Overview
- Democrats pressed him on recent domestic deployments after a federal judge ruled the Los Angeles National Guard operation unlawful, and he noted roughly 700 Marines trained to standing rules and de-escalation for that mission.
- He told senators he would reject illegal orders and stated he will adhere to his oath to the Constitution.
- In written answers, he said U.S. force posture is judged by required capabilities rather than headcounts and pledged to support reviews of U.S. capabilities in Japan and South Korea.
- He warned that growing coordination among China, Russia, Iran and North Korea enhances their collective military reach and complicates U.S. deterrence.
- Committee leaders signaled bipartisan support, positioning his nomination for a likely confirmation vote by the full Senate.