September 19, 2023

Duckworth Meets with Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Nominee

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees—met with Derek Chollet, the nominee for Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, to discuss his nomination and their shared priorities for defense strategy at home and abroad. During their meeting, Duckworth highlighted her continued efforts to strengthen ties and reinforce our nation’s work in Southeast Asia—most recently through the recent Congressional Delegation she led to Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.

“I’ve enjoyed working with Derek Chollet throughout his tenure at the State Department, so it was great to speak with him about his well-deserved nomination to serve as Undersecretary of Defense for Policy today,” said Duckworth. “If confirmed, I’m hopeful that he can build on his interagency experience and serve as a bridge between U.S. diplomats and the military. I look forward to supporting his nomination and I urge my Senate colleagues to help confirm him without delay.”

Duckworth is a proven leader on strengthening our relations with Indo-Pacific nations and security in the region while successfully securing significant international investments in Illinois. Building on her successful trip to the region earlier this year, Duckworth led a Congressional Delegation to Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines last month to meet with government and business leaders and discuss opportunities that would increase cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as economic investments, regional stability and national security.

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