GOP opposes Biden’s Pentagon nominee.
Senate Republicans Poised to Oppose Biden’s Pentagon Policy Chief Nominee
Senate Republicans are gearing up to reject President Joe Biden’s nominee for Pentagon policy chief, Derek Chollet. Concerns have been raised that Chollet prioritizes culture-war issues and climate change over military readiness, following a contentious confirmation hearing last week.
According to three Republican leaders on the Senate Armed Services Committee, including its ranking member, they will vote against Chollet. A senior Senate aide familiar with the matter also stated that it is likely other Republicans will follow suit. This means that the nominee may only pass with slim Democrat support.
Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri, one of the Republicans opposing Chollet’s confirmation, is even considering putting a “hold” on the nomination. This move would delay any confirmation vote and potentially force the Biden administration to select another nominee. Schmitt’s spokesman expressed concern over some of Chollet’s past remarks.
Committee Republicans argue that Chollet failed to distinguish himself from the previous undersecretary of defense for policy, Colin Kahl, who had a strained relationship with Republican members. Chollet also declined to criticize the deadly Afghanistan withdrawal, which occurred while he served as a State Department policy adviser.
Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi, the ranking member on the committee, stated that Chollet’s “unsatisfactory answers on the withdrawal from Afghanistan and on racism in the military inspired little confidence.” He believes that doubts about the nomination have been renewed among members on his side of the aisle.
Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa, another influential committee member, expressed particular concern over Chollet’s support for various Biden administration foreign policies that Congress largely opposes. She highlighted the decision to award Iran with $6 billion as part of a hostage deal and raised questions about the hiring of Ariane Tabatabai, who was allegedly linked to a secret Iranian government propaganda network.
Ernst stated, “Mr. Chollet has and will continue to push this same appeasement strategy, which will only embolden Iranian aggression.” She called for Tabatabai’s security clearance to be suspended immediately.
A senior Republican Senate aide revealed that last week’s rocky confirmation hearing, where Chollet faced scrutiny over woke military priorities and the Afghanistan withdrawal, convinced Republicans that he is unfit for the top policy role in the Pentagon.
The aide stated, ”Members wanted Chollet to convince them he would be more candid than Colin Kahl, but Chollet failed that test by refusing to address Biden administration failures in Afghanistan, Ukraine, and elsewhere.”
Chollet’s nomination follows years of tension between Republican Senate Armed Services Committee members and Kahl’s policy office at the Department of Defense. Kahl, who strongly advocated for the Iran nuclear agreement, faced significant Republican opposition during his own confirmation hearings in 2021.
Although Republicans on the committee lack the majority to vote down Chollet, they may be able to stall a final confirmation vote if Schmitt or another member places a “hold” on the nomination.
During the hearing, Republicans questioned Chollet about the Biden administration’s emphasis on non-military issues like climate change and gender pronouns in the Pentagon. They also pressed him on his past comments about racism in the military.
Chollet defended his use of the term “bubba” to express the importance of diversity in leadership throughout the armed forces. However, Senator Schmitt found the statement disparaging, as “bubba” is a stereotypical nickname for southern white males.
Chollet also evaded questions about the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal, stating that errors were made over the 20-year period of intervention. When asked about the U.S. Navy’s priorities, he refused to prioritize warfighting and ship-building over combating climate change.
How does the support for policies like the Iran hostage deal by Chollet undermine our national security and increase risks for American interests?
A dangerous agenda that undermines our national security and fails to prioritize the needs of our military. His support for policies that appease our adversaries, such as the Iran hostage deal, is deeply troubling and puts American interests at risk.”
The opposition to Chollet’s nomination reflects broader concerns among Senate Republicans about the Biden administration’s approach to national security and defense. Many Republicans believe that the administration is more focused on progressive social issues and climate change than on ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of our military. With Chollet’s nomination, they see these concerns being validated.
Furthermore, Chollet’s refusal to criticize the Biden administration’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal raises questions about his judgment and ability to provide effective policy guidance. The withdrawal was widely regarded as a chaotic and poorly executed operation, leading to the deaths of American service members and the abandonment of Afghan allies. Chollet’s failure to condemn these actions only fuels concerns about his suitability for the position.
The opposition to Chollet’s nomination is not limited to Senate Republicans. Several veterans organizations and military advocacy groups have also expressed reservations about his nomination. These groups argue that Chollet’s focus on cultural issues and climate change detracts from the primary mission of the Pentagon, which is to ensure the safety and security of the United States.
Despite the growing opposition, President Biden and his administration continue to stand by Chollet’s nomination. They believe that his experience in national security and defense policy, including his previous role as Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, makes him well-qualified for the position.
Ultimately, the fate of Chollet’s nomination lies in the hands of the Senate. It remains to be seen whether Senate Republicans will be able to block his confirmation or if Chollet will secure enough support from Democrats to overcome the opposition. Either way, the confirmation process for Biden’s Pentagon policy chief nominee is shaping up to be a contentious and closely watched battle in the Senate.
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