential8980Memorandum on Iran, which among other provisions specifically says it8981is the policy of the United States to deny Iran a nuclear weapon.8982    The United States has strong partners in the Middle East with whom8983we have overlapping interests, long-standing cooperation, and8984substantial economic and technological trade ties.8985    Question. In your opinion, to what extent does achieving U.S.8986national security interests in the Middle East require a continuous8987U.S. military presence, and in your view is the current U.S. force8988presence appropriately sized? Please explain your answer.8989    Answer. I understand the Department is currently reviewing global8990force posture to ensure the optimal level of forces are assigned to8991USCENTCOM to achieve regional and global defense strategy goals. If8992confirmed, I would support this review and advise the Secretary and8993USD(P) on the force posture necessary to achieve the President's8994national security objectives. It is my understanding that the8995Department of Defense strives to maintain the capability to surge8996forces anywhere in the world to respond to regional threats and8997emerging crises.8998    Question. What opportunities exist for increasing burden-sharing8999with U.S. partners to counter threats emanating from and affecting the9000CENTCOM AOR?9001    Answer. My understanding is that the United States collaborates9002effectively with multiple partners in the region to counter threats9003emanating from and affecting the USCENTCOM AOR. I believe our partners9004can and must take greater ownership of their own defense. This is both9005in their interest and ours. If confirmed, I would seek increased9006opportunities to enable regional partners to counter terrorist groups,9007defend their sovereign territories, and cooperate on countering Iran9008and its threat network.9009    Question. What threat does Chinese and Russian involvement in the9010Middle East pose to U.S. operations and interests and to what extent9011does a continuous U.S. presence counter their involvement? In your9012view, what other policy tools might be useful in this regard?9013    Answer. Given its size, energy resources, location, and other9014factors, the Middle East is relevant to great power competition with9015China and Russia. The United States can counter Chinese and Russian9016involvement in the region through strong relationships with partners9017who are enabled and empowered across a full spectrum of activities.9018Iran9019    Question. What is your understanding of the objectives of the U.S.9020national security interests with respect to Iran? What is the role of9021the U.S. military in this strategy?9022    Answer. I fully support the President's National Security9023Presidential Memorandum on Iran, which establishes that: 1) Iran should9024be denied a nuclear weapon and intercontinental ballistic missiles; 2)9025Iran's terrorist network should be neutralized; and 3) Iran's9026aggressive development of missiles, as well as other asymmetric and9027conventional weapons capabilities, should be countered. The U.S.9028military, alongside other elements of national power and allied9029capabilities, plays a critical role in this strategy.9030    Question. What is your assessment of the current military threat9031posed by Iran? What is your assessment of the threat posed by Iranian9032proxy groups? In your opinion, what is the most effective way to defeat9033Iranian proxy groups?9034    Answer. Iran poses a significant threat to the security of the9035United States and its allies and partners. Last year, Iran launched two9036unprecedented major missile and drone barrages against Israel from9037Iranian territory. In addition to its conventional military, Iran also9038leverages proxy forces to launch kinetic attacks and advance Tehran's9039aims across the Middle East. These forces have been significantly9040weakened but still threaten U.S. forces and our partners. Iran also9041continues to further its ability to gain a nuclear weapons capability,9042which the President has rightly said cannot happen.9043    Question. In your view, what would be the security implications for9044U.S. and regional security interests should Iran acquire a nuclear9045weapons capability?9046    Answer. The President has said clearly that the United States will9047not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon, and I support that position.9048The President has also clearly expressed his preference to negotiate an9049agreement that prevents Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. I support9050the President's policy approach to produce a far better agreement than9051the shortsighted Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. For its part, the9052Department's role is to ensure that the President is armed with the9053best possible military options to deny Iran a nuclear weapon. If9054confirmed, I would regard it as my responsibility to ensure that the9055Secretary and the President have the best possible military options for9056this purpose.9057    Question. In your opinion, can Iran be sufficiently deterred9058through military force alone? Please explain your answer.9059    Answer. I support the President's stated intent to address Iran's9060malign activity through non-military tools if possible, including9061economic pressure and diplomacy. At the same time, it is the Department9062of Defense's role to ensure the President is armed with the best9063possible military options. If confirmed, I would ensure the President9064has these.9065Israel9066    Question. In your opinion, what are U.S. national security9067objectives with regards to Israel?9068    Answer. I believe that the U.S.-Israel alliance is of great9069importance to the United States and that enabling Israel's security and9070ability to defend itself is a key U.S. national security objective.9071Israel is a model ally for the United States in its self-reliance,9072independence, and grit. My understanding is that the Department of9073Defense supports Israel's security by helping facilitate security9074assistance to Israel, extensive military cooperation through USCENTCOM9075channels, and through coordination with the Israelis to help secure the9076release of all hostages held by Hamas, including American citizens.9077    Question. In your opinion, what should DOD's role be in supporting9078Israeli efforts to degrade and defeat Hamas?9079    Answer. If confirmed, I would fully back U.S. support for Israel's9080security and its ability to defend itself. Hamas started this war on9081October 7, 2023 by launching a horrific and unprovoked terrorist attack9082on Israel. Hamas killed more than 1,200 innocent people, including 469083Americans, and took some 250 hostages. The United States should provide9084the security assistance that Israel needs to defeat Hamas and prevent9085future attacks. I support measures by the Trump Administration to9086bolster support to Israel, including through the release of the9087shipment of 2,000 lb. bombs previously paused.9088    Question. Should U.S. policy toward Israel include work toward a9089two-State solution?9090    Answer. From a Department of Defense standpoint, U.S. policy toward9091Israel should support U.S. interests, which includes close partnership9092with our model ally Israel and the re-establishment of deterrence and9093stability in the region. If confirmed, I would support the President's9094vision for peace in the Middle East.9095Syria and Iraq9096    Question. What is your understanding of current U.S. strategy and9097objectives in Syria? How have those objectives changed, if at all, in9098light of the fall of the Assad regime?9099    Answer. My understanding is that the Department is closely watching9100developments in Syria with a primary objective of maintaining pressure9101on ISIS and responding to any other terrorist threats to the United9102States that arise, while, as President Trump has indicated, limiting9103the U.S. presence there. If confirmed, I would work to continue to9104review our objectives in light of the fall of the Assad regime.9105    Question. From a DOD perspective, what must be done to ensure the9106enduring defeat of ISIS? What non-military efforts are needed for the9107enduring defeat of ISIS?9108    Answer. I understand that the U.S. military supports the enduring9109defeat of ISIS through counterterrorism operations and by enabling key9110ally and partner militaries to assume the burden for addressing9111terrorist threats within their own countries. More broadly, the9112enduring defeat of ISIS will require a whole-of-government effort, to9113include intelligence and law enforcement.9114    Question. What do you perceive to be the role of the Syrian9115Democratic Forces and Iraqi Security Forces in countering ISIS and al9116Qaeda?9117    Answer. My understanding is that these partners have played a9118critical role in our efforts to counter ISIS and al Qaeda. If9119confirmed, I would seek the appropriate briefings on the current role9120of these forces to ensure a full-picture assessment and determination9121on the future of U.S. counterterrorism policy in the region.9122    Question. In your view, should U.S. troop levels in Syria be tied9123to the achievement of certain conditions on the ground? If so, what9124conditions would you factor into your recommendation to the President9125on future troop levels in Syria?9126    Answer. My understanding is that the Secretary as of mid-April has9127directed a consolidation of U.S. forces in Syria, reflecting the9128significant achievements we have made toward degrading ISIS that go9129back to President Trump's first term. Moving forward, the deployment of9130U.S. troops in any foreign country should always be tied to specific9131objectives and conditions. If confirmed, I would review this issue9132closely and shape my recommendations to the USD(P) by this principle.9133    Question. In September 2024, the U.S.-Iraq Higher Military9134Commission announced the transition of the global coalition to defeat9135ISIS to a bilateral security relationship with the Government of Iraq.9136However, many of the details of such a transition are still being9137negotiated with the Iraqi Government.9138    In your view, what should the guiding principles for DOD's presence9139in Iraq moving forward?9140    Answer. The deployment of U.S. troops in any foreign country should9141be assessed continually based on changing objectives and conditions on9142the ground. If confirmed, I would seek a thorough analysis along these9143lines prior to making a recommendation.9144    Question. Do you assess that U.S. forces should remain in Iraq9145beyond next September? Why or why not?9146    Answer. My understanding is that the United States and Iraq agreed9147in September 2024 to wind down Operation INHERENT RESOLVE inside Iraq9148by September 2025, and to continue counter-ISIS operations in Syria9149from Iraq until at least September 2026. If confirmed, I would study9150the security implications of this matter closely and ensure that they9151are considered in the global force posture review.9152Middle East Regional Partners9153    Question. In your view, what support should DOD provide the9154Lebanese Armed Forces?9155    Answer. My understanding is that the Department's current9156objectives are to strengthen Lebanon's sovereignty by building the9157capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces to counter internal and9158terrorist threats and combat corruption. I understand that the aim of9159these capacity building efforts is to reduce regional tensions, improve9160Israel's security along its northern border, and further degrade Iran's9161influence in Lebanon. If confirmed, I would look at whether these9162efforts are performing against their objectives and generally be open9163to DOD support that advances the Administration's security assistance9164priorities in the Middle East and beyond.9165    Question. In your view, what support should DOD provide to the9166Jordanian Armed Forces?9167    Answer. If confirmed, I would look at this question closely and9168generally be open to DOD support that advances the Administration's9169security assistance priorities in the Middle East and beyond. Jordan9170has proven itself an important U.S. partner for promoting regional9171stability. My understanding is that the Department already works with9172Jordan to enhance the capabilities of the Jordanian Armed Forces to9173defeat threats posed by terrorist organizations, including ISIS, to9174counter the smuggling of narcotics and illicit weapons across Jordan's9175borders, and to detect and intercept unmanned aerial systems and9176missile threats that continue to violate Jordanian sovereignty and9177endanger U.S. and partner forces in the region.9178Defense Security Cooperation9179    Question. In your view, what are the necessary and appropriate9180strategic objectives that should underpin the Defense Department's9181approach to building the capabilities of a partner nation's security9182forces?9183    Answer. The Department's approach to building the capabilities of9184foreign partners should advance U.S. national security and foreign9185policy objectives and must be planned and resourced accordingly. If9186confirmed, I would conduct and manage defense relations within the9187ASD(ISA) portfolio to further the Administration's objectives of9188increased readiness, complementary alliances, and greater burden9189sharing.9190    Question. In the competition with near-peer rivals, what steps9191would you recommend, if confirmed, to ensure that the United States is9192taking a strategic approach to its security cooperation with allies and9193partners?9194    Answer. If confirmed, I will review the specific steps needed to9195ensure that security cooperation is appropriately aligned with the9196Administration's strategic objectives. In a resource-constrained9197environment, the Department's security cooperation activities must be9198carefully tailored toward the highest-priority threats facing the9199United States.9200    Question. Do you have any recommendations for how to improve9201coordination of international armaments cooperation activities,9202including FMS, across the various stakeholders in Policy, A&S, and R&E?9203    Answer. I believe it is vital to bring efficiency to the foreign9204military sales (FMS) process. If confirmed, I will review existing9205rules and regulations involved in the development, execution, and9206monitoring of foreign defense sales, look for opportunities to increase9207government-industry collaboration, and advance our competitiveness9208abroad.9209    Question. Do you have views on how DOD might be able to streamline9210and improve that parts of the FMS process under its control to improve9211coordination and timeliness?9212    Answer. The United States must maintain the strongest and most9213technologically advanced military in the world, along with a robust9214network of capable partners and allies. In my understanding, the FMS9215process is a vital part of encouraging our allies to strengthen their9216defense capabilities and increase burden sharing. I believe the FMS9217process should be agile, able to adapt to demands and respond to9218current and emerging security concerns. If confirmed, I will review9219existing processes and collaborate with the relevant stakeholders in9220the FMS process to further the Administration's goals of improving9221accountability and transparency in the FMS system, and to ensure9222predictable and reliable delivery of capabilities to our allies and9223partners.9224                                 cyber9225    Question. In September 2023, DOD released its 2023 Cyber Strategy.9226The strategy charges DOD to persistently engage malicious cyber actors9227and other malign threats to U.S. interests in cyberspace.9228    What do you perceive to be the role of the ASD(ISA) in9229accomplishing these objectives, and how will you deconflict with the9230roles and responsibilities of the newly established ASD(Cyber Policy)?9231    Answer. The ASD for Cyber Policy (CP) is the senior official9232responsible for overall supervision of DOD policy for cyber issues and9233is the Principal Cyber Advisor to the Secretary of Defense. If9234confirmed, I will work with the ASD(CP) to ensure the Department is9235best positioned to deter adversaries and non-State entities from9236seeking to threaten the political, military, or economic preeminence of9237the United States. In that vein, I will support ASD(CP)'s role by9238reflecting the President's and Secretary's objective of increasing9239DOD's effectiveness in the cyber domain in my own bilateral and9240multilateral engagements, including through coordination and9241deconfliction of cyber activities and operations with highly capable9242allies and partners.9243    Question. If confirmed, how would you plan to strengthen the role9244between your office and other DOD organizations that contribute to9245these objectives, such as United States Cyber Command and the ASD for9246Cyber Policy?9247    Answer. If confirmed, I will work in close collaboration with the9248ASD(CP) and the Commander of USCYBERCOM to ensure the Department's9249cyber policies are consistent with the Administration's priorities, as9250they relate to alliances and partnerships falling under the ASD(ISA)9251portfolio.9252    Question. What role do you see ASD(ISA) having in integrating cyber9253into broader defense strategies for deterrence or force employment?9254    Answer. ASD(ISA) is responsible for managing the Department's9255relationships with key allies and partners, many of which are highly9256capable in the cyber domain. I believe ASD(ISA) should play a role in9257integrating our military cyberspace capabilities with other tools of9258national power, such as intelligence, diplomacy, and economic sanctions9259to advance U.S. national security objectives. If confirmed, I will work9260closely with ASD(CP) and other key stakeholders in the Department such9261as USCYBERCOM and other Combatant Commands to integrate the strengths9262of our most advanced cyber partnerships into our broader deterrence and9263defense planning, force employment planning, and strategy formulation.9264    Question. What role do you see for ASD(ISA) in international cyber9265engagement activities, including the potential of cyber tools and9266equipment for consideration in the FMS process?9267    Answer. President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have been clear that9268in order to restore peace through strength, the Department must defend9269the homeland, deter China, and increase burden-sharing with allies and9270partners to address all threats. If confirmed as ASD(ISA), I will work9271closely with ASD(CP) to ensure that the cyber tools and equipment we9272share with international partners in my portfolio enable them to9273reinforce the security of Department of Defense networks, U.S.9274Government critical infrastructure, and the American people. In my own9275engagements with international partners, I will reinforce the9276imperative of protecting sensitive U.S. information from existing and9277future cyber threats.9278                        congressional oversight9279    Question. In order to exercise legislative and oversight9280responsibilities, it is important that this committee, its9281subcommittees, and other appropriate committees of Congress receive9282timely testimony, briefings, reports, records--including documents and9283electronic communications, and other information from the executive9284branch.9285    Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on request,9286to appear and testify before this Committee, its subcommittees, and9287other appropriate committees of Congress? Please answer with a simple9288yes or no.9289    Answer. Yes.9290    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to9291provide this Committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees9292of Congress, and their respective staffs such witnesses and briefers,9293briefings, reports, records--including documents and electronic9294communications, and other information, as may be requested of you, and9295to do so in a timely manner? Please answer with a simple yes or no.9296    Answer. Yes.9297    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to9298consult with this Committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate9299committees of Congress, and their respective staffs, regarding your9300basis for any delay or denial in providing testimony, briefings,9301reports, records--including documents and electronic communications,9302and other information requested of you? Please answer with a simple yes9303or no.9304    Answer. Yes.9305    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to9306keep this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees of9307Congress, and their respective staffs apprised of new information that9308materially impacts the accuracy of testimony, briefings, reports,9309records--including documents and electronic communications, and other9310information you or your organization previously provided? Please answer9311with a simple yes or no.9312    Answer. Yes.9313    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on9314request, to provide this committee and its subcommittees with records9315and other information within their oversight jurisdiction, even absent9316a formal Committee request? Please answer with a simple yes or no.9317    Answer. Yes.9318    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to9319respond timely to letters to, and/or inquiries and other requests of9320you or your organization from individual Senators who are members of9321this committee? Please answer with a simple yes or no.9322    Answer. Yes.9323    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to9324ensure that you and other members of your organization protect from9325retaliation any military member, Federal employee, or contractor9326employee who testifies before, or communicates with this committee, its9327subcommittees, and any other appropriate committee of Congress? Please9328answer with a simple yes or no.9329    Answer. Yes.93309331    [Questions for the record with answers supplied follow:]93329333             Questions Submitted by Senator Roger F. Wicker9334                           axis of aggressors9335    1. Senator Wicker. Mr. Zimmerman, prioritizing our responses to9336threats is sound policy, but we do not get to ignore threats just9337because they are a lower priority. Russia, North Korea, and Iran are9338nuclear armed, or aspiring, adversaries that maintain large9339conventional armies. Most of our allies do not have nuclear weapons.9340Allied defense spending is rapidly increasing, thanks to President9341Trump, but still won't lead to sufficient capability to replace the9342United States in the near-to mid-term. What role should the United9343States play in deterring and defending against these threats?9344    Mr. Zimmerman. This is among the most pressing questions facing9345U.S. defense policy. The United States and our allies face multiple,9346serious threats requiring responsible and resolute approaches. In my9347understanding, there is broad consensus that an urgent need exists for9348our allies and partners to step up defense investments and take greater9349ownership of their security needs--and that doing so would advance both9350our interest and theirs. It is encouraging to see some allies and9351partners moving in this direction, and a key role the United States can9352play is to accelerate this trend and get more allies on board. If9353confirmed, I would make this a priority from day one, using ASD(ISA)'s9354role in managing defense relations to spur and steer allies toward9355security investments that strengthen our alliances and enable them to9356lead from the front.9357    In Europe, our NATO allies are in some cases expanding defense9358investments, and it seems to me that the United States should encourage9359their increased ability to field combat-credible forces and weapons9360systems that enable them to be primary on conventional deterrence,9361while the United States continues to provide critical and focused9362support, including an extended nuclear deterrent.9363    My understanding is that a similar arrangement can and should be9364pursued with respect to threats our East Asian allies face from9365Pyongyang. I have worked in previous roles with our South Korean allies9366on security issues, and I can testify to their capabilities.9367    Meanwhile, Iran continues to threaten U.S. interests and our allies9368in the Middle East. The National Security Presidential Memorandum on9369Iran signed on 4 February cogently outlines these threats, and I fully9370support its maximum pressure directives. We have shared security9371interests with allies and partners in the Middle East, and the United9372States can play an effective integrating and enabling role in9373protecting them--especially against threats emanating from Iran and9374terrorist groups. The Abraham Accords afford a model of how the United9375States can foster cooperation among allies and partners that helps9376advance shared security interests.9377    These threats are grave and cannot be wished away. Sound U.S.9378defense policy will always deal with the world the way it is, not the9379way we wish it would be. I believe that with an appropriate sense of9380urgency, the approaches briefly outlined here can be pursued in a way9381that makes our alliances stronger and spurs much needed investments in9382both U.S. and our allies' security.9383                             8(a) contracts9384    2. Senator Wicker. Mr. Zimmerman, the Small Business Act (SBA) 8(a)9385program, created by Congress, provides a contract vehicle through which9386sole source and set aside contracts can be awarded to small businesses9387owned by Alaska Native corporations, Community Development9388Corporations, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations. These9389corporations are tied to political relationships, not racial9390classifications. They also are some of our most efficient contractors,9391earning stellar Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System9392(CPARS) marks. Last many of these small businesses employ veterans at9393rates far exceeding the national average, allowing our Nation's finest9394to continue to serve after they take off the uniform. Will you commit9395to me to work to preserve and strengthen 8(a) contracting for the9396Department of the Defense?9397    Mr. Zimmerman. This is an area where I would like to become more9398familiar, and if confirmed would commit to work with the Department,9399your office, and Congress to strengthen the 8(a) program to the extent9400to which it falls within the ASD(ISA) portfolio. I appreciate the9401unique value brought to the DOD through programs like 8(a) that are9402known for efficiency and high CPARS marks.94039404    3. Senator Wicker. Mr. Zimmerman, I recently toured an SBA 8(a)9405contracting operation and saw firsthand the value 8(a) brings to the9406Federal customer in terms of cost and efficiency while delivering9407mission-critical solutions that increase our national security and9408warfighter readiness. 8(a) contracts represent the best ``bang for the9409buck'' for taxpayers, giving contracting officers additional9410flexibility while also maximizing efficiency by reducing red tape. Do9411you see the value in increased efficiency in flexibility brought from9412initiatives such as the 8(a) program?9413    Mr. Zimmerman. I appreciate the flexibility and efficiency which I9414understand are offered through the 8(a) program. If confirmed, I will9415work to ensure such programs continue to deliver cost-effective9416solutions to the extent that they fall within the ASD(ISA) portfolio.9417                               __________9418              Questions Submitted by Senator Dan Sullivan9419    4. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Zimmerman, rapid response capabilities are9420essential to enable our warfighters to win on the battlefield. At the9421same time, our defense contractors must rapidly respond to the needs of9422our military to make the U.S. Military more lethal. Flexible and9423efficient contracting through the SBA 8(a) program is one trusted way9424to do this. Please explain how you will ensure that proven, dependable,9425and cost-effective 8(a) programs remain in place and supported by the9426Department of Defense.9427    Mr. Zimmerman. Rapid response capabilities are critical for our9428warfighters, and if confirmed I would work to ensure the 8(a) program9429continues to offer a valuable avenue for achieving this through9430flexible, secure, and efficient contracting, to the extent it falls9431within the ASD(ISA) portfolio.9432                                 alaska9433    5. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Zimmerman, on President Trump's first day9434in office, he signed the Executive Order ``Unleashing Alaska's9435Extraordinary Resource Potential.'' This sent a strong message to9436Alaska, America, and the world, that unleashing Alaska's extraordinary9437resources and jobs in a growing economy is one of his Administration's9438top priorities. For years, I've worked toward the success of the Alaska9439LNG project. Not only could Alaska LNG shipments provide our allies9440with energy security, reaching them in 6 days without any strategic9441choke points, but this pipeline crosses directly through some of our9442most prominent military bases in my State, several of which have had9443issues with supply. Now, purchase agreements and other ways to commit9444to the project, beyond just the Department of Defense's (DOD) immediate9445need, will help secure financing for the project quickly and at the9446lowest cost in line with President Trump's America First Energy and9447National Security agenda. Can I get your commitment to work with me on9448the Alaska LNG (AKLNG) Project?9449    Mr. Zimmerman. As someone who has studied energy security and9450particularly LNG for much of my career, I understand that energy9451security is vital to national security and appreciate your longstanding9452commitment to Alaskan LNG. If confirmed, I commit to working with my9453colleagues across the Department of Defense and you to explore this9454project's opportunities for the DOD and nation.9455                       collaboration with israel9456    6. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Zimmerman, it is U.S. policy to maintain9457and enhance Israel's qualitative military edge (QME)--effectively,9458Israel's ability to defend itself, by itself, against any threat or9459potential combination of threats. Given the continuing instability9460among Israel's neighbors and the region overall, this U.S. commitment9461is of utmost importance. Unfortunately, in the past year, some U.S.9462arms sales and deliveries to Israel were delayed or withheld. If9463confirmed, will you make ensuring Israel's QME is maintained a9464priority?9465    Mr. Zimmerman. If confirmed, I will support the Administration's9466priority to maintain Israel's QME. The Trump Administration, as I9467understand, has already taken steps to lift all holds on U.S. arms9468sales and deliveries to Israel that were held up during the Biden9469Administration. Through bold action to take ownership of and9470responsibility for its security, Israel has modeled behavior I think is9471widely appropriate for our allies.94729473    7. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Zimmerman, for more than 4 decades, Iran9474has served as the primary source of instability and chaos in the Middle9475East. Hamas would not have been able to carry out the attacks of9476October 7 without Iran's support. In Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and9477beyond, Iran has, and continues to, work against American interests.9478Iran today could produce weapons-grade uranium for one nuclear weapon9479in just a week and multiple bombs in under a month. Iranian petroleum9480exports remain at or near levels not seen in more than 6 years,9481providing funding for their terrorist activity. Do you agree Iran must9482be prevented from obtaining a nuclear weapon?9483    Mr. Zimmerman. I agree with the President's stated policy, outlined9484in the 4 February 2025 National Security Presidential Memorandum, that9485Iran can never be allowed to have nuclear weapons.94869487    8. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Zimmerman, in your view, what more should9488the United States be doing to stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear9489weapon?9490    Mr. Zimmerman. I understand that negotiations with Iran are9491underway, and I trust the Administration to pursue an agreement that9492secures U.S. interests and those of our allies, which the JCPOA never9493did. In the meantime, I support the Administration's approach of9494maximum pressure and willingness to keep all tools available to counter9495Iranian aspirations to acquire nuclear weapons and other malign9496behavior. It is the Department of Defense's role to ensure the9497President is armed with the best possible military options, and if9498confirmed I would work to ensure the President has these.9499                       u.s. indo-pacific command9500    9. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Zimmerman, soft power is a critical tool9501in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) area of responsibility not9502only because it fills host nation investment needs that might otherwise9503be filled by China, but also because it reinforces critical9504infrastructure and deepens ties that would be critical in any future9505conflict in the region. If confirmed, will you commit to reviewing cuts9506to many of these programs and supporting beneficial development9507projects in the Indo-Pacific?9508    Mr. Zimmerman. My understanding is that the Department continues to9509prioritize competition with China as our pacing threat, and that the9510fiscal year 2026 budget request reflects this by investing in cutting-9511edge, combat-credible capabilities designed to deter China and maintain9512our competitive edge in the Indo-Pacific, consistent with the9513Administration's peace-through-strength policy. Regarding information9514about specific programs and strategy in the Indo-Pacific, I would defer9515to the Department's office of Indo-Pacific Security Affairs.9516                               __________9517                Questions Submitted by Senator Ted Budd9518                         foreign military sales9519    10. Senator Budd. Mr. Zimmerman, if confirmed, you will be charged9520with oversight of security cooperation programs and foreign military9521sales (FMS) programs across the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Where9522do you see the biggest bottlenecks in the FMS process and, if9523confirmed, will you commit to working with my office and the Department9524of State to eliminate red tape from this process?9525    Mr. Zimmerman. If confirmed, I commit wholeheartedly to working9526with the Department, your office, Congress, and the State Department to9527do all possible from the ASD(ISA) position to enhance the transparency9528and alacrity of the FMS process. As a nominee, I do not yet have9529complete knowledge of the bottlenecks, but if confirmed would make a9530priority of meeting with the relevant stakeholders within DOD, State,9531and Congress to pursue a foreign defense sales system that enables more9532effective and rapid cooperation between the United States and our9533partners, consistent with the Administration's objectives.9534                               __________9535                Questions Submitted by Senator Jack Reed9536                         anti-houthi operations9537    11. Senator Reed. Mr. Zimmerman, in your opening statement you9538assert that the regions included in the International Security Affairs9539role ``must be addressed judiciously and in ways that fully support the9540Department's primary goals of securing the Homeland and deterring9541China.''9542    How does waging a military campaign against the Houthis, which has9543required repositioning assets from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command9544(INDOPACOM) and includes more than 1,000 strikes to date with no public9545articulation of the measures of effectiveness, fit into the9546Administration's primary goals of securing the Homeland and deterring9547China?9548    Mr. Zimmerman. I do not have complete insight into the recent U.S.9549campaign targeting the Houthis, but my understanding is that it was9550intended to ensure U.S. freedom of navigation at one of the world's key9551maritime chokepoints, the Bab al-Mandeb, including the U.S. Navy's9552ability to move forces between strategic theaters such as U.S. European9553Command (USEUCOM) and USINDOPACOM. I support the President's position9554that the Houthis' attacks were unacceptable and had to end.95559556    12. Senator Reed. Mr. Zimmerman, you have spent your career in the9557intelligence field with a significant portion focused on the Middle9558East. In your opinion, are the Houthis rational actors that can be9559deterred?9560    Mr. Zimmerman. While I do not have full details regarding the9561recent agreement, the Houthis' acceptance of U.S. demands and9562commitment to stop attacking U.S. ships seem to suggest a strategic9563calculus responsive to U.S. and partner force projection.9564                          allies and partners9565    13. Senator Reed. Mr. Zimmerman, in our office call you spoke about9566your role, if confirmed, in managing partner and ally relations and the9567importance of trust in those relations. I am heartened to hear this9568will be a priority and I share your view on the absolutely criticality9569of strong alliances built on trust, respect, and predictability. In9570your assessment, would a trade war with our allies that stifles9571economic growth, increases costs, and drives countries away from9572purchasing U.S. defense articles help or hurt your efforts to build9573trust and strengthen alliances?9574    Mr. Zimmerman. In my view, the President has been unequivocal in9575maintaining that strong, reciprocal relationships that foster mutual9576economic vitality are in both our interests and those of our allies. On9577the very day of my writing this answer, the White House announced a9578major trade deal with the UK, exemplifying the kind of mutually9579beneficial economic arrangements that, in my understanding, the9580Administration aims to forge with any ally or partner willing to pursue9581them. I anticipate that future such arrangements will serve to deepen9582trust and help facilitate appropriate defense sales to key allies and9583partners.95849585    14. Senator Reed. Mr. Zimmerman, do you believe that such economic9586barriers would have a negative impact NATO allies' capacity to invest9587more in their national defense--a goal we all agree is important, and9588which you described as urgent in your answers to the Committee's9589advance policy questions?9590    Mr. Zimmerman. There is an urgent need for our NATO allies to9591invest more in defense and take greater ownership of their security9592needs. My understanding is that this objective involves at least two9593major challenges: first, a lack of will among some allies to adequately9594increase defense spending; and second, a lack of defense industrial9595capacity, which limits what new capabilities and weapons our allies can9596acquire. I applaud President Trump for even in his first term9597identifying how important it would be for our NATO allies to boost9598defense spending, which it seems some have begun to do with more9599conviction. If confirmed, I would work diligently to encourage even9600greater defense investment and responsibility from our allies.9601                           foreign assistance9602    15. Senator Reed. Mr. Zimmerman, American security is advanced by9603the development of stable nations that are making progress on social9604development, economic growth, and good governance. Conversely, American9605security is undermined by frail and failing nations where conditions9606foster radicalism, produce refugees, spark insurgency, and provide safe9607havens for terrorists, criminal gangs, and human traffickers. It is9608clear that strategic development assistance is not charity--it is an9609essential, modern tool of U.S. national security.9610    Mr. Zimmerman. This Administration's nearly blanket freeze on9611foreign aid and dismantling of United States Agency for International9612Development (USAID) will directly result in regional instability and is9613fundamentally harming to our standing with allies and partners across9614the globe. Our national defense strategy correctly identifies the9615important asymmetric advantage our allies and partners provide us to9616deter Chinese aggression and maintain global stability. Do you agree9617that freezing foreign aid funding and cutting personnel endangers our9618global strategic interests?9619    I have not had the appropriate briefings to equip me to provide the9620informed answer this question deserves regarding how best to reform9621U.S. foreign assistance. I support the Administration's efforts to9622review and where necessary realign foreign assistance to promote the9623interests of the American people and to ensure such programs further9624our country's freedom and flourishing.96259626    16. Senator Reed. Mr. Zimmerman, China is eager to fill the void we9627are leaving. Do we risk ceding U.S. influence, including our position9628as ``partner of choice'', by abandoning our allies and foreign aid9629commitments?9630    Mr. Zimmerman. In my view, one of the most important duties of the9631ASD(ISA) position is to counter China's attempts to expand its9632influence, especially in Africa and the Middle East. If confirmed, I9633would support Department efforts to review our international9634engagements to ensure they are aligned with America's interests and our9635strategic national security focus on countering China. This will afford9636us opportunities to address China's attempts to undermine U.S.9637interests on a revamped, durable basis. I would anticipate using my9638role in managing defense relations to warn countries about the pitfalls9639of partnering with China.9640                               __________9641             Questions Submitted by Senator Jeanne Shaheen9642                      u.s. force posture in syria9643    17. Senator Shaheen. Mr. Zimmerman, I am deeply concerned about our9644lack of engagement in Syria--the Administration has already cut9645essential assistance for chemical weapons monitoring, repatriation of9646Al-Hol residents, and basic needs in the fragile country. Now, the9647Administration is withdrawing our troops that have been critical to the9648fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).9649    ISIS, Russia, and Iran are all trying to establish themselves in9650Syria right now--they would benefit from our force reductions at this9651critical moment. How will the United States ensure the lasting defeat9652of ISIS without a force presence in Syria?9653    Mr. Zimmerman. While my knowledge of the situation on the ground is9654limited given that I am not in the position, my understanding is that9655the Combined Joint Task Force Operation INHERENT RESOLVE is undertaking9656a deliberate and conditions-based consolidation of forces in Syria, not9657a withdrawal. This consolidation has been enabled by success in9658suppressing remnants of ISIS in Syria, primarily through our vetted9659Syrian partners the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian Free9660Army, both of which I understand continue to maintain strong9661counterterrorism pressure on ISIS. I also understand that the9662consolidation does not remove our ability to support these partners9663and, if needed, project power and strike ISIS and other Violent9664Extremist Organizations.9665    I agree chemical weapons monitoring is a serious issue. I9666understand that Syria's interim authorities are cooperating with the9667Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. I also understand9668that the fall of the Assad regime has created a pathway for thousands9669of civilians to return to their communities from the Al-Hol camp, or to9670be repatriated to countries such as Iraq through coordination between9671the SDF, the interim authorities, and various humanitarian9672organizations. Iran's influence in Syria has suffered from Assad's9673fall, and the interim authorities do not appear willing for Iran to9674regain a foothold.96759676    18. Senator Shaheen. Mr. Zimmerman, if confirmed, what is your plan9677to deal with the ISIS fighter population detained by the Syrian9678Democratic Forces?9679    Mr. Zimmerman. My understanding is that the Department of Defense9680retains authorities and capabilities to support detention operations in9681Syria and assist in repatriations from northeast Syria. If confirmed, I9682would anticipate helping the Department of Defense support Department9683of State diplomatic efforts to persuade other countries to repatriate9684their detained citizens from Syria, to include as appropriate using the9685Counter Terrorism Train and Equip Fund to provide limited support to9686repatriation operations. With the increased rate of Iraqi repatriations9687from Syria--which represent a large portion of the detainees--it will9688be important to ensure this population is not exploited by ISIS. I9689understand that the SDF is also in negotiations with the Syrian interim9690authorities for long-term plans on how to handle both Syrian detainees9691in a future justice system as well as the detention of any remaining9692international detainees that cannot be repatriated.9693                               __________9694            Questions Submitted by Senator Elizabeth Warren9695                                 ethics9696    19. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, if you are confirmed, will you9697commit not to seek any employment with or compensation from a defense9698contractor, including through serving on a board, as a consultant, or9699as a lobbyist, for 4 years after leaving DOD?9700    Mr. Zimmerman. If confirmed, I will abide by all laws and ethics9701rules regarding post-government employment, which include restrictions9702related to acceptance of compensation from defense contractors and9703communicating back to the Federal Government on behalf of future9704employers and clients.97059706    20. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, if you are confirmed, will you9707commit not to engage in any lobbying activities, including unregistered9708``shadow'' or ``behind-the-scenes'' lobbying under the guise of9709consulting or advising, focused on DOD or any of its components for 49710years after leaving DOD?9711    Mr. Zimmerman. See response to Question 19, above.97129713    21. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, will you commit not to seek9714employment, board membership with, or any other form of compensation9715from a company that you regulated or otherwise interacted with while in9716government, for at least 4 years after leaving office?9717    Mr. Zimmerman. See response to Question 19, above.97189719    22. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, during your nomination process,9720did anyone on the Trump campaign, transition team, or other closely9721related entity approach you about your loyalty to President Trump?9722    Mr. Zimmerman. I fielded appropriate questions about my policy9723views, but I was not approached about loyalty.97249725    23. Senator Warren. Mr. Lohmeier, Mr. Overbaugh, and Mr. Zimmerman,9726if you were approached about your loyalty to President Trump, did you9727sign a loyalty pledge or other similar oath? If so, please provide a9728copy of the text of that pledge or oath.9729    Mr. Zimmerman. Not applicable, see response to question #22.97309731    24. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, if you were approached about9732your loyalty to President Trump, did you make any verbal9733representations of loyalty? If so, please describe this representation.9734    Mr. Zimmerman. Not applicable, see response to question #22.97359736    25. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, in November 2024, the New York9737Times and other news outlets reported that Boris Epshteyn, a top9738adviser to President Trump, allegedly requested payment from9739prospective political appointees to promote their candidacies for top9740positions within the Administration. Did you discuss the possibility of9741joining the Administration with Mr. Epshteyn at any time?9742    Mr. Zimmerman. No.97439744    26. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, if you did discuss the9745possibility of joining the Administration with Mr. Epshteyn, did Mr.9746Epshteyn seek payment from you for promoting your candidacy for a9747position within the Administration?9748    Mr. Zimmerman. No.97499750    27. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, at any time, did lawyers for9751President Trump or members of President Trump's team approach you9752regarding Mr. Epshteyn and the allegations cited above? If so, please9753describe the information that they provided you (including copies of9754documents), what was discussed during any calls, and any other9755information pertaining to this interaction.9756    Mr. Zimmerman. No.97579758    28. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, were you in contact with Mr.9759Elon Musk at any time during your nomination process? If so, please9760describe the nature of those contacts.9761    Mr. Zimmerman. No.97629763    29. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, was Mr. Musk present or involved9764in any interviews you did related to your nomination? If so, please9765describe the nature of his involvement.9766    Mr. Zimmerman. No.97679768    30. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, was Mr. Musk involved in any way9769with your nomination, including but not limited to directly or9770indirectly contacting Senators regarding their position on your9771nomination?9772    Mr. Zimmerman. No.97739774    31. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, who was in the room or9775participated in any of your interviews regarding your nomination?9776    Mr. Zimmerman. Throughout my interviews, I interacted with various9777people from the Presidential Personnel Office and the DOD Landing Team.97789779    32. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, if you own any stock or hold any9780other interest in any defense industry contractors, will you divest it9781to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest?9782    Mr. Zimmerman. If confirmed, I will abide by the Ethics Agreement I9783signed on April 8, 2025, which has been provided to the Committee.97849785    33. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, what do you consider the role of9786the press in a democracy?9787    Mr. Zimmerman. A free press is critical to a free country, as9788enshrined in the First Amendment.97899790    34. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, do you think it would be an9791appropriate use of taxpayer resources to ``dig up dirt'' on journalists9792who investigate or criticize you, your office, or the Trump9793administration?9794    Mr. Zimmerman. No.97959796    35. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, will you commit not to9797retaliate, including by denying access to government officials or9798facilities, against news outlets or individual journalists who publish9799articles that are critical of you, your office, your agency, or the9800Trump administration?9801    Mr. Zimmerman. Yes.98029803    36. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, have you requested, or has9804anyone requested on your behalf, that any other person or third party9805sign a nondisclosure, confidentiality, non-disparagement, or similar9806agreement regarding your conduct in a personal or professional9807capacity?9808    Mr. Zimmerman. No.98099810    37. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, will you voluntarily release any9811individual from any such agreements before this committee votes on your9812nomination?9813    Mr. Zimmerman. Not applicable.98149815    38. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, have you ever paid or promised9816to pay, or has anyone paid or promised to pay on your behalf, an9817individual as part of any non-disclosure, confidentiality, non-9818disparagement, or similar agreement?9819    Mr. Zimmerman. No.98209821    39. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, if the answer to the previous9822question was yes, how much was promised, how much was paid, and what9823were the circumstances?9824    Mr. Zimmerman. Not applicable.98259826    40. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, will you commit to recuse9827yourself from all particular matters involving your former clients and9828employers for the duration of your service at DOD?9829    Mr. Zimmerman. If confirmed, I will abide by the Ethics Agreement I9830signed on April 8, 2025, which has been provided to the Committee.98319832    41. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, please provide a list of all9833your clients at Tractor Air LLC within the last 5 years.9834    Mr. Zimmerman. This LLC has been inactive for the past 5 years with9835zero clients.9836                congressional oversight and transparency9837    42. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, what is your understanding of9838the role of the Department of Defense Inspector General and service9839Inspectors General?9840    Mr. Zimmerman. My understanding is that the DOD Inspector General9841acts as the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense to combat9842waste, fraud, and abuse at the Department, including by conducting9843audits and investigations and communicating with Congress. My9844understanding is that the services' Inspectors General perform similar9845duties for the services.98469847    43. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, will you ensure your staff9848complies with any Inspector General deadlines established for requested9849communications, documents, and witnesses, and that staff will be9850protected from reprisal for their testimony?9851    Mr. Zimmerman. If confirmed, I would ensure both compliance with9852Office of the Inspector General deadlines and protection of witnesses9853against retaliation for testimony.98549855    44. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, if you are not able to comply9856with any Inspector General requests and deadlines, will you notify the9857Republican and Democratic members of this committee regarding the basis9858for any good faith delay or denial?9859    Mr. Zimmerman. If confirmed, I would work with the Office of the9860Inspector General to comply with requests in a timely manner. I would9861defer to that office to keep Congress updated regarding its reviews.98629863    45. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, if you are confirmed, will you9864commit to refusing to follow illegal orders from any individual,9865including the President?9866    Mr. Zimmerman. I do not believe that the President or Secretary9867would issue an unlawful order. If confirmed, I would consistently9868follow the Constitution and laws of the United States.98699870    46. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, what actions would you take if9871you were given an illegal order from any individual, including the9872President?9873    Mr. Zimmerman. I do not believe that the President or Secretary9874would issue an unlawful order. If confirmed, I would not carry out an9875unlawful order.98769877    47. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, will you commit to voluntarily9878provide a deposition if you are requested by Congress to provide one?9879    Mr. Zimmerman. I commit voluntarily to respond to congressional9880requests with an appropriate deposition.98819882    48. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, will you commit to voluntarily9883testify in front of Congress if you are requested by Congress to do so?9884    Mr. Zimmerman. I commit voluntarily to respond to congressional9885requests with appropriate testimony.98869887    49. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, will you commit to testify or9888provide a deposition in front of Congress if you are issued a subpoena9889to do so?9890    Mr. Zimmerman. I commit to respond to subpoenas with the9891appropriate testimony or deposition.98929893    50. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, will you commit to providing9894information or documents to Congress voluntarily if you are requested9895to do so?9896    Mr. Zimmerman. I commit voluntarily to respond to congressional9897requests with the appropriate information or documents.98989899    51. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, will you provide information or9900documents to Congress if you are issued a subpoena to do so?9901    Mr. Zimmerman. I commit to respond to subpoenas with the9902appropriate information or documents.99039904    52. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, will you commit to following9905current precedent for responding to information requests, briefings,9906and other inquiries from Congress, including the Senate and House Armed9907Services Committees and their minority members?9908    Mr. Zimmerman. I commit to being responsive to all such requests9909and inquiries, including from minority.99109911    53. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, if confirmed, will you commit to9912posting your official calendar monthly?9913    Mr. Zimmerman. If confirmed, I commit to complying with the Freedom9914of Information Act, which I understand covers all agency records to9915include my official calendar.99169917    54. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, do you think the Federal9918Government has an overclassification problem? If so, please provide9919examples of overclassification you have encountered.9920    Mr. Zimmerman. Classified information is essential for national9921security, yet I do believe overclassification presents a real problem.9922Information that does not meet the standards for classification should9923not be classified. If confirmed, I am committed to supporting the9924Secretary in ensuring proper classification and, as needed, would work9925with my intelligence community counterparts to ensure requirements and9926timeframes for safeguarding national security information are9927appropriate and not excessive.99289929    55. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, if confirmed, do you think your9930department should pursue strategic technology to support automated9931declassification?9932    Mr. Zimmerman. If confirmed, I would support using technological9933solutions to increase the speed, accuracy, and consistency of9934declassification reviews.9935                              project 20259936    56. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, have you discussed Project 20259937with any officials associated with the Trump campaign, the Trump9938transition team, or other members of the Trump administration? If so,9939please explain what you discussed, when you discussed it, and with whom9940you discussed it.9941    Mr. Zimmerman. No.99429943    57. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, have you discussed Project 20259944with any officials associated with the Heritage Foundation? If so,9945please explain what you discussed, when you discussed it, and with whom9946you discussed it.9947    Mr. Zimmerman. No.9948                           foreign influence9949    58. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, have you received any payment9950from a foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government9951within the past 5 years?9952    Mr. Zimmerman. No.99539954    59. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, have you communicated with any9955foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government within9956the past 5 years?9957    Mr. Zimmerman. Yes, as part of my official duties as a fellow in9958the Senate and previously in the Intelligence Community.99599960    60. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, please disclose any9961communications or payments you have had with representatives of any9962foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government within9963the past 5 years and describe the nature of the communication.9964    Mr. Zimmerman. I have received no payment from a representative of9965or entity controlled by a foreign government. Regarding communication,9966I have had multiple engagements with representatives of foreign9967governments (Ambassadors, embassy personnel, etc.) as part of my9968official duties as a fellow in the Senate and previously in the9969Intelligence Community.9970                        impoundment control act9971    61. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, do you believe the Secretary of9972Defense or the Secretary of Energy has the legal authority to block the9973disbursement of funds appropriated by Congress?9974    Mr. Zimmerman. I believe the Secretary and every member of the9975executive branch must follow the Constitution and the law related to9976disbursing funds appropriated by Congress.99779978    62. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, what is your understanding of9979the Impoundment Control Act?9980    Mr. Zimmerman. My understanding of the 1974 Impoundment Control Act9981is that it provides a framework for handling circumstances in which the9982President seeks to defer or cancel execution of appropriated funds. I9983commit, if confirmed, to execute my responsibilities in a manner9984consistent with the Constitution and the law. My actions and advice on9985this matter would be informed by the Administration's legal positions9986and advice from the Department's General Counsel.99879988    63. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, do you commit to complying with9989the Impoundment Control Act?9990    Mr. Zimmerman. I commit, if confirmed, to execute my9991responsibilities in a manner consistent with the Constitution and the9992law. My actions and advice on this matter would be informed by the9993Administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's9994General Counsel.99959996    64. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, do you commit to notifying the9997Senate and House Armed Services Committees, including the majority and9998minority, if you are asked not to comply with the Impoundment Control9999Act or not to expend the money that Congress appropriates or10000authorizes?10001    Mr. Zimmerman. I commit, if confirmed, to execute my10002responsibilities in a manner consistent with the Constitution and the10003law. My actions and advice on this matter would be informed by the10004Administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's10005General Counsel.1000610007    65. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, the Constitution's Spending10008Clause (Art. I, Sec.  8, cl. 1) and Appropriations Clause (Art. I,10009Sec.  9, cl. 7) give Congress, not the Executive, power of the purse.10010The Supreme Court has unanimously upheld this power. Do you believe10011that impoundments are constitutional?10012    Mr. Zimmerman. I commit, if confirmed, to execute my10013responsibilities in a manner consistent with the Constitution and the10014law. My actions and advice on this matter would be informed by the10015Administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's10016General Counsel.1001710018    66. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, the funding levels in10019appropriations bills passed into law are not targets or ceilings;10020instead, they are amounts the executive branch must spend, unless10021stated otherwise. Congress could--if it wanted the President to have10022discretion--write those amounts as ceilings. Do you agree?10023    Mr. Zimmerman. I commit, if confirmed, to execute my10024responsibilities in a manner consistent with the Constitution and the10025law. My actions and advice on this matter would be informed by the10026Administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's10027General Counsel.1002810029    67. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, what is your understanding of10030the requirements for DOD to obligate funding that Congress authorizes10031and appropriates, in accordance with the time period that Congress10032deems it to do so?10033    Mr. Zimmerman. I commit, if confirmed, to execute my10034responsibilities in a manner consistent with the Constitution and the10035law. My actions and advice on this matter would be informed by the10036Administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's10037General Counsel.1003810039    68. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, do you commit to expending the10040money that Congress appropriates and authorizes?10041    Mr. Zimmerman. I commit, if confirmed, to execute my10042responsibilities in a manner consistent with the Constitution and the10043law. My actions and advice on this matter would be informed by the10044Administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's10045General Counsel.1004610047    69. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, do you commit to following and10048implementing every provision of the annual National Defense10049Authorization Act passed into law?10050    Mr. Zimmerman. I commit, if confirmed, to execute my10051responsibilities in a manner consistent with the Constitution and the10052law, including the National Defense Authorization Act. My actions and10053advice to the Secretary of Defense on this matter would be informed by10054the Administration's legal positions and advice from the Department's10055General Counsel.1005610057    70. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, if you became aware of a10058potential violation of the Antideficiency Act, Impoundment Control Act,10059or other appropriations laws, what steps would you take?10060    Mr. Zimmerman. If confirmed, I would abide by the Department's10061procedures to report such violations to the appropriate authorities. My10062actions and advice to the Secretary regarding any such violations would10063be informed by the Administration's legal positions and advice from the10064Department's General Counsel.10065                        research and development10066    71. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, does the Federal Government10067benefit from partnering with colleges, universities, nonprofits, and10068federally funded research and development centers?10069    Mr. Zimmerman. The Federal Government can benefit from such10070partnerships that are well-defined and cost-effective. The Federal10071Government has collaborated with colleges, universities, nonprofits,10072and federally funded research centers to use their advanced analytical,10073engineering, and research capabilities and state-of-the-art facilities,10074enhancing our Federal workforce and labs. In the context of the10075Department of Defense, such collaborations can nurture the next10076generation of scientists and engineers, equipping them with the skills10077to tackle tough technical challenges and deliver advanced military10078technologies to our warfighters.1007910080    72. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, under your leadership, will your10081agencies continue to work with colleges, universities, nonprofits, and10082federally funded research and development centers to research and10083address our toughest national security challenges?10084    Mr. Zimmerman. If confirmed, to the extent they are applicable to10085the ASD(ISA) portfolio, I will support partnerships that bring10086enhancement to our warfighters and defense capabilities.10087         protecting classified information and federal records10088    73. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, what is your understanding of10089the need to protect operational security, or OPSEC?10090    Mr. Zimmerman. Practicing proper OPSEC is critical to mission10091success and force protection. OPSEC denies adversaries an opportunity10092to gain advantage over U.S. forces.1009310094    74. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, what are the national security10095risks of improperly disclosing classified information?10096    Mr. Zimmerman. The improper or unauthorized disclosure of10097classified information risks causing identifiable or describable damage10098to national security.'The scope and likelihood of that damage would10099depend on the details of the information released, including the level10100of classification, as well as the extent and nature of the disclosure.?1010110102    75. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, what would you do if you learned10103an official had improperly disclosed classified information?10104    Mr. Zimmerman. I would follow the security protocols governing that10105disclosure. If confirmed, I commit to adhering to the information and10106security policies of the Department and will ensure all of those who10107work for me do the same.1010810109    76. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, what is your understanding of10110government officials' duties under the Federal Records Act?10111    Mr. Zimmerman. If confirmed, I will adhere to the Federal Records10112Act and applicable DOD policies, which ensure that the Federal records10113I create or receive are appropriately maintained.1011410115    77. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, should classified information be10116shared on unclassified commercial systems?10117    Mr. Zimmerman. As per the DOD's Information Security Program, only10118computers and IT systems approved and accredited for Classified10119National Security Information may be used for classified10120communications.10121               retaliation and protecting whistleblowers10122    78. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, do you believe that10123servicemembers, civilians, grantees, and contractors should be10124protected from any form of retaliation for coming forward about an10125illegal order, sexual assault or harassment, negligence, misconduct, or10126any other concern that they wish to raise?10127    Mr. Zimmerman. I believe that all whistleblowers should be10128protected consistent with the law.1012910130    79. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, have you ever retaliated against10131any individual for coming forward about an illegal order, sexual10132assault or harassment, negligence, misconduct, or any other concern10133that they wish to raise?10134    Mr. Zimmerman. No.1013510136    80. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, if you are confirmed, will you10137commit to protecting whistleblowers? If so, please specify how you will10138do so.10139    Mr. Zimmerman. Yes, if confirmed, I will commit to protecting10140whistleblowers in accordance with applicable laws. As appropriate, I10141would work with the General Counsel of the Department to ensure10142compliance with these laws throughout the process.1014310144    81. Senator Warren. Mr.. Zimmerman, if you are confirmed, will you10145commit to preventing retaliation against any individual for coming10146forward about an illegal order, sexual assault or harassment,10147negligence, misconduct, or any other concern that they wish to raise?10148    Mr. Zimmerman. Yes, if confirmed, I will commit to protecting10149whistleblowers in accordance with applicable laws.1015010151    82. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, do you consider it to be10152retaliation to demote an individual, prevent the promotion or10153advancement of an individual, remove an individual from the military or10154their role, or take other adverse actions related to personnel10155decisions for an individual, in response to that individual engaging in10156protected activity?10157    Mr. Zimmerman. My understanding is that each of those actions could10158amount to an act of retaliation, depending on the circumstances.1015910160    83. Senator Warren. Mr. Zimmerman, do you consider it to be10161retaliation to encourage another person(s) to demote an individual,10162prevent the promotion or advancement of an individual, remove an10163individual from the military or their role, or take other adverse10164actions related to personnel decisions for an individual, in response10165to that individual engaging in protected activity?10166    Mr. Zimmerman. My understanding is that each of those actions could10167amount to an act of retaliation, depending on the circumstances.10168                               __________10169             Questions Submitted by Senator Tammy Duckworth10170                     politicization of the military10171    84. Senator Duckworth. Mr. Zimmerman, if confirmed, do you commit10172not to retaliate against general officers or military servicemembers10173for executing lawful policies enacted by a previous Administration?10174    Mr. Zimmerman. Yes.10175                     strategic role of foreign aid10176    85. Senator Duckworth. Mr. Zimmerman, what is the role and value of10177foreign aid in supporting military operations and regional stability,10178particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and the Western Hemisphere?10179    Mr. Zimmerman. I have not had the briefings or access to provide an10180informed assessment on the Administration's reform of foreign aid. I10181believe that in some circumstances foreign aid can help reduce risk,10182and I support efforts to ensure that such aid is tied to advancing10183American interests, takes into account our highest-priority threats,10184and aligns with our national security strategy.1018510186    86. Senator Duckworth. Mr. Zimmerman, how will you navigate10187security cooperation with countries that may now turn to China for10188critical aid due to cuts to U.S. foreign assistance, especially in10189Africa?10190    Mr. Zimmerman. In my view, one of the most important duties of the10191ASD(ISA) position is to counter China's attempts to expand its10192influence, especially in Africa and the Middle East. If confirmed, I10193would support Department efforts to review our international10194engagements to ensure they are aligned with America's interests and our10195strategic national security focus on countering China. This will afford10196us opportunities to address China's attempts to undermine U.S.10197interests on a revamped, durable basis. I would anticipate using my10198role in managing defense relations to warn countries about the pitfalls10199of partnering with China and motivate them toward mutually beneficial10200collaboration with the United States.10201                       military command structure10202    87. Senator Duckworth. Mr. Zimmerman, press reports indicate that10203the Trump administration is considering plans to combine U.S. Africa10204Command (AFRICOM) under U.S. European Command (EUCOM). If confirmed, do10205you commit to consulting with this committee before recommending any10206change to these two commands?10207    Mr. Zimmerman. I am not aware of a DOD plan to combine these10208commands. If asked to weigh in on any such discussion, I would10209carefully review all requirements, consult relevant stakeholders, and10210engage with SASC as part of the process. My recommendations would be10211guided by the Administration's America first, peace through strength10212agenda.1021310214    88. Senator Duckworth. Mr. Zimmerman, do you have any concerns10215about how this might impact U.S. strategic focus in Africa?10216    Mr. Zimmerman. I am not aware of a DOD plan to combine these10217commands. I am not currently in a position to make a fully informed10218analysis of the pros and cons of doing so.1021910220    89. Senator Duckworth. Mr. Zimmerman, press reports indicate that10221the Trump administration is considering relinquishing the NATO Supreme10222Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) position. If confirmed, do you commit10223to consulting with this committee before recommending any change to10224this construct?10225    Mr. Zimmerman. It is my understanding that the Department of10226Defense is not considering relinquishing the SACEUR position at this10227time. President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have both made clear that10228the United States is not abandoning our European allies. I understand10229that the Secretary is currently performing a review of U.S. global10230force posture. If confirmed, I commit to provide my best advice to that10231review and to engage in all appropriate consultation with SASC.10232                        unauthorized disclosures10233    90. Senator Duckworth. Mr. Zimmerman, if confirmed, do you commit10234that your deliberations and decisions will only be communicated through10235official, secure channels and any decisions properly documented for10236both oversight and institutional memory?10237    Mr. Zimmerman. Yes.10238                                 ______1023910240    [The nomination reference of Mr. Daniel L. Zimmerman10241follows:]1024210243    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]1024410245                                 ______1024610247    [The biographical sketch of Mr. Daniel L. Zimmerman, which10248was transmitted to the Committee at the time the nomination was10249referred, follows:]1025010251   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]1025210253                                       ______1025410255    [The Committee on Armed Services requires all individuals10256nominated from civilian life by the President to positions10257requiring the advice and consent of the Senate to complete a10258form that details the biographical, financial, and other10259information of the nominee. The form executed by Mr. Daniel L.10260Zimmerman in connection with his nomination follows:]1026110262    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]1026310264                                 ______1026510266    [The nominee responded to Parts B-F of the committee10267questionnaire. The text of the questionnaire is set forth in10268the Appendix to this volume. The nominee's answers to Parts B-F10269are contained in the committee's executive files.]1027010271    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]1027210273                                 ______1027410275    [The nomination of Mr. Daniel L. Zimmerman was reported to10276the Senate by Chairman Wicker on May 13, 2025, with the10277recommendation that the nomination be confirmed. The nomination10278was confirmed by the Senate on June 24, 2025.]1027910280                                 [all]