02.02.21

Biden DOD Nominee Acknowledges Crucial Link Between Domestic Energy & National Security

Sen. Sullivan presses Dr. Kathleen Hicks on security implications of president’s energy orders

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), questioned Dr. Kathleen H. Hicks, nominee to become deputy secretary of defense, during her confirmation hearing about how she views the relationship between a robust domestic energy sector and national security. Sen. Sullivan has raised concerns about recent orders issued by the Biden administration targeting domestic oil and gas producers, including sending a letter with 25 of his Senate colleagues to the president requesting a meeting.

“I want your personal opinions from a national security and foreign policy perspective. We have once again become the world's energy superpower because of states like New Mexico and North Dakota and Alaska. And, we’re the largest producer—prior to the pandemic—of oil, natural gas and renewables in the world. Is that good for our national security and foreign policy?” Sen. Sullivan asked.

“It is, senator,” Dr. Hicks replied.

“And, on the other hand, becoming more reliant on countries, like Russia or Venezuela, for our oil and gas needs—Is that good for our national security or is it bad?” Sen. Sullivan continued.

“Generally speaking, it's bad,” Dr. Hicks replied.

Sullivan argued that the actions taken by the Biden administration over the past few weeks will diminish domestic oil and gas production, imperil America’s status as an energy-independent nation, and result in greater reliance on potentially-hostile foreign powers.

“Some of the executive orders that came out of the administration last week are focused on curtailing the production of American energy,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Do you think that's in the national security interests of our nation?”

“Senator, I have to say, I think what's in the interests of the United States is to ensure it is not dependent on outside capabilities,”Dr. Hicks answered.

For the past four years, Senator Sullivan worked with his Alaska congressional delegation colleagues and senior administration officials to cultivate a “renaissance” of responsible domestic energy production, led by projects in Alaska, that has lessened America’s reliance on foreign sources of oil and gas and created new jobs for Alaskans and Americans.

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