Hearings to examine the nominations of Bradley Hansell, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary for Intelligence and Security, Earl Matthews, of Virginia, to be General Counsel, and Dale Marks, of Florida, to be an Assistant Secretary, all of the Department of Defense, and Brandon Williams, of New York, to be Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security.

Armed Services Committee

2025-04-08

Source: Congress.gov

Summary

A Senate committee held a confirmation hearing for four nominees for key positions within the Department of Defense (DoD) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)[ 00:28:01-00:28:13 ] . The nominees, Mr. Brandon Williams, Mr. Bradley Hansel, Mr. Earl Matthews, and Mr. Dale Marks, were introduced and presented their opening statements, outlining their qualifications and priorities[ 00:28:13-00:32:49 ] . Senators expressed both support and concerns regarding the nominees' proposed roles, particularly in areas of national security, legal integrity, and workforce management[ 00:28:16-00:28:43 ] .

Themes

Nuclear Security and NNSA Modernization

Mr. Brandon Williams, nominated for Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security and NNSA Administrator, is tasked with rebuilding and modernizing the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile[ 00:28:13-00:28:22 ] . Senators highlighted the urgency of this mission due to expanding nuclear arsenals in Russia, China, and North Korea, and the need for significant infrastructure recapitalization[ 00:28:23-00:28:43 ] [ 01:19:47-01:20:56 ]

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. Concerns were raised about mass layoffs and potential workforce reductions at NNSA, which could undermine morale and the agency's ability to function. Mr. Williams committed to advocating for the NNSA workforce, ensuring the delivery of the nuclear modernization program, maintaining the NNSA's independence, and working closely with Congress and DoD[ 01:09:14 ]

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[ 01:14:57 ]

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. He also stated he would not advise returning to explosive nuclear testing, instead relying on scientific information for stockpile certification.

Defense Intelligence and Security

Mr. Bradley Hansel, nominated for Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, would be the principal advisor on intelligence, counterintelligence, security, and law enforcement matters[ 00:28:54-00:29:18 ]

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. Discussion focused on the complex global threat environment, protecting sensitive information, and enhancing intelligence relationships with foreign partners. Mr. Hansel emphasized driving meaningful impact, ensuring timely and accurate intelligence for warfighters, and fostering transformation within the intelligence enterprise. He also addressed challenges in commercial technology adoption, stating a need to fight over-classification and streamline processes for external partners. Senator Wicker highlighted the need for one person to coordinate economic and irregular warfare efforts, particularly concerning China[ 01:06:13-01:06:48 ]

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.

DoD General Counsel Role and Legal Advice

Mr. Earl Matthews, nominated for General Counsel of the Department of Defense, would serve as the Chief Legal Officer and primary legal advisor to the Secretary of Defense[ 00:30:15 ]

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. Senators expressed concerns regarding the independence of legal advice within the DoD, citing previous dismissals of Judge Advocates General (JAGs) and potential political influence[ 01:55:32-01:55:45 ]

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. Mr. Matthews committed to providing independent, professional legal judgment free of political influence and ensuring all DoD activities comply with the Constitution and laws[ 00:51:52-00:52:00 ]

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. He also affirmed that his loyalty would be to the Constitution and laws of the United States, and that JAG officers are advisors, not decision-makers, in combat operations.

Energy, Installations, and Environment

Mr. Dale Marks, nominated for Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, would oversee military installations, infrastructure, and environmental programs[ 00:31:55 ]

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. Key issues included underfunded military construction, improving military housing, and addressing environmental concerns like PFAS contamination and Red Hill facility closure. Mr. Marks committed to adhering to the 4% plant replacement value requirement for DoD facilities, protecting the mission, prioritizing the well-being of service members and their families through quality housing, and fostering partnerships for success[ 01:05:00 ]

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[ 01:48:49 ]

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. He also pledged to ensure transparency and community engagement in environmental cleanup efforts and support long-term infrastructure planning[ 02:20:58 ]

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.

Tone of the Meeting

The overall tone of the meeting was serious and professional[ 00:28:01-00:28:01 ] [ 00:33:40-00:33:58 ]

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. Senators posed direct and challenging questions, reflecting concerns about accountability, transparency, and adherence to legal principles within the DoD and NNSA. The nominees maintained composed and respectful demeanors, reiterating their commitments to ethical conduct, national security, and effective leadership[ 01:39:16-01:39:16 ]

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. While some tension arose around specific past events and policy directions, the discussions remained focused on the nominees' qualifications and future responsibilities[ 01:57:10-01:57:15 ]

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Participants

Transcript

You know what, it's like about, I know a little bit about everything.
Thank you, and I welcome our four witnesses and their families, and I thank them for being here this morning.   and a guest or two.  Mr. Brandon Williams has been nominated to be Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security and the Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration in NSA.  As the Administrator, Mr. Williams would be responsible for rebuilding and modernizing our long-neglected nuclear weapons stockpile.   Failure here is not an option.  Over the past several years, we've watched as Russia, China, and North Korea have rapidly expanded their nuclear arsenals and developed new types of weapons, weapons for which we are sorely unprepared.   The committee is focused on ensuring that the Department of Defense and the NSA deliver results.  As the Congressional Strategic Posture Commission made clear, modernizing our country's nuclear deterrent is a national imperative.  I look forward to hearing how Mr. Williams intends to pursue this objective.   Mr. Bradley Hansel has been nominated to be Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security.  In addition to serving as the Secretary of Defense's principal advisor on intelligence, counterintelligence, security, and law enforcement matters, the Under Secretary is tasked with protecting   the department's most sensitive information from our adversaries.  This includes ensuring the provision of timely and accurate intelligence to our forces, overseeing the security clearance vetting process, guarding against insider threats, and protecting our industrial base from China's aggressive campaign of espionage and theft.  Mr. Hansel served as a naval officer and an Army Green Beret during his distinguished career in uniform.  He saw firsthand   that quality intelligence is crucial to executing the mission.
That experience and his work in the private sector gives me confidence he will do an excellent job.  I look forward to hearing Mr. Hansel outline his priorities for our intelligence and security enterprise.   Mr. Earl Matthews has been nominated to be the General Counsel of the Department of Defense.  He has a distinguished career as a judge advocate in the Army Reserve and the Army National Guard, serving as the senior headquarters staff judge advocate for the D.C.  National Guard.  Mr. Matthews also brings extensive civilian government experience.  He worked for Secretary Mattis in 2017 before moving over   to the Army General Counsel Office, where he served as acting General Counsel of the Army.  President Trump and Secretary Hexeth have taken bold and necessary steps to reform the Department of Defense.  As we all know, purposeful and thoughtful reform requires purposeful and thoughtful lawyers.   I'm confident that Mr. Matthews possesses both qualities.  I look forward to hearing his opinion about what the DOD Office of General Counsel is doing right.   And I want to hear his ideas for how he would do things differently.  Mr. Dale Marks has been nominated to be the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, a role which ensures the operational readiness and resiliency of the Department of Defense.  If confirmed, Mr. Marks would oversee the management of military installations and infrastructure.   the bedrock of the safety and well-being of service members and their families.  This critical position will play a key part in the implementation of several reforms from last year's NDAA.  Among them are the mandate requiring the minimum 4% plant replacement value for DoD facilities.
Let me repeat that.   Among them are the mandate in the NDAA requiring a minimum 4% plant replacement value for DOD facilities, leveraging of area-wide contract authorities and a review of Biden area green energy policies that focus more on climate change than on combat lethality.  I look forward to hearing from Mr. Marks about how he intends to tackle these important issues.  So we have a lot to talk about.   Today and I turn to my friend and colleague ranking member Reid.
Thank you very much.  Mr. Chairman Welcome gentlemen.  Congratulations on your nominations I'd also like to Read and welcome your families and friends and we're here today in support of you as they have been throughout your life.  I   I also want to recognize Representative Fluger, who will introduce Mr. Marks and Mr. Matthews momentarily.  Thank you, sir.  Mr. Williams, you have been nominated to be the Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security and Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration, or NNSA.  If confirmed, you will be responsible for the programs and personnel responsible for modernizing and overseeing our nuclear stockpiles and production facilities.   I am concerned that the Trump administration has already undermined this mission.  Last month, nearly 200 NNSA nuclear engineers were abruptly fired, then hastily rehired.

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