Sullivan Questions Secretary of Defense Nominee at Confirmation Hearing
Sullivan Questions Secretary of Defense Nominee at Confirmation Hearing
Senator discusses geostrategic importance of Alaska, timeline for defeating ISIS, threat of Iran with Dr. Carter
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) today questioned Secretary of Defense nominee Dr. Ashton Carter on a variety of national security issues during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee. During the hearing, which stretched into the late afternoon – Sen. Sullivan asked Dr. Carter about Alaska’s geo-strategic importance, President Obama’s startling foreign policy statements in his State of the Union address, a timeline for defeating ISIS, the threat of Iran, and asked for a commitment from the Department of Defense to place a continued emphasis on training.
Senator Sullivan opened his questioning of Dr. Carter with a history and geography question, asking the nominee if he knew what place the “father of the Air Force” Gen. Billy Mitchell was referring to when he said in 1935, “I believe that in the future, whoever holds [this place] – will hold the world. I think it is the most strategic place in the world.” Dr. Carter correctly answered Alaska, and noted that the strategic importance of the state is reflected in the missile defense assets found in the 49th state.
(Click to watch Secretary of Defense nominee Dr. Carter answer Sen. Sullivan’s history/geography question)
On the broader topic of national security and foreign policy, Sen. Sullivan continued his sharp critique of President Obama’s State of the Union Address, and asked Dr. Carter if he agreed with lines used by the President such as: “’the shadow of crisis has passed,’ ‘we’re stopping ISIL’s advance,’ ‘we’re opposing Russian aggression,’ and ‘we’ve halted the progress of Iran’s nuclear program.’” Sen. Sullivan emphasized that it’s “critical that the President, the administration level with the American people on our challenges.”
(Click to watch Sen. Sullivan’s exchange with Dr. Carter on President Obama’s SOTU comments)
Sen. Sullivan also pressed the Secretary of Defense nominee on the threat of Iran. Quoting Dr. Kissinger, who recently testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sen. Sullivan asked Dr. Carter that if necessary, would he support the United States acting alone to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Carter said that he would.
(click watch Sen. Sullivan & Dr. Carter’s full exchange on the threat of Iran, as well as Dr. Carter’s timeline for defeating ISIS)
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