▶ 0:01:58Chair Wicker: So the hearing will come to order and we will ask our guests to take arst -- to take their seats. We will begin in just a moment. I welcome our witnesses and their families. Some of whom I just had an opportunity to greet. And to thank them for being here this morning. We face a threat environment more dangerous than any since world war ii.
▶ 0:02:29Chair Wicker: I say this at almost every hearing because it bears repeating. With such challenging times I am grateful that these individuals have answered the call to serve. Let me pause for a moment and say that this morning we remember a long time public servant who passed away during the night, former vice president richard cheney, a man who repeatedly answered the call to serve.
▶ 0:02:59Chair Wicker: He was white house chief of staff and served as secretary of defense and was elected to the house of representatives some five times, and ultimately, to the vice presidency serving in that role for eight consequential years. We are thinking of his family and loved ones today. As the committee meets. As to our business, I welcome our witnesses.
▶ 0:03:29Chair Wicker: And, first of all, Dr. robert kadlec has been nominated as assistant secretary for nuclear deterrence, chemical and biological defense policy programs. Last year congress created this position because we hoped to align the department's nuclear management structure. This is an incredibly important position, especially today.
▶ 0:03:55Chair Wicker: China and russia are rapidly expanding their new chennault -- nuclear arsenals while our own modernization programs are behind schedule. I look forward to working with the department to establish a position in a manner consistent with congressional direction in this ndaa that we are working on right now. Just last week the president made it clear that he is aware of our nuclear modernization challenges as compared to our adversaries.
▶ 0:04:27Chair Wicker: That was encouraging news that the president is putting emphasis on this. This committee has recognized the issue and complete -- propose that we have one position in the pentagon responsible for nuclear matters instead of a big bureaucracy.
▶ 0:04:44Chair Wicker: I know that we have not received this will be within the law of this new position and I look forward to how he will look forward to empower this new position and reforms that we desperately need. Mr. michael borders has been nominated to be assistant secretary of the air force. For energy installations and environment.
▶ 0:05:15Chair Wicker: As I have stated to other assistant secretaries, with the responsibilities of the militars responsibilities of the militare ignored their facilities. The air force is no exception. It is now required by statute to write -- right the ship and work towards a 4% annual plant replacement value by 20 30. As was made into law last year through the ndaa, signed by the president.
▶ 0:05:47Chair Wicker: With his experience of commander of the air force support center, Mr. borders is especially qualified to address this problem and get the air force back audit -- back on track. Mr. austin dahmer has been nominated to serve as assistant secretary of defense for strategy plans and forces.
▶ 0:06:14Chair Wicker: If confirmed he would have brought an important responsibilities, overseeing the implementation of the national defense strategy and prioritization and execution of the department's security cooperation initiatives. You will be responsible for the dod's global force posture and its contingency and theater campaign plans. These responsibilities would effectively make Mr. dahmer's effectively make Mr.
▶ 0:06:43Chair Wicker: Dahmer' the department's chief strategist. He would help implement the commander-in-chief's vision. I make this point in particular because I have noticed an unsettling trend this year. At times the pentagon officials have pursued policies that are not in accord with president trump's orders or seem uncoordinated within the administration.
▶ 0:07:13Chair Wicker: We saw one example of this last week in the decision to withdraw and industry -- an infantry brigade combat team in america -- in romania. I spoke with this with chairman rogers and noted that this decision did not appear to reflect the policy mandate of president trump. Just two weeks ago, the president had said that troops would not be withdrawn from europe and it is unclear to me how the move fits with the commander-in-chief's direction.
▶ 0:07:47Chair Wicker: Excuse me for a moment. We are going to ask that several things be discussed, and I hope there are question and answers in regard. The department is conducting a review of forces stationed abroad.
▶ 0:08:15Chair Wicker: I say allegedly because the department has not formally conveyed to this committee that it is actually undertaking such a review. We read about it in the newspapers and last week we saw its earliest manifestation with the abrupt announcement that I mentioned with regard to the infantry brigade team from romania and southern europe. The timing of that announcement is curious at best.
▶ 0:08:45Chair Wicker: For a generation we have insisted that the europeans do more, and thanks to president trump they are. As they are spending reveals. By creating new structures and producing the equipment by these allies to accompany it will take years to field. And so, the questions arise.
▶ 0:09:13Chair Wicker: Last week when the pentagon abruptly withdrew a brigade from romania, did our department, did our witness consult with the romanians prior to the decision to withdraw the brigade from europe. Romania chaise -- shares the largest border of ukraine of any nato ally. Russia invaded and occupied parts of ukraine, with wu -- with whom romania shares the board -- the border.
▶ 0:09:44Chair Wicker: Is there a backfill plan? Is the U.S. planning further drawdowns of our ground forces in europe. If so, this committee in congress would appreciate being advised. As members of the same american team. It is the department planning to draw down either two brigade combat teams assigned to the combat forces command in the republic of korea?
▶ 0:10:12Chair Wicker: The dictator putin is rattling his nuclear saber at the united states and nato, while he is doubling down on his worn ukraine. The U.S. must always weigh the cost and benefits of troop deployments around the world.
▶ 0:10:29Chair Wicker: I would -- I think we would like to know today could we hear the thinking of the strategy aspect and the strategy portion of the pentagon about the signals sent by the decision to reduce troop presence in europe at this particular time. In addition, I have been disappointed to see the president's decisions slow walked or reversed at other points this year.
▶ 0:11:00Chair Wicker: Earlier ukraine stopped receiving our security assistance, even though president trump wanted to deliver it. When the president was asked about this, he said he did not know who had ordered this. In addition to the aukus deal, and that was cast into doubt despite the president's strong support.
▶ 0:11:27Chair Wicker: Much to the surprise, and the dismay of australia, one of our most steadfast allies. There are strong foreign policy debates in my political party. We do not have consensus on every issue and I welcome healthy discussion on america's role in the world and the president does too.
▶ 0:11:50Chair Wicker: I have supported president trump's efforts to blend three approaches and I have supported the president steadfastly in this regard. He combines a muscular use of the U.S. military with win-win deals with our allies, and thirdly, tough negotiations for red lines our adversaries.
▶ 0:12:13Chair Wicker: Amid these debates I think everyone would expect his strategy staff to follow his lead and implement his vision. Throughout this year the committee has had a relatively positive relationship with the pentagon. Especially secretary hegseth, and deputy secretary steinberg. I have been disappointed to find one exception to that cordiality.
▶ 0:12:41Chair Wicker: Members and staff of this committee have struggled to receive information from the policy office. And, have not been able to consult in a meaningful way with the shop either on the national defense strategy, or the global posture review. This does not match our experience with the first trump administration.
▶ 0:13:07Chair Wicker: During which we had extensive consultation between the administration with congress and allies throughout the strategy development process. I look forward to improved interactions with the policy team in the coming months and the new year. The situation needs to improve if we are to craft the best defense policy.
▶ 0:13:36Chair Wicker: With that, I turned to my colleague, the ranking member reed.
▶ 0:13:42Sen. Reed: Thank you very much, Mr. chairman, and I want to add my comments regarding the pratt -- the passing of vice president dick cheney. He was a dedicated public servant his entire life. He was involved with public service and he had a profound respect for the constitution. And conducted himself in that way constantly.
▶ 0:14:10Sen. Reed: We disagreed at certain times, but no one could doubt his sincerity in his service to the nation. Good morning to all witnesses, and congratulations on your nomination. I would like to welcome you and your family members. I am a little bit jealous of Mr. borders' son, who is the best dressed person in the room. But, what can you say. Mr.
▶ 0:14:37Sen. Reed: Dahmer, you are nominated to be assistant secretary of defense for strategy, plans and capabilities. This is responsible for advising the secretary of defense on national defense strategy, planning, contingency operations and global force posture. However I would note that the committee was informed just two days ago that this position title has apparently changed to assistant secretary of defense for strategy, plans, and forces.
▶ 0:15:10Sen. Reed: The department indicated that this is merely a cosmetic change and a new title more reflecting the organization. They stated that all duties and responsibility -- responsibilities remain unchanged. From the limited information we have been given this does not appear to be accurate.
▶ 0:15:29Sen. Reed: The department is realigning the portfolio for three deputy assistant secretary positions nested under the asd for strategy plans and who would report to Mr. dahmer, if you are confirmed. According to the information provided yesterday, responsibility for aukus which belong to force development and emerging capabilities will now be transferred to a different assistant secretary of defense.
▶ 0:16:00Sen. Reed: Reviewing the roles and responsibilities of auku responsibilities of auoffice is not unusual and usually when the department rican -- conduct such a change it will send us the changes before the committee can -- proceeds with the nomination. This is important because the center has a constitution -- the senate has a constitutional duty to advised on senate confirms nominees.
▶ 0:16:28Sen. Reed: Having a basic understanding is imperative to our oversight role. Unfortunately, that did not happen. Rather we were informed this weekend that these changes had been made and they were designed to "realign certain policy activities and rebrand parts of the organization to reflect the priorities of the trump administration." according to the memorandum provided for the committee, these changes were made last month and were effective as of
▶ 0:17:00Sen. Reed: October 8, 2025, and yet the department never notified the committee even though we had ample opportunity to do so. Mr. dahmer, given that the community -- the committee has not had the opportunity to review all the changes, I would ask your understanding to the changes of the portfolio of which you have been nominated.
▶ 0:17:24Sen. Reed: The department is developing a forthcoming national to spend strategy, and while the nds has not been released, there have been considerable reporting and concern about its strategic direction. Reports indicate that new strategy will emphasize domestic and regional missions at the expense of competing with china and the indo pacific.
▶ 0:17:47Sen. Reed: Both the 2018 and 2022 national defense strategies clearly prioritized long-term strategic competition with china and russia as our pacing challenges. I would like to ascertain whether you agree with that assessment and whether the department of defense should be primarily focused on homeland security and domestic military operations.
▶ 0:18:11Sen. Reed: I am concerned that the forthcoming cost review would cause a significant reduction of U.S. troops in europe and the middle east which could have strategic consequences for alliances and as the chairman has pointed out, we have already withdrawn troops or directed the withdrawal of troops from romania without any consultation with the congress, and any specific articulation on the national defense policy changes.
▶ 0:18:41Sen. Reed: I would ask you to explain these proposal. You were nominated to be assistant secretary of defense for nuclear deterrence and biological defense policy and programs. It is a new position created by fiscal year 2025 ndaa combining the nuclear weapons policy and acquisition with chemical and biological defense programs.
▶ 0:19:07Sen. Reed: Your expertise in bio defense is significant as you have served in this position in the pentagon, and special operations command and the department of health and human services. I think that your presence will add greatly to this topic in the biological defensive and offensive positions which have been considered.
▶ 0:19:34Sen. Reed: However, this position emphasizes nuclear weapons policy and acquisition. I would like to see what qualities you would bring to managing the nuclear portfolio during this critical organization period.
▶ 0:19:50Sen. Reed: And I am concerned about the recent statements on nuclear testing, breaking the testing moratorium maintained since the 1990's would be strategically reckless in my view, inevitably prompting russia, china and others to resume their own programs. I would like to know your perspective on the destabilizing effects that such testing could have an already fragile nonproliferation architecture. Mr.
▶ 0:20:18Sen. Reed: Borders, you were nominated to be assistant secretary of the air force for energy, installations, and environment which provides all oversight for air force and space force installation over what -- worldwide including military housing, environmental protection and pfas remediation. I want to thank you for your career of military service and congratulate you on your recent retirement.
▶ 0:20:43Sen. Reed: I must note it is highly unusual for a field grade officer to retire and immediately assume a senate confirmed position. I would appreciate your testimony on how your career has prepared you for this position. Among the many issues of the air force, I am concerned about installation resilience. Extreme weather has caused the department billions of dollars in recovery which has compromised readiness.
▶ 0:21:11Sen. Reed: I would like to know what steps you would take to mitigate the costly impacts of extreme weather on our installations. Additionally you have previously advocated for a significant policy changes to address military housing shortages. I would like to know how you would emanate -- implement those across the air force and space force and how would you ensure rigorous oversight of privatized housing and barracks. To all of you, thank you and I look forward to your testimony.
▶ 0:21:41Chair Wicker: Thank you. And now, the committee will move to standard questions. First, you are recognized for
▶ 0:22:11Chair Wicker: Your opening statements. >> chairman wicker, ranking member read and distinguish portions --
▶ 0:22:21Chair Wicker: Could you speak a little bit closer to the microphone.
▶ 0:22:25Mr. Borders: Is this better? Chairman wicker, ranking member reed, and distinguish members of the committee it is in honor of a lifetime to appear before you as the president's nominee for assistant secretary of the air force for energy installations and environment. The confirmation process reflects one of the great strengths of our democracy and I thank you for your role in it and you and your staff's time.
▶ 0:22:54Mr. Borders: I am deeply grateful to president trump for this opportunity and I am humbled by the trust placed in me. I would also thank secretary hegseth and the secretary of the air force. I give thanks to god who calls us to righteousness and justice and for the blessings of family and the gift of service and the opportunity to be before you today. I want to thank those who shape this journey, my parents mike and karen, who refused to let me quit anything ever.
▶ 0:23:26Mr. Borders: My brother, rodney and his family and my resilient and beautiful wife and my son for their support. This is the foundation that allowed me to serve our nation and continue serving. Last month I concluded a 28 year active-duty career in the united states air force y defended nuclear weapons, conducted detainee operations and lead counterinsurgency operations in iraq, spending 36 months in the middle east. I developed U.S.
▶ 0:23:54Mr. Borders: Government policy for thailand and burma and commanded six times over eight years in command and that taught me that changing paradigms requires more than ideas demands execution at the speed of relevance. The office I have been nominated to lead sits at the heart of operational readiness. Our installations are not simply bases or infrastructure but a power projection platform essential to defeating china or any adversary that would test our resolve.
▶ 0:24:26Mr. Borders: Ending iranian nuclear aspirations began in the local communities around whiteman air force base. I understand this and so does china. Our bases, energy grids and military housing represent the type of infrastructure they aim to hold at risk. I believe protecting the energy systems is not an abstract discussion but directly a tide to our ability to deter and defeat china or any future adversary. We are at a critical moment.
▶ 0:24:56Mr. Borders: China is investing heavily in capabilities to hold our bases at risk and local communities at risk, disrupt our logistics and deny access. The question is not if our installations will be tested but if they will be ready.
▶ 0:25:12Mr. Borders: If confirmed my priorities will remain tightly aligned with that mission, resilient installations, building and sustaining bases that can operate under attack and generate combat power, energy assurance, developing secure and adapted securities and environmental stewardship, meeting our obligations to the land, water and communities we serve while sustaining operational readiness and quality of life.
▶ 0:25:40Mr. Borders: Given that our nation's most valued reasserts -- resource is military members and their families and ensuring that safe homes are essential to mission readiness. These are inseparable. Every decision much to those priorities. I also recognize that success in this role depends on partnership.
▶ 0:26:03Mr. Borders: The department of the air force strengthens dedicated military professionals and local communities that supports them, and the oversight of this committee. If confirmed I am committed to transparency and will work with you, listen to the concerns of airmen, guardians and their families and build alliances across government and industry to ensure rapid progress. This nomination is more than an honor but a solemn responsibility and I feel the weight of it.
▶ 0:26:33Mr. Borders: It is the participation in the sacred principle of civilian control over the military and a charge to ensure that every dollar strengthens mission capability, honors the taxpayer and sustains the future fight. As I close, I returned to gratitude, to god for strength and my parents teaching me the value of service and to my wife and son for their support and motivation, and to president trump, secretary hegseth and secretary mink to their trust and then you to this committee
▶ 0:27:04Mr. Borders: For their trust in oversight. Thank you for considering my nomination and I look forward to your questions and the opportunity to serve.
▶ 0:27:12Chair Wicker: Thank you. Your opening statement, sir.
▶ 0:27:16Dr. Kadlec: Thank you chairman, ranking member and members of the committee, I am honored to be president trump's nominee for the assistant secretary for war of nuclear deterrence and chemical and biological defense policy and programs. I would like to thank the president and the secretary for their trust and confidence and I support their commitment to preserve peace through strength by increasing the lethality of our armed forces.
▶ 0:27:45Dr. Kadlec: If confirmed, I intend to pursue four urgent priorities to achieve their objectives, to maintain and sustain the current nuclear triad, modernize nuclear command-and-control, accelerate the development of the b 21 bomb, columbia class submarine and other critical capabilities such as supporting modernization of the nuclear enterprise and finally deploy a credible capability is to deter adversary
▶ 0:28:16Dr. Kadlec: Biological weapons use. I want to acknowledge my family, my wife of 30 nine years, and accomplished anesthesiologists, veteran and retired air force colonel and the mother of our two daughters. One of whom is serving in the U.S. army. My daughters are here today in spirit. I also want to acknowledge the memory of my parents who survived world war ii's devastation when deterrence failed.
▶ 0:28:41Dr. Kadlec: My mother was an american teenager and was held in a nazi defense that -- concentration camp. And met my father there. My father escaped in 1949 and worked in refugee camps until my mother could raise the money to bring him to america. He became a citizen in 1952. In 1975 at the height of the cold war, I entered the air force academy intent on becoming a flight surgeon.
▶ 0:29:11Dr. Kadlec: I earned the opportunity to attend medical school because of an act of this body, congress. My medical career began with the first special operations wing in 1984. It was still grappling with the failed desert 1 mission and the implications of the holloway report. The cold war was still hot and the focus was on how to fly, fight, and win against russia and the soviet union.
▶ 0:29:41Dr. Kadlec: That experience influenced my pursuit of training in tropical diseases, military preventive medicine and a career of supporting special operations, counterterrorism and counter proliferation. In august 1990, I was assigned to a special tactics squadron and my first day was memorable as saddam invaded kuwait. I worked at the pentagon to support efforts to deter and defeat any use of wmd.
▶ 0:30:08Dr. Kadlec: I was assigned to the first counter proliferation policy office serving as a united nations weapons inspector in iraq and an ost representative to the biological weapons convention in geneva. I served in the counter proliferation division and taught future military leaders policy at the national war college until the 9/11 attacks.
▶ 0:30:32Dr. Kadlec: While serving on the white house's homeland security council I co-authored president bush's defense policy and was deployed four times to a rack. After retiring from military service, in 2005, senator booker hired me -- burr hired me to be the staff director.
▶ 0:30:53Dr. Kadlec: During president trump's first term, I had the privilege of being the hhs assistant secretary for preparedness and response and I led the medical responses to multiple hurricanes , and potential nuclear weapons use for korea and lead the covid-19 pandemic response, including the development and deployment of vaccines during operation warp speed. I accepted this nomination because I believe we are at another critical time.
▶ 0:31:26Dr. Kadlec: The congressionally mandated strategic posture commission noted that for the first time that we confront two nuclear adversaries who are intent on replacing the U.S. led national order. With adversaries each possessing conventional space, nuclear and biochemical weapons challenges our current posture requiring different capabilities.
▶ 0:31:52Dr. Kadlec: The problems of deployment of future capabilities and ensuring conductive command-and-control, modernizing the nuclear enterprise and creating a credible deterrent are all urgent and vital. My parent's life story continues to inspire me and if confirmed by shell worked tirelessly in this area. I also want to ensure that we can protect our homeland and the joint force from wmd to preserve peace, freedom for our children and america's posterity.
▶ 0:32:20Chair Wicker: Thank you. Mr. dahmer, you are now recognized.
▶ 0:32:26Mr. Dahmer: Chairman wicker, ranking member read and distinguished members of the committee, good morning. It is an exceptional honor to appear before you as the nominee to the assistant secretary of war for strategy, plans, and forces. I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to serve our nation.
▶ 0:32:47Mr. Dahmer: I want to express my deep and abiding gratitude to president trump for nominating me for this critical role and secretary hegseth, deputy secretary fienberg and undersecretary colby for their leadership. I am fully committed to implementing the president's agenda, focused on putting americans first and realizing the president's vision of peace through strength.
▶ 0:33:11Mr. Dahmer: To my family here today and those watching from afar, your unwavering love and support have been my constant foundation throughout my career, especially to my remarkable wife seated behind me, herself a veteran of the united states marine corps and to my darling daughter, thank you for your endless encouragement and love. I cannot do this without you and I thank god for you every day.
▶ 0:33:34Mr. Dahmer: Members of the committee, the role of assistant secretary of war for which president trump has nominated me comes with profound responsibilities, especially at a critical time for national security. Peace on the protection of american interests cannot be assumed.
▶ 0:33:50Mr. Dahmer: We must ensure that our military coheres under a sound strategy that has the forces, plans and posture to execute the strategies that our efforts to arm allies and partners strengthen and do not detract from our ability to execute the strategy, and that the joint force is able to deter our rivals and if that fails, give the president the best military options to prevail. My career has been dedicated to grappling with these exact challenges.
▶ 0:34:21Mr. Dahmer: President trump appointed me to the department on january 20, and for the last nine months I have had the opportunity to lead various parts of policy organization, ensuring that the strategic approach is aligned with the president's peace through strength agenda. My tenure in congress provided me invaluable experience. My work here for the article one branch of government have given me a deep appreciation for the vital role that this body plays in our national defense.
▶ 0:34:52Mr. Dahmer: During this time I traveled extensively across the united states and indo specific -- indo pacific give thanks -- getting insights on the challenges facing our war fighters, especially in the face of china's military buildup. My other work has also provided me with experience relative -- relevant to this role. My academic and research background underscores my commitment to rigorous fact based thinking on the force planning issues required in this role.
▶ 0:35:23Mr. Dahmer: My work in the defense industry and a broad range of strategic and military technical issues provides a range of insights on which to draw and I committed -- continue to leverage my experiences as a ground intelligence officer and my time at the united states naval academy for what they taught me as a leader and the direct experience afforded me of operational planning, military forces, readiness and related issues.
▶ 0:35:50Mr. Dahmer: This blend of a strategic thinking and practical experience is what I assess to meet the moment and if confirmed by pledge to leverage every ounce of my experience to ensure strategy is sound and forces are optimized to execute it. I pledge to be a faithful partner to this committee, actively supporting critical oversight responsibility and seeking input as we work towards a common goal of securing our nation and protecting our freedoms. Thank you for this honor and I look forward to your questions.
▶ 0:36:18Chair Wicker: Thank you very much. I am now back on the order of -- the correct order of business, I believe. At this point, I will ask our witnesses standard questions that are proposed to all of our civilian nominees and it will be fine if you simply answer yes or no at the same time. We will be able to record that.
▶ 0:36:49Chair Wicker: Have you adhered to applicable laws and regulations governing conflicts of interest? >> yes.
▶ 0:36:57Chair Wicker: Have you assumed duties are taken actions that would appear to presume the outcome of the confirmation process? >> no.
▶ 0:37:05Chair Wicker: Exercising our legislative and oversight responsibility make sure is that this committee subcommittees and other appropriate committees receive testimony, briefing reports, records and other information from the executive branch in a timely basis. Do you agree if confirmed to appear and testify before this committee when requested? >> yes.
▶ 0:37:29Chair Wicker: Do you agree to provide records, documents and communications in a timely manner when requested by this committee. It subcommittees or other appropriate committees of congress and to consult with the requester regarding the basis of any good faith delay or denial and such records? >> yes.
▶ 0:37:50Chair Wicker: Will you ensure that your staff complies with deadlines established by this committee for the report -- for the production of reports, records and other information including timely responding to hearing questions for the record? >> yes.
▶ 0:38:06Chair Wicker: And there might be hearing questions for the record either -- even today. You cooperate bringing witnesses and responses to congressional requests? >> yes.
▶ 0:38:18Chair Wicker: Will they be protected from reply -- reprisal? >> yes.
▶ 0:38:24Chair Wicker: And now we will begin a series of five-minute rounds of questioning. And I will begin with a question that I have asked repeatedly of nominees with department of war, much of the funding in the defense reconciliation bill is unspecific because of our senate rules, and will technically be at the discretion of our dip --
▶ 0:38:54Chair Wicker: Of the department, although we have provided racket -- written recommendations. I will ask you individually on this one. A yes or no question. Do you commit to follow the spending recommendations and defense reconciliation unequivocally?
▶ 0:39:11Mr. Dahmer: Yes.
▶ 0:39:12Dr. Kadlec: Yes.
▶ 0:39:13Mr. Borders: Yes.
▶ 0:39:15Chair Wicker: Thank you very much. Let me begin with Mr. dahmer and some issues that I raised in my opening statement. And, let me say that I am very much appreciated the sentiments of your opening statement.
▶ 0:39:44Chair Wicker: Which you pledge to be a faithful partner to this committee providing oversight as we work together on a common goal. I appreciate that. Let us talk about this instance that I mentioned when president trump was asked who in the administration had ordered a pause on you great aid. I said I do not know, why don't you tell me? At that time you were serving as a senior advisor to the under secretary for policy.
▶ 0:40:14Chair Wicker: What happened there and what is your assessment of that decision in light of the president's comments?
▶ 0:40:20Mr. Dahmer: Thank you. As you correctly pointed out in your opening statement, president trump has been very clear that the united states is continuing to provide aid, military aid and material to ukraine. I am not aware of any pause in that aid. I think there has been some I am aware of a lot of inaccurate reporting in the public on this. I am not aware of any pause.
▶ 0:40:47Chair Wicker: You are saying when the president has asked who had ordered the pause, the and you challenge that a pause had been ordered at all.
▶ 0:41:03Mr. Dahmer: That is right. I am not aware of a pause of military aid to ukraine.
▶ 0:41:08Chair Wicker: Can you give us some insight into how you think that information, and accurate though you say it was, was imparted to the public in such a general way?
▶ 0:41:24Mr. Dahmer: I read stories in the news, almost on a daily basis that have inaccurate reporting about the governments, and the pentagon. So, I cannot say specifically.
▶ 0:41:38Chair Wicker: So, a pause in ukraine security assistance in and around early july was never ordered?
▶ 0:41:50Mr. Dahmer: Mr. chairman, excuse me. I am not aware of any pause in aid to ukraine.
▶ 0:41:59Chair Wicker: I think we can all agree though that there was a rather abrupt withdrawal of a brigade from romania. Did you consult with the romanians prior to the decision to withdraw the brigade from europe?
▶ 0:42:14Mr. Dahmer: Mr. chairman, I understand that our allies including the romanians, were consulted prior to the order being given.
▶ 0:42:26Chair Wicker: And who did the consultation within your office?
▶ 0:42:31Mr. Dahmer: Mr. chairman, I am not aware of who specifically discussed with the romanians, but if confirmed I would be happy to brief you and the committee. I understand that the committee has been briefed, or rather congress has been briefed no less than 30 -- four times including three times prior to the public announcement being made. There was a classified briefing yesterday to my understanding, but if confirmed I would commit to that.
▶ 0:43:01Chair Wicker: We will ask for clarification. Is there a backfill plan for those forces we are withdrawing?
▶ 0:43:08Mr. Dahmer: Mr. chairman, I would just point to again, as you did in the opening statement, president trump's historic success at the hague summit. I think the conclusion of this wrote patient will impact -- deployment is a success story.
▶ 0:43:27Chair Wicker: Perhaps there will not be a backfill plan, but is there to your knowledge a backfill plan, or if there is not one in the works?
▶ 0:43:36Mr. Dahmer: I would not like to get ahead of the secretary or president's decisions based on future global force management decisions.
▶ 0:43:45Chair Wicker: I certainly agree with that, sir. But, I think it is fair to ask, to your knowledge, are we planning further drawdowns? To your knowledge.
▶ 0:43:59Mr. Dahmer: Mr. chairman, I am not aware of specific plans for future drawdowns, but absolutely if confirmed I would commit to ensuring that you and the committee are fully briefed on -- in a classified setting and at the appropriate time.
▶ 0:44:15Chair Wicker: I have gone over my time. Mr. ranking member.
▶ 0:44:19Sen. Reed: Thank you very much. Mr. dahmer, in your advanced policy questions you responded that russia poses a threat to european security. However, you did not directly answer the question if russia poses a threat to the united states. Do you believe that russia poses a threat to the united states?
▶ 0:44:40Mr. Dahmer: Yes.
▶ 0:44:42Sen. Reed: Thank you. And if you do believe that, would you also agree that it is harmful to our national security interests to reduce U.S. forces in europe?
▶ 0:44:57Mr. Dahmer: Mr. ranking member collins again, the president's historic success at the hague summit to get the defense spending and field combat critical military forces, this is a -- an example of the president of the administration's success of burden sharing that we are able to conclude this temporary
▶ 0:45:27Mr. Dahmer: Rotational deployment of this combat team that began in 2022. I would know that in the department statement that this was always intended to be a temporary deployment to deter aggression against nato and reassuring nato allies. We are able to conclude this rotational deployment and restore readiness to the army and to its brigade combat team forces.
▶ 0:45:53Mr. Dahmer: And strengthen burden sharing with allies and partners to be able to deter the threat of russian aggression against nato.
▶ 0:45:59Sen. Reed: So, you perceive that russia has its aggression against nato and ukraine, even though there is evidence of increased activity by the russians? Drone attacks, grown incursions. In fact, that such an incursion happened in romania.
▶ 0:46:28Sen. Reed: Have we succeeded in our mission against the russians?
▶ 0:46:30Mr. Dahmer: Mr. ranking member, russia has not attacked nato. Objectively our deterrence posture has been successful. Ukraine is not a part of nato. The ongoing war which the president is focused on peace and bringing a conclusion to that war continues to stand.
▶ 0:46:52Mr. Dahmer: There was a high degree of alignment between civilian and military leaders on the assessment and the decision for this conclusion of this rotational deployment.
▶ 0:47:01Sen. Reed: In your advanced responses to the advanced policy questions, you indicated that regarding europe are goals and power is that the nato allies take primary responsibility. And, prioritizing security assistance packages designed to promote burden sharing in the region to include defending against russia.
▶ 0:47:26Sen. Reed: In light of this view, which recognizes the need to continue to support our allies with military assistance, do you agree that zeroing out the secured cooperation and for european command, which was in the administration's fy 2026 budget make sense?
▶ 0:47:47Mr. Dahmer: Mr. ranking member, nato, again through president trump's historic credit at the hague summit in securing 5% spending on their own defense and empowering them to lead in their own defense, the nato allies are rich countries, and they need to step up and spend in their own defense.
▶ 0:48:15Mr. Dahmer: We have been fully transparent with our nato allies from the president on down that the president and this administration expect them to step up in their own defense when we have given them opportunities to transition these programs.
▶ 0:48:28Sen. Reed: Isn't there a partnership aspect of nato, that all members have to contribute to the common efforts. And this budget that the president has submitted basically says we will not put any money into the significant aspects of nato cooperation. I think your answer is probably going to be similar to the previous answers so I will just leave that as a rhetorical question.
▶ 0:48:56Sen. Reed: My time is running out, but I want to commend you because I think biological warfare has been underestimated as a potential going forward. And your experience with biotechnology and biological enterprise is significant. But the question of nuclear, right now is so up in the air.
▶ 0:49:23Sen. Reed: Last week, president trump said because of other countries, I have instructed the department of war otherwise known as the department of defense to start testing nuclear weapons on an equal basis. Last sunday the secretary said right now the tests are systems tests and not nuclear explosions and these are noncritical explosions.
▶ 0:49:52Sen. Reed: However, on "60 minutes" later in the day the president was asked are you saying that after more than 30 years the united states is going to start detonating nuclear weapons for testing and in response the president said "I am saying we are going to test nuclear weapons like other countries do, yes. Where are we?
▶ 0:50:14Dr. Kadlec: To your point I followed the same conversations, and if confirmed I will be able to understand more clearly what the nature of the direction is for the department. I have not been privy to any communications.
▶ 0:50:28Sen. Reed: Stepping back and just a final point, Mr. chairman. Do we think that resuming nuclear testing would be destabilizing?
▶ 0:50:38Dr. Kadlec: One thing I did identify from the statements is that there has been a powder of concerns going back to 2019 about the adherence and compliance of russia and china with the threshold test treaty, signed during -- negotiated during the cold war and entered into in 1990, which limits explosive testing behind it -- below 150 kilotons and the issue if there is evidence and I am not privy to classified
▶ 0:51:08Dr. Kadlec: Information because it is highlighted in the compliance reports in 2020, 2021 and 2025 that there might be information that would suggest otherwise. Oh, I would be speculating and I do not think that would be helpful, but I commit to the idea that this is a very important issue to the idea of what we are facing with our adversaries.
▶ 0:51:35Dr. Kadlec: Because some of these kinds of weapons would be called regional weaponry, things used on a tactical or operational basis.
▶ 0:51:44Sen. Reed: Thank you, Mr. chairman for your indulgence.
▶ 0:51:47Chair Wicker: Senator fischer.
▶ 0:51:50Sen. Fischer: Welcome to all of you for being nominated and congratulations to all of you and your family because of that. Nuclear weapons are the foundation of our national defense, and every secretary including secretary hegseth, along with senior leaders at the department have consistently stated that nuclear deterrence is department's highest priority mission and yet for too long there has been a lack of clear
▶ 0:52:21Sen. Fischer: Leadership at the office of the secretary level for the nuclear enterprise, and that is why last year in the ndaa, we created this new position, replacing an old office with one that has a clearer mission, and greater authority to effectively oversee nuclear weapons and our nuclear policy. If confirmed or you will be the central advisor to the department on all matters relating to our nuclear forces.
▶ 0:52:51Sen. Fischer: When we met earlier this year, I appreciated our conversation about the strategic posture commission's final report and the 81 recommendations that came out of it. What were your impressions of that report, briefly.
▶ 0:53:07Dr. Kadlec: I would give you two high-level ones, the urgency of the problem and the existential nature of the problem. That was posed by two peer nuclear powers aligned against us including potentially north korea that is an attempt to subvert the U.S. led international order.
▶ 0:53:28Sen. Reed: Man --
▶ 0:53:30Sen. Fischer: Managing that transition from the legacy systems to the new delivery systems that we are online with, that will be a key challenge for you, if you are confirmed, and for the department. In that position, how would you ensure that the stratcom commander is always able to execute the U.S. nuclear deterrence mission?
▶ 0:53:55Dr. Kadlec: Thank you very much for that. I do believe that is a very important kind of connection and authority and responsibility. My potential office, if I am confirmed into that position, and clearly it will be requiring constant communication, and constant in-depth exchanges of information that would give us a good understanding of what the threat is and what the capabilities are as cc as
▶ 0:54:26Dr. Kadlec: Strategic commander that are necessary to keep the deterrence able and effective.
▶ 0:54:30Sen. Fischer: What is your assessment of the current state of our nuclear forces, and our modernization program?
▶ 0:54:38Dr. Kadlec: To coin a phrase from the chairman because too old, too few? I really think we need to accelerate the modernization of our programs and programs of record. But as it is identified in the strategic posture review it is identified as necessary but not sufficient. There are other parts of the nuclear programs that we have to address.
▶ 0:55:07Dr. Kadlec: Long-range strike options is one of them and making sure they get certified and implemented quickly. And there might be other capabilities that might be identified by the strategic commander to basically fill the gaps that we might have, informed by our combatant commanders.
▶ 0:55:23Sen. Fischer: C3 is extremely important. We call it the fourth leg of the triad. And what do you view your position to be in advocating for the modernization, and development of nc3 to make sure that it is ready and capable when the time comes?
▶ 0:55:54Dr. Kadlec: I keep -- I think the key thing there is reserving the decision space for the president and ensuring that the communications and system of detection, decision-making and direction are all resilient to the current threat that we are facing and future threats that we might face through cyber, space, and through ems challenges. And I think all of those things have to be factored in.
▶ 0:56:24Dr. Kadlec: To your point, I agree with you and senator king concerning the importance of this, particularly during the transition of legacy to new systems, analog-to-digital that will have to be made.
▶ 0:56:37Sen. Fischer: If confirmed, one of your most important responsibilities would be to serve as the staff director of the nuclear weapons council, and that is when you will be overseeing the coordination between the department and the nnsa with respect to nuclear programs. I hope that you will take that responsibility seriously, and I may have questions for you for the record.
▶ 0:57:05Dr. Kadlec: I do take it seriously. Thank you.
▶ 0:57:09Chair Wicker: Thank you. Senator hirono.
▶ 0:57:13Sen. Hirono: Welcome to each of you and I will start with two foundational questions that I will ask all nominees relative to fitness to serve and we will start with Mr. dahmer and go down the line. Since you became an illegal adult have you ever made unwanted requests for sexual favors or committed any inverter -- verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.
▶ 0:57:37Mr. Dahmer: No.
▶ 0:57:38Dr. Kadlec: No.
▶ 0:57:40Mr. Borders: No.
▶ 0:57:41Sen. Hirono: Have you ever face discipline or had a senate -- settlement relating to this?
▶ 0:57:47Mr. Dahmer: No.
▶ 0:57:48Dr. Kadlec: No.
▶ 0:57:49Mr. Borders: No.
▶ 0:57:51Sen. Hirono: Several of the critical service training areas are leased throughout the state and are set to expire in the next few years. These lands are vital to ensuring training and readiness in the pacific. However, the lands in question hold cultural significance to the native hawaiian community.
▶ 0:58:14Sen. Hirono: So, will you commit to continue engaging in good faith with state officials in the community to ensure that air force land retention and leases are renegotiated in a way that is fair to the state, the people of hawaii, and the military?
▶ 0:58:31Mr. Borders: Senator, I was fortunate enough to spend three years of my career in hawaii and I have an appreciation for the deep connection that hawaiians have with the land. If confirmed you have my commitment that that will absolutely go into any decision or discussion.
▶ 0:58:49Sen. Hirono: I am glad that you understand the sensitivities and importance of making sure that the community input is there. Again, -- no. For Mr. dahmer. Since the administration has identified china as a pacing threat to U.S.
▶ 0:59:10Sen. Hirono: National security and the indo pacific as a priority theater, I am concerned about reports that indicate that perhaps the national defense strategy deprioritizes the pacing strategies from china and if confirmed you will be in charge of making this change through critical documents.
▶ 0:59:36Sen. Hirono: What risk would deprioritizing china and the indo pacific posed to U.S. national interest?
▶ 0:59:44Mr. Dahmer: Thank you for the opportunity to address this. I think secretary hegseth was clear as recent as last week that while homeland defense, defending our own homeland is the number one priority of the department, I would note the previous two national defense strategies under both a republican and democratic administration prioritize defending our own homeland over all other duties of the
▶ 1:00:16Mr. Dahmer: Department and joint force. China remains the pacing threat of the strategy and focus of the department actually increases the focus on china as the principal rival and it is our pacing threat. As secretary hegseth noted last week.
▶ 1:00:35Mr. Dahmer: I would not want to get ahead of the president and secretary in going too much into the draft national defense tragedy but if confirmed I look forward to the opportunity to brief the committee in the appropriate setting.
▶ 1:00:49Sen. Hirono: In acknowledging china as a pacing threat it is important we focus various resources on the indo pacific and as the indo pay, commander has said the homeland is in the specific. -- is in the pacific. National security should be focused on the pacific. Mr.
▶ 1:01:13Sen. Hirono: Borders, the joint basing contract between the navy and air force has led to extensive infrastructure restoration and military construction delays in the airfield. I visited the airfield and looked at the runways. The delays have impacted the military's operational readiness in the pacific.
▶ 1:01:39Sen. Hirono: If confirmed, what efforts will you take to improve coordination with the navy to address the extensive challenges, particularly at hickam airfield? Mr. borders?
▶ 1:01:54Mr. Borders: For me, it is extremely important that our installations are resilient installations capable of projecting power. As I understand this issue it will require a lot of close coordination with the navy. Should I be confirmed that will be a priority for me to make sure this installation in particular in this relationship with the navy is solid.
▶ 1:02:21Sen. Hirono: We need to fix the underinvestment at hickam. Especially when you see the runways that are not ready for the weight a fully stocked plane will have. Even the navy has acknowledged need to fix those runways. Thank you, Mr. chairman.
▶ 1:02:41Chair Wicker: Thank you very much. Senator rounds?
▶ 1:02:47Sen. Rounds: Thank you for your service to our country. Dr. kadlec, I do not have any questions for you. After our meetings in the amount of work you've done in the past I have confidence you are the right person for this job and I thank you for offering to serve our country once again. Mr. borders, I appreciated the opportunity to visit with you in my office and I appreciated the approach you have taken with regard to your service.
▶ 1:03:16Sen. Rounds: I have a couple of questions for the record with regards to the ellsworth air force base and I would like to work them through with you quickly. Ellsworth air force base is preparing to host the first operational raider squadron which is also the first training squadron as well, which bring significant infrastructure demands, from specialized maintenance to maintenance generation facilities.
▶ 1:03:45Sen. Rounds: If confirmed will you work with this committee to make certain the infrastructure on ellsworth air force base is appropriate for a weapon system is critical as the b 21, whether it is protection from the weather revolving threats like drones?
▶ 1:03:59Mr. Borders: Senator, thank you for your time in your office. If confirmed I will absolutely look forward to being transparent and working with this committee to make sure we have the right infrastructure at our installations.
▶ 1:04:15Sen. Rounds: Also with regard to the douglas school district which is right there in else fourth -- which is right there ellsworth air force base, we discussed the importance of making sure our bomber families are taken care of especially as the b 21 comes online and and sees growth over a short time. Will you work with this committee to make sure the douglas school district is resourced appropriately?
▶ 1:04:41Mr. Borders: If confirmed I look forward to that.
▶ 1:04:44Sen. Rounds: Mr. dahmer we did not have the opportunity to visit through no fault of yours. We were simply not able to connect. The trump administration has called for prioritization of the china threat with broad support from congress. That means increased attention and resources for indo paycom. Senior department officials have agreed with the assessment that in the event the U.S.
▶ 1:05:09Sen. Rounds: And china engaged in hostilities, adversaries like russia and iran will seek to press their own advantage in europe, the middle east, and elsewhere. Mr. dahmer, do you agree with the assessment that in the event view is engaged with hostilities with china it increases the likelihood that our other adversaries in other theaters will initiate hostilities against us?
▶ 1:05:36Mr. Dahmer: Thank you for this centrally important question. I think -- number one, I agree with that assessment. This underscores the central problem our nation at the department of the joint force phase. The scope and scale of the threats that you just eloquently enumerated.
▶ 1:06:00Mr. Dahmer: China, russia, iran, north korea, islamic terrorists, narco terrorists, and we have only so many military and other resources to address them. I think the overall approach as the president and secretary have enumerated as one to defend our own homeland above all else and deter china into the indo pacific as an unprecedented threat.
▶ 1:06:31Mr. Dahmer: And to significantly increase our efforts at burden sharing with our allies and partners to address the very real threat of simultaneity as you just laid out.
▶ 1:06:41Sen. Rounds: You agree that operation midnight hammer up significantly decrease the iranian threat in the near term and weakened the china led access?
▶ 1:06:51Mr. Dahmer: Absolutely. Operation midnight hammer as the president has been clear, the objective is peace but through strength and I think operation midnight hammer was a signal achievement of the joint force with our allies to execute that operation. I think it underscores and encapsulates the administration's approach.
▶ 1:07:14Sen. Rounds: Let me continue on or I will run out of time. You agree operation rough riders significantly decreased the houthi threat in the near term and weakened the china access?
▶ 1:07:26Mr. Dahmer: I think operation rough riders highlights the ability -- the president's signal ability to be willing to employ military force -- decisive military force when necessary to achieve peace.
▶ 1:07:40Sen. Rounds: Did it weaken the china led access?
▶ 1:07:45Mr. Dahmer: I have not seen any specific indications.
▶ 1:07:49Sen. Rounds: One other thing. You think our allies acting alone without U.S. support could have achieved any one of those operations? I think this is the key. This is the key. Could anyone of our allies have done any one of those items without our support?
▶ 1:08:10Mr. Dahmer: I don't think so. Certainly not operation midnight hammer. The specific capabilities the to enforce provided to that operation are unique in my understanding.
▶ 1:08:23Sen. Rounds: Critical we participate or those items would not have been done.
▶ 1:08:27Mr. Dahmer: Yes.
▶ 1:08:29Sen. Rounds: Thank you, Mr. chairman.
▶ 1:08:32Chair Wicker: Senator warren.
▶ 1:08:35Sen. Warren: Right now we have a fragile cease-fire in gaza and we need to make it last. Following the october 7 terrorist attack prime minister netanyahu initiated a war that has cost nearly 70,000 palestinians their lives. About one third of them were women and children. We need the cease-fire to put us on a path to peace.
▶ 1:09:03Sen. Warren: One of the tenants of the cease-fire is that all parties must provide "full aid into gaza without interference." this is powerfully important. For months the israeli government had a near total blockade of food, medicine, and other critical humanitarian supplies leading to have a million palestinians in gaza suffering from a first declared famine in the middle east.
▶ 1:09:33Sen. Warren: Mr. dahmer, you've been nominated to be the assistant secretary of defense for strategy and capabilities. If confirmed he will advise the secretary on how to align dod resources to our national security strategy, including enforcing the conditions of this cease-fire. Mr. dahmer, do you support president trump's cease-fire, including ensuring full aid goes into gaza without interference?
▶ 1:10:02Mr. Dahmer: Yes, senator. I absolutely support the president's agenda, including his efforts at peace in gaza.
▶ 1:10:11Sen. Warren: I am glad to hear you believe that. In the past you have tweeted that providing aid to palestinians makes U.S. "support to israel look performative." on top of continuing to limit aid, the U.S. government chose to work with gaza humanitarian foundation, an inexperienced organization with no history in food distribution.
▶ 1:10:40Sen. Warren: It was created by management consultants and run by armed contractors. Previous cease-fire saw more than 400 aid distribution sites. Ghf limited distribution instead of 400 to four and on ghf's wa tch over 1000 starving palestinians desperately seeking food near ghf's site were killed
▶ 1:11:12Sen. Warren: Amid multiple reports the idf has been opening fire on them. Do you think the gh f has a record of success in delivering aid to palestinians?
▶ 1:11:21Mr. Dahmer: I think president trump has been clear, not only that he is focused on peace but he expects israel and hamas to abide by the cease-fire.
▶ 1:11:31Sen. Warren: I asked a very specific question. Do you think the ghf has a record of success in delivering aid to palestinians?
▶ 1:11:41Mr. Dahmer: I don't have enough information about the specific organization.
▶ 1:11:46Sen. Warren: Don't have enough information? Expertise is critical and I am worried dod's complete indifference to the experience of delivering aid will only cost more palestinians their lives. On october 21 U.S. central command announced they had opened a civil military coordination center where U.S.
▶ 1:12:11Sen. Warren: Military personnel will help facilitate assistance from international counterparts into gaza. The netanyahu government promptly selected one of the architects of the gh f to be their representative at this U.S. led center. Press reporting indicates dod is considering replicating ghf's model including limiting aid distribution to a handful of sites. Mr.
▶ 1:12:40Sen. Warren: Dahmer, this is one of the most complex areas to deliver aid. Would dod be more successful by partnering with experienced aid organizations that have had some real success in delivering that aid?
▶ 1:12:56Mr. Dahmer: Senator, thank you for the important question. I would also note that U.S. central command released just a few days ago video of hamas looting in a truck. -- looting an aid truck.
▶ 1:13:14Sen. Warren: I have very limited time. The chairman is very strict about our time. This is a complex part of the world to deliver aid. Would dod be more successful if they partner with somebody who actually had some success in delivering aid in this region?
▶ 1:13:32Mr. Dahmer: If confirmed I will commit to always working not only across the department on our security department efforts.
▶ 1:13:41Sen. Warren: Could I have a yes or no to my question?
▶ 1:13:45Mr. Dahmer: What is the question ?
▶ 1:13:48Sen. Warren: It is a complex area to deliver aid. Would dod be more successful if it partnered with experienced aid organizations that have had success in delivering aid to this region?
▶ 1:14:03Mr. Dahmer: I would agree that a demonstrated record of success would be a positive indicator of future success.
▶ 1:14:12Sen. Warren: I appreciate that. Have a million people are starving in gaza and we need to do everything we can to help. I apologize for going over to
▶ 1:14:22Chair Wicker: Thank you, senator warren. I have not done very well at being strict on the time today. Let me just ask you this, Mr. dahmer. Who attacked two on october 7 two years ago?
▶ 1:14:36Mr. Dahmer: Hamas attacked israel on october 7, 2023.
▶ 1:14:43Chair Wicker: Senator scott?
▶ 1:14:47Sen. Scott: I want to thank each of you for being here in your opportunity to serve. I've had the opportunity to travel and our -- and meet with our allies. Allies are answering the president's power to step up their share of defense spending. They trust the president's word and they want to continue to buy american-made defense products. That is good news for our economy, it is good news they are willing to pay for defense.
▶ 1:15:16Sen. Scott: As I met with allies, they are all frustrated. They are blindsided when they find out how difficult it is they cannot get approval to buy american defense products. They want to buy them and manufacturers want to sell them and they are having a difficult time getting it done. It seems to me that somebody is dropping the ball, that there is a process that is not working we have to figure out how to get this fixed.
▶ 1:15:48Sen. Scott: Next we have instances where our allies are being blindsided, they are being surprised about a message. Mr. dahmer, you said there has been three briefings with regard to what happened with the drawdown from romania. You tell me who did them with the dates. I was not invited?
▶ 1:16:18Mr. Dahmer: My understanding is the office of legislative affairs engaged the committee on at least three occasions prior to the announcement being made public and I further understand there was a classified briefing yesterday. I would have to get back to you about who the specific individuals were on those briefings.
▶ 1:16:54Mr. Dahmer: >> that was not done to our knowledge. I just checked with staff from the majority and minority. The information I have is that was not communicated. Where did you get that information?
▶ 1:17:08Mr. Dahmer: Mr. chairman, obviously there seems to be some miscommunication. My information is from the department of legislative affairs arm. Happy to follow up with you and your staff and connect the right individuals so we can get the specific information about which notifications were made on which specific dates to which individuals.
▶ 1:17:33Chair Wicker: I appreciate that. Are we confusing notifications with a briefing? A brief notification is one thing but a briefing where information is imparted and questions can be asked is something. Check on that and get back to us on the record.
▶ 1:17:55Mr. Dahmer: Absolutely.
▶ 1:17:57Chair Wicker: Senator scott we stopped the clock. We resume it again for your questions. Make you for letting me intervene.
▶ 1:18:05Sen. Scott: Thank you, chairman. I think all of us would like to have more information on how the decision was made. Did we tell romania? What did we say to them and what was the rationale?
▶ 1:18:19Mr. Dahmer: My understanding is romania was notified before the order was made public.
▶ 1:18:25Sen. Scott: Do you know how long before?
▶ 1:18:28Mr. Dahmer: I don't know but I would happily follow up with you for that on the record.
▶ 1:18:32Sen. Scott: So you're nominated to advise the pentagon on strategy and capabilities. If our allies cannot buy american products is that good for us? What can be done to make sure they buy american products?
▶ 1:18:48Mr. Dahmer: Thank you for this question. The availability of american products to our allies and partners is not something I've dealt with under my purview at the pentagon. I would certainly defer to the economic and commercial policymakers in the administration in that area.
▶ 1:19:10Sen. Scott: You think it is important they buy our products?
▶ 1:19:14Mr. Dahmer: As you noted the president is focused on making sure our defense and military sales and processes are streamlined as the president repeatedly highlights, the american defense industry makes the best world capabilities and weapons.
▶ 1:19:35Mr. Dahmer: It is central as far as the department of war is concerned and in terms of ensuring our allies and partners are able to purchase american arms and that our defense industry is revitalized to the point where we are able to supply the U.S. joint force as well as our allies and partners and in a timely and efficient manner.
▶ 1:19:58Sen. Scott: We have seen the policy office differ from the president's policy twice with arms to ukraine in the president reversed that two times.
▶ 1:20:07Mr. Dahmer: I'm not aware of any pause and U.S. military aid to ukraine. I think the president has been clear the U.S. is continuing to provide weapons to ukraine. I'm not aware of any pause in that provision.
▶ 1:20:21Sen. Scott: You don't think the policy office ever did that? I know with the president said but the did the policy office say something different?
▶ 1:20:31Mr. Dahmer: The policy office -- if confirmed I am committed to implement in the president's agenda. Policy office is not in the chain of command and does not have the power or authority to order such a pause and provide policy advice. I'm not aware of any pause and military aid to ukraine.
▶ 1:20:51Sen. Scott: I will have a number of questions for the record on what the policy office is doing compared to the president, this includes the confusion of what I've heard the president and secretary call for versus what the policy office has been doing for record sales mapped and -- and troop drawdowns not just in europe but also the indo pacific.
▶ 1:21:14Chair Wicker: Senator kaine?
▶ 1:21:17Sen. Kaine: Two of the witnesses Dr. kadlec and Mr. dahmer have described their decisions as assistant secretary of war. The department is designated by congressional statute as the department of defense, not the department of war. Congress is not authorized to name change, the current nda before us to stop authorizing name change, there is no effort to authorize the name change.
▶ 1:21:48Sen. Kaine: The president did this by executive order. I view it as a form of political cosplay. Cosplay is not my thing but to each his own. Mr. dahmer, who invaded who in ukraine in february 2022?
▶ 1:22:01Mr. Dahmer: It is a military fact that russia invaded ukraine.
▶ 1:22:07Sen. Kaine: Thank you for being unequivocal about that. We have had witnesses before us who have not been so unequivocal. Mr. dahmer, I've posed a series of questions to the administration about ongoing military actions and the publicly discussed potentially imminent military actions that I've not received answers. I want to ask you about any involvement you've had, not in the content but whether you were involved.
▶ 1:22:36Sen. Kaine: Have you had involvement in discussions about military strikes of boats in the caribbean and pacific near south america?
▶ 1:22:42Mr. Dahmer: Yes, senator.
▶ 1:22:46Sen. Kaine: What role have you or your unit in this department played in those discussions. Not to get into the content of the discussions but what role do you play in those discussions?
▶ 1:22:58Mr. Dahmer: My current role in performing the duties of the deputy under secretary for policy is to oversee various elements of the policy organization and provide my policy advice. If confirmed I would pledge to continue.
▶ 1:23:18Sen. Kaine: I will not ask about the next step that I want to find out where decisions are being made. You've been involved in discussions. Have you been involved in the discussions about the legal rationale for those stripes? -- for those strikes.
▶ 1:23:33Mr. Dahmer: I have heard the discussions on that but certainly the office of general counsel is unsuited.
▶ 1:23:39Sen. Kaine: Thank you. We have not been provided the list that has been publicly disclosed. The fact of the list has been disclosed but we have not been provided the identities of organizations on that list who are subject to presidential targeting. Have you been involved in discussion about the composition of that list?
▶ 1:23:58Mr. Dahmer: No, senator.
▶ 1:24:00Sen. Kaine: Have you been involved in discussion about particular strikes and whether there is sufficient evidence to a warrant a strike in a particular case?
▶ 1:24:10Mr. Dahmer: Yes, senator.
▶ 1:24:13Sen. Kaine: One of the questions I've asked is why strike rather than interdict. The U.S. is still interdicting narco trafficking ships in many parts of the world. Have you been involved in discussions about the policy of when to strike versus when to interdict?
▶ 1:24:30Mr. Dahmer: No, senator.
▶ 1:24:33Sen. Kaine: The president has publicly disclosed he has publicly disclosed his authorized covert operations in venezuela. Have you been involved in discussions about covert military operations in venezuela
▶ 1:24:44Russian Mark Mr. Dahmer: No, senator.
▶ 1:24:47Sen. Kaine: The president has indicated he is contemplating land invasion of venezuela. Have you been involved in a discussion of potentially an invasion of venezuela. I'm not asking about the content of such discussions, I'm just try to figure out where discussions and decisions are being made.
▶ 1:25:05Mr. Dahmer: Our job at the department of war is to plan for a range of contingencies and part of my role if confirmed would be to review the departments war plans.
▶ 1:25:16Sen. Kaine: But in the past before you came in today have you been involved in discussions about potential land operations in venezuela?
▶ 1:25:24Chair Wicker: Go ahead and finish your sentence and then answer the senators question?
▶ 1:25:29Mr. Dahmer: Thank you, Mr. chairman. If confirmed part of my role would be to assist the under secretary and his statutory title x role of reviewing war plans, operational contingency plans. The secretary has been clear that the department plans for all ranges of contingencies that is part of our central role.
▶ 1:25:52Sen. Kaine: Could you please answer my question now?
▶ 1:25:56Mr. Dahmer: I would be happy to review you in a classified setting.
▶ 1:26:00Sen. Kaine: Have you been involved in such discussions, I'm not asking you what to the discussions were?
▶ 1:26:06Mr. Dahmer: I've been involved in a range of discussions?
▶ 1:26:09Sen. Kaine: I would be happy to brief you in a classified session --
▶ 1:26:17Mr. Dahmer: I would be happy to brief you in a classified session.
▶ 1:26:21Sen. Kaine: Have you been involved in discussions about the U.S. military in nigeria?
▶ 1:26:27Mr. Dahmer: I would point to the president's public comments and the plan for a range of contingency operations.
▶ 1:26:33Sen. Kaine: You've answered a number of my questions about whether you been involved but with respect to military in venezuela or nigeria you're refused to say whether you've been involved in such discussions. I find that to be of significance. Can I ask again about nigeria? Have you been involved in discussions about military operations within nigeria?
▶ 1:26:55Mr. Dahmer: I am aware of the president's public comments. The department plans for a range of contingencies and I would be happy to brief you and classified setting.
▶ 1:27:05Sen. Kaine: I yield back. Thank you, Mr. chair.
▶ 1:27:09Chair Wicker: Senator budd?
▶ 1:27:12Sen. Budd: Congratulations to you all and thank you for your willingness to serve. Mr. dahmer, what is your assessment with how the department is doing in restoring deterrence and preventing china from forcibly seizing taiwan?
▶ 1:27:26Mr. Dahmer: Thank you for the opportunity to address this. Certainly my time is in it national security advisor including our trip to guam together in the northern mary honest drove together the central syria -- the central salience of the china challenge and the critical need to restore deterrence.
▶ 1:27:48Mr. Dahmer: I think the president's very historic -- along with the secretary trip to asia and meeting with president xi has underscored the president's approach of peace through strength. While we are essentially focused on the military aspect of peace through strength at the department and ensuring our defense strategy and our military forces are able to deter china in the western pacific, the prison's diplomatic
▶ 1:28:20Mr. Dahmer: Efforts are making clear that we can have a modus vivendi with china and peace between our countries, that is peace through strength on the american side to make sure american interests are always advanced.
▶ 1:28:35Sen. Budd: Thank you for that answer. This gets at the question senator scott was talking about in regards to foreign military sales. President trump signed a deal to sell 100 harpoon postal defense systems at the end of his first administration but only a few of those have arrived in taiwan. What do you want to do to ensure the delivery of these defense articles to taiwan?
▶ 1:29:02Mr. Dahmer: It is something I and my time in the senate, those missiles were manufactured in st. Charles, missouri and I've been able to see that production line and the challenges that are emblematic of our defense industrial base more broadly.
▶ 1:29:23Mr. Dahmer: On this specific case the department is working very urgently and expeditiously to ensure taiwan has the capabilities it needs to defend itself and I would be very happy to brief you in a classified setting on the specific measures the department is taking.
▶ 1:29:43Sen. Budd: I look forward to that. In your advanced policy questions you mentioned the need to increase security cooperation with the philippines. If confirmed how would you achieve this and what role do you see them playing in a taiwan contingency?
▶ 1:29:58Mr. Dahmer: Philippines is obviously a mutual defense treaty ally of the united states and has a very important geographic position along the first island chain. The advances the department has made in our forced posture and presence in the philippines is absolutely critical to our overall deterrence posture and our strategy in the western pacific.
▶ 1:30:27Mr. Dahmer: I think continuing to advance that if confirmed the posture ankle would be a central focus for me and also ensuring our plans incorporate the ability of our allies and partners, especially critical ones like the philippines.
▶ 1:30:45Sen. Budd: I know our national defense strategy is not yet public but tell me how you think the special operations forces to be a force multiplier in the western pacific and how you envision the employment across the continuum?
▶ 1:30:58Mr. Dahmer: Special operations forces, in my assessment, provide very unique capabilities in support of the joint force overall and that is true in the great power competition. Great power deterrence and potential conflict as well as the enduring role in ensuring the homeland is defended through counterterrorism.
▶ 1:31:24Mr. Dahmer: Unique capabilities and placement and access that special operations forces of fortis to include prior to the potential outbreak of high end conflict. Provide very unique capabilities to the joint force. If confirmed I would ensure that special operations forces including with my colleagues would be integrated, not only an overall strategy but all of the aspects of our plans and posture.
▶ 1:31:53Sen. Budd: Mr. borders, I have seen the state of the old childcare center on johnson air force base. I know that is a special base to our chairman as he spent time there. If confirmed what recommendations would you give the secretary of the air force to improve childcare access to our air men and their families?
▶ 1:32:16Mr. Borders: Thank you for that question. That is near and dear to my heart. My son -- we were on an extended waitlist. The problem with that is the stress that brings in tower air force families. There are different programs. We were able to get into a couple programs I would like to highlight if nominated -- if confirmed.
▶ 1:32:47Mr. Borders: Also specifically start to look at local partnerships. What can we utilize with our local communities? Can we utilize enhanced use leases or intergovernmental service agreements to get after those problem of child care. It is a significant problem and it takes away from the focus of the mission when you are thinking about where am I going to put my son, how am I going to provide adequate safety care for him. If confirmed I would look at addressing that issue.
▶ 1:33:19Mr. Borders: Thank you. -- Sen. budd: thank you very much. Your son, that was an impressive hour and a half.
▶ 1:33:26Chair Wicker: Thank, senator budd. I would like to underscore the importance of child care. We are doing very well with recruiting but that is a very important parts of thank you very much for that. Senator slotkin, you are now recognized.
▶ 1:33:47Sen. Slotkin: To correct the record on romania since there was bipartisan concern about how to treat an ally, many of us spoke to the ambassador and many spoke to senior leadership in romania and they will tell you they found out from the press that you have decided to pull out. They invested a lot of their own money, they're willing to commit more of their own money to take over the cost sharing and in general I do not think it is the right way to treat allies.
▶ 1:34:13Sen. Slotkin: I have been in the job you are now sitting in and the romanians if you call them will let you know they got no notification other than in the press. Mr. borders, thank you for our meeting in my office. I appreciated you coming by. As the assistant secretary of the air force for energy installations and environment, that is a big deal in a state like michigan when it comes to the cleanup of pfas around our air force installation.
▶ 1:34:46Sen. Slotkin: Michigan 10 years ago had the flint water crisis, and apocalyptic poisoning of a american city and since then michiganders have been extremely focused on their water quality. It is a very bipartisan issue. This is ken my kids drink their water, swim in the local lake. In september there was a report that department of defense is very quietly going to be delaying a cleanup plan that the department had agreed to.
▶ 1:35:13Sen. Slotkin: We had just gotten on a better footing with department officials after many years of the department treating us like wrapped in these communities. -- the department treating us like crap in these communities. These are areas where some of the highest blood levels of pfas exist in our citizens.
▶ 1:35:37Sen. Slotkin: I know you are just coming into the job but can I get your commitment in front of this panel but also michiganders you will do everything in your power to keep the original timeline just agreed to in the last year and a half?
▶ 1:35:49Mr. Borders: Thank you for being so gracious with your time in the office. What I took away from our meeting is held personally involved and a personal issue this is and how hard you are working to rectify it. If confirmed to have my commitment to continue to work with you in this committee to make sure the positive slope we spoke about, we stay on that glide slope.
▶ 1:36:11Sen. Slotkin: I appreciate that and we would love to welcome you in michigan and talk to the people on the ground. These are very promilitary communities. This is not -- no one wants to be in tension but if you have a home, your whole life is wrapped up in that home. If you cannot swim in the lakes, cannot drink the water it feels like something has been stolen from you. Thank you for your commitment and we would love to welcome you.
▶ 1:36:43Sen. Slotkin: Similarly you will be in charge of environmental assessments. The president made a big decision on southridge air force base, our big air national guard base to replace our a-10 fighter mission with f-15 e acts. We are very excited about that great the president I do not always agree on things but we agree on bringing that fighter mission in. I know what it is like to work for the pentagon and when the commander-in-chief makes a decision the bureaucracy does not agree with it they try to clog back and hold things up.
▶ 1:37:14Sen. Slotkin: Right now in order to move forward with spending money on building out runways we need an environmental study to be done at selfridge air force base. I understand it will be within your power to expedite that in right now is being held up as something that is holding back meeting the president's timelines of bringing the fighter mission in.
▶ 1:37:38Sen. Slotkin: Do I have your commitment that if confirmed it do everything possible, not drag your feet, listen to the commander-in-chief come and get the environmental study done on an expedited basis?
▶ 1:37:48Mr. Borders: I realize how important this is to president trump and the commitment he made. If confirmed by more than willing to work with you in this committee to make sure we keep on timeline. We work with the committee to collapse certain areas or expedite certain areas. Absolutely this is critically important for the united states air force and you have my commitment to work with you?
▶ 1:38:09Sen. Slotkin: Look forward to working with you. Thanks for your time.
▶ 1:38:14Chair Wicker: Senator kelly, your next.
▶ 1:38:18Sen. Kelly: Dr. kadlec, congratulations on your nomination. Thank you for your previous service and your willingness to serve our country. I would like to take a minute to discuss explosive nuclear testing carried when it comes to nuclear weapons we want to make sure we have a stable geopolitical environment.
▶ 1:38:39Sen. Kelly: Can you tell me what strategic benefit we would get by continuing or starting to conduct explosive nuclear tests today and if there is no benefit or if you think there is, is there anything to be said about destabilization by doing this?
▶ 1:39:02Dr. Kadlec: I appreciate the question. I would offer that at this stage and an earlier questioning there was a question about what was meant by the opportunity or issue of testing at this moment. I would highlight more from a background or context perspective. There seems to be three reasons why you would want to test. One or technical uncertainties about the weapon.
▶ 1:39:30Dr. Kadlec: In the context of what has happened recently with the president receiving a report that certifies our stockpile is both safe, secure, and reliable, that does not seem to be the issue. The second one seems to be whether or not there is an issue around the qualifications or capabilities in terms of how that would be affected by resuming testing.
▶ 1:39:54Dr. Kadlec: We are making huge investments to recapitalize and monetize our enterprise, both human capital as well as physical capital. That does not seem to be the issue. The third one seems to be whether there is geopolitical context are reasons to do that.
▶ 1:40:10Dr. Kadlec: Earlier I mentioned, not based on the president's comments, but based on review of compliance reports turned back to 2019 that would suggest there is been a concern about russia and china's compliance with the threshold test fan treatment and whether or not there is been any issues around that. Obviously that is a classified set of issues. It was identified as such in the state department reports.
▶ 1:40:40Dr. Kadlec: That is something I've not been briefed on.
▶ 1:40:41Sen. Kelly: We have conducted more than 1000 --
▶ 1:40:50Dr. Kadlec: 1042.
▶ 1:40:54Sen. Kelly: The chinese have done tests multiple times. It appears to clearly benefit them if our resumption of nuclear testing was to push them to start testing their weapons. They could build a more reliable nuclear triad. That is my big concern. It is not seem the president has done any clarification on what he meant.
▶ 1:41:22Sen. Kelly: He has had the opportunity to comment and I do not know if that comes from he does not want to admit that he misspoke, but this is a destabilization issue between us, russia, the chinese. Would you agree?
▶ 1:41:40Dr. Kadlec: Senator kelly, there are number of things destabilizing about the current strategic environment that have little to do with testing and everything to do with the modernization russia has performed developing nuclear capabilities, with poseidon, with the nuclear cruise missiles at the same goes with china with the d of 27, df 26 and a host of other capabilities they have gone to develop as well as
▶ 1:42:12Dr. Kadlec: Demonstrating closer collaboration with russia and the strategic.
▶ 1:42:16Sen. Kelly: And we have to come up with a plan on how we counter those capabilities. How do we defend the homeland against those systems you did mention because it does bring some very unique challenges. You combine that with hypersonic missile systems on different trajectories and the challenge we would phase from those.
▶ 1:42:42Sen. Kelly: However, not being completely clear on whether or not we will resume testing and leaving that out as an option of testing nuclear warheads again and that could lead to the chinese -- russians probably do not have that much to benefit based on the number of tests they have done and certainly we have the ability to model nuclear detonations pretty well. It does not seem like we need the data.
▶ 1:43:09Sen. Kelly: When we are in the strategic competition with china right now I think it is important that we all understand where we are coming from and in the case of the chinese they clearly benefit from this change in our posture on testing.
▶ 1:43:22Dr. Kadlec: If confirmed I will certainly commit to understanding what the presidential direction as to the department subject to this issue.
▶ 1:43:32Sen. Kelly: I appreciate that, thank you.
▶ 1:43:36Chair Wicker: Thank you for your answer, Dr. kadlec. Senator sullivan?
▶ 1:43:43Sen. Sullivan: Congratulations. I want to begin with little story. I was a brand-new senator in 2015. Secretary ash carter went through his confirmation process. I met with him and had a good discussion and had hearings. I supported him. That I wanted to meet with him on something. It took me three months to get a hold of the secretary of defense. He was like I got through my senate confirmation, I do not need any advice from you.
▶ 1:44:16Sen. Sullivan: With the trump administration, the senior leadership of the trump administration, the president, the secretary of defense, the chief of staff, all of his energy guys, interior, epa, at least from the center's perspective when you reach out, boom. The president of the united states is incredibly responsive. Pete hegseth is incredibly responsive. You know the hardest got to get a hold of in the trump administration?
▶ 1:44:44Sen. Sullivan: The understory -- the under secretary of defense for policy. I will meet with him tomorrow, maybe he will cancel on me. He came to this committee and said I will work with congress. He has not. On big issues. Here is what I need. Right off the bat from each one of you.
▶ 1:45:05Sen. Sullivan: If you get confirmed and we will see if you do, will each of you commit if a chairman or ranking member or minority member or someone like me reaches out to you because I would get your cell phone and says I want to discuss something with you. You will get back with us the same day. Mr. dahmer, can I get your commitment on that? The guy you will work for has been bad on this, the worst in the administration.
▶ 1:45:33Sen. Sullivan: The secretary, I reach out to him. I do not abuse it with the president or his chief of staff. I cannot even get a response. We are on your team. Do I get your commitment? Same damn day.
▶ 1:45:52Mr. Dahmer: Yes, senator.
▶ 1:45:55Dr. Kadlec: Yes, senator.
▶ 1:45:58Mr. Borders: Yes, senator.
▶ 1:46:01Sen. Sullivan: Look at the ranking member and chairman. You think they have little experience on defense stuff but you mark do you?
▶ 1:46:08Mr. Dahmer: Yes.
▶ 1:46:11Sen. Sullivan: Do you guys? I've been on this committee for 11 years. We have a little experience. Like you, Mr. dahmer, I served in the marine corps. A little experience. It is frustrating when on the dod stuff, especially in the policy stuff we are not getting anything and we are not. Trust me. I've been trying. Let me give you an example. Mr.
▶ 1:46:37Sen. Sullivan: Dahmer my want a commitment to you on this mbs -- on this nds. What you think the requirement for an nds comes from?
▶ 1:46:47Mr. Dahmer: It is in title x.
▶ 1:46:49Sen. Sullivan: It comes from us. Don't you think it would be smart to maybe preview it. Chairman wicker, you have any thoughts on this? You are real smart. Do you think it would be good to work that a little bit with the congress? Do you?
▶ 1:47:07Mr. Dahmer: Yes. If confirmed I absolutely committed to ensuring you and the committee are fully briefed.
▶ 1:47:13Sen. Sullivan: This is not happening. It is not only frustrating. Looks to us like some of the big decisions coming out of the poly shop at the pentagon are undermining what the president is trying to get done. We can debate that. You're not helping yourself. You are not. Can I get everybody's commitment on the nds version mark -- on the nds?
▶ 1:47:42Sen. Sullivan: Maybe we will have some ideas on it. I will give you one. I raised it with the secretary. Better have something strong on the arctic. There is a lot going on in my neck of the woods. The russians and chinese are up there all the time. We are the front lines of this new era of authoritarian aggression toward the president has been great but I hope the nds is good on it.
▶ 1:48:11Sen. Sullivan: >> I absolutely committed to ensuring your fully briefed.
▶ 1:48:15Sen. Sullivan: Before it is released.
▶ 1:48:18Mr. Dahmer: I cannot speak to the secretary.
▶ 1:48:21Sen. Sullivan: Mr. borders, I appreciated our meeting the other day. I want to follow-up you with you on a number of those issues. I think you're qualified and I look forward to working with you. Mr. kadlec, one quick question. I saw this movie over the weekend. It is getting some criticism. It is called houseful of dynamite. It talks a lot about fort greeley.
▶ 1:48:52Sen. Sullivan: Fort greeley and alaska plays a very important role. I've been working hand in glove with the present and his team. First term and a second term on missile defense. Senator cramer and I are the two leads on the golden dome initiative and I work with secretary hegseth and the president and his team and during president trump's first term I went to his big speech at the pentagon and we laid out principles for missile defense. I was the only member of congress there. My bill passed during his first term.
▶ 1:49:24Sen. Sullivan: One of the elements that had additional buildout of gbis at fort greeley. If you watch the movie you see how important they are. We expanded the silos at fort greeley to include 60 gbi's and we built a new set for 20. Right now though silos have been empty for five years. It makes zero cents.
▶ 1:49:55Sen. Sullivan: And I get your commitment that having more gbis at fort greeley is the essence of nuclear deterrence and the pentagon cannot pull its head out of its you know what is remarkable to make. Can I get your commitment to look at that and speed up the putting in of gbi at fort greeley? It is ridiculous.
▶ 1:50:22Dr. Kadlec: I point out I do not have the responsibility for the missile defense program.
▶ 1:50:46Chair Wicker: Before we move on I would like to ask unanimous consent to add into the record senator sullivan, the document dated eight october, 2025 memorandum for senior pentagon leadership and commanders of the commandant and defense agency and dio of w field activity
▶ 1:51:17Chair Wicker: Directors subject retitling the assistant secretary of war dated october 8. Mr. dahmer, do you know when that was delivered to committee staff?
▶ 1:51:32Mr. Dahmer: Mr. chairman, I am not aware of that.
▶ 1:51:37Chair Wicker: I will tell you on the record it was delivered to us sunday night. The day before yesterday. That is when we got this document dated eight october, 2025.
▶ 1:51:51Chair Wicker: Attached to that, senator sullivan and members of the committee is osuw policy and along the bottom portion of this paper which I also ask unanimous consent lists as disestablished
▶ 1:52:21Chair Wicker: The senior coordinator for afghanistan, the space and missile defense, the development emergent capability. In disestablishment of the arctic and global resilience. I ask unanimous consent at this point to add these documents into the record. Without objection that will be done. You have further questions, senator sullivan in light of this information?
▶ 1:52:51Sen. Sullivan: I am curious. We had a good meeting. Chairman and all of the ranking members on the republican side about a month ago, with the secretary, with the deputy secretary. Really good. I think the secretary is doing a great job. I raised this arctic issue and some people say oh it is senator sullivan being parochial. Baloney.
▶ 1:53:23Sen. Sullivan: Come up to my state and see it. I need a commitment to all of you to come to alaska. Can I get that?
▶ 1:53:30Mr. Borders: Yes senator. I visited alaska before and I would welcome the opportunity to do so again.
▶ 1:53:36Dr. Kadlec: Yes, senator.
▶ 1:53:39Mr. Borders: Yes, senator.
▶ 1:53:41Sen. Sullivan: I would ask is there a robust go fence and policy section dealing with the north pacific and the arctic in the nds as drafted?
▶ 1:53:51Mr. Dahmer: I cannot comment on the content of the draft national defense strategy. I do not want to get ahead of the secretary's decision space in that area if confirmed I commit to ensuring you and the committee are fully briefed and a classified sitting on the nds.
▶ 1:54:10Sen. Sullivan: Thank you, Mr. chairman.
▶ 1:54:13Chair Wicker: What is the significance of establishing this arctic mission and the document in the record?
▶ 1:54:21Mr. Dahmer: The office of arctic and global resilience was merged with the office of western hemisphere affairs and america security affairs.
▶ 1:54:36Mr. Dahmer: Certainly able to enhance the consideration of arctic security affairs in the context of western hemisphere in the americas more broadly while realigning some of the priorities of that office under the previous administration that dealt with climate change and some of the priorities of the previous administration. >> can I comment russian mark
▶ 1:55:05Chair Wicker: We are out of order but proceed. Then senator rosen has been very patient.
▶ 1:55:11Sen. Sullivan: For 10 years I've been critical with the other side of the aisle as their obsession with climate change as they brought it into the pentagon. I think the secretary of the navy and the biden administration was obsessed. I cannot agree more on that. I cannot agree more. I talked to the secretary about it. Come up to my state and see what is going on. We have joint russian-chinese strategic bomber taskforces.
▶ 1:55:41Sen. Sullivan: We have joint russian-chinese naval taskforces in our eez. We have no infrastructure to push back. This should be a very high priority. I want to make sure it is. In the nds. I think the secretary in our last meeting, I raised it with him and he took note.
▶ 1:56:06Sen. Sullivan: This is real stuff and if you watch the hearings and listen to the indo paycom community, this is about hardcore national security of america on our northern frontier where we are being pressed by our adversaries almost every day. That is what is going on in the arctic. If you checked in with this committee you might learn something.
▶ 1:56:28Chair Wicker: Thank you. Would you like to respond, Mr. dahmer?
▶ 1:56:33Mr. Dahmer: Thank you, Mr. chairman. I fully agree on the critical importance of the arctic and of alaska. When I was in a national security advisor I had the privilege of visiting fort wainwright. I would commit to visiting alaska again and seeing more of that state and its military installations.
▶ 1:57:00Mr. Dahmer: I certainly agree on the absolutely critical salience of the geography there, not only to defending the homeland through missile defense as you stated earlier but also to determine china in the western pacific and very close proximity to the first island chain.
▶ 1:57:20Chair Wicker: Thank you very much. There will possibly be questions for the record on that. I think the committee for its indulgence and I recognize senator rosen.
▶ 1:57:31Sen. Rosen: I want to thank senator sullivan because clearly you are very polite in your answers but we see no sense of urgency to relate to congress, we see no sense of urgency to connect with congress prepublication of the nds and we are the article one coequal branch. You have people on this committee with experience.
▶ 1:57:52Sen. Rosen: You talk about nevada, the assets in nevada, alaska, every single state has assets critical to our national security and safety and to disregard and see no sense of urgency, I appreciate your politeness but where is the sense of urgency and where is the sense he will connect with us. I agree with the chairman on that. It is shameful that a letter came to us only because -- I'm not even sure how. At one month later on something so important.
▶ 1:58:22Sen. Rosen: Now I will go on with my questions. In no way burned a minute on that. I will take a little extra, I've been waiting. Everybody else has, why not me? I want to talk about toxic exposure.
▶ 1:58:51Sen. Rosen: It means nobody gets to know they actually were there. I know all of you understand this great. The dod does not classify the range is a place where contamination occurred despite the department of energy providing exposure for their personnel who served at the same time in the same locations on the range.
▶ 1:59:24Sen. Rosen: We have doe and dod coequal. Locations in the range is both the dod and air force installations. Because their service records are masked these veterans cannot even prove to the v.a. They were ever stationed there. This leads to denial of benefits while doe employees are covered.
▶ 1:59:46Sen. Rosen: The senate contains a few of my provisions to address the issue including classifying it as a place where contamination occurred, requiring the secretary of the air force to identify anyone who served as the date of the first nuclear test on january -- in january, 1951, establishing a process for those two provide proof of their assignment and requiring the dod to document all toxic exposures including those that occur
▶ 2:00:18Sen. Rosen: Domestically into service members. It is critical these folks get their benefits. If confirmed, will you work with me to ensure the air force does a couple of things.
▶ 2:00:34Sen. Rosen: Provides her presumption of exposure at relevant air force installations and classifies them as locations where contamination occurred in such as those places where the department of energy has already done so for their personnel we would have parity with the department of energy in this classification?
▶ 2:00:50Mr. Borders: If confirmed you have my commitment to work with you and this committee to bring about transparency and get at the heart of this which is safety and health of our airmen. Absolutely g absolutely .
▶ 2:01:06Sen. Rosen: I want to talk about ccas in the future. It portals with the arrival of experimental operations unit at the air force base and the future deployment of collaborative combat aircraft. It is easier to say cca. If cca started to be permanently based I am wondering what new investments will be made to address current deficiencies in the housing and support services at the base. Services at the base.
▶ 2:01:34Sen. Rosen: It is remote outside of las vegas. It has limited housing, limited services nearby. Airmen have to commute many miles from base where they live. Even longer for those who have to drop off their kids to child care or utilize the services at the air force base at the opposite end of the las vegas valley.
▶ 2:01:55Sen. Rosen: Colonel borders, if it is to be permanently based at creech, what is the future of base infrastructure and support services and will you prioritize these investments if confirmed? Do you know how the new mission with lead to a buildup of the base and the personnel who work there?
▶ 2:02:16Mr. Borders: This reminds me more of an air force special operations command. They were remote isolations bringing a host of challenges. When you start talking about inclusion of an aircraft or more personnel, I would commit to you to look at some of the pathfinding initiatives.
▶ 2:02:42Mr. Borders: To see what we can do to get after this in a more timely manner than what mo con may bring.
▶ 2:02:50Sen. Rosen: We appreciate that as a classification of remote base and this year's ndaa. I want to ask my questions because I want to keep with you, colonel borders, the nevada test and training range. We look forward to the future of air dominance, integration of un -crewed platform. Next-generation air dominance. We will require advanced training in these environments.
▶ 2:03:20Sen. Rosen: Nevada will play a central role in the transformation of our military. Known as the crown jewel of the air force, the nevada test and training range is the largest continuous air and ground training for the testing and evaluations of weapons systems, tactics, and without interference from commercial aircraft. The modernization of the range has been among the air force's top priorities to ensure high-end training keeps pace with current and emerging threats and capabilities.
▶ 2:03:50Sen. Rosen: I'm glad that we were finally able to pass modernization fy 24 ndaa after many years of collaborative work between the nevada delegation and local stakeholders. I just ask you quickly, we could take it off the record, but if you want to say one sentence and come to our office to talk to us, what are your priorities for future investments at the nevada test and training range critical for our nation security?
▶ 2:04:18Mr. Borders: I agree with you in totality and look forward to discussing this further. Any process we discuss in the air force for my section will be deliberate, repeatable, transparent process.
▶ 2:04:29Chair Wicker: Thank you, senator rosen. Captain cotton.
▶ 2:04:36Sen. Cotton: Sometimes witnesses face charges they don't always get to respond to and it's my practice on certain occasions to allow them to respond. Use two thank you secretary austin of committing war crimes and I allowed him to deny that in israel. Secretary hegseth searing, lunatics accused him of being a christian scientist. I thought that was an odd claim. I am a christian and a zionist.
▶ 2:05:04Sen. Cotton: Is there anything wrong with being a christian zionist? Secretary hegseth didn't think there was so I allowed him to respond to the code pink lunatics. Secretary wicker and secretary scott -- secretary. I am promoting. Maybe demoting. Senator wicker and senator scott asked about the remaining controls. You said they were notified.
▶ 2:05:31Sen. Cotton: Then senator slotkin said not signing press reports as the other senators had but the romanian ambassador and romanian officials that the romanian officials were not notified in advance, they learned from the press. Senator slotkin didn't give you a chance to respond. Would you care to respond to her assertions about what the romanian ambassador and romanian official said to her? >> thank you respond.
▶ 2:06:02Sen. Cotton: I was not the specific individual to conduct the specific notifications to the romanians. My understanding is the romanian's were briefed before the list was made public. Obviously just as the united states government is not a monolithic actor, the romanian government is not either. I'm not aware of which specific individuals were briefed. I would be happy to follow up for the record to provide you with that information.
▶ 2:06:27Sen. Cotton: Do you believe senator slotkin is misrepresenting her conversations with the romanian ambassador? >> I have no reason to think that she is misrepresenting her conversations.
▶ 2:06:42Sen. Cotton: The romanian ambassador misrepresenting his? >> I'm not aware of any mischaracterization but I would be happy to follow with which specific individuals or positions in the romanian government were notified.
▶ 2:06:55Sen. Cotton: The second issue is the elected paws on aid to ukraine earlier this year. Press reports cited the policy as being the reason for the pause. I think senator wicker and senator scott asked about that and you said that there was no such cause?
▶ 2:07:13Mr. Dahmer: That is my understanding, yes.
▶ 2:07:16Sen. Cotton: Another third and unexpected development earlier this year was a review of the so-called caucus agreement, that this caught many of our friends in the u.k. And australia by surprise.
▶ 2:07:33Sen. Cotton: The press reports said that it even caught the administration officials by surprise can you comment on whether or not this review which originated in the policy shop was coordinated in advance with australia, the u.k., and others in the administration?
▶ 2:07:50Mr. Dahmer: Yes, senator. Thank you for the opportunity to address this. Secretary hegseth I believe testify to the house that he was directing a review of the aukus initiative as a review of the previous administration. He directed the undersecretary to lead that review for the department. I think as president trump was very clear in his oval office meeting with the prime minister that the president supports aukus and advancing aukus.
▶ 2:08:24Mr. Dahmer: As a signature administration of the biden administration it was right to review that that it accorded with the president's first peace through strength agenda. The united kingdom and australia underwent changes in government and conducted their own reviews. The president was clear we are advancing and working to ensure its success.
▶ 2:08:50Mr. Dahmer: As a matter of forces and capabilities, just stressed the critical importance of our nuclear powered attack submarine fleet to defend the homeland and deter our rivals.
▶ 2:09:04Sen. Cotton: Full steam ahead on aukus now?
▶ 2:09:07Mr. Dahmer: I would welcome the opportunity to brief you in a classified setting on the conclusion and recommendations of the review but I think president trump was absolutely clear that he supports aukus and moving forward.
▶ 2:09:19Sen. Cotton: There were press reports in june. The policy shop was opposed to deploying more assets to the middle east during the 12-day war. These press reports surfaced after israel had begun its strikes in iran but before our strengths on their nuclear facilities. While the shooting was going on. Are those press reports inaccurate the policy shop opposed to deploying additional assets in that critical period of a few days?
▶ 2:09:48Mr. Dahmer: I'm not aware of the reports you are referencing and I don't want to get into classified discussions, but I think, absolutely, the policy organization, and certainly me, have been committed, and if confirmed I will continue to ensure that the president and secretary are provided with the best possible credible military options.
▶ 2:10:12Mr. Dahmer: I think operation midnight hammer is a success of the administration and department of the joint force being able to ensure peace through strength including with the decisive military force.
▶ 2:10:22Sen. Cotton: Also in june, there were media reports that the so-called 2 x 2 meeting between secretary hegseth and secretary rubio with their japanese counterparts were canceled because of policy shop insisted japan increased their defense spending. The meeting was canceled and didn't go forward. Was that media report incorrect? That the japanese were offended by the policy shop's insistence?
▶ 2:10:48Mr. Dahmer: That is not my understanding of why the meeting was canceled.
▶ 2:10:52Sen. Cotton: Well, can I say that it's curious to me that these are five different instances -- ukraine aid, notification of romanian troop withdrawal, aukus review, deploying assets in advance of midnight hammer, and the meeting between japanese-U.S. officials -- all coming out of the policy shop?
▶ 2:11:16Sen. Cotton: I understand media reports can be wrong, believe me, but it seems there is a pigpen-like mess coming out of the policy shop that you don't see from intel, security, acquisition and sustainment. Why do you think there are so many controversies emanating out of the policy shop and not these other offices in the department?
▶ 2:11:42Mr. Dahmer: Senator, I would like to understand that myself. As you indicated, there is a lot of fake news out there. A lot of inaccurate reporting. I think I would be happy to address other specific questions, as I've done for each of these cases.
▶ 2:11:59Sen. Cotton: Mr. borders, one question. I assume you're aware the international guard base has the f-35 training mission?
▶ 2:12:09Mr. Borders: Yes, senator.
▶ 2:12:11Sen. Cotton: Good. You are well-prepared for my questions. We think that this is a critical part of more burden-sharing from our allies. We want to sell them f-35's. May be in the united states they want their pilots to be trained. We worked in my office with senator boseman with the air force, air national guard, the state of arkansas, the local community of fort smith to move this project along quickly and everyone has been responsive.
▶ 2:12:40Sen. Cotton: Maybe even setting records for this. I think that things are going well and we have foreign pilots in fort smith flying out every day now. There will be more in the months and years ahead. I want to make sure that I have your commitment that if something comes up in your lane that requires action that you will have the same sense of urgency, that everyone else who has been working with us for years to get the sound of freedom back into the river valley and get more f-35's trained and deployed to our allies has shown for years.
▶ 2:13:19Mr. Borders: Yes, confirmed to have my commitment and I'm proud of the role that the insulation mission support center and air force civil engineering center played in getting this and maintaining this important project on track.
▶ 2:13:24Sen. Cotton: Thank you.
▶ 2:13:24Chair Wicker: Thank you, senator cotton. You took your round 1 and round 2 questions. To follow up for senator cotton, does nothing classified for the fact that we are full steam ahead with aukus, is there?
▶ 2:13:40Mr. Dahmer: I think the president was clear that we are moving forward with aukus.
▶ 2:13:46Chair Wicker: Just wanted to make that clear. The title of the position for which you have been nominated is assistant secretary of defense for strategy, plans, and forces. Apparently that was changed on october 8 to strategy, plans, and capabilities. Is that correct?
▶ 2:14:14Mr. Dahmer: It is actually the inverse. It was capabilities and has changed to forces on october 8.
▶ 2:14:22Chair Wicker: Sorry, I misspoke. That's exactly right. Whose job would it have been to inform the congress and the committee of that?
▶ 2:14:35Mr. Dahmer: Mr. chairman, again I apologize that the committee was not notified. I will take that responsibility myself.
▶ 2:14:47Chair Wicker: Was it your job to tell us?
▶ 2:14:50Mr. Dahmer: Working through the office of legislative affairs, Mr. chairman.
▶ 2:14:55Chair Wicker: Where they asked -- where they informed and told to notify the congress?
▶ 2:15:01Mr. Dahmer: Mr. chairman, as you read the document in in question it was a memorandum for senior pentagon leadership which would include legislative affairs.
▶ 2:15:13Chair Wicker: Is it your testimony that in substance there is really no change in the duties of this position? That this is merely wording? A wording change?
▶ 2:15:27Mr. Dahmer: Yes, Mr. chairman.
▶ 2:15:30Chair Wicker: Not a substantive change?
▶ 2:15:33Mr. Dahmer: My understanding is the duties and responsibilities are the same and it is a title change.
▶ 2:15:39Chair Wicker: What is your title now within the department?
▶ 2:15:45Mr. Dahmer: Mr. chairman, I was appointed by president trump as the deputy assistant secretary for strategy and force development since early-mid march. I would have to get back to you on a specific date. I have been performing the duties of the deputy under secretary for policy.
▶ 2:16:06Chair Wicker: How similar will your duties be if confirmed for the position for which you have been nominated?
▶ 2:16:12Mr. Dahmer: Mr. chairman, my duties would be narrower in scope to the extent that I would be one of, if confirmed, one of eight assistant secretaries underneath the under secretary for policy under which Dr. kadlec is nominated, a unique position in the department in terms of its shared responsibility between policy, acquisition, and sustainment.
▶ 2:16:44Mr. Dahmer: If confirmed I would be one of the assistant secretaries focusing on a more narrow portfolio related to security, national defense strategy, military forces, force development and design, plans, posture, security cooperation.
▶ 2:17:02Chair Wicker: You have been performing some of the duties that Dr. kadlec would assume should he be confirmed? Correct?
▶ 2:17:08Mr. Dahmer: Mr. chairman, as performing the duties of the deputy under secretary, I am involved in supervising various parts of the policy organization, providing the duties of the deputy to undersecretary colby, but I haven't been performing the duties of the position to which Dr. kadlec is nominated.
▶ 2:17:28Chair Wicker: One final question. There are concerns on the national defense strategy -- anyone listening to this hearing would agree that there have been questions about that. Has the department consulted with our closest allies in developing the nds?
▶ 2:17:56Mr. Dahmer: Yes, Mr. chairman.
▶ 2:17:58Chair Wicker: Which allies has the department consulted in what format?
▶ 2:18:03Mr. Dahmer: Mr. chairman, it has been written classified inputs from those allies and partners. I don't have a specific list of which allies and partners with me today, but if possible I would like to follow up.
▶ 2:18:18Chair Wicker: It doesn't have to be an extensive list, but can you name some allies that your department has consulted with on the development of the nds?
▶ 2:18:29Mr. Dahmer: Mr. chairman, I know off the top of my head we have consulted australia, the united kingdom -- but if it is ok I would like to follow up for the record and ensure we have the complete list of which allies and partners were consulted.
▶ 2:18:45Chair Wicker: Which allies and partners in nato? Were these dialogues led by the department?
▶ 2:18:54Mr. Dahmer: Mr. chairman, the specific classified inputs to the strategy were conducted via written form. So, I was not the individual who specifically delivered those solicitations for inputs. I was able to review each of those allies' and partners' inputs in my duties.
▶ 2:19:26Mr. Dahmer: Again, I would like to follow-up with the full list of which allies and partners.
▶ 2:19:30Chair Wicker: Very good. If you would, feel free to supplement your answer on the record. Senator reed.
▶ 2:19:39Sen. Reed: Thank you, Mr. chairman. Mr. dahmer, you have been performing the duties of the deputy under secretary of defense since march 2025. This is the number two position in the policy director with essentially gives you the full scope of what is being conducted by the policy director.
▶ 2:20:09Sen. Reed: In fact, you indicated in your response to the chairman your duties will be much less expensive. Yet, my impression today is that you cloaked your testimony in a veil of ignorance. You don't know what has happened in many different cases, when in fact you were basically the standing, the surrogate -- the stand-in, the surrogate for secretary colby.
▶ 2:20:34Sen. Reed: In response to senator scott's question about when romania was notified of our withdrawal of troops, you indicated you had no knowledge of that. When was the romanian government notified of the withdrawal of the troops?
▶ 2:20:46Mr. Dahmer: Ranking member reed, I'm not aware of the specific date and if possible I would like to follow with you for the record.
▶ 2:20:55Sen. Reed: You are telling me you are the number two person in the department and that you are not aware before or after the fact of what date the romanians were notified?
▶ 2:21:08Mr. Dahmer: Yes, sir.
▶ 2:21:12Sen. Reed: All right. You indicated in response to another question that you were unaware of the paws and supplies of equipments to ukrainians -- pause in supplies of equipments to the ukrainians? Is that your response?
▶ 2:21:30Mr. Dahmer: I'm not aware of any pause in military aid to the ukrainians.
▶ 2:21:36Sen. Reed: The administration announced there was a pause directed by secretary hegseth so he could evaluate the status of stockpiles of material throughout the department of defense. You are not aware of a pause?
▶ 2:21:54Mr. Dahmer: Mr. ranking member, military aid, military weapons, military material have continued to flow to ukraine.
▶ 2:22:05Sen. Reed: The department has indicated that there was a pause. The pause was department-wide. Country-wide. Yet you claim there was no pause. As the number two in policy, what were you doing? Were you participating in significant discussions, as for example should we pause aid to ukraine or other countries?
▶ 2:22:40Sen. Reed: Are we withdrawing troops from romania? Did you participate in those discussions of withdrawing troops from romania?
▶ 2:22:46Mr. Dahmer: Mr. ranking member, I was involved in discussions. I would be happy to ensure you, the staff, and the committee are fully briefed.
▶ 2:22:57Sen. Reed: Why don't you tell us right now? It's not classified. Is public record we are withdrawing troops from ukraine -- excuse me, romania. When did this discussion begin? When were the romanians notified? Who did it?
▶ 2:23:18Mr. Dahmer: Mr. ranking member, I don't have the specific date that the romanians were notified.
▶ 2:23:23Sen. Reed: What about an estimate. Like, when were you first notified that troops would be removed from romania?
▶ 2:23:33Mr. Dahmer: Mr. ranking member, this decision from the secretary was extensively coordinated inside the department. Civilian and military leadership discussed, as through all global force management decisions, through the secretary's orders book process. I don't have the specific date but I would be happy to follow through.
▶ 2:23:58Sen. Reed: Mr. dahmer, you are clearly avoiding answers to questions that you should have been acutely aware of in your position. That doesn't order very well for your role in -- your future role in the department of defense since it is essential that this committee has accurate and specific knowledge of -- and I think you have essentially indicated to us that you won't
▶ 2:24:30Sen. Reed: Cooperate with us. That those pledges you've made to the chairman about providing witnesses and also following the guidance of the committee as far as the appropriation of funds, it's very disappointing to hear someone who just won't answer specific questions to this committee. I thank you for your attendance this morning.
▶ 2:24:58Chair Wicker: Thank you, senator reed. That concludes today's hearing. I would like to thank our witnesses for their testimony. Questions for the record will be due to the committee within two business days of the conclusion of the hearing. We are adjourned. [gavel falls]