Hearings to examine the nominations of Austin Dahmer, of Arizona, and Robert Kadlec, of New York, both to be an Assistant Secretary, and Michael Borders, of Florida, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, all of the Department of Defense.

Armed Services Committee

2025-11-04

Source: Congress.gov

Summary

This meeting of the Committee on Armed Services gathered to consider the nominations of Dr. Robert Kadlec, Mr. Michael Borders, and Mr. Austin Dahmer for key positions within the Department of Defense, with opening statements from committee members and nominees, followed by rounds of questioning addressing a range of national security and policy matters.[ 00:13:48 ]

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 The hearing also included a moment of remembrance for former Vice President Richard Cheney.[ 00:14:27 ]

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Nominee Introductions and Responsibilities

  • Dr. Robert Kadlec: Nuclear Deterrence and Biodefense Dr. Kadlec has been nominated as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical and Biological Defense Policy and Programs, a new position created by Congress to consolidate nuclear management.[ 00:15:12 ]

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     His expertise in biodefense was highlighted, although questions were raised about his qualifications for managing the nuclear portfolio during a critical modernization period. Dr. Kadlec outlined his priorities, including sustaining the nuclear triad, modernizing command and control, accelerating the deployment of new capabilities, and deterring biological weapons. He emphasized the urgency of the problem posed by two peer nuclear powers and the need to accelerate modernization efforts, viewing current systems as "too old, too few."

  • Mr. Michael Borders: Air Force Installations and Environment Mr. Borders was nominated as Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment, a role that will oversee installations, military construction, housing, operational energy, and environmental protection.[ 00:16:49 ]

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     He stressed that installations are crucial "power projection platforms" and that protecting them is vital for deterring adversaries like China. His priorities include resilient installations, energy assurance, environmental stewardship (including PFAS remediation), and quality of life for service members and their families. He committed to addressing issues like child care access, infrastructure at bases like Ellsworth and Creech Air Force Bases, and the remediation of PFAS contamination.[ 01:04:38 ]

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  • Mr. Austin Dahmer: Strategy, Plans, and Forces Mr. Dahmer was nominated as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Forces, a position with broad responsibilities for implementing the National Defense Strategy and overseeing global force posture.[ 00:18:14 ]

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     The committee noted a recent, unclearly communicated change in his position's title and portfolio responsibilities, including the transfer of AUKUS-related duties. Mr. Dahmer emphasized his commitment to implementing the president's "peace through strength" agenda and focusing on American interests, while stressing the importance of a sound defense strategy and effective deterrence.[ 00:36:53 ]

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Key Policy and Strategic Discussions

  • Department Policy Alignment and Congressional Communication Committee members expressed significant frustration with the Department of Defense's policy office, citing instances where its actions appeared to diverge from presidential directives or lacked timely communication with Congress.[ 00:19:08 ]

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     Specific concerns included alleged pauses in Ukraine aid, the abrupt withdrawal of a brigade from Romania without prior consultation, and a lack of transparency regarding the National Defense Strategy (NDS) and the AUKUS agreement review.[ 00:19:20 ]

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     Mr. Dahmer repeatedly stated he was "not aware" of many of these reported issues or specific details, which led to frustration among some senators.

  • Nuclear Deterrence and Testing The committee discussed the growing nuclear threats from China and Russia and the need for modernization.[ 00:15:32 ]

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     A major point of contention was President Trump's recent statements about resuming nuclear testing. Senator Reed and Senator Kelly questioned the strategic benefit of resuming such tests and the potential for destabilization, particularly for China. Dr. Kadlec indicated that while he was not privy to the president's specific direction, historical context suggests testing could address technical uncertainties or geopolitical concerns regarding compliance with treaties.[ 00:50:35 ]

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  • Global Force Posture and Geopolitical Threats Discussions covered the strategic implications of troop drawdowns in Europe, particularly from Romania, and the broader global posture review.[ 00:20:26 ]

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     Senators questioned how these moves align with the assessment of Russia as a continuing threat and the need to empower NATO allies.[ 00:45:25 ]

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     The threat posed by China in the Indo-Pacific remained a central theme, with concerns about deprioritizing it in the new NDS and the importance of alliances like AUKUS and engagement with the Philippines. The committee also briefly touched on specific operations (Midnight Hammer, Roughrider) and potential military actions in Venezuela and Nigeria, though Mr. Dahmer largely declined to discuss these in open session.[ 01:07:03 ]

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Tone of the Meeting

The tone of the meeting was largely inquisitive and professional, but frequently punctuated by clear frustration and disappointment from committee members regarding communication and transparency from the Department of Defense's policy office. Several senators expressed concern that the department was not adequately informing or consulting Congress on significant policy changes and strategy developments.[ 00:20:26 ]

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 Mr. Dahmer's repeated use of phrases like "I'm not aware" or offers for classified briefings, even on publicly known information, contributed to the committee's perception of a lack of forthrightness and cooperation. Despite these tensions, nominees generally maintained a respectful demeanor and committed to working with the committee if confirmed.

Participants

Transcript

So the hearing will come to order, and we'll ask our guests to take their seats.  We'll begin in just a moment.  I welcome our witnesses and their families, some of whom I just had an opportunity to greet, and thank them for being here this morning.  We face a threat environment more dangerous than any since World War II.   I say this at almost every hearing because it bears repeating.  In such challenging times, I'm grateful that these individuals have answered the call to serve.  Let me just pause for a moment and say this morning we remember a longtime public servant who passed away during the night, former Vice President Richard Cheney.   a man who repeatedly answered the call to serve.  He was White House Chief of Staff.  He served as Secretary of Defense.  He was elected to the House of Representatives some five times and ultimately to the Vice Presidency, serving in that role for eight consequential years.  So we are thinking of his family and loved ones today as the committee meets.   As to our business, I welcome our witnesses.  And first of all, Dr. Robert Kadlec has been nominated as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical and Biological Defense Policy and Programs.  Last year, Congress created this position because we hoped to align the department's fractured nuclear management structure.   This is an incredibly important position, especially today.  China and Russia are rapidly expanding their nuclear arsenals, while our own modernization programs are behind schedule.
I look forward to working with the department to establish a position in a manner consistent with congressional direction in this area.   in DAA that we are working on right now.  Just last week, the president made it clear that he is aware of our nuclear modernization challenges as compared to our adversaries.  That was encouraging news that the president is putting emphasis on this.  This committee has recognized the issue and proposed we have one position in the Pentagon responsible for nuclear matters instead of a big bureaucracy.   I will note that we have not yet received written intentions from the Department about how they will implement the law considering this position.  I look forward to hearing Dr. Kadlec's views on how, if confirmed, he'll work to ensure the Department follows statutory direction and empowers this position to enact the nuclear reforms we so desperately need.  Mr. Michael Borders has been nominated to be Assistant Secretary of the Air Force.   for energy installations and environment.  As I've stated to other assistant secretaries, with these responsibilities in the Army and Navy, the military branches have for far too long ignored their facilities.  The Air Force is no exception.  It is now required by statute to right the ship and continue to work toward a 4% annual plant replacement value by 2030.   as was made in law last year through our NDAA, which was signed by the president.  With his experience as commander of the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, Mr.  Borders is especially qualified to address this problem and get the Air Force back on track.
Mr. Austin Dahmer has been nominated to serve as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Forces.  If confirmed, he would have broad, important responsibilities.  He would oversee the implementation of the National Defense Strategy and the prioritization and execution of the Department's security cooperation initiatives.  Mr. Dahmer would be responsible for DoD's global force posture   and its contingency and theater campaign plans.  These responsibilities would effectively make Mr. Dahmer the department's chief strategist.  He would help build the plans to implement the commander in chief's vision, the commander in chief's vision.  I make this point in particular because I've noticed an unsettling trend this year.   At times, the Pentagon officials have pursued policies that are not in accord with President Trump's orders or seem uncoordinated within the administration.  We saw one example of this last week in the decision to withdraw an infantry brigade combat team from Romania.   I spoke about this in a statement with Chairman Rogers of the House Armed Services Committee.  We noted that this decision did not appear to reflect the policy mandate of President Trump.  Just two weeks ago, the President had said that troops would not be withdrawn from Europe.  It is unclear to me how the move fits with the Commander-in-Chief's direction.  Excuse me for a moment.   We're going to ask that several things be discussed in this hearing, and I hope there are questions and answers in this regard.
The department is allegedly conducting a broad review of U.S. forces stationed abroad.  I say allegedly because the department has not formally conveyed to this committee that it is actually undertaking such a review.

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