The Senate Armed Services Committee voted on Tuesday to advance the nomination of Elbridge Colby to become the next under secretary of defense for policy at the Pentagon.
The announcement was revealed in a committee press release. The legislative body did not specify what the final vote breakdown was, only saying Colby’s nomination was reported “favorably” in a roll call vote.
In a video message released following the committee’s vote, Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., praised Colby as a “brilliant” and “smart” individual who “thinks about the world in realist terms.”
“We can’t be everywhere, all at once, all the time. That’s not realistic in a world of scarcity,” Schmitt said. “So, Bridge is gonna help [the Trump administration] design that pivot to protect the homeland here first, and then also in the Indo-Pacific.”
The Missouri senator expressed hope that Colby’s nomination would be considered by the full Senate “soon.”
As under secretary of defense for policy, Colby would play a critical role in shepherding President Trump’s policy priorities throughout the Defense Department. 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.”
During his confirmation hearing last month, Colby recognized the “real risk of major war” throughout the world and voiced optimism that America “can get through the coming years peacefully, with strength in ways that put us and our alliances on a stronger and more sustainable footing.”
“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,” he said.
The nominee notably received support from Vice President J.D. Vance, who testified in favor of his confirmation during the hearing.
[READ: Democrats Try To Use Colby Confirmation Hearing To Sabotage Trump’s Russia-Ukraine Negotiations]
Colby’s nomination garnered significant attention leading up to his confirmation hearing after reports emerged that several GOP senators were on the fence about whether to approve him. Among those who reportedly questioned the choice of Colby was Tom Cotton of Arkansas.
Shawn Fleetwood is a staff writer for The Federalist and a graduate of the University of Mary Washington. He previously served as a state content writer for Convention of States Action and his work has been featured in numerous outlets, including RealClearPolitics, RealClearHealth, and Conservative Review. Follow him on Twitter @ShawnFleetwood
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