WASHINGTON, DC - Today, following President-elect Biden’s announcement that he intends to nominate Dr. Kathleen Hicks as the Deputy Secretary of Defense and Dr. Colin Kahl as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:

“These are two distinguished public servants and exceptionally qualified national security professionals.  These nominations signal President-elect Biden’s clear commitment to upholding civilian control of the military and restoring a Pentagon that has been hollowed out and politicized by the previous administration.

“I am thrilled Kathleen Hicks has agreed to serve another stint at the Pentagon.  She brings a wealth of wisdom and experience to the table and is superbly prepared for this job.  Dr. Hicks’ confirmation will make history as the first woman approved by the Senate for this critical position.

“Colin Kahl is a Middle East expert with deep national security and Department of Defense experience.  They have both made outstanding contributions to America’s national defense and I know they will continue keeping the country safe under the Biden Administration.”