Republicans Express Frustrations at Senate Hearing on Pentagon Nominee
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a Senate hearing on Thursday, Republicans voiced their frustrations with the Biden administration’s foreign policies, ranging from the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan to Ukraine funding and climate change.
Derek Chollet, the nominee for the Pentagon’s top policy adviser, faced intense questioning from Republican members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Chollet, currently serving as the counselor for the State Department, was grilled about the administration’s mistakes in leaving Afghanistan and questioned on the administration’s efforts to control the U.S.-Mexico border.
If confirmed, Chollet will become the next undersecretary of defense for policy. He previously served as assistant secretary for international security in the Pentagon from 2012 to 2015.
During the hearing, Chollet emphasized the importance of continued support for Ukraine. He acknowledged the need for the United States to learn from the 20-year war in Afghanistan and its subsequent withdrawal, and agreed that border security is crucial. Chollet noted that active-duty troops have been deployed to bolster the Department of Homeland Security.
Committee members, including Chairman Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., also raised concerns about potential cuts in U.S. aid to Ukraine as it battles Russian forces, as well as delays in providing weapons to the country.
Chollet assured the committee that he would do everything in his power to support Ukraine. He stated, “we need to think about what they can operate, what they can maintain, what would be most effective in the fight. We need Ukraine to win.”
The nominee also faced questions regarding the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., asked if anyone has been held accountable for the disastrous withdrawal that resulted in American casualties and left behind Americans.
Chollet responded by highlighting the efforts made to evacuate Americans and others who served alongside U.S. troops. He stated that there are ongoing intensive efforts to bring all those who wish to leave Afghanistan to safety.
One of Chollet’s priorities, if confirmed, would be evaluating how the U.S. is working with allies and partners to address challenges posed by China, Russia, and North Korea.
Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, pressed Chollet on Pentagon priorities, specifically questioning the importance of the Navy’s shipbuilding plan compared to climate action plans.
Chollet emphasized the critical nature of having a capable Navy for warfighting purposes but also stressed the significance of addressing climate change. The Pentagon and its services have developed plans to assess the impact of climate change on bases, including coastal installations, as well as its effects on food availability and other social needs that can exacerbate security challenges in poorer nations.
Sullivan argued that warfighting should be the top priority and expressed concerns about the values being pushed by civilians at the Pentagon.
“The biggest concern that so many of us have is the civilians at the Pentagon are shoving down a system of values that don’t relate to warfighting, don’t relate to lethality,” Sullivan said.
The hearing showcased the deep divisions between Republicans and the Biden administration’s approach to foreign policy and national security. Chollet’s nomination is expected to face further scrutiny in the coming weeks before a decision is reached.