1 00:00:00,640 --> 00:00:02,840 Thank you very much . Senator rounds . 2 00:00:02,840 --> 00:00:05,007 Let me recognize Senator Hirono please 3 00:00:05,030 --> 00:00:07,990 thank you Mr Chairman congratulations 4 00:00:07,990 --> 00:00:10,210 to all of you on your nominations and 5 00:00:10,210 --> 00:00:13,280 thank you for your service . I asked 6 00:00:13,280 --> 00:00:15,447 the following two initial questions of 7 00:00:15,447 --> 00:00:17,890 all nominees on any of the committees 8 00:00:17,890 --> 00:00:20,530 on which I sit . So I'd like to ask 9 00:00:20,540 --> 00:00:22,762 each of you and the response will start 10 00:00:22,762 --> 00:00:24,873 with Miss Harrison will just go right 11 00:00:24,873 --> 00:00:27,040 down the line since you became a legal 12 00:00:27,040 --> 00:00:29,040 adult . Have you ever made unwanted 13 00:00:29,040 --> 00:00:31,207 request for sexual favors or committed 14 00:00:31,207 --> 00:00:33,262 any verbal or physical harassment or 15 00:00:33,262 --> 00:00:37,150 assault of a sexual nature ? No no 16 00:00:37,640 --> 00:00:40,940 no no . Have you ever faced discipline 17 00:00:40,940 --> 00:00:43,350 or entered into a settlement related to 18 00:00:43,350 --> 00:00:46,960 this kind of conduct ? No no 19 00:00:47,340 --> 00:00:51,010 no no thank you . Mr 20 00:00:51,020 --> 00:00:54,270 Owens . My home state of Hawaii is 21 00:00:54,280 --> 00:00:56,680 still reeling from the catastrophic 22 00:00:56,680 --> 00:00:59,780 fuel leak at the Red Hill bulk fuel 23 00:00:59,780 --> 00:01:01,947 storage facility . I don't know if you 24 00:01:01,947 --> 00:01:04,058 do . You have a familiarity with this 25 00:01:04,058 --> 00:01:06,113 facility ? Have you ever visited the 26 00:01:06,113 --> 00:01:08,680 facility I've never visited but I've 27 00:01:08,680 --> 00:01:10,660 seen pictures and it's 28 00:01:12,140 --> 00:01:14,380 gigantic . It's massive . It is in the 29 00:01:14,380 --> 00:01:16,730 order of in terms of an engineering 30 00:01:16,730 --> 00:01:19,900 feat in the order of hoover dam . And 31 00:01:20,340 --> 00:01:22,730 yeah it is massive . But you've been 32 00:01:22,730 --> 00:01:24,786 asking questions relating to preface 33 00:01:24,786 --> 00:01:26,786 and there are various contamination 34 00:01:26,786 --> 00:01:29,940 issues that the military has to deal 35 00:01:29,940 --> 00:01:33,710 with . But the situation at Red Hill is 36 00:01:33,720 --> 00:01:35,700 quite immediate . It led to the 37 00:01:35,700 --> 00:01:37,756 widespread water contamination force 38 00:01:37,756 --> 00:01:40,310 forcing thousands of Navy personnel and 39 00:01:40,310 --> 00:01:42,532 their families to leave their homes for 40 00:01:42,532 --> 00:01:45,590 months until they're safe return . 41 00:01:45,590 --> 00:01:47,830 Could be assured and due to the League 42 00:01:47,830 --> 00:01:49,774 and the ongoing concerns about the 43 00:01:49,774 --> 00:01:51,552 facility safety D . O . D . Has 44 00:01:51,552 --> 00:01:53,552 announced its intent to entirely de 45 00:01:53,552 --> 00:01:55,719 fuel and permanently closed Redhill by 46 00:01:55,719 --> 00:01:58,250 the end of 2024 . You can imagine what 47 00:01:58,260 --> 00:02:01,720 kind of uh enterprise this is going to 48 00:02:01,720 --> 00:02:04,460 be two D . Fuel hundreds of millions of 49 00:02:04,640 --> 00:02:07,300 gallons of fuel . So U . S . Navy has 50 00:02:07,310 --> 00:02:10,310 proposed a de fueling plan which the 51 00:02:10,310 --> 00:02:12,420 hawaii Department of Health recently 52 00:02:12,420 --> 00:02:14,587 rejected and hold since the department 53 00:02:14,587 --> 00:02:16,642 plans lacks the requisite detail and 54 00:02:16,642 --> 00:02:19,770 specificity necessary for the D . O . H . 55 00:02:19,770 --> 00:02:21,890 To fully evaluate how the department 56 00:02:21,890 --> 00:02:24,040 will execute safe and expeditious de 57 00:02:24,040 --> 00:02:26,170 fueling . If you are confirmed 58 00:02:26,170 --> 00:02:28,114 oversight of facilities across the 59 00:02:28,114 --> 00:02:30,059 country including Red Hill will be 60 00:02:30,059 --> 00:02:32,770 under your purview This year's NBA 61 00:02:32,770 --> 00:02:34,548 currently authorizes $1 billion 62 00:02:34,548 --> 00:02:38,270 Fund . And Congress is 63 00:02:38,270 --> 00:02:40,290 expecting to receive a detailed 64 00:02:40,290 --> 00:02:42,360 breakdown of how this money will be 65 00:02:42,360 --> 00:02:45,000 spent from the department delay in 66 00:02:45,000 --> 00:02:47,570 providing this justification and risks 67 00:02:47,570 --> 00:02:50,790 compromising the safe and a timely 68 00:02:50,790 --> 00:02:52,700 closure of the facility and could 69 00:02:52,700 --> 00:02:54,760 further disrupt the community's 70 00:02:54,760 --> 00:02:57,420 confidence in D . O . D . In the state . 71 00:02:57,430 --> 00:02:59,430 So when all of this happened , of 72 00:02:59,430 --> 00:03:01,652 course , the Navy's handling of the the 73 00:03:01,652 --> 00:03:03,840 spill and all that left a lot to be 74 00:03:03,840 --> 00:03:06,650 desired . And so the community has a 75 00:03:06,650 --> 00:03:09,460 lot of questions since I would um 76 00:03:10,040 --> 00:03:13,380 like you to assure me that defeating 77 00:03:13,380 --> 00:03:15,810 enclosure is completed in a safe and 78 00:03:15,810 --> 00:03:18,200 expeditious manner and that you will be 79 00:03:18,210 --> 00:03:22,180 uh take personal um responsibility 80 00:03:22,180 --> 00:03:24,180 along with the other people who are 81 00:03:24,180 --> 00:03:26,291 going to be involved in this . But uh 82 00:03:26,291 --> 00:03:28,402 in your position can I look to you to 83 00:03:28,402 --> 00:03:30,480 make sure that the D feeling happens 84 00:03:30,720 --> 00:03:33,310 safely and in an expeditious manner . 85 00:03:34,040 --> 00:03:37,210 Senator I absolutely commit to 86 00:03:37,220 --> 00:03:40,310 uh , doing everything within the 87 00:03:40,320 --> 00:03:42,610 purview of the S . D . I . N . G . To 88 00:03:42,610 --> 00:03:44,760 ensure that the resources that are 89 00:03:44,760 --> 00:03:47,050 necessary to safely defused Redhill , 90 00:03:47,060 --> 00:03:50,440 uh , in in alignment with the 91 00:03:50,440 --> 00:03:54,170 secretary's plan are are executed . Yes . 92 00:03:54,170 --> 00:03:57,000 And and our appropriation committees is 93 00:03:57,000 --> 00:03:59,160 awaiting a much more detailed de 94 00:03:59,160 --> 00:04:00,938 fueling plan . So I hope that's 95 00:04:00,938 --> 00:04:03,216 something that should you be confirmed , 96 00:04:03,216 --> 00:04:05,530 um that this is another thing that you 97 00:04:05,530 --> 00:04:08,750 will um pay attention to again for you . 98 00:04:09,240 --> 00:04:11,740 Mr zero D . Currently has more than 99 00:04:11,750 --> 00:04:15,310 174,009 tactical 100 00:04:15,310 --> 00:04:17,477 vehicles across the service branches , 101 00:04:17,477 --> 00:04:19,588 making it the second largest share of 102 00:04:19,588 --> 00:04:21,810 the federal vehicle fleet after the U . 103 00:04:21,810 --> 00:04:24,088 S . Postal Service . Earlier this year , 104 00:04:24,088 --> 00:04:26,310 I introduced a military vehicle fleet , 105 00:04:26,310 --> 00:04:28,199 electric electrification act with 106 00:04:28,199 --> 00:04:30,200 Senator Warren King and others and 107 00:04:30,200 --> 00:04:32,367 included language in the fiscal year , 108 00:04:32,367 --> 00:04:35,440 2023 N . D . A . That would require D . 109 00:04:35,440 --> 00:04:38,170 O . D . To transition to fully electric 110 00:04:38,180 --> 00:04:40,950 or zero emission non tactical vehicles 111 00:04:40,950 --> 00:04:43,430 By the end of 2030 . Mr Owens , do you 112 00:04:43,430 --> 00:04:45,600 agree that transitioning to electric , 113 00:04:45,600 --> 00:04:47,860 non tactical vehicles will help combat 114 00:04:48,040 --> 00:04:50,010 climate change ? Well , helping to 115 00:04:50,010 --> 00:04:52,121 ensure our military has the advantage 116 00:04:52,121 --> 00:04:54,066 of a modern fleet of vehicles that 117 00:04:54,066 --> 00:04:56,399 reduce the military's dependence on oil . 118 00:04:57,040 --> 00:05:00,230 Senator , I think that the combination 119 00:05:00,230 --> 00:05:02,341 of several investments that are being 120 00:05:02,341 --> 00:05:04,119 made on installations including 121 00:05:04,119 --> 00:05:06,174 electric vehicles , but particularly 122 00:05:06,174 --> 00:05:07,952 micro grids and the ability for 123 00:05:07,952 --> 00:05:11,320 microgrids to uh provide a backbone for 124 00:05:11,330 --> 00:05:13,497 more energy diversity . And resilience 125 00:05:13,740 --> 00:05:17,580 is an excellent reason to proceed as 126 00:05:17,590 --> 00:05:21,500 you have outlined . I take it that 127 00:05:21,500 --> 00:05:24,290 that is a yes , it's a yes , it's a big 128 00:05:24,290 --> 00:05:26,457 yes . Thank you very much . I think we 129 00:05:26,457 --> 00:05:28,550 need to move ahead on this kind of 130 00:05:28,550 --> 00:05:30,661 transitioning because the D . O . D . 131 00:05:30,661 --> 00:05:34,500 Is the biggest user of fossil fuels 132 00:05:34,510 --> 00:05:37,130 of all of the agencies . Thank you . Mr 133 00:05:37,130 --> 00:05:39,080 Chairman . Thank you Santa Ronna 134 00:05:39,080 --> 00:05:42,150 Senator Tillis please . Thanks . 135 00:05:43,440 --> 00:05:44,884 Thank you Mr Chairman and 136 00:05:44,884 --> 00:05:46,996 congratulations to all of you on your 137 00:05:46,996 --> 00:05:49,162 nominations . I actually want to start 138 00:05:49,162 --> 00:05:52,000 by thanking Senator Warren for the work 139 00:05:52,000 --> 00:05:54,710 that she and I have done over the past 140 00:05:54,710 --> 00:05:58,160 several years for military housing . Um , 141 00:05:58,540 --> 00:06:00,429 I would say it steps in the right 142 00:06:00,429 --> 00:06:02,540 direction , but it seems to me it's a 143 00:06:02,540 --> 00:06:04,700 continuing journey that we've got to 144 00:06:04,700 --> 00:06:07,760 get right . We do have a measure in the 145 00:06:07,760 --> 00:06:09,816 N . D . A that takes another step in 146 00:06:09,816 --> 00:06:11,871 the right direction . But Mr Owens , 147 00:06:11,871 --> 00:06:14,280 we've got a lot more work to do um in 148 00:06:14,280 --> 00:06:16,391 north Carolina . I've made it a focus 149 00:06:16,391 --> 00:06:18,900 and I've done town halls down there and 150 00:06:18,910 --> 00:06:21,520 it seems to have improved but I think 151 00:06:21,530 --> 00:06:23,641 system wide we have challenges and we 152 00:06:23,641 --> 00:06:26,720 have challenges in north Carolina . So 153 00:06:26,720 --> 00:06:28,880 I'm curious your thoughts what your 154 00:06:28,880 --> 00:06:31,102 priorities would be ? How can we really 155 00:06:31,102 --> 00:06:33,770 regain the trust of military families 156 00:06:33,770 --> 00:06:35,881 personnel that are living in military 157 00:06:35,881 --> 00:06:38,760 housing . And secondly , we have to 158 00:06:38,760 --> 00:06:41,110 recognize that because of mold a number 159 00:06:41,110 --> 00:06:43,590 of other exposures that these the 160 00:06:43,590 --> 00:06:47,330 occupants have had to endure , that we 161 00:06:47,330 --> 00:06:49,441 have some health implications . So in 162 00:06:49,441 --> 00:06:51,663 addition to fixing the inventory moving 163 00:06:51,663 --> 00:06:53,608 forward , we've also got to take a 164 00:06:53,608 --> 00:06:56,150 serious look at at instances where we 165 00:06:56,150 --> 00:06:58,261 think illnesses can clearly be linked 166 00:06:58,540 --> 00:07:00,762 two exposures and some of this , what I 167 00:07:00,762 --> 00:07:02,818 consider to be substandard housing . 168 00:07:02,818 --> 00:07:05,430 How are you gonna tackle that ? Thank 169 00:07:05,430 --> 00:07:07,430 you for the question . And I really 170 00:07:07,430 --> 00:07:09,597 wanna again commend this committee for 171 00:07:09,597 --> 00:07:11,430 taking such a strong interest in 172 00:07:11,430 --> 00:07:13,790 ensuring that military family housing 173 00:07:13,800 --> 00:07:17,280 is up to the , up to the dignity of the 174 00:07:17,280 --> 00:07:19,502 people that are that are living in it , 175 00:07:19,502 --> 00:07:21,990 housing is a readiness issue , housing 176 00:07:22,000 --> 00:07:25,410 is a uh something that we owe to our 177 00:07:25,410 --> 00:07:27,632 service members for the sacrifices that 178 00:07:27,632 --> 00:07:29,966 they make in terms of how to prioritize . 179 00:07:29,966 --> 00:07:32,132 I think this is the this committee has 180 00:07:32,132 --> 00:07:34,460 done an excellent job in providing 181 00:07:34,460 --> 00:07:36,550 direction to and resources for 182 00:07:36,940 --> 00:07:38,884 increasing the amount of oversight 183 00:07:38,884 --> 00:07:41,051 that's been happening and I would like 184 00:07:41,051 --> 00:07:43,273 to continue to do that . Look to ensure 185 00:07:43,273 --> 00:07:45,496 that the tenant bill of rights that has 186 00:07:45,496 --> 00:07:47,662 been established is something that can 187 00:07:47,662 --> 00:07:49,662 be universally accessed and and and 188 00:07:49,662 --> 00:07:51,829 driven to ensure that our tenants have 189 00:07:51,829 --> 00:07:53,996 the ability our military families have 190 00:07:53,996 --> 00:07:56,750 the ability uh to to to get answers to 191 00:07:56,750 --> 00:07:58,972 questions that they may have . And then 192 00:07:58,972 --> 00:08:01,139 in terms of the health implications if 193 00:08:01,139 --> 00:08:03,306 there are any , I'll commit to working 194 00:08:03,306 --> 00:08:05,472 with senior leaders and D . O . D . To 195 00:08:05,472 --> 00:08:07,306 ensure that we are providing the 196 00:08:07,306 --> 00:08:09,306 resources and that are necessary to 197 00:08:09,306 --> 00:08:12,050 address any any situations do arise . 198 00:08:12,220 --> 00:08:14,760 Thank you for that . Doctor plum 199 00:08:15,440 --> 00:08:17,510 anytime I see somebody going before 200 00:08:17,510 --> 00:08:19,732 this committee that have anything to do 201 00:08:19,732 --> 00:08:21,940 with acquisition always have to bring 202 00:08:21,940 --> 00:08:25,570 one of my favorite props Nearly 600 203 00:08:25,570 --> 00:08:28,990 page request for a proposal for the 204 00:08:28,990 --> 00:08:31,790 next generation handgun . It started in 205 00:08:31,790 --> 00:08:34,123 the Air Force that ended up in the army , 206 00:08:34,123 --> 00:08:36,500 it took a half a generation to decide 207 00:08:36,500 --> 00:08:38,667 what the next generation handgun would 208 00:08:38,667 --> 00:08:42,160 be . This is not a complex platform . 209 00:08:42,740 --> 00:08:45,160 Uh This is something that it just 210 00:08:45,160 --> 00:08:47,382 boggles my mind that we haven't figured 211 00:08:47,382 --> 00:08:49,660 out how to tailor acquisition processes 212 00:08:50,340 --> 00:08:52,500 in a way that gets it done sooner , 213 00:08:52,740 --> 00:08:55,900 gets the capability deployed sooner and 214 00:08:55,900 --> 00:08:58,180 also provides the opportunity for a 215 00:08:58,180 --> 00:09:01,300 larger group of people to participate 216 00:09:01,300 --> 00:09:03,244 in north Carolina . We have a very 217 00:09:03,244 --> 00:09:05,370 strong uh we have a military business 218 00:09:05,370 --> 00:09:07,537 center . In fact we just had a meeting 219 00:09:07,537 --> 00:09:09,370 this week with a number of small 220 00:09:09,370 --> 00:09:11,259 businesses that contribute to the 221 00:09:11,259 --> 00:09:13,410 defense industrial base . But if they 222 00:09:13,410 --> 00:09:15,521 look at something like this , they're 223 00:09:15,521 --> 00:09:17,743 out before they ever start , they can't 224 00:09:17,743 --> 00:09:19,966 simply afford to go through hundreds of 225 00:09:19,966 --> 00:09:22,800 pages um and a multi year process to 226 00:09:22,800 --> 00:09:24,911 put forth what may be one of the best 227 00:09:24,911 --> 00:09:27,022 innovations that we could potentially 228 00:09:27,022 --> 00:09:29,250 consider . So we're squeezing out . Um 229 00:09:29,540 --> 00:09:31,651 I think a number of innovators in the 230 00:09:31,651 --> 00:09:35,210 acquisition process . So what can we do 231 00:09:35,210 --> 00:09:37,680 number one , just generally to increase 232 00:09:37,680 --> 00:09:39,820 and to bolster our industrial base by 233 00:09:39,820 --> 00:09:42,060 engaging more small businesses . And 234 00:09:42,060 --> 00:09:44,960 secondly , how can we make , How can we 235 00:09:44,960 --> 00:09:47,240 make progress on acquisition processes 236 00:09:47,240 --> 00:09:50,020 that don't result in 600 page next 237 00:09:50,020 --> 00:09:52,250 generation handgun ? Our FPs 238 00:09:53,140 --> 00:09:56,930 senator , That is a excellent example . 239 00:09:56,930 --> 00:09:59,220 That really highlights how we need . We 240 00:09:59,230 --> 00:10:02,000 absolutely need to be faster and better 241 00:10:02,000 --> 00:10:04,310 at bringing technology to the 242 00:10:04,310 --> 00:10:06,670 warfighter . Now we do have some 243 00:10:06,680 --> 00:10:08,680 approaches that we need to leverage 244 00:10:08,680 --> 00:10:10,402 more . Uh we have the adaptive 245 00:10:10,402 --> 00:10:12,513 acquisition framework that gives us a 246 00:10:12,513 --> 00:10:14,236 couple other tiers middle tier 247 00:10:14,236 --> 00:10:16,180 acquisition authorities , software 248 00:10:16,180 --> 00:10:17,902 acquisition authorities . This 249 00:10:17,902 --> 00:10:19,624 committee has really been very 250 00:10:19,624 --> 00:10:21,569 supportive in helping us have some 251 00:10:21,569 --> 00:10:23,791 innovative authorities and approaches . 252 00:10:23,791 --> 00:10:25,958 We need to use them more . Thank you . 253 00:10:25,958 --> 00:10:27,958 And and I hope to work with you . I 254 00:10:27,958 --> 00:10:30,069 spent a fair amount of time in supply 255 00:10:30,069 --> 00:10:29,840 chain and acquisition in the private 256 00:10:29,840 --> 00:10:31,840 sector and after you're confirmed , 257 00:10:31,940 --> 00:10:34,273 would like to talk specific initiatives , 258 00:10:35,340 --> 00:10:38,380 MS collie Doctor , Did I pronounce that 259 00:10:38,380 --> 00:10:42,040 right . Um I just have a quick question . 260 00:10:42,040 --> 00:10:44,420 In closing , they we just recently 261 00:10:44,420 --> 00:10:46,700 passed the chips bill . Um and the 262 00:10:46,700 --> 00:10:49,710 chips bill clearly recognizes that we 263 00:10:49,710 --> 00:10:53,550 have uh an insufficient indigenous 264 00:10:53,940 --> 00:10:56,290 semiconductor manufacturing capability 265 00:10:56,300 --> 00:10:58,590 in this country . If we see how the 266 00:10:58,590 --> 00:11:01,400 sanctions on Russia , particularly with 267 00:11:01,410 --> 00:11:04,860 with respect to importing ships has 268 00:11:04,860 --> 00:11:07,470 disrupted their military supply chains . 269 00:11:07,480 --> 00:11:10,190 Do you consider that a wise investment 270 00:11:10,190 --> 00:11:12,023 with respect to our own military 271 00:11:12,023 --> 00:11:15,660 industrial base . Thank you Senator , I 272 00:11:15,660 --> 00:11:19,150 think um that is going to be very 273 00:11:19,150 --> 00:11:21,910 important to focus on micro electronics 274 00:11:21,920 --> 00:11:24,680 and um in the short term as well as in 275 00:11:24,680 --> 00:11:26,736 the long term I think that the chips 276 00:11:26,736 --> 00:11:29,480 act will bring us closer to more 277 00:11:29,480 --> 00:11:31,702 readiness and sort of resilience in our 278 00:11:31,702 --> 00:11:34,220 defense industrial base . Um I share 279 00:11:34,220 --> 00:11:37,430 your concern that um having shortages 280 00:11:37,430 --> 00:11:41,280 in this area will lead to uh 281 00:11:41,290 --> 00:11:44,750 insecurity later on as well as in um in 282 00:11:44,760 --> 00:11:46,816 you know in the immediate future . I 283 00:11:46,816 --> 00:11:49,040 think if confirmed , I will work 284 00:11:49,040 --> 00:11:51,650 closely with industry as well as with 285 00:11:51,650 --> 00:11:53,650 the inter agency , particularly the 286 00:11:53,650 --> 00:11:55,400 lead agencies focused on micro 287 00:11:55,400 --> 00:11:57,456 electronics to make sure that we can 288 00:11:57,456 --> 00:11:59,500 ensure the needs of our defense 289 00:11:59,500 --> 00:12:01,500 industrial base . Thank you again , 290 00:12:01,500 --> 00:12:03,611 congratulations on your nominations . 291 00:12:03,611 --> 00:12:05,556 Thank you Senator Tillis . Senator 292 00:12:05,556 --> 00:12:07,778 Warren please thank you mr Chairman and 293 00:12:07,778 --> 00:12:09,944 congratulations to all of you . I want 294 00:12:09,944 --> 00:12:11,770 to thank Senator Tillis . I so 295 00:12:11,770 --> 00:12:13,980 appreciate his partnership in our work 296 00:12:13,990 --> 00:12:17,600 on military housing and he's asked my 297 00:12:17,600 --> 00:12:20,700 questions . Uh So I think Mr Owens 298 00:12:20,700 --> 00:12:23,070 knows that Senator Tillis and I and 299 00:12:23,070 --> 00:12:25,237 this entire committee is gonna stay on 300 00:12:25,237 --> 00:12:27,560 this issue . It is powerfully important 301 00:12:27,570 --> 00:12:29,830 uh to our military and to our national 302 00:12:29,830 --> 00:12:31,886 defense . And also it's about what's 303 00:12:31,886 --> 00:12:33,608 right , so I'm gonna try to be 304 00:12:33,608 --> 00:12:35,580 efficient and ask about some other 305 00:12:35,590 --> 00:12:38,460 issues uh and what I'd like to focus on 306 00:12:38,840 --> 00:12:42,020 Is conflicts of interest and ethics at 307 00:12:42,030 --> 00:12:44,380 the pentagon this year . The Pentagon's 308 00:12:44,380 --> 00:12:47,640 budget is going to exceed $800 billion . 309 00:12:47,650 --> 00:12:50,780 About half that spending is going to go 310 00:12:50,790 --> 00:12:53,790 to for profit defense contractors to 311 00:12:53,790 --> 00:12:56,000 build weapons to perform maintenance 312 00:12:56,010 --> 00:12:58,460 and to provide consulting services , 313 00:12:58,840 --> 00:13:00,951 contract and program decisions should 314 00:13:00,951 --> 00:13:02,673 be based on what's in the best 315 00:13:02,673 --> 00:13:05,560 interests of national security period . 316 00:13:06,040 --> 00:13:08,050 But the revolving door between the 317 00:13:08,050 --> 00:13:10,210 pentagon and private defense 318 00:13:10,210 --> 00:13:13,150 contractors sometimes spend so fast , 319 00:13:13,160 --> 00:13:15,870 it just looks like a blur . Senior 320 00:13:15,870 --> 00:13:18,010 pentagon officials leaving work for 321 00:13:18,010 --> 00:13:20,630 Lockheed or Boeing top lobbyists or 322 00:13:20,630 --> 00:13:22,900 executives from these companies coming 323 00:13:22,910 --> 00:13:25,590 into government to hand out contracts 324 00:13:25,590 --> 00:13:28,520 to their former employees , employers , 325 00:13:28,530 --> 00:13:31,620 you know , real or perceived 326 00:13:31,630 --> 00:13:34,360 conflicts of interest undermine the 327 00:13:34,360 --> 00:13:37,040 public's confidence and can also lead 328 00:13:37,040 --> 00:13:40,220 to program delays or even cancelation . 329 00:13:40,230 --> 00:13:43,890 So dr plum you have been nominated to a 330 00:13:43,900 --> 00:13:46,700 top role in the part of the pentagon 331 00:13:46,700 --> 00:13:49,730 that focuses on acquisition . Can you 332 00:13:49,730 --> 00:13:52,720 say a word about your views about why 333 00:13:52,730 --> 00:13:54,508 it is important that government 334 00:13:54,508 --> 00:13:57,380 officials making decisions about which 335 00:13:57,380 --> 00:13:59,720 defense contractors get taxpayer 336 00:13:59,720 --> 00:14:03,260 dollars must be free from conflicts of 337 00:14:03,260 --> 00:14:06,140 interest . Senator . Thank you and 338 00:14:06,140 --> 00:14:08,251 thank you for your leadership on this 339 00:14:08,251 --> 00:14:10,251 issue . As you note , it is just so 340 00:14:10,251 --> 00:14:12,307 important at the department that our 341 00:14:12,307 --> 00:14:13,918 number one job is to deliver 342 00:14:13,918 --> 00:14:15,862 capabilities to the warfighter and 343 00:14:15,862 --> 00:14:18,029 those capabilities need to be selected 344 00:14:18,029 --> 00:14:20,251 to get the best capabilities . And that 345 00:14:20,251 --> 00:14:22,029 means that conflict of interest 346 00:14:22,029 --> 00:14:24,950 apparent or actual can undermine as you 347 00:14:24,950 --> 00:14:27,172 note that trust but also make it harder 348 00:14:27,172 --> 00:14:29,930 for key new ideas to break through and 349 00:14:29,930 --> 00:14:32,210 get into that process . We have a 350 00:14:32,210 --> 00:14:34,640 number of efforts underway , um ethics 351 00:14:34,640 --> 00:14:36,640 agreements in this administration , 352 00:14:36,640 --> 00:14:38,807 improved oversight of our standards of 353 00:14:38,807 --> 00:14:40,751 conduct if confirmed , I pledge to 354 00:14:40,751 --> 00:14:42,640 continue those , but also more to 355 00:14:42,640 --> 00:14:44,950 fulsomely work with you and this 356 00:14:44,950 --> 00:14:47,006 committee to make sure we're getting 357 00:14:47,006 --> 00:14:48,839 this balance right , getting the 358 00:14:48,839 --> 00:14:51,006 conflicts out . Well , that's a really 359 00:14:51,006 --> 00:14:52,894 good point about how conflicts of 360 00:14:52,894 --> 00:14:54,839 interest can actually keep us from 361 00:14:54,839 --> 00:14:54,810 finding the best products from 362 00:14:54,820 --> 00:14:56,709 innovating in the ways we need to 363 00:14:56,709 --> 00:14:59,180 innovate a very strong point . So let's 364 00:14:59,180 --> 00:15:02,140 talk about the things we can do in 365 00:15:02,150 --> 00:15:05,050 order to reduce the conflicts of 366 00:15:05,050 --> 00:15:07,383 interest . You know , through the years , 367 00:15:07,383 --> 00:15:09,550 I have proposed a number of changes to 368 00:15:09,550 --> 00:15:11,930 strengthen our ethics laws . Now some 369 00:15:11,930 --> 00:15:14,370 of my colleagues think that strong 370 00:15:14,380 --> 00:15:17,350 ethics requirements will stop people 371 00:15:17,350 --> 00:15:19,460 from wanting to go into government . 372 00:15:19,840 --> 00:15:23,320 There have been at least 10 , 10 373 00:15:23,330 --> 00:15:26,120 government funded studies now on this 374 00:15:26,120 --> 00:15:28,490 exact issue how to improve the 375 00:15:28,490 --> 00:15:30,323 recruitment and retention of the 376 00:15:30,323 --> 00:15:32,890 federal workforce and not a single one 377 00:15:32,890 --> 00:15:36,730 of them has concluded that ethics laws 378 00:15:36,740 --> 00:15:39,410 are the barrier . When we talked last 379 00:15:39,410 --> 00:15:42,420 week , you said that we need to 380 00:15:42,420 --> 00:15:45,430 consider both needing to attract and 381 00:15:45,430 --> 00:15:47,430 retain people who want to solve big 382 00:15:47,430 --> 00:15:50,640 problems and preventing the appearance 383 00:15:50,650 --> 00:15:53,280 of self dealing doctor Plum . Do you 384 00:15:53,280 --> 00:15:56,140 agree that we could strengthen ethics 385 00:15:56,140 --> 00:15:58,300 standards at the pentagon without 386 00:15:58,300 --> 00:16:01,850 hurting our ability to attract top 387 00:16:01,860 --> 00:16:04,750 talent uh in public service 388 00:16:05,440 --> 00:16:08,310 senator . I do agree . I think we need 389 00:16:08,310 --> 00:16:11,090 to think about how we structure and 390 00:16:11,090 --> 00:16:13,330 make precise our ethics requirements 391 00:16:13,330 --> 00:16:15,190 and our oversight so that we can 392 00:16:15,200 --> 00:16:17,311 attract top talent . Let them work on 393 00:16:17,311 --> 00:16:19,311 hard problems . Let them solve hard 394 00:16:19,311 --> 00:16:21,650 problems for this country while making 395 00:16:21,650 --> 00:16:23,872 sure we avoid conflicts of interest and 396 00:16:23,872 --> 00:16:25,706 there's absolutely space to make 397 00:16:25,706 --> 00:16:27,928 progress there and I if confirmed would 398 00:16:27,928 --> 00:16:30,039 really welcome an opportunity to work 399 00:16:30,039 --> 00:16:29,100 on that with . Well I think you've 400 00:16:29,100 --> 00:16:31,267 already answered then . The question I 401 00:16:31,267 --> 00:16:33,211 was gonna ask and that is will you 402 00:16:33,211 --> 00:16:35,240 commit to working with me to ensure 403 00:16:35,250 --> 00:16:37,306 that government officials working on 404 00:16:37,306 --> 00:16:39,850 acquisition programs and policies are 405 00:16:39,850 --> 00:16:42,520 free of conflicts of interest . Senator 406 00:16:42,520 --> 00:16:44,687 I would welcome an opportunity to work 407 00:16:44,687 --> 00:16:46,520 with you on that thing . That is 408 00:16:46,520 --> 00:16:48,576 terrific . Thank you very much . You 409 00:16:48,576 --> 00:16:50,242 know this is a problem across 410 00:16:50,242 --> 00:16:52,353 administrations and across government 411 00:16:52,353 --> 00:16:55,130 agencies but it is particularly acute 412 00:16:55,140 --> 00:16:57,730 at D . O . D . Given the size of the 413 00:16:57,730 --> 00:17:00,760 pentagon's budget . A lot of money is 414 00:17:00,760 --> 00:17:02,870 at stake here . Our last three 415 00:17:02,870 --> 00:17:06,060 secretaries of defense came to D . O . 416 00:17:06,060 --> 00:17:09,340 D . Straight from the board or from 417 00:17:09,340 --> 00:17:12,820 being a lobbyist for the pentagon's top 418 00:17:12,820 --> 00:17:15,520 five contractors . We've got to do a 419 00:17:15,520 --> 00:17:18,310 lot more to end the cozy relationship 420 00:17:18,320 --> 00:17:20,376 between the pentagon and the defense 421 00:17:20,376 --> 00:17:22,598 industry . Thank you . Thank you . Mr . 422 00:17:22,598 --> 00:17:24,709 Chairman . Thank you . Senator Warren 423 00:17:24,709 --> 00:17:26,876 Senator Blackburn please . Thank you . 424 00:17:26,876 --> 00:17:28,820 Mr . Chairman and to each of you . 425 00:17:28,820 --> 00:17:30,931 Congratulations on your nominations . 426 00:17:30,931 --> 00:17:34,610 As you can tell . We're a very busy 427 00:17:34,610 --> 00:17:36,832 committee here and this will not be the 428 00:17:36,832 --> 00:17:39,290 last time you all hear from us and we 429 00:17:39,290 --> 00:17:42,550 look forward to working with you to 430 00:17:42,550 --> 00:17:44,717 make certain that our men and women in 431 00:17:44,717 --> 00:17:47,040 uniform have what they need to carry 432 00:17:47,050 --> 00:17:50,140 out their mission . And you've heard 433 00:17:50,140 --> 00:17:53,310 about ethics , you've heard about what 434 00:17:53,310 --> 00:17:56,310 we need for our housing for the 435 00:17:56,310 --> 00:18:00,170 military , about acquisitions . 436 00:18:00,180 --> 00:18:02,890 Uh I know that Senator Inhofe even 437 00:18:02,890 --> 00:18:05,057 talked a little bit about facebook and 438 00:18:05,057 --> 00:18:07,390 big tech and some of those applications . 439 00:18:07,390 --> 00:18:09,650 I'm going to turn now to a topic . 440 00:18:09,650 --> 00:18:11,730 You're going to hear me talk about a 441 00:18:11,730 --> 00:18:15,110 lot and it is about maintenance and 442 00:18:15,110 --> 00:18:18,120 deferred maintenance and mr Owens , I'm 443 00:18:18,120 --> 00:18:20,176 going to come to you on this because 444 00:18:20,540 --> 00:18:23,870 We've got 550,000 445 00:18:23,880 --> 00:18:27,760 buildings that we have a backlog . 446 00:18:28,140 --> 00:18:31,690 There is a goal of getting to 90% 447 00:18:31,700 --> 00:18:34,420 on this . But the current estimate I 448 00:18:34,420 --> 00:18:36,587 think last time I looked at was at 100 449 00:18:36,587 --> 00:18:40,450 and $21 billion and the 450 00:18:40,460 --> 00:18:42,571 F . S . R . M . Does that sound right 451 00:18:42,571 --> 00:18:46,360 to you ? Senator Blackburn , The 452 00:18:46,740 --> 00:18:49,420 briefing paper that I read on Srm had 453 00:18:49,420 --> 00:18:51,531 that number in it and it didn't sound 454 00:18:51,531 --> 00:18:53,642 right to me . I've come to learn that 455 00:18:53,642 --> 00:18:57,030 it's right . It is right and d . o . d . 456 00:18:57,030 --> 00:19:00,010 has over 550,000 457 00:19:00,020 --> 00:19:03,210 buildings and facilities worldwide . 458 00:19:03,220 --> 00:19:05,690 And as my dad would always say if you 459 00:19:05,690 --> 00:19:08,970 build it you have to maintain it and it 460 00:19:08,970 --> 00:19:12,460 seems as if we are uh getting to the 461 00:19:12,460 --> 00:19:14,810 point that deferred maintenance in that 462 00:19:14,820 --> 00:19:18,350 backlog is way out of control . So I 463 00:19:18,350 --> 00:19:21,850 want to bring this home to you with an 464 00:19:21,850 --> 00:19:25,250 example in Tennessee and I'm going to 465 00:19:25,250 --> 00:19:28,420 ask you to visit this facility with me . 466 00:19:28,420 --> 00:19:31,740 It is an Air Force base , it is 467 00:19:31,750 --> 00:19:34,420 Arnold Engineering and Development 468 00:19:34,420 --> 00:19:37,460 Center and it is located there in 469 00:19:37,460 --> 00:19:40,860 Tullahoma Tennessee . Uh Those of you 470 00:19:40,860 --> 00:19:43,082 involved with D . O . D . Have probably 471 00:19:43,082 --> 00:19:45,027 heard about this , we've got great 472 00:19:45,027 --> 00:19:47,193 tennesseans that work there . They are 473 00:19:47,193 --> 00:19:50,940 leading the way on testing some of 474 00:19:50,940 --> 00:19:53,350 our mission critical engine and 475 00:19:53,350 --> 00:19:56,870 hypersonic testing . It is going to be 476 00:19:56,870 --> 00:19:59,810 imperative for the growth of our Air 477 00:19:59,810 --> 00:20:03,280 Force and for Space Force and they are 478 00:20:03,280 --> 00:20:06,570 doing this research work in buildings 479 00:20:06,580 --> 00:20:09,260 that are crumbling around them . 480 00:20:10,640 --> 00:20:14,440 And the deferred maintenance is 481 00:20:14,450 --> 00:20:17,040 it keeps getting pushed off and I do 482 00:20:17,040 --> 00:20:19,650 give the Air Force Secretary credit for 483 00:20:19,650 --> 00:20:21,700 having pushed forward to try to get 484 00:20:21,710 --> 00:20:25,150 resources there . This is part of our 485 00:20:25,150 --> 00:20:27,810 critical infrastructure future and 486 00:20:27,810 --> 00:20:31,280 needs to be addressed . So how are you 487 00:20:31,280 --> 00:20:34,430 going to begin addressing that backlog ? 488 00:20:34,440 --> 00:20:36,384 Because you just said you saw that 489 00:20:36,384 --> 00:20:38,440 figure and you thought this can't be 490 00:20:38,440 --> 00:20:40,640 right but it is . So how do you begin 491 00:20:40,640 --> 00:20:43,250 to reshape that whittled down , 492 00:20:43,250 --> 00:20:45,870 prioritize it , senator . I want to 493 00:20:45,870 --> 00:20:48,330 thank you for bringing this issue to 494 00:20:48,330 --> 00:20:51,820 the forefront and being so uh stalwart 495 00:20:51,820 --> 00:20:54,750 in your in your focus on it . In my 496 00:20:54,750 --> 00:20:57,520 view the D . O . D . Has to balance 497 00:20:57,530 --> 00:21:00,620 their mission requirements and their 498 00:21:00,620 --> 00:21:03,210 sustainment requirements and you know I 499 00:21:03,210 --> 00:21:04,988 think one of the things that is 500 00:21:04,988 --> 00:21:07,660 critical to understand is that the the 501 00:21:07,670 --> 00:21:09,710 health and well being of the of the 502 00:21:09,710 --> 00:21:11,932 warfighter is directly connected to the 503 00:21:11,932 --> 00:21:13,877 built environment and the physical 504 00:21:13,877 --> 00:21:15,932 environment they inhabit . So one of 505 00:21:15,932 --> 00:21:17,988 things that I'd like to do is try to 506 00:21:17,988 --> 00:21:20,043 highlight the connection between the 507 00:21:20,043 --> 00:21:22,154 fact that the people who are in these 508 00:21:22,154 --> 00:21:24,377 buildings are being affected by them if 509 00:21:24,377 --> 00:21:25,877 they are not human capital 510 00:21:25,877 --> 00:21:28,180 infrastructure and they're a very vital 511 00:21:28,180 --> 00:21:31,630 and necessary component . So what 512 00:21:31,630 --> 00:21:34,860 kind of analysis , what kind of 513 00:21:34,860 --> 00:21:38,000 partnerships , what kind of approach do 514 00:21:38,000 --> 00:21:39,944 you plan to bring to this ? You've 515 00:21:39,944 --> 00:21:42,140 obviously given some forethought to 516 00:21:42,140 --> 00:21:45,320 this ? Yes . And I think that the 517 00:21:45,330 --> 00:21:47,219 prioritization exercises that are 518 00:21:47,219 --> 00:21:49,710 necessary to ensure that we are putting 519 00:21:49,720 --> 00:21:51,664 the money in the places where it's 520 00:21:51,664 --> 00:21:53,553 gonna have the maximum benefit to 521 00:21:53,553 --> 00:21:55,776 support the mission and then the health 522 00:21:55,776 --> 00:21:57,887 and well being of the of the military 523 00:21:57,887 --> 00:22:00,270 and military service family members um 524 00:22:00,440 --> 00:22:03,620 is going to be a priority for the S . D . 525 00:22:03,620 --> 00:22:05,650 A . And E . Working across in 526 00:22:05,650 --> 00:22:07,872 collaboration with all of the other E I 527 00:22:07,872 --> 00:22:09,928 N . D . Positions for the services . 528 00:22:09,928 --> 00:22:13,090 Okay , I also want to ask you 529 00:22:13,100 --> 00:22:16,700 about climate change because 530 00:22:16,710 --> 00:22:20,480 uh that D . O . D . Is saying this is 531 00:22:20,490 --> 00:22:23,700 a they've identified climate change as 532 00:22:23,700 --> 00:22:27,500 a critical national security issue , a 533 00:22:27,510 --> 00:22:31,040 threat multiplier , a top management 534 00:22:31,050 --> 00:22:34,120 challenge . But we've never seen 535 00:22:34,130 --> 00:22:37,480 data that would support that . So how 536 00:22:37,480 --> 00:22:39,620 do you , I'm running out of time and 537 00:22:39,620 --> 00:22:41,676 where over let's do this . Why don't 538 00:22:41,676 --> 00:22:44,200 you submit that answer for the record 539 00:22:44,210 --> 00:22:47,500 And then I dr plum I've got a question 540 00:22:47,500 --> 00:22:50,280 I will submit to you . MS Harris , I do 541 00:22:50,280 --> 00:22:52,820 have a question specific to you that I 542 00:22:52,820 --> 00:22:55,270 will submit . Thank you all very much . 543 00:22:55,280 --> 00:22:57,391 Thank you Senator Blackburn . Senator 544 00:22:57,391 --> 00:22:59,558 peters loose , thank you . Mr Chairman 545 00:22:59,558 --> 00:23:01,680 and teacher nominees . Thank you for 546 00:23:01,680 --> 00:23:03,347 your willingness to serve and 547 00:23:03,347 --> 00:23:06,100 congratulations on your nomination . Mr 548 00:23:06,110 --> 00:23:09,860 Owens . My first question is for you . 549 00:23:10,140 --> 00:23:12,200 Um if you're confirmed , your office 550 00:23:12,210 --> 00:23:14,450 clearly have significant role in 551 00:23:14,450 --> 00:23:16,450 leading the Department of Defense's 552 00:23:16,660 --> 00:23:18,827 fast cleanup efforts and I know you've 553 00:23:18,827 --> 00:23:21,049 spoken about that some of my colleagues 554 00:23:21,049 --> 00:23:23,216 and questions that they have addressed 555 00:23:23,216 --> 00:23:24,882 you already . This is this is 556 00:23:24,882 --> 00:23:26,493 unfortunately a subject that 557 00:23:26,493 --> 00:23:28,493 michiganders know all too well . We 558 00:23:28,493 --> 00:23:30,604 have communities all across our state 559 00:23:30,604 --> 00:23:32,827 from Moscow to which is the former home 560 00:23:32,827 --> 00:23:35,590 to wordsmith Air Force base to the K 561 00:23:35,590 --> 00:23:38,040 eyesore Sawyer Air Force base in 562 00:23:38,040 --> 00:23:40,830 marquette that have been grappling with 563 00:23:40,980 --> 00:23:43,020 fast contamination literally for 564 00:23:43,020 --> 00:23:47,000 decades . Uh these folks are sick and 565 00:23:47,000 --> 00:23:50,280 tired of what they have seen as a slow 566 00:23:50,280 --> 00:23:53,160 response uh and basically some 567 00:23:53,160 --> 00:23:55,049 disrespect from the Department of 568 00:23:55,049 --> 00:23:57,160 Defense . So when it comes to dealing 569 00:23:57,160 --> 00:23:59,271 with what is a significant issue . So 570 00:23:59,271 --> 00:24:01,604 my question for you sir is if confirmed , 571 00:24:01,604 --> 00:24:03,771 will you ensure that the Department of 572 00:24:03,771 --> 00:24:05,993 Defense commits to pursuing remediation 573 00:24:05,993 --> 00:24:07,993 in these two sites in particular in 574 00:24:07,993 --> 00:24:09,827 michigan and give it the type of 575 00:24:09,827 --> 00:24:11,993 attention that the folks there deserve 576 00:24:11,993 --> 00:24:14,104 and have been waiting far too long to 577 00:24:14,104 --> 00:24:16,216 get senator the health and well being 578 00:24:16,216 --> 00:24:18,382 of our service members and the defense 579 00:24:18,382 --> 00:24:20,216 communities that support them is 580 00:24:20,216 --> 00:24:22,850 critical uh if confirmed , I will 581 00:24:22,850 --> 00:24:24,640 commit to ensuring that we are 582 00:24:24,650 --> 00:24:26,540 addressing and budgeting for the 583 00:24:26,540 --> 00:24:28,262 appropriate resources that are 584 00:24:28,262 --> 00:24:30,720 necessary to do the remediation well if 585 00:24:30,730 --> 00:24:33,570 if confirmed , I intend to invite you 586 00:24:33,570 --> 00:24:35,700 to come up to michigan to see these 587 00:24:35,700 --> 00:24:38,080 sites firsthand and to talk to these 588 00:24:38,080 --> 00:24:40,191 individuals and I hope you'd consider 589 00:24:40,300 --> 00:24:42,133 accepting that invitation . Have 590 00:24:42,133 --> 00:24:45,470 confirmed . Yes yes . Senator uh dr 591 00:24:45,480 --> 00:24:49,130 taylor Cali analysis conducted 592 00:24:49,130 --> 00:24:51,280 by Friends , Stefan Getty , senior 593 00:24:51,280 --> 00:24:53,391 fellow at the International Institute 594 00:24:53,391 --> 00:24:56,000 for Strategic Studies , concluded that 595 00:24:56,000 --> 00:24:57,889 at the current rate the Ukrainian 596 00:24:57,889 --> 00:24:59,944 military is firing high MARS rockets 597 00:24:59,944 --> 00:25:02,770 they will exhaust in less than two 598 00:25:02,770 --> 00:25:05,540 months . The 9000 missiles that the 599 00:25:05,540 --> 00:25:08,060 United States currently produces 600 00:25:08,070 --> 00:25:11,620 annually . Simply put I think it's 601 00:25:11,620 --> 00:25:14,600 clear the US defense industrial base uh 602 00:25:14,610 --> 00:25:16,888 needs to consider what it will require , 603 00:25:16,888 --> 00:25:19,870 what was required to fully equipped war 604 00:25:19,870 --> 00:25:22,440 in a modernized industrial war like 605 00:25:22,440 --> 00:25:24,950 we're seeing between Ukraine and Russia . 606 00:25:25,340 --> 00:25:27,173 And so my question for you is if 607 00:25:27,173 --> 00:25:29,284 confirmed , how would you work within 608 00:25:29,284 --> 00:25:31,507 the pentagon with Congress and with the 609 00:25:31,507 --> 00:25:33,507 industrial based partners to ensure 610 00:25:33,507 --> 00:25:35,673 that the U . S . Military would remain 611 00:25:35,673 --> 00:25:37,784 well supplied supplied . In the event 612 00:25:37,784 --> 00:25:40,130 of a conventional conflict with a near 613 00:25:40,140 --> 00:25:42,440 peer competitor , whether that be china 614 00:25:42,440 --> 00:25:45,560 or Russia or or someone else . Clearly 615 00:25:45,940 --> 00:25:48,107 our stockpiles need to be bigger . But 616 00:25:48,107 --> 00:25:50,273 our production rates need to be higher 617 00:25:50,273 --> 00:25:53,150 as well . Thank you Senator . Um First 618 00:25:53,160 --> 00:25:55,550 I want to note that I believe our 619 00:25:55,550 --> 00:25:57,810 support to Ukraine has been invaluable 620 00:25:57,810 --> 00:26:00,520 in combating Russian aggression ? Um 621 00:26:00,520 --> 00:26:03,820 The crisis has clearly laid bare some 622 00:26:03,820 --> 00:26:05,987 of the critical vulnerabilities in our 623 00:26:05,987 --> 00:26:08,098 supply chain , as I've noted before , 624 00:26:08,098 --> 00:26:10,420 Some of these we've known for a while 625 00:26:10,420 --> 00:26:13,920 and others becoming more apparent . 626 00:26:13,930 --> 00:26:17,600 Um you know if confirmed 627 00:26:17,920 --> 00:26:21,790 supply chain resilience um would be 628 00:26:21,790 --> 00:26:24,350 an absolute priority for this role and 629 00:26:24,350 --> 00:26:28,080 for this office and of course um 630 00:26:28,090 --> 00:26:30,280 working across the department 631 00:26:30,290 --> 00:26:32,360 enterprise will be key . So we've 632 00:26:32,360 --> 00:26:34,860 confirmed , I would work closely with 633 00:26:34,860 --> 00:26:37,027 undersecretary of the plant and others 634 00:26:37,027 --> 00:26:39,082 in acquisition and sustainment , but 635 00:26:39,082 --> 00:26:41,249 also with the military departments and 636 00:26:41,249 --> 00:26:43,249 the Joint Chiefs planning to better 637 00:26:43,249 --> 00:26:45,416 understand the needs of the industrial 638 00:26:45,416 --> 00:26:47,760 base and also working with the with 639 00:26:47,760 --> 00:26:50,240 industry partners to understand where 640 00:26:50,240 --> 00:26:52,351 the gaps are where the critical needs 641 00:26:52,351 --> 00:26:54,670 are . Um as I said before , I think 642 00:26:54,680 --> 00:26:57,670 workforce is going to be a particular 643 00:26:57,670 --> 00:27:00,280 concern for the industrial base moving 644 00:27:00,280 --> 00:27:02,370 forward . And it's something that I 645 00:27:02,370 --> 00:27:04,670 think the department and of course the 646 00:27:04,670 --> 00:27:06,726 industrial based policy will need to 647 00:27:06,726 --> 00:27:09,310 work closely with the with industry to 648 00:27:09,320 --> 00:27:13,010 um to address very good dr taylor 649 00:27:13,020 --> 00:27:16,400 dr taylor Cali um Another question for 650 00:27:16,400 --> 00:27:18,560 you here , the Senate just recently 651 00:27:18,560 --> 00:27:20,920 passed the chips and Science Act to 652 00:27:20,920 --> 00:27:22,600 ensure that we are producing 653 00:27:22,610 --> 00:27:26,570 semiconductors essential for for 654 00:27:26,580 --> 00:27:28,413 so many products here in America 655 00:27:28,413 --> 00:27:30,200 including uh the auto industry 656 00:27:30,200 --> 00:27:32,311 particularly important that we passed 657 00:27:32,311 --> 00:27:34,790 that that bill for an industry uh that 658 00:27:34,790 --> 00:27:36,790 is a major industry in the state of 659 00:27:36,790 --> 00:27:38,846 michigan but important for the whole 660 00:27:38,846 --> 00:27:41,068 country . Could you please speak to how 661 00:27:41,068 --> 00:27:43,123 vital it is for us to ensure that we 662 00:27:43,123 --> 00:27:45,660 have a supply of semiconductors that 663 00:27:45,660 --> 00:27:47,660 are manufactured here in the United 664 00:27:47,660 --> 00:27:49,882 States and how that relates to national 665 00:27:49,882 --> 00:27:52,104 security in your mind Senator I want to 666 00:27:52,104 --> 00:27:54,216 underline my support for this for the 667 00:27:54,216 --> 00:27:56,271 chips act and appreciate the work of 668 00:27:56,271 --> 00:27:58,438 the Senate and moving moving that bill 669 00:27:58,438 --> 00:28:00,820 forward . Uh You know microelectronics 670 00:28:00,820 --> 00:28:02,709 are an important issue within the 671 00:28:02,709 --> 00:28:04,764 supply chain because they cut across 672 00:28:04,764 --> 00:28:07,300 areas , they cut across sectors and I 673 00:28:07,300 --> 00:28:09,740 think like workforce like some of these 674 00:28:09,740 --> 00:28:12,430 other issues that are cross cutting of 675 00:28:12,430 --> 00:28:15,070 the Defense Department um you know 676 00:28:15,080 --> 00:28:17,850 along with industry and as partners 677 00:28:17,850 --> 00:28:20,072 along with the rest of the inter agency 678 00:28:20,072 --> 00:28:21,760 needs to work together and um 679 00:28:21,760 --> 00:28:24,640 understanding better how to you know 680 00:28:24,640 --> 00:28:27,230 increase supply and make sure that 681 00:28:27,240 --> 00:28:29,500 these critical components are available 682 00:28:29,510 --> 00:28:32,550 and um allow for our defense industrial 683 00:28:32,550 --> 00:28:34,383 base to be able to replenish and 684 00:28:34,383 --> 00:28:36,830 restock is necessary . Alright well 685 00:28:36,830 --> 00:28:38,941 thank you . Thank you . Mr Chairman . 686 00:28:38,941 --> 00:28:40,830 Thank you Senator Peter . Senator 687 00:28:40,830 --> 00:28:43,010 Sullivan thank you . Mr Chairman thank 688 00:28:43,020 --> 00:28:45,860 my I want to thank our nominees today . 689 00:28:45,860 --> 00:28:49,470 Congratulations Dr taylor kale and dr 690 00:28:49,470 --> 00:28:51,920 plum you you're gonna have a very 691 00:28:51,920 --> 00:28:53,809 important position here . Defense 692 00:28:53,809 --> 00:28:56,530 industrial based policies . Can both of 693 00:28:56,530 --> 00:28:59,210 you briefly talk about how important 694 00:28:59,210 --> 00:29:02,100 critical minerals are for our defense 695 00:29:02,100 --> 00:29:04,322 industrial base , how reliant we are on 696 00:29:04,322 --> 00:29:07,840 china critical minerals rarest and 697 00:29:07,850 --> 00:29:11,840 um well are they important , 698 00:29:11,840 --> 00:29:14,062 can you just give me a quick answer ? I 699 00:29:14,062 --> 00:29:16,062 have a number of questions on these 700 00:29:16,240 --> 00:29:18,570 senator . Yes . Uh both critical 701 00:29:18,570 --> 00:29:20,681 minerals and specifically rare earths 702 00:29:20,681 --> 00:29:22,681 are are really important inputs and 703 00:29:22,681 --> 00:29:24,737 there are as you know , supply chain 704 00:29:24,737 --> 00:29:26,681 issues , supply chain and reliance 705 00:29:26,681 --> 00:29:29,580 issues on china , correct . That's my 706 00:29:29,580 --> 00:29:31,469 understanding sir . And does that 707 00:29:31,469 --> 00:29:33,930 undermine our national security senator ? 708 00:29:33,930 --> 00:29:36,910 I think making sure we have a robust 709 00:29:36,910 --> 00:29:39,077 and resilient supply chain for them is 710 00:29:39,077 --> 00:29:41,132 absolutely critical for our national 711 00:29:41,132 --> 00:29:43,299 security . Do you agree with that ? Dr 712 00:29:43,299 --> 00:29:45,410 taylor taylor kill ? Absolutely . I'm 713 00:29:45,410 --> 00:29:47,632 concerned about our supply chains being 714 00:29:47,632 --> 00:29:49,688 vulnerable to foreign adversaries as 715 00:29:49,688 --> 00:29:51,966 well as the sole source suppliers . So . 716 00:29:51,966 --> 00:29:54,077 Absolutely . And if it's possible and 717 00:29:54,077 --> 00:29:56,243 the president has held summits on this 718 00:29:56,243 --> 00:29:58,299 already . The best approach is to be 719 00:29:58,299 --> 00:30:00,132 able to source these from home , 720 00:30:00,132 --> 00:30:02,440 particularly critical minerals , rare 721 00:30:02,440 --> 00:30:04,607 earths which we have an abundance of . 722 00:30:04,607 --> 00:30:07,410 Isn't that correct ? Yes sir , that's 723 00:30:07,410 --> 00:30:09,632 my understanding . Would you agree with 724 00:30:09,632 --> 00:30:11,743 that ? That's my understanding . So I 725 00:30:11,743 --> 00:30:13,743 want to I want to talk a little bit 726 00:30:13,743 --> 00:30:16,630 about issue . That's just as a head 727 00:30:16,630 --> 00:30:19,980 shaker for me , my state has 728 00:30:19,980 --> 00:30:23,740 enormous natural resources , oil , gas , 729 00:30:24,240 --> 00:30:26,620 critical minerals , rare earth elements , 730 00:30:26,630 --> 00:30:28,797 great state of Alaska . Some estimates 731 00:30:28,797 --> 00:30:30,908 more than almost any other country in 732 00:30:30,908 --> 00:30:33,920 the world Yet by demonstration has 733 00:30:33,920 --> 00:30:36,400 issued 26 executive orders and 734 00:30:36,400 --> 00:30:38,511 executive actions focused on shutting 735 00:30:38,511 --> 00:30:40,456 down these things . I'm gonna talk 736 00:30:40,456 --> 00:30:43,850 about one because it's it's just 737 00:30:43,850 --> 00:30:47,440 remarkable and we have 738 00:30:47,440 --> 00:30:49,550 a area called the Ambler mining 739 00:30:49,550 --> 00:30:51,717 district that is considered one of the 740 00:30:51,717 --> 00:30:54,280 most extensive mineral resources , 741 00:30:54,290 --> 00:30:57,250 critical minerals of undeveloped zinc , 742 00:30:57,260 --> 00:30:59,340 copper , lead , gold , silver of 743 00:30:59,340 --> 00:31:01,990 anywhere in the world . We have no 744 00:31:01,990 --> 00:31:05,240 transportation to it . So for 745 00:31:05,240 --> 00:31:08,750 decades we have worked on a road to the 746 00:31:08,750 --> 00:31:11,480 Ambler Mining District . Uh This 747 00:31:11,480 --> 00:31:13,300 project began under the Obama 748 00:31:13,300 --> 00:31:14,967 administration seven years of 749 00:31:14,967 --> 00:31:16,967 permitting millions and millions of 750 00:31:16,967 --> 00:31:18,856 dollars . Got the final record of 751 00:31:18,856 --> 00:31:22,440 decision On this in July of 752 00:31:22,440 --> 00:31:25,120 2020 to start the road to the Ambler 753 00:31:25,120 --> 00:31:27,890 Mining District . Everybody supported 754 00:31:27,890 --> 00:31:30,950 it . On February 22 755 00:31:31,640 --> 00:31:34,440 2022 the same day , the president 756 00:31:34,440 --> 00:31:37,510 hosted a summit to announce steps to 757 00:31:37,510 --> 00:31:39,790 enhance America's critical mineral 758 00:31:39,790 --> 00:31:41,910 supply chains . The Department of 759 00:31:41,910 --> 00:31:44,320 Interior reverse the previous 760 00:31:44,320 --> 00:31:46,542 administration's record of decision and 761 00:31:46,542 --> 00:31:50,060 shut down the uh 762 00:31:50,940 --> 00:31:54,370 record of decision for the road to the 763 00:31:54,370 --> 00:31:56,760 Ambler Mining District . So president 764 00:31:56,760 --> 00:31:58,704 holding a summit on these issues , 765 00:32:00,640 --> 00:32:02,660 other part of the administration as 766 00:32:02,660 --> 00:32:04,882 they do on most things in Alaska , shut 767 00:32:04,882 --> 00:32:08,290 it down crushing jobs of course , but 768 00:32:08,290 --> 00:32:11,450 really undermining our national 769 00:32:11,450 --> 00:32:14,930 Security defense issues . The 770 00:32:14,930 --> 00:32:17,380 President then in March announced his 771 00:32:17,380 --> 00:32:19,547 plan to use the Defense production act 772 00:32:19,547 --> 00:32:23,330 to secure reliable supply chains for 773 00:32:23,340 --> 00:32:26,450 critical minerals used in batteries and 774 00:32:27,740 --> 00:32:29,684 that power electric vehicles which 775 00:32:29,684 --> 00:32:31,740 include those from the Ambler Mining 776 00:32:31,740 --> 00:32:33,907 District . How smart do you think that 777 00:32:33,907 --> 00:32:36,960 move was in Alaska to shut down 778 00:32:36,960 --> 00:32:39,510 critical mineral production by the way . 779 00:32:39,520 --> 00:32:41,000 Seven year E I . S 780 00:32:44,040 --> 00:32:47,750 36,000 public comments , 30 public 781 00:32:47,750 --> 00:32:49,990 hearings , 30 consultations with tribal 782 00:32:49,990 --> 00:32:52,212 groups . How smart do you think that is 783 00:32:53,240 --> 00:32:55,350 for our industrial base ? Defense 784 00:32:55,350 --> 00:32:57,517 industrial base , which the two of you 785 00:32:57,517 --> 00:33:01,490 will oversee Senator . 786 00:33:01,500 --> 00:33:03,611 As you noted at the beginning , we we 787 00:33:03,611 --> 00:33:07,110 need to figure out ways to get onshore 788 00:33:07,110 --> 00:33:08,943 more reliable access to critical 789 00:33:08,943 --> 00:33:11,550 minerals . And if confirmed , I would 790 00:33:11,560 --> 00:33:13,393 absolutely work on making sure I 791 00:33:13,393 --> 00:33:15,449 understand these cases , other cases 792 00:33:15,449 --> 00:33:17,550 like this and make sure we robustly 793 00:33:17,550 --> 00:33:20,310 advocate for the right mix of 794 00:33:20,320 --> 00:33:23,090 investments and support to get that 795 00:33:23,100 --> 00:33:24,920 reliable supply chain for those 796 00:33:24,920 --> 00:33:26,976 critical minerals . Dr taylor kale . 797 00:33:26,976 --> 00:33:29,170 How do you think this makes sense , 798 00:33:29,740 --> 00:33:32,510 Senator ? I understand how important 799 00:33:32,510 --> 00:33:34,566 this Ambler mine is to the people of 800 00:33:34,566 --> 00:33:36,732 Alaska and I thank you for for raising 801 00:33:36,732 --> 00:33:39,100 the issue and for bringing this up . Um 802 00:33:39,110 --> 00:33:41,054 I'm not familiar with the decision 803 00:33:41,054 --> 00:33:43,500 making process and in the details but I 804 00:33:43,500 --> 00:33:45,600 want to reiterate my colleague and 805 00:33:45,600 --> 00:33:48,340 noting that you know , general looking 806 00:33:48,340 --> 00:33:50,870 at the case by case understanding of 807 00:33:50,870 --> 00:33:53,660 how we can better improve access to 808 00:33:53,660 --> 00:33:55,750 critical minerals and strategic 809 00:33:55,750 --> 00:33:58,028 materials will be absolutely important . 810 00:33:58,028 --> 00:34:00,250 Well look , I appreciate your answers . 811 00:34:00,250 --> 00:34:03,240 This is an ongoing I can't get answers 812 00:34:03,240 --> 00:34:06,210 from anybody in the pentagon at the 813 00:34:06,210 --> 00:34:08,377 Department of Interior . Why would you 814 00:34:08,377 --> 00:34:11,550 do this ? Why would you do this ? Okay . 815 00:34:11,550 --> 00:34:13,772 This thing is the highest environmental 816 00:34:13,772 --> 00:34:15,939 standards . So until I get answers , I 817 00:34:15,939 --> 00:34:18,161 think both of you are qualified until I 818 00:34:18,161 --> 00:34:20,272 get answers . I'm gonna put a hold on 819 00:34:20,272 --> 00:34:22,328 both of your nominations until I get 820 00:34:22,328 --> 00:34:24,700 answers from high level administration 821 00:34:24,700 --> 00:34:27,690 officials . I'm sick and tired of the 822 00:34:27,690 --> 00:34:29,990 targeting of my great state 26 823 00:34:29,990 --> 00:34:32,268 executive works Jack , can you imagine . 824 00:34:32,268 --> 00:34:34,379 Mr Chairman if they did that to Rhode 825 00:34:34,379 --> 00:34:36,490 island . And it's hurting not just my 826 00:34:36,490 --> 00:34:38,490 state my workers , it's hurting the 827 00:34:38,490 --> 00:34:40,712 national security of America . So until 828 00:34:40,712 --> 00:34:43,160 I get answers on ambler at high levels , 829 00:34:44,040 --> 00:34:46,420 unfortunately I'm not gonna help move 830 00:34:46,420 --> 00:34:48,587 your nominations forward even though I 831 00:34:48,587 --> 00:34:50,587 think you're qualified of important 832 00:34:50,587 --> 00:34:52,587 positions . But this is important . 833 00:34:52,587 --> 00:34:54,698 Same day the president holds a summit 834 00:34:54,698 --> 00:34:56,809 on critical minerals . They shut down 835 00:34:56,809 --> 00:34:58,864 one of the biggest critical minerals 836 00:34:58,864 --> 00:35:01,031 supplies in America maybe in the world 837 00:35:01,240 --> 00:35:03,620 because of their relentless war on the 838 00:35:03,620 --> 00:35:07,090 state of Alaska . So I need answers 839 00:35:07,540 --> 00:35:10,350 and then your nominations can move I 840 00:35:10,350 --> 00:35:12,940 have more questions for the record that 841 00:35:12,940 --> 00:35:15,273 I will submit . Thank you . Mr Chairman , 842 00:35:15,273 --> 00:35:17,384 Thank you . Senator Sullivan Center , 843 00:35:17,384 --> 00:35:19,630 holly bless . Thank you Mr Chairman 844 00:35:19,640 --> 00:35:21,862 congratulations to the nominees . Thank 845 00:35:21,862 --> 00:35:23,918 you for being here . Mr Owens . If I 846 00:35:23,918 --> 00:35:26,029 get to start with you confirmed , you 847 00:35:26,029 --> 00:35:27,973 would oversee the military private 848 00:35:27,973 --> 00:35:30,140 housing initiative . That is something 849 00:35:30,140 --> 00:35:32,307 that is of great interest to us in the 850 00:35:32,307 --> 00:35:32,180 state of Missouri , particularly as it 851 00:35:32,180 --> 00:35:34,810 concerns Fort Leonard Wood where you 852 00:35:34,810 --> 00:35:36,866 may know hopefully know that we have 853 00:35:36,866 --> 00:35:38,921 many aging homes and facilities that 854 00:35:38,921 --> 00:35:40,699 are in need of replacement . My 855 00:35:40,699 --> 00:35:42,921 question is this if you are confirmed , 856 00:35:42,921 --> 00:35:44,699 would I have your commitment to 857 00:35:44,699 --> 00:35:46,754 prioritize those aging facilities at 858 00:35:46,754 --> 00:35:48,866 Fort Leonard Wood so we can make sure 859 00:35:48,866 --> 00:35:50,810 that our service members there and 860 00:35:50,810 --> 00:35:52,977 their families get the quality housing 861 00:35:52,977 --> 00:35:55,090 that they deserve . Senator holly . I 862 00:35:55,100 --> 00:35:58,040 think you hit exactly what I would say 863 00:35:58,040 --> 00:36:00,590 is a critical area in terms of health 864 00:36:00,590 --> 00:36:02,701 and well being of service members and 865 00:36:02,701 --> 00:36:04,868 their families . And if confirmed I'll 866 00:36:04,868 --> 00:36:06,979 work with with the army and make sure 867 00:36:06,979 --> 00:36:08,979 that we are providing the resources 868 00:36:08,979 --> 00:36:10,923 that are necessary to recapitalize 869 00:36:10,923 --> 00:36:12,979 those houses . Very good . Thank you 870 00:36:12,979 --> 00:36:15,201 for that . Um dr taylor Cali if I could 871 00:36:15,201 --> 00:36:17,410 come to you I've made it a priority 872 00:36:17,420 --> 00:36:19,587 over the last few years that I've been 873 00:36:19,587 --> 00:36:21,864 in the Senate to try and end D . O . D . 874 00:36:21,864 --> 00:36:24,087 S use of chinese printed circuit boards 875 00:36:24,087 --> 00:36:26,198 in our critical defense systems . And 876 00:36:26,198 --> 00:36:28,309 we've made some progress on this over 877 00:36:28,309 --> 00:36:30,476 pretty significant industry opposition 878 00:36:30,476 --> 00:36:32,587 I might note . But there's a lot more 879 00:36:32,587 --> 00:36:32,300 that remains to be done to N . D . O . 880 00:36:32,300 --> 00:36:34,411 D . S reliance on chinese suppliers . 881 00:36:34,411 --> 00:36:36,189 And so my question is if you're 882 00:36:36,189 --> 00:36:38,022 confirmed , what steps would you 883 00:36:38,022 --> 00:36:40,300 advocate in taking to reduce D . O . D . 884 00:36:40,300 --> 00:36:42,300 S reliance on chinese suppliers and 885 00:36:42,300 --> 00:36:44,356 strengthen our own industrial base ? 886 00:36:45,330 --> 00:36:47,860 Thank you Senator . I think you've 887 00:36:47,860 --> 00:36:50,130 raised the uh the key issue that's 888 00:36:50,130 --> 00:36:52,480 facing the defense industrial base and 889 00:36:52,490 --> 00:36:55,460 the strategic threat of china . Um I 890 00:36:55,830 --> 00:36:57,810 agree with the administration with 891 00:36:57,810 --> 00:36:59,754 Secretary Austin that china is the 892 00:36:59,754 --> 00:37:01,810 pacing threat . Taiwan is the pacing 893 00:37:01,810 --> 00:37:04,420 scenario . I don't believe that we can 894 00:37:04,430 --> 00:37:08,390 afford to sit back on this . Um If 895 00:37:08,390 --> 00:37:11,310 confirmed , I will work closely with uh 896 00:37:11,320 --> 00:37:14,280 this committee um with industry and 897 00:37:14,280 --> 00:37:16,610 across the department enterprise to 898 00:37:16,610 --> 00:37:19,120 address these issues and to see how we 899 00:37:19,120 --> 00:37:21,176 can come up with solutions to reduce 900 00:37:21,176 --> 00:37:23,287 our dependence on china . Very good . 901 00:37:23,287 --> 00:37:25,120 Let me just ask you a little bit 902 00:37:25,120 --> 00:37:27,231 broader question , give me your sense 903 00:37:27,231 --> 00:37:29,231 of how consolidation in the defense 904 00:37:29,231 --> 00:37:31,200 industrial base has affected the 905 00:37:31,200 --> 00:37:32,978 department's ability to promote 906 00:37:32,978 --> 00:37:34,922 competition and secure the kind of 907 00:37:34,922 --> 00:37:37,033 capabilities that we need in a manner 908 00:37:37,033 --> 00:37:39,311 that is timely and also cost effective . 909 00:37:39,311 --> 00:37:41,690 Senator from my understanding 910 00:37:41,690 --> 00:37:45,630 consolidation has over you 911 00:37:45,630 --> 00:37:47,780 know , years has edged out a lot of 912 00:37:47,780 --> 00:37:49,860 small businesses . Um I'm concerned 913 00:37:49,860 --> 00:37:51,971 about this . I think small businesses 914 00:37:51,971 --> 00:37:53,638 are important for the defense 915 00:37:53,638 --> 00:37:55,416 industrial base , they bring in 916 00:37:55,416 --> 00:37:57,950 innovation , they bring in um new ideas 917 00:37:57,950 --> 00:38:00,180 and creativity . I think we need that 918 00:38:00,180 --> 00:38:02,402 in the defense industrial base now more 919 00:38:02,402 --> 00:38:06,030 so than ever . Um I think that 920 00:38:06,040 --> 00:38:09,690 um really also understanding how 921 00:38:09,700 --> 00:38:12,630 consolidation is part of a process of 922 00:38:12,630 --> 00:38:14,741 just you know , economic , you know , 923 00:38:14,741 --> 00:38:16,963 principles is really also a big part of 924 00:38:16,963 --> 00:38:19,960 the concern as well . I think as in 925 00:38:19,960 --> 00:38:22,140 government we need to be attentive to 926 00:38:22,150 --> 00:38:24,580 the the the challenges that industry 927 00:38:24,580 --> 00:38:27,820 face is in the capital markets . So if 928 00:38:27,820 --> 00:38:30,830 confirmed , I will work closely across 929 00:38:30,830 --> 00:38:33,052 the department Enterprise and also with 930 00:38:33,052 --> 00:38:35,163 the inter agency with the appropriate 931 00:38:35,163 --> 00:38:38,480 um um agencies that oversee and look at 932 00:38:38,480 --> 00:38:40,647 mergers and acquisitions in particular 933 00:38:40,647 --> 00:38:44,520 to better understand how consolidation 934 00:38:44,520 --> 00:38:47,250 is helping the or hurting actually the 935 00:38:47,250 --> 00:38:50,970 defense industrial base dr plum 936 00:38:50,970 --> 00:38:52,914 Speaking of consolidation , you're 937 00:38:52,914 --> 00:38:55,081 being nominated for an acquisition and 938 00:38:55,081 --> 00:38:56,803 sustainment position , are you 939 00:38:56,803 --> 00:38:58,859 concerned that the military won't be 940 00:38:58,859 --> 00:39:00,970 able to obtain its objectives in this 941 00:39:00,970 --> 00:39:02,748 area if it has to contract with 942 00:39:02,748 --> 00:39:05,280 monopolists on a regular basis . Uh 943 00:39:05,290 --> 00:39:07,510 Senator holly . You rightly note . And 944 00:39:07,510 --> 00:39:09,790 I agree with my colleague dr taylor 945 00:39:09,790 --> 00:39:11,880 Cali that competition is absolutely 946 00:39:11,880 --> 00:39:14,630 critical for helping us uh leverage our 947 00:39:14,630 --> 00:39:16,741 vibrant industrial base and make sure 948 00:39:16,741 --> 00:39:18,797 we get the capabilities we need . So 949 00:39:18,797 --> 00:39:20,500 consolidation in that context 950 00:39:20,510 --> 00:39:22,250 especially where it drives out 951 00:39:22,260 --> 00:39:24,427 competition and innovation is going to 952 00:39:24,427 --> 00:39:26,427 be problematic . And if confirmed I 953 00:39:26,427 --> 00:39:28,593 will this is one of the areas I intend 954 00:39:28,593 --> 00:39:30,816 to focus on . I ask in part because you 955 00:39:30,816 --> 00:39:32,982 have spent a number of years at Google 956 00:39:32,982 --> 00:39:35,590 and Facebook , the two largest 957 00:39:35,590 --> 00:39:37,620 monopolists arguably in the world , 958 00:39:37,620 --> 00:39:39,842 certainly in this country and there's I 959 00:39:39,842 --> 00:39:41,620 think it's safe to say a lot of 960 00:39:41,620 --> 00:39:43,231 bipartisan concern about the 961 00:39:43,231 --> 00:39:45,453 concentrated power these companies have 962 00:39:45,453 --> 00:39:47,676 exercised across industries and frankly 963 00:39:47,676 --> 00:39:49,787 how they've used that power which has 964 00:39:49,787 --> 00:39:49,730 been pretty disturbing in both of their 965 00:39:49,730 --> 00:39:53,000 cases . Um Talk to me about that . Are 966 00:39:53,000 --> 00:39:55,000 you let's start with this . Are you 967 00:39:55,000 --> 00:39:57,440 concerned that let's take google that 968 00:39:57,440 --> 00:40:00,930 google's market power is an impediment 969 00:40:00,940 --> 00:40:03,140 to the operations that you would need 970 00:40:03,140 --> 00:40:05,362 to , the mission that you would have at 971 00:40:05,362 --> 00:40:07,960 D . O . D . Isn't an impediment to um 972 00:40:07,970 --> 00:40:11,030 the sort of cooperation between private 973 00:40:11,030 --> 00:40:13,197 industry and the Department of Defense 974 00:40:13,197 --> 00:40:15,530 that we need to have in order for D . O . 975 00:40:15,530 --> 00:40:17,641 D . And our military to be successful 976 00:40:17,641 --> 00:40:19,752 Senator ? I think any time you have a 977 00:40:19,752 --> 00:40:22,160 large concentration of market share in 978 00:40:22,170 --> 00:40:24,059 individual companies without real 979 00:40:24,059 --> 00:40:25,837 competition , You need to start 980 00:40:25,837 --> 00:40:27,860 worrying about innovation and uh 981 00:40:27,870 --> 00:40:29,537 whether the right sort of new 982 00:40:29,537 --> 00:40:31,759 technologies are rising to the top . So 983 00:40:31,759 --> 00:40:33,926 in that context , consolidation in any 984 00:40:33,926 --> 00:40:35,926 of the sectors is something that if 985 00:40:35,926 --> 00:40:38,148 confirmed , I would want to look at and 986 00:40:38,148 --> 00:40:40,037 make sure we were taking steps to 987 00:40:40,037 --> 00:40:42,203 reduce barriers for small businesses , 988 00:40:42,203 --> 00:40:44,259 creating pathways for new innovative 989 00:40:44,259 --> 00:40:46,481 technologies to make sure we're getting 990 00:40:46,481 --> 00:40:46,460 the best things that our war fighters 991 00:40:46,460 --> 00:40:48,293 require . Let me just my time is 992 00:40:48,293 --> 00:40:50,516 expired . So I'll ask you this question 993 00:40:50,516 --> 00:40:52,404 then I'll yield my time back . Mr 994 00:40:52,404 --> 00:40:54,460 Chairman or I'll yield the floor . I 995 00:40:54,460 --> 00:40:56,404 guess I've taken all my time . But 996 00:40:56,404 --> 00:40:58,516 here's here's the question . Um , let 997 00:40:58,516 --> 00:41:00,627 me just give you a chance Doctor plan 998 00:41:00,627 --> 00:41:02,849 to address more broadly . Why shouldn't 999 00:41:02,849 --> 00:41:04,904 we be concerned about your past work 1000 00:41:04,904 --> 00:41:06,960 with google and facebook given those 1001 00:41:06,960 --> 00:41:08,849 companies , history's given their 1002 00:41:08,849 --> 00:41:10,793 monopoly power , given how they've 1003 00:41:10,793 --> 00:41:13,016 leveraged and used their monopoly power 1004 00:41:13,016 --> 00:41:15,238 across industries . And frankly some of 1005 00:41:15,238 --> 00:41:17,293 the uh pretty disturbing things they 1006 00:41:17,293 --> 00:41:19,127 have done from censorship to the 1007 00:41:19,127 --> 00:41:21,680 targeting of young Children uh , to the 1008 00:41:21,680 --> 00:41:24,240 addiction model that they have promoted . 1009 00:41:24,240 --> 00:41:26,073 I have been as have many on this 1010 00:41:26,073 --> 00:41:28,018 committee to be fair , vocal vocal 1011 00:41:28,018 --> 00:41:30,129 critics of this . So let me just give 1012 00:41:30,129 --> 00:41:32,184 you a chance to to respond to that . 1013 00:41:32,184 --> 00:41:33,851 And with that I yield senator 1014 00:41:33,851 --> 00:41:35,907 appreciate the opportunity . Um , my 1015 00:41:35,907 --> 00:41:37,907 role at both facebook and google is 1016 00:41:37,907 --> 00:41:39,880 really focused on taking data and 1017 00:41:39,880 --> 00:41:42,780 analysis and using it to solve specific 1018 00:41:42,780 --> 00:41:45,210 problems . IsIS recruiting online , 1019 00:41:45,210 --> 00:41:47,670 child , uh improving business 1020 00:41:47,670 --> 00:41:49,448 operations to address copyright 1021 00:41:49,448 --> 00:41:51,860 violations , financial fraud . So there 1022 00:41:51,860 --> 00:41:53,971 are certainly bigger issues with both 1023 00:41:53,971 --> 00:41:56,220 companies and understand this committee 1024 00:41:56,220 --> 00:41:58,276 and and many more publicly have been 1025 00:41:58,276 --> 00:42:00,480 critical of them . But if confirmed , 1026 00:42:00,480 --> 00:42:03,370 what I could offer is that my skills in 1027 00:42:03,370 --> 00:42:04,960 taking data and analysis in 1028 00:42:04,960 --> 00:42:07,127 understanding the software development 1029 00:42:07,127 --> 00:42:09,127 and production cycle and really how 1030 00:42:09,127 --> 00:42:11,349 that type of software innovation can be 1031 00:42:11,349 --> 00:42:13,460 integrated into products at speed and 1032 00:42:13,460 --> 00:42:15,627 scale are really key capabilities that 1033 00:42:15,627 --> 00:42:17,571 we need for our war fighters . And 1034 00:42:17,571 --> 00:42:19,738 while recognizing there are a range of 1035 00:42:19,738 --> 00:42:21,627 concerns on the company's . Those 1036 00:42:21,627 --> 00:42:23,849 skills are something I hope to bring to 1037 00:42:23,849 --> 00:42:25,904 bear to make sure we can effectively 1038 00:42:25,904 --> 00:42:27,960 and efficiently get the capabilities 1039 00:42:27,960 --> 00:42:29,849 our warfighters need to match the 1040 00:42:29,849 --> 00:42:31,960 pacing threat of china . Well , thank 1041 00:42:31,960 --> 00:42:34,071 you very much Senator holly and thank 1042 00:42:34,071 --> 00:42:35,793 you all the witnesses for your 1043 00:42:35,793 --> 00:42:37,849 testimony today . And as I said , we 1044 00:42:37,849 --> 00:42:40,910 will try to compress the questions for 1045 00:42:40,910 --> 00:42:42,799 the record so that we can be in a 1046 00:42:42,799 --> 00:42:45,510 position to move the nominations as 1047 00:42:45,510 --> 00:42:47,566 quickly as possible . Thank you very 1048 00:42:47,566 --> 00:42:49,621 very much . With that I will adjourn 1049 00:42:49,621 --> 00:42:49,740 the hearing