Hearings to examine the nominations of Matthew Lohmeier, of Arizona, to be Under Secretary of the Air Force, Justin Overbaugh, of Florida, to be a Deputy Under Secretary, and Daniel Zimmerman, of North Carolina, to be an Assistant Secretary, all of the Department of Defense.

Armed Services Committee

2025-05-01

Source: Congress.gov

Summary

This hearing was held to consider the nominations of Matthew Lohmeyer to be Undersecretary of the Air Force, Justin Overbaugh to be Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, and Daniel Zimmerman to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs[ 00:29:16-00:30:50 ] . Each nominee presented their qualifications and priorities for their respective roles, while committee members raised questions about their experience, policy stances, and past statements.

Themes

Nomination of Matthew Lohmeyer and Controversies

Matthew Lohmeyer, nominated for Undersecretary of the Air Force, highlighted his extensive experience in both the Air and Space Forces, emphasizing the importance of readiness and national security against threats, particularly from China. He discussed his past experience in China and with F-15C operations, underscoring the need for strong air and space capabilities. However, senators expressed significant concerns regarding his past conduct, including publishing a book and making social media posts that were characterized as extreme partisanship and animosity towards military members with differing political views. Specific issues raised included his characterization of the January 6th attack and his views on politicization within the military. Lohmeyer defended his statements as being made in a private capacity and committed to fostering an apolitical military workplace focused on accountability and high standards if confirmed. Questions also arose about his managerial experience for such a large department and his past comments on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Senator Ernst pressed Lohmeyer on a long-standing commitment to upgrade a runway at the Iowa Air National Guard facility, seeking a firm commitment he was reluctant to give directly but promised transparency and serious consideration.

Nomination of Justin Overbaugh

Justin Overbaugh, nominated for Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, emphasized his 25 years of intelligence and special operations experience. His priorities include strategic assessments, fostering innovation, and delivering actionable intelligence to warfighters. He committed to working with Congress to improve the governance of the defense intelligence enterprise, ensure better coordination among agencies, and respond to evolving threats in cyber, AI, and space[ 01:03:30-01:03:56 ]

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. Senator King also highlighted the importance of intelligence officials telling the truth to leadership, which Overbaugh affirmed as crucial.

Nomination of Daniel Zimmerman

Daniel Zimmerman, nominated for Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, highlighted his nearly two decades of national security experience across the CIA, White House, and Senate. His priorities include cultivating strong partnerships, addressing persistent threats from Russia, Iran, and terrorism, and countering China's influence globally. He discussed the need for NATO allies to increase burden-sharing and for efficient foreign military sales processes to support allies effectively.

Key Policy Discussions

Several policy areas were discussed across the nominations. The politicization of the military, particularly related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and concerns about retribution against personnel, was a prominent theme in Lohmeyer's questioning. The operational value of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) program was debated, with Senator Shaheen expressing concern over its potential discontinuation by the current administration. Defense spending and modernization efforts, including the B-21 bomber and Sentinel programs, were addressed, with concerns about funding and management. Senators also raised specific infrastructure and basing concerns in their states, seeking commitments from nominees to address these issues.

Tone of the Meeting

The tone of the meeting was largely professional, but with moments of pointed and challenging questioning, particularly directed at Matthew Lohmeyer due to his controversial past statements and writings. Senators pressed for direct answers on issues such as the January 6th attack and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, often expressing frustration with Lohmeyer's nuanced responses. There was a clear divide in the committee regarding Lohmeyer's suitability for the role, reflecting partisan differences. The other nominees, Justin Overbaugh and Daniel Zimmerman, faced less confrontational questioning and generally received positive feedback for their experience and clarity. Overall, nominees maintained a respectful demeanor and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.

Participants

Transcript

Thank you.   Bye.
I have a familiar face at the desk also, and I welcome all the families of our witnesses and thank them for being here this morning.  As I've said many times, we face an axis of aggressors that deepen their cooperation every day.  A new cooperative engagement between our enemies   strengthens every day.  We need qualified people who are willing to step up and serve during these dangerous times.  Matthew Lohmeyer has served our country as an active duty officer in the Air Force and Space Force.  Based on his experience in uniform, he's been an outspoken proponent of eliminating the divisive DEI agenda that was the hallmark of the Department of Defense in the earlier administration.  Fortunately, President Trump and Secretary Hicks have done much toward   removing DEI at DOD.  Mr. Lohmeyer's nomination for Undersecretary of the Air Force represents an opportunity to evaluate closely the kind of leadership we need in the Air Force and Space Force at this pivotal moment.  This role requires a steady, unifying presence and needs someone who can work across the department to advance readiness, morale, and mission focus.  I look forward to hearing how Mr. Lohmeyer intends   to be that needed presence.  Mr. Justin Overbaugh has been nominated to be the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security.  In this role, he would serve as the principal assistant to the Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security.   overseeing the intelligence, counterintelligence, security, and law enforcement functions of the DOD.  Mr. Overbaugh's deep experience as an Army officer in the fields of intelligence and special operations make him ideal for a candidate of this position.
I look forward to hearing   His priorities for ensuring our defense intelligence enterprise is the best postured to provide timely and accurate intelligence to our war fighters, safeguard DOD's sensitive information from our adversaries, and inform our acquisitions and investments.   Mr. Daniel Zimmerman has been nominated to be the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs.  In this role, he would serve as the principal advisor to the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy and the lead policy advisor   to all matters related to Europe, NATO, and Russia.  Mr. Zimmerman will have responsibility for managing the NATO alliance and countering Russian aggression and malign activities.  His background as an intelligence officer and his experience working in Congress make him an ideal candidate for this position.   I look forward to hearing his priorities and how he plans to revitalize the NATO alliance and develop initiatives to counter Russian aggression.  With that, I turn to my friend and colleague, Ranking Member Reid.
Well, thank you very much.  On my microphone.  Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.  I want to recognize Mr. Lohmeyer, Mr. Overbar, and Mr. Zimmerman, and also our colleague, Senator Bill Hagerty.   We also want to recognize the families that are here today.  Now, Mr. Maloney, you've been nominated to be the Under Secretary for the Department of the Air Force.  If confirmed, you would run the day-to-day operations of the Department of the Air Force and assist the Secretary in leading the largest fleet of aircraft and space assets in the world.   Most importantly, you will be responsible for managing the hundreds of thousands of men and women who make up the Air Force and Space Force.  Mr. Loma, I must confess I have deep concerns about your ability to represent these men and women.  While I appreciate your past military service, your record of troubling conduct in uniform, extreme partisanship, and animosity towards military members with whom you disagree politically is, in my view, disqualifying to be the Under Secretary.   We must acknowledge your record of behavior and statements.  In 2021, while you were an active space force lieutenant colonel in command of a large formation, you self-published a book titled Irresistible Revolution, Marxism's Goal of Conquest and the Unmaking of the American Military.   The book argues that Marxism is rampant within the ranks and is leading to the collapse of our militarists and our society.  As you wrote, and I'll quote, to be perfectly clear, the path we're on as a country leads to fratricidal and genocidal warfare.  While still on active duty and command, you went on a far-right podcast which was known for spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories to advertise your book.  All this is done without knowledge or approval of the Department of Defense.   You were immediately relieved of command when your book and podcast were discovered.  After leaving the Space Force, you have continued to write and speak extensively about Marxism in the military.
You appeared on dozens of podcasts and panels and made hundreds of social media posts about this specific issue.  As you write in your book, Irresistible Revolution, I quote, in one respect, US military service members are no different than members of the People's Liberation Army.   Each is composed of humans, humans who share a common nature.  Because we share the same nature, what Marx's ideology does to the Chinese military service members, it will do to the Americans.

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