Vance Makes The Case For Elbridge Colby’s Pentagon Nomination

On Tuesday, Vice President J.D. Vance made the definitive case why Elbridge Colby is the right man to serve as the Trump administration’s under secretary of defense for policy.

Speaking before the Senate Armed Services Committee, the vice president touted Colby as a sound mind who understands the realities of existing global affairs and the need to build up America’s industrial capacity to ensure peace throughout the world. Colby previously served as the deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy and force development during the first Trump administration.

“I think Bridge, more than any person I’ve ever spoken to, appreciates that military power, national security influence, is downstream of economic power,” Vance said. “As we’ve seen in so many of the conflicts that we’ve engaged ourselves in over the last 30 or 40 years, we cannot fight wars unless our troops have the ammunition they need. We cannot defend our own national security unless we have the … advanced weapons systems that are necessary to actually fight battles when — God forbid — those battles are necessary to fight.”

The under secretary of defense for policy plays a critical role in implementing the White House’s policy priorities throughout the Pentagon. According to the Congressional Research Service, the position’s office “leads the development of the National Defense Strategy (NDS), routinely represents the Department of Defense (DOD) to interagency and international partners, and has a key role in preserving civilian control of the military.”

Arguing on behalf of Colby’s nomination, Vance noted how the nominee has had great foresight in predicting future global conflicts.

“[I]n so many ways, Bridge predicted what we would be talking about four years down the road, five years down the road, ten years down the road. He saw around corners that very few other people were seeing around,” Vance said. “I think that he’s the type of perspective that we need so desperately at the Department of Defense, and I think that his role at the Department of Defense will be incredibly important in seeing around the corners of the next five years, and the next 10 years … .”

Colby’s nomination has received notable attention in recent weeks after reports emerged that several GOP senators are on the fence about his confirmation. Among those reportedly questioning the choice of Colby is Tom Cotton of Arkansas.

In his opening statement, Colby acknowledged the “real risk of major war” throughout the world, and expressed hope “that we can get through the coming years peacefully, with strength in ways that put us and our alliances on a stronger and more sustainable footing.”

Colby vowed that he is “willing and ready to engage with those who disagree with me and adapt my views based on persuasive arguments and the facts.”

“I value our alliances deeply, even as I think they must be adapted, and … I love our great country, and will put its interests first and foremost,” Colby assured.