WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the Committee voted by voice late last night to advance the nomination of Dr. Kathleen H. Hicks to serve as Deputy Secretary of Defense:

“Dr. Hicks is a highly regarded national security and defense policy expert with extensive experience in government and the private sector.  This committee has relied on Dr. Hicks’ expertise to shape defense policy and conduct oversight and I am pleased we are advancing her nomination to serve as Deputy Secretary of Defense with strong, bipartisan support.  This position is critical to national defense and I hope the full Senate will confirm her as soon as possible, without needless delay.”