March 04, 2021

Duckworth Secures Commitment from Kahl to Prioritize the Strengthening of Alliances in Southeast Asia

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and is Chair of the U.S. Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee, secured a commitment from President Biden’s nominee to be the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Colin Kahl, to work with her and other members of the Committee on bolstering our alliances in Southeast Asia while also building new ones during today’s SASC hearing. Duckworth also asked Kahl about his plans to tear down the barriers that often prevent people of color and women from maintaining successful careers at DOD, which frequently leading to a lack of diversity at the top levels of the Department. Video of the Senator’s remarks can be found here.

“After yesterday’s conversation and today’s hearing, I am confident that Colin Kahl has a steadfast commitment to our national security interests and is prepared to help DOD address some of the most urgent national security matters facing our nation,” Duckworth said. “He is focused on restoring relationships with key allies and partners in the Southeast Asia region, which is critical to building up our strategic presence in the region. He should be swiftly confirmed.”

Duckworth and Kahl met yesterday and discussed many important issues facing the Department of Defense, such as prioritizing the Indo-Pacific region and improving diversity and inclusion at DOD.

-30-