• 4 months ago
The Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing on Thursday on Department of Defense nominations.

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Transcript
00:00:00Good morning.
00:00:04The committee meets today to consider the nominations of Ms. Tanya Wilkinson to be Undersecretary
00:00:09of Defense for Intelligence and Security, and Dr. Michael Suhlmeier to be Assistant
00:00:14Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy.
00:00:16Ms. Wilkinson, I would like to welcome your husband, Kevin, daughter, Kenati, and son,
00:00:22Kevin Jr.
00:00:23You and your sister, Samantha, I believe, is here.
00:00:25I would also like to thank Mr. Ron Moultrie, the former Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence
00:00:31and Security, who will introduce you.
00:00:33Thank you, Mr. Secretary.
00:00:35Mr. Suhlmeier, I would like to welcome your wife, Danielle.
00:00:38I believe your daughter, Vivian, is here, or not.
00:00:42Okay.
00:00:43Well, from California, best wishes, Vivian.
00:00:47Mother-in-law, Gilda, and father-in-law, Elliot, and I would like to thank my colleague, Senator
00:00:52Mike Brown, who looks much more impressive down here than he does up there.
00:00:57He will introduce you.
00:00:58On behalf of the committee, let me thank both of your families for the many years of support
00:01:03for your services.
00:01:04Ms. Wilkinson, you are well qualified to be Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence
00:01:08and Security, or the USDIS.
00:01:11You currently serve as the Deputy Director of the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency,
00:01:15and you bring more than three decades of leadership and technical experience across the intelligence
00:01:20community, including roles at the CIA and the National Reconnaissance Office.
00:01:26If confirmed, you will be the Principal Intelligence Advisor to the Secretary of Defense.
00:01:30You will also be dual-hatted as the Director of Defense Intelligence in the Office of the
00:01:34Director of National Intelligence.
00:01:37The scope and complexity of the global threats we face are unprecedented.
00:01:41China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and many other state and non-state actors are seeking
00:01:47ways to undermine our interests and destabilize the relationships that our allies and partners
00:01:52rely upon.
00:01:53It is more important than ever that the Defense Intelligence Enterprise is able to employ
00:01:58its resources and capabilities effectively.
00:02:00I would like to know how you would plan to prioritize and improve these operations, if
00:02:05confirmed.
00:02:07One of the key challenges you will need to address is how to best provide intelligence,
00:02:10surveillance, and reconnaissance, or ISR, support for air and ground moving target indications.
00:02:17Weapons like hypersonic missiles and low-signature vehicles pose a growing threat for our forces
00:02:22around the world, and our defense intelligence assets are key for detecting and defending
00:02:27against them.
00:02:28In particular, the National Reconnaissance Office, the National Geospatial Intelligence
00:02:33Agency, and the National Security Agency must increase their support to the military as
00:02:38a service is the best of their air-based ISR capabilities.
00:02:43At the same time, these agencies must continue to assist the Space Force in providing space-based
00:02:48ISR support to the combatant commanders for their tactical level operations.
00:02:53Ms. Wilkerson, I welcome your thoughts about how you intend to force this arrangement and
00:02:58ensure that the military has timely and accurate intelligence to defend the nation.
00:03:03Dr. Suleyman, you are the very first nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber
00:03:08Policy, as this position was created in the fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization
00:03:14Act.
00:03:15You are well qualified for this new position, since you are currently serving as the Principal
00:03:19Cyber Advisor to the Secretary of the Army, and served previously in cyber policy roles
00:03:26in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the National Security Council, and the U.S.
00:03:30Cyber Command, and also in academia.
00:03:34The committee intends the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy to provide service
00:03:38secretary-like functions for U.S. Cyber Command, mirroring the special relationship that exists
00:03:44between Special Operations Command and the ASD for Special Operations and Low Intensity
00:03:50Conflict.
00:03:51It will be important for your office to not only support cyber arms growth, but also to
00:03:56maintain strong civilian control and oversight of the command.
00:04:00I would like to know how you plan to work with Cyber Command and the Department of Defense
00:04:04broadly to better support the cyber workforce and improve cyber acquisition functions.
00:04:08Indeed, the first challenge we will face is meeting the personnel manning and retention
00:04:13goals for our cyber mission forces.
00:04:16The Defense Department faces significant difficulties in training and retaining personnel for key
00:04:22positions requiring special skills.
00:04:25In order to mature the cyber force and advance our nation's capability to conduct cyber operations,
00:04:31the military services must provide qualified and trained personnel to Cyber Com on time
00:04:37and at the beginning of their tours.
00:04:39I would also note that the private sector has realized the immense value of our cyber
00:04:44operators and is offering them very high compensation to leave the military.
00:04:48I would like to know how you plan to address these challenges.
00:04:52Ms. Wilkinson, Dr. Solmeier, these complex challenges will require the full complement
00:04:56of your skills.
00:04:58Thank you for your willingness to continue your service and lead at this critical time.
00:05:02I look forward to your testimony.
00:05:04Now let me recognize the ranking member, Senator Woodcock, please.
00:05:08Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
00:05:09Today, the committee is considering nominees to fill two senior Department of Defense positions.
00:05:15Both roles oversee national security portfolios that would be important under any circumstances.
00:05:21But as our threat environment becomes the most dangerous we have faced since World War II,
00:05:27their nominations take on a greater sense of gravity.
00:05:30Dr. Solmeier, you've been nominated to serve as the first ever Assistant Secretary of Defense
00:05:35for Cyber Policy.
00:05:37If confirmed, you would be responsible for advising the Secretary of Defense on all cyber
00:05:42matters, including readiness, capabilities, and strategy.
00:05:47You have served as Principal Cyber Advisor for the Army since March of 2022.
00:05:52In that role, you had a front row seat to an increasingly dynamic and hostile threat
00:05:58environment in cyberspace.
00:06:00Threat intelligence assessments confirm that foreign adversaries and malicious cyber actors
00:06:07are persistently targeting U.S. networks and critical infrastructure, attempting to cripple
00:06:13our force projection, warfighting, and sustainment capabilities.
00:06:18Equally troubling are the persistent cyber attacks led by state-sponsored cyber actors,
00:06:24such as Volt Typhoon.
00:06:27The nation's enemies are exploiting vulnerabilities in our networks to pre-position themselves
00:06:32for disruptive or destructive cyber attacks in a future conflict with the United States.
00:06:39Emerging technologies add to these challenges.
00:06:41New tools, such as artificial intelligence-enabled cyber capabilities, are poised simultaneously
00:06:49to change the pace of threats we face to enhance the lethality of our adversaries.
00:06:57To maintain an enduring advantage in cyberspace, we need to leverage AI tools and technologies
00:07:03for our own cyber defense.
00:07:05We must also defend against adversarial AI and improve readiness of cyber mission forces
00:07:12to confront these threats.
00:07:14With all this in mind, Dr. Solmeier, I hope to hear how you plan to support the development,
00:07:20coordination, and implementation of cyber operations to defend our national interests
00:07:25across the full spectrum of competition and conflict.
00:07:30Now, Ms. Wilkerson, you have been nominated to serve as the Undersecretary of Defense
00:07:36for Intelligence and Security.
00:07:38If confirmed, you would be the Principal Intelligence Advisor to the Secretary of Defense.
00:07:44You would have the responsibility for exercising authority, direction, and control over the
00:07:49defense intelligence and security enterprise.
00:07:52You would perform these duties while also being dual-headed as the Director of Defense
00:07:57Intelligence in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
00:08:03Among your many responsibilities, you would oversee the security and law enforcement activities
00:08:10of the Department of Defense.
00:08:12This authority includes vetting individuals for access to classified information and guarding
00:08:19against insider threats.
00:08:21It also means protecting our supply chains and defense industrial base from the unprecedented
00:08:26espionage danger posed by China.
00:08:30I would look forward to you providing the committee with your assessment of these threats
00:08:37and your plan on addressing them.
00:08:39Armed conflict is raging in multiple theaters.
00:08:44Our principal adversaries are deepening their cooperation, and Islamic terrorism is on the
00:08:51rise.
00:08:52At a time such as this, everyone from senior policymakers down to our war fighters on the
00:08:56front lines must have a clear understanding of our adversaries, their capabilities, and
00:09:01their intentions.
00:09:03In large part, they get that clear picture through timely and accurate intelligence.
00:09:10The military and the intelligence community must work more closely together than ever
00:09:16before.
00:09:17Ms. Wilkerson, I look forward to hearing your plans for ensuring the defense intelligence
00:09:22enterprise is postured and equipped both to contend with a volatile and complex threat
00:09:27environment and to enable a more effective targeting process for the military.
00:09:34Thank you.
00:09:35I thank the nominees for their willingness to serve.
00:09:38I look forward to your testimony and I yield back, Mr. Chairman.
00:09:42Thank you, Senator Worker.
00:09:43I will first recognize Secretary Moultrie, then Senator Rounds for their introductions,
00:09:48and I will recognize Ms. Wilkerson and Dr. Zellmeyer for their statements.
00:09:54Secretary Moultrie, please.
00:09:55Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
00:09:56First, let me express my condolences on the passing of Senator Adolphe, a great leader
00:10:02and a staunch supporter of the Department of Defense, and we greatly appreciate that.
00:10:07So with that, good morning, Chairman Reed, Ranking Member Wicker, and distinguished members
00:10:11of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
00:10:14It is my distinct honor and pleasure to appear before this committee today.
00:10:18I'm also deeply honored and privileged to introduce Ms. Tanya Wilkerson, who has been
00:10:22nominated to serve as the Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security.
00:10:27Ms. Wilkerson's distinguished career and exceptional leadership in the intelligence community make
00:10:31her uniquely qualified for this critical role.
00:10:35Ms. Wilkerson currently serves as the Deputy Director of the National Geospatial Intelligence
00:10:39Agency, where her leadership has resulted in significant enhancements to our nation's
00:10:44geospatial intelligence capabilities.
00:10:47Her tenure at NGA has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep commitment
00:10:52to advancing our national security interests through innovative intelligence solutions.
00:10:57Throughout her career, Ms. Wilkerson has held various leadership positions of increasing
00:11:01responsibility within the intelligence community, including senior roles at the CIA and the
00:11:06National Reconnaissance Office.
00:11:08Her strategic vision and operational expertise have been instrumental in shaping intelligence
00:11:13policies and capabilities, and critical to our defense posture.
00:11:19Ms. Wilkerson's background exemplifies a strong foundation in intelligence analysis, operational
00:11:24support, fiscal accountability, and technological innovation.
00:11:29Her leadership at NGA has fostered closer ties with the Director of National Intelligence,
00:11:34greater collaboration across the interagency and with international partners, and has strengthened
00:11:39our rapport with Congress.
00:11:42Ms. Wilkerson is a transformational leader whose background makes her uniquely suited
00:11:46for a USDINS.
00:11:48Her deep CIA roots have enabled her to build strong ties with other defense intelligence
00:11:53and security elements, and has been instrumental in laying the foundation for closer ties and
00:11:58better integration with our military services.
00:12:02She has openly embraced industry and pioneered stronger ties with the private sector that
00:12:07will be invaluable to our artificial intelligence, commercial space, and high-performance computing
00:12:13efforts.
00:12:14I have valued Ms. Wilkerson's brilliant counsel, unselfish service, and friendship for years,
00:12:20and am confident that, if confirmed, she will provide objective and valuable counsel to
00:12:26the Secretary of Defense.
00:12:28If confirmed, Ms. Wilkerson will also be an exceptional leader of the defense intelligence
00:12:33and security enterprise.
00:12:35Her perspective, judgment, and ability to transform an organization's culture while
00:12:41recruiting and mentoring the workforce of tomorrow will ensure that intelligence and
00:12:45security remain an integral component of our nation's defense.
00:12:50I take great pride in introducing such a superb candidate and a true patriot.
00:12:56I urge the committee to give Ms. Wilkerson's nomination its utmost consideration.
00:13:01Thank you.
00:13:02Thank you, Dr. Secretary Moultrie.
00:13:04Senator Rounds, please.
00:13:06Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
00:13:07Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Wicker, and friends and colleagues of the Armed Services Committee,
00:13:13it is my privilege to introduce Dr. Michael L. Solmeier for your consideration as the
00:13:18Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy.
00:13:22He is joined today by his wife, Danielle Pohlbaum, his mother-in-law, Jill DiBroncato,
00:13:28and his father-in-law, Elliot Pohlbaum.
00:13:30His new daughter, Vivian Solmeier, was born on May 31st of this year, and unfortunately
00:13:37is unable to join us today, although I understand that she did listen very intently to most
00:13:42of the answers to the advanced policy questions her father received from this committee.
00:13:49We are thankful to his family for sharing him with us.
00:13:53Our country is safer because of his service and their sacrifice.
00:13:58I can say without reservation that when this body created the Assistant Secretary of Defense
00:14:03for Cyber Policy position in the fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, it
00:14:10was done with the intention that the role would be filled with competent experts such
00:14:16as Dr. Solmeier.
00:14:18Dr. Solmeier currently serves as the Principal Cyber Advisor to the Secretary of the Army
00:14:22and Chief of Staff of the Army, advising them on all cyber matters.
00:14:27Under his stewardship, the Army component of the Cyber Mission Force has thrived.
00:14:33Army Cyber Command and Army Cyber Center of Excellence are both exemplary institutions
00:14:38that are developing and fielding the kind of cyber operators our nation requires to
00:14:44safeguard our forces in the cyber domain and strike back decisively when the time
00:14:49is right.
00:14:50Dr. Solmeier has worked with his counterparts in uniform to improve the readiness posture
00:14:57of all attendees of the Army Cyber Center of Excellence schools, which supports the
00:15:02entire joint force.
00:15:05Developing such cyber warfighters is not an easy task, but Dr. Solmeier has been very
00:15:10forward-leaning in fulfilling these duties.
00:15:13He has proactively developed public-private partnerships with leading cybersecurity institutions,
00:15:19understanding that the Department must leverage the many exquisite cyber institutions and
00:15:24resources outside of the U.S. government in order to field the best cyber mission force
00:15:29we are capable of producing.
00:15:32Prior to his current role, Dr. Solmeier served in a number of relevant positions, including
00:15:38Director of the Rapid Vulnerability Review for the Deputy Secretary of Defense, Special
00:15:43Assistant to the President and Senior Director of Cyber Policy on the National Security Council,
00:15:49Senior Advisor to the Commander of Cyber Command, and outside of government, he was the Director
00:15:55of the Cyber Security Project at the Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center for Science
00:16:01and International Affairs.
00:16:04I know that he is most proud of the teams that he has been a part of at the Belfer Center
00:16:09and the Army, where he is able to use his prolific talents to enable the next generation
00:16:15of academics and policy advisors to get started in their careers.
00:16:21As Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy, Dr. Solmeier will be responsible for
00:16:26the implementation of the DoD's cyberspace strategy and plans, including those related
00:16:32to cyberspace forces, capabilities, and their employment.
00:16:37He will provide the guidance and oversight of DoD cyberspace activities as they relate
00:16:42to foreign cyberspace threats, international cooperation, engagement with foreign partners,
00:16:48and international organizations.
00:16:50He is eminently qualified for this crucial position, which has remained vacant for far
00:16:56too long.
00:16:58I am confident that Michael Solmeier's character, competence, and experience will make him the
00:17:05right person to address the cyber threats and challenges our country will face in the
00:17:12future.
00:17:13Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
00:17:14Thank you, Senator Rounds.
00:17:15Mr. Chairman, can we question this guy, Senator Rounds?
00:17:22Just stay there.
00:17:23Don't come back up on the panel, okay?
00:17:26No, thank you very much, Senator Rounds.
00:17:27For the benefit of my colleagues, before I recognize the witnesses, I must depart about
00:17:339.30 for the Appropriations Committee for our votes, and at that point, Senator King
00:17:40will take the gavel.
00:17:42With that, Ms. Wilkerson, could you have the gavel, please?
00:17:47You're recognized.
00:17:48Can I ask these questions first, then?
00:17:53Because of the unusual nature of my departure, let me get administrative detail out of the
00:17:58way before your testimony.
00:18:02There are a series of questions which all civilian nominees are required to answer.
00:18:06You may simply answer together in the affirmative or whatever the appropriate response.
00:18:11Have you adhered to applicable laws and regulations governing conflicts of interest?
00:18:16Chairman, yes, I have.
00:18:19Chairman, yes, I have.
00:18:20You can simultaneously, which is good.
00:18:24Have you assumed any duties or taken any actions that would appear to presume the outcome of
00:18:28the confirmation process?
00:18:29No, I have not.
00:18:30No, I have not.
00:18:31Exercise in our legislative and oversight responsibilities makes it important that this
00:18:36committee, its subcommittees, and other appropriate committees of the Congress receive testimony,
00:18:41briefings, reports, records, and other information from the executive branch on a timely basis.
00:18:47Do you agree, if confirmed, to appear and testify before this committee when requested?
00:18:52Yes, I will.
00:18:53I agree.
00:18:54Do you agree to provide records, documents, and electronic communications in a timely
00:18:59manner when requested by this committee, its subcommittees, or other appropriate committees
00:19:03of Congress, and to consult with the requester regarding the basis for any good faith delay
00:19:08or denial in providing such records?
00:19:11Yes.
00:19:12Yes, I will.
00:19:13Thank you.
00:19:14Will you ensure that your staff complies with deadlines established by this committee for
00:19:18the production of reports, records, and other information, including timely responding to
00:19:22hearing questions for the record?
00:19:24Yes.
00:19:25Yes.
00:19:26Thank you.
00:19:27Will you cooperate in providing witnesses and briefers in response to congressional
00:19:32requests?
00:19:33Yes.
00:19:34Yes.
00:19:35Will those witnesses and briefers be protected from reprisal for their testimony or briefings?
00:19:40Yes.
00:19:41Yes.
00:19:42Thank you very much.
00:19:43Now that we've moved through some of the administrative matters, let's get back to the critical issues.
00:19:50Ms. Wilkerson, your opening statement, please.
00:19:54Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Wicker, and distinguished members of the committee, it is an honor to
00:20:00appear before you as the nominee for the Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security.
00:20:06I am honored by the trust and confidence that President Biden and Secretary Austin have
00:20:11placed in me and their support for my nomination.
00:20:14I thank this committee, and I appreciate your consideration of my nomination.
00:20:19I want to thank former Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, the Honorable
00:20:24Ronald Moultrie, for his kind introduction.
00:20:27I admire your leadership of OUSDINS.
00:20:30You made a real difference for the mission and the workforce.
00:20:34Thank you for being such a great role model.
00:20:36I thank God for blessing me with an incredible family who have supported me throughout my
00:20:40career.
00:20:41To my husband, Kevin, I thank you for being my biggest supporter and believing in my aspirations.
00:20:47To my children, Kennedy and Kevin Jr., you have sacrificed as I have pursued a lifelong
00:20:53career in public service.
00:20:54Thank you for your unwavering support.
00:20:57I'm incredibly proud of you and your accomplishments.
00:21:00You inspire me to be better every day.
00:21:02To my parents, Ralph and Eleanora, siblings Ramona, Samantha, Ralph Jr., and nephew John,
00:21:08his wife, Courtney, and daughter, Cree, thank you for being there for me every step of the
00:21:14way.
00:21:15Dad, a special thank you for your service in the United States Marine Corps and for
00:21:19modeling what it means to serve our country.
00:21:22Mom, thank you for always being there and filling the gap as I balance home and work.
00:21:27Thank you to my in-laws, especially my mother-in-law, Belinda, who is no longer with us, and my
00:21:31entire family.
00:21:33You all have given me your full support.
00:21:35I could not have accomplished what I have in my professional career without each one
00:21:39of you.
00:21:40And to my colleagues, thank you for your dedication to the mission and investment in the development
00:21:45of future leaders.
00:21:48Mr. Chairman and committee members, the mission of the United States Department of Defense
00:21:52is vital to keeping Americans safe and to advancing our interests abroad.
00:21:57For more than 35 years, I've had the privilege of working in the civilian and military workforce
00:22:03of the intelligence community in the Department of Defense.
00:22:06My path to this hearing room today started with my high school principal introducing
00:22:11me to a Central Intelligence Agency officer looking to identify STEM talent to participate
00:22:17in an undergraduate scholar program.
00:22:19With that, I headed off to Virginia Tech to study engineering and spent my summers working
00:22:25at the CIA, primarily in support of the National Reconnaissance Office mission.
00:22:29I felt a tremendous sense of pride to be serving alongside exceptionally talented intelligence
00:22:35professionals.
00:22:37As a student, I was drawn to the national security mission.
00:22:40From that time to today, my why remains the people and the mission.
00:22:46It is what motivates me to pursue this opportunity.
00:22:51This committee has long supported our nation's intelligence community and the essential missions
00:22:56conducted within the defense intelligence and security enterprises.
00:23:00If confirmed, I look forward to having a close working relationship with this committee and
00:23:05with the Congress as a whole.
00:23:07I believe my more than three decades of government service across multiple defense intelligence
00:23:12enterprise and intelligence community agencies uniquely prepares me for this position.
00:23:17I've served in multiple senior roles, building and leading teams to tackle a wide range of
00:23:22intelligence issues.
00:23:24I've partnered effectively across agencies and with allied partners.
00:23:28I have focused on improving efficiency in the planning, programming, budgeting, and
00:23:32execution processes.
00:23:34I also personally directed operations for NRO mission ground stations.
00:23:38I understand the national defense strategy and the outcomes required to support the department's
00:23:44priorities.
00:23:45Our key challenge remains the PRC and its coercive behavior.
00:23:50If confirmed, my priorities will include delivering information at the scale and speed
00:23:56to provide decision advantage over competitors, pace to the global challenge of the PRC, enhancing
00:24:02security and counterintelligence focus across the department, recruiting and retaining
00:24:08a skilled workforce with diverse experiences, expertise, and backgrounds required to address
00:24:14national security challenges, and leveraging interagency and international coalitions and
00:24:19partnerships.
00:24:20If confirmed, I will strive to accomplish these and other priorities as determined by
00:24:25the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary of Defense.
00:24:29I look forward to supporting Secretary Austin, Deputy Secretary Hicks, and DNI Haynes in
00:24:34ensuring that the defense intelligence enterprise remains tightly linked with the national intelligence
00:24:39enterprise and partners strongly with the defense security enterprise.
00:24:44Thank you for your time today and for your consideration of my nomination.
00:24:47I look forward to your questions.
00:24:49Thank you, Ms. Wilkerson.
00:24:50Dr. Solmeier, please.
00:24:53Chairman Reed and Ranking Member Wicker, members of the committee, it's an honor to appear
00:24:59before you today as the nominee to serve as the first Assistant Secretary of Defense for
00:25:04Cyber Policy.
00:25:05I thank President Biden, Secretary Austin, and Deputy Secretary Hicks for their confidence
00:25:11in me to submit my name for your consideration, and I thank Senator Rounds for that very kind
00:25:16and generous introduction as well.
00:25:18I also wish to thank my wife, Danielle Pohlbaum.
00:25:22Among other things, she is a gifted lawyer and the most amazing mother I've met as we
00:25:27welcomed our first child, Vivian, six weeks ago.
00:25:31Danielle's parents, Gilda Brancato and Elliot Pohlbaum, are wonderful in-laws and grandparents.
00:25:37I'm also so fortunate to call the Popkins, the Chabras, and the Waters family as well.
00:25:44Special thanks to my Uncle Larry Popkin, an all-star high school football coach and
00:25:49tennis coach who served in the Army many years ago.
00:25:52He turns 90 today back home in California.
00:25:56My parents, Irving Solmeier and Gail Solmeier, passed away years ago.
00:26:01My father was an attorney who served in the Navy as a young man.
00:26:05He instilled in me an appreciation for history, the law, and public service, and he made the
00:26:10mistake of letting his elementary school-age son take apart his first personal computer.
00:26:17My mother did the heaviest lifting, raising me day in and day out, all while trying to
00:26:21understand why I needed a second phone line for my computer in the days before the World
00:26:26Wide Web.
00:26:28I would not be the person or the professional that I am today without them.
00:26:34While I got my start in information technology at a young age, I began my career in national
00:26:39security at the Defense Department during the George W. Bush administration.
00:26:43I was fortunate to learn from civilian and uniform leaders at the bipartisan Center for
00:26:48Strategic and International Studies.
00:26:51I studied civil-military relations as a graduate student, but my interests in technology were
00:26:56rekindled when I joined the cyber policy team in the office of the Secretary of Defense.
00:27:02After a stint building a cybersecurity research program in academia, I've had the privilege
00:27:06of resuming public service at U.S. Cyber Command and now the U.S. Army.
00:27:12This is the experience I would bring to the job if confirmed as the first Assistant Secretary
00:27:16of Defense for cyber policy.
00:27:19That experience has taught me about the value of public-private partnerships, the criticality
00:27:24of human capital, and the imperative of a bipartisan approach to cybersecurity and cyber
00:27:29policy.
00:27:30If confirmed, I would look forward to working with all the members of the committee to address
00:27:35your concerns, resolve your questions, and collaborate with you to strengthen our national
00:27:40defense.
00:27:41So many of the pressing challenges that confront the United States today have a nexus to cyber
00:27:46policy.
00:27:47From China's brazen efforts to target our critical infrastructure to Russia's brutal
00:27:52invasion of Ukraine, we see our adversaries using cyber operations to threaten our security.
00:27:59And now advances in artificial intelligence could dramatically expand our cyber vulnerabilities
00:28:04or our cyber advantages.
00:28:07As such, my overriding goal, if confirmed, would be to generate the combat power and
00:28:12sustained readiness in cyberspace necessary both to advance American interests and to
00:28:18defend them from current and future threats.
00:28:22To achieve this, I would begin by accelerating U.S. Cyber Command's efforts to meet and defeat
00:28:27threats to our nation.
00:28:28I would do so in close partnership with the commander of U.S. Cyber Command, General Hawk.
00:28:33I would also train my focus on the personnel who execute the mission, military and civilian,
00:28:38active, guard, and reserve.
00:28:41We must retain and recruit the nation's top talent to deter and, when necessary, defeat
00:28:47our adversaries.
00:28:48I would also ensure we make the most of our nation's advantages in artificial intelligence
00:28:52and quantum information science.
00:28:55In closing, please let me underscore my appreciation for this committee's bipartisan approach to
00:28:59national defense and to cyber-related issues in particular.
00:29:03The creation of the position for which I have the distinct privilege to be nominated is
00:29:07a product of your bipartisanship memorialized in the National Defense Authorization Act
00:29:12that established this role.
00:29:14If confirmed, I look forward to working with you closely and collaboratively to ensure
00:29:19that the Defense Department's strategies, plans, and capabilities in cyberspace advance
00:29:25and defend our nation's interests at home and abroad.
00:29:28I thank each of you for your consideration and I look forward to your questions.
00:29:34Thanks to both of you.
00:29:35I'll begin the questioning and then we'll go on a first round.
00:29:39Ms. Wilkerson, I'm concerned that you only mentioned China in your opening statement
00:29:44and you didn't mention terrorism.
00:29:47And I'm afraid that we have turned so thoroughly toward great power competition that we're
00:29:52losing sight of the risk of terrorism, which is still there, very much still there.
00:29:58And the reason I think that's so important for you is that the cornerstone of our defense
00:30:05policy is deterrence.
00:30:07And that has been the case for 70 years at least.
00:30:10Unfortunately, the theory of deterrence doesn't work with someone who doesn't have a capital
00:30:14city and doesn't care about dying.
00:30:17So intelligence is the first line of defense against a terrorist attack.
00:30:22Talk to me about maintaining a significant focus on the risk of terrorism because the
00:30:28people who wish us harm in that realm have not gone away.
00:30:34Senator, thank you for the opportunity to expand on that particular aspect of my stated
00:30:40priorities.
00:30:41I couldn't agree with you more that while the PRC remains a global challenge, it is
00:30:47not the only threat that is represented.
00:30:50More and more as we think about what we see happening across the globe, we see that there's
00:30:57a strengthening of ties across not only China, but also Russia, Iran, North Korea, the list
00:31:04goes on and on.
00:31:05And so I think it's incumbent upon us to ensure that we are focused in a balanced way across
00:31:12all of the threats that exist to include the CT threat.
00:31:17I certainly see that in my seat today as a Deputy Director of NGA, where while there
00:31:22are multiple crisis situations that are currently ongoing, we still ensure that we're balancing
00:31:27and focusing on CT as well as those other efforts.
00:31:31I hope you'll maintain that focus because the national policy is something like an aircraft
00:31:37carrier and once it starts to turn, it's hard to turn it back, but we cannot lose the focus
00:31:41on terrorism.
00:31:42I just, the whole world can turn upside down in one day and it doesn't take a huge nation
00:31:48state, it just takes a few determined people who don't care about their lives.
00:31:53So I hope you will maintain that focus.
00:31:57You mentioned the multiple agencies, you're a walking interagency task force.
00:32:02You've worked for the CIA, NGA, NRO, and I think one of the important roles and of course
00:32:10certainly the Director of National Intelligence has this role, but I hope you can work in
00:32:16terms of coordination and better coordination between the intelligence agencies so that
00:32:21we're not siloing information.
00:32:23Is that something that you can make a commitment to?
00:32:26Absolutely, Senator.
00:32:28I certainly can commit to ensuring that I'm integrating not only across the defense intelligence
00:32:34and security enterprise, if confirmed of course, but also focusing on that relationship across
00:32:40with the intelligence community.
00:32:42And I do think I'm well-postured to do so, having spent many years supporting ICA.
00:32:46And finally, I don't want to stress this too much, Dan Coats, a former DNI, said the role
00:32:52of the intelligence community is to find the truth and tell the truth.
00:32:55And I hope that you'll hold to that.
00:32:56That's one of the best summations that I've found.
00:32:59And telling the truth is very important.
00:33:02Telling the truth to people in positions of authority, policymakers, who may not want
00:33:06to hear what the analysis actually shows.
00:33:09So I hope you'll remember Dan's admonition.
00:33:13Find the truth and tell the truth.
00:33:15Mr. Solmeier, now let's get back to deterrence.
00:33:19One of the problems with our cyber policy, in my view, is that there isn't much in the
00:33:23way of deterrence.
00:33:25Our adversaries are sponsoring attacks against us in cyberspace every day without much fear
00:33:31of any kind of response, whether it's cyber or something else.
00:33:35Talk to me about applying the theory of deterrence, which has been so important to us in other
00:33:40areas, to cyber, because we're not going to be able to patch our way out of this risk.
00:33:45Well, good morning, Senator.
00:33:48And the focus on deterrence is top of mind for me, especially as we look at not just
00:33:53the pacing challenge of the People's Republic of China, but including terrorists as well.
00:33:59We really want to think about how we impose costs going forward.
00:34:05And I think the Department does that in large part by the strategy of defending forward,
00:34:10being proactive on foreign land to disrupt and degrade adversary capabilities.
00:34:16Is it your intention to continue that policy and strengthen it?
00:34:19And strengthen it, absolutely.
00:34:21Thank you.
00:34:22Final question.
00:34:24One of the cyber issues, it seems to me, in the Defense Department is the defense industrial
00:34:28base.
00:34:29You can have the best defense in the world in the Pentagon, but if some subcontractor
00:34:33to a major contractor is compromised, it seems to me that needs to be a focus of your attention
00:34:39as well.
00:34:40Absolutely.
00:34:42We share risk with the defense industrial base in cybersecurity, and if confirmed, I'm
00:34:46committed to reviewing what opportunities there are, such as the National Security Agency's
00:34:52Cyber Collaboration Center, and also providing cybersecurity as a service to small businesses
00:34:58as well.
00:34:59Thank you.
00:35:00Senator Wicker.
00:35:02Thank you very much, Senator King.
00:35:05Ms. Wilkerson, I'm glad you cleared up, in response to Senator King, the several threats
00:35:13that are working together, and you did mention the People's Republic of China, and in response
00:35:19to the question, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and terrorism.
00:35:26Do you agree that they're working together in an effort against the United States, as
00:35:32they never have before?
00:35:33Senator, I do agree that we're-
00:35:37And Dr. Solomayor, do you agree with that also?
00:35:42Senator, when it comes to cyber operations, I think there's more skepticism about cooperation
00:35:50and sharing the sensitive techniques, but in general, I agree there is a large effort
00:35:55and aspiration to do so.
00:35:58Okay, and then let's talk about the people who are working with us.
00:36:05In your testimony, Ms. Wilkerson, you mentioned levering interagency and international coalitions
00:36:13and partnerships.
00:36:14Who are our best partners in this regard, and Dr. Solomayor, too?
00:36:20Senator, when I start to think about partners, certainly first and foremost, I would focus
00:36:26on our long and enduring partnership with the Five Eyes community, and so when I think
00:36:32about the allied partners, it is Canada, Australia, the UK, and New Zealand, and that's a good
00:36:39starting place, is we start to think about how we ensure we're strengthening ties across
00:36:46international bounds.
00:36:47But I also think it's really important that we're focusing on interagency partnerships
00:36:52as well, and being able to work effectively in a way that delivers the outcomes that are
00:36:57necessary to meet this threat environment.
00:36:59How valuable are our other NATO partners, other than the one you mentioned?
00:37:05Senator, I think that they are definitely very valuable partners as well.
00:37:09I noted the Five Eyes partners, given that those are the partners that we have a longstanding
00:37:16relationship with.
00:37:17But I think even as we see some of the crisis situations that are unfolding today, we recognize
00:37:23that there has to be an expansion of those partnerships, and if confirmed, I'm committed
00:37:27to focusing efforts on doing that.
00:37:29Dr. Solomayor, you want to comment on that?
00:37:32Just double down on the Five Eyes as well, but also AUKUS and the second pillar of the
00:37:37relationship gives a new opportunity, an additional opportunity between our three countries.
00:37:43I'm glad you mentioned that.
00:37:45And then, Ms. Wilkerson, you mentioned interagency cooperation.
00:37:53Senator King is concerned about siloing, and so am I.
00:37:58But how are we doing on that?
00:38:03Are we doing a better job of avoiding that now, and how much further do we need to go?
00:38:12So Senator, speaking from my seat currently today as the Deputy Director of NGA, I look
00:38:17across and feel that we have very strong partnerships across the defense intel enterprise.
00:38:23I, in my day-to-day, have an opportunity to engage quite frequently with the NRO.
00:38:28Well, is it a problem?
00:38:30I think there's always opportunity space to continue to strengthen the interaction between
00:38:36organizations.
00:38:37I wouldn't necessarily indicate that it's a problem.
00:38:41I would rather note that there's an opportunity space for continued engagement.
00:38:46As compared to a decade ago, have we solved that problem on a one-to-ten level, at a one
00:38:55or a ten, or where?
00:38:58So Senator, I think that we have actually come a very long way in terms of the integration
00:39:04across the agencies.
00:39:08And I say that given the experience that I've had across three of those organizations, including
00:39:14CIA.
00:39:15Thank you very much.
00:39:16Dr. Solmeier, on the question of U.S. critical infrastructure, it is commercially owned,
00:39:25but our military uses it, and as such, we have to be concerned about cyber attacks on
00:39:36a commercially owned network.
00:39:40Is that a problem, and how is DHS, as the lead federal agency, attacking this problem?
00:39:49Is it a concern?
00:39:52Thank you, Ranking Member.
00:39:53The opportunity there is for the Defense Department and U.S. Cybercom to enable those partners
00:39:58like DHS and CISA that can more directly work with those private entities, because you're
00:40:04absolutely right.
00:40:05We share that risk in cybersecurity, so we can bring unique insights from the Defense
00:40:11Department to help mitigate what we see already and get ahead of threats coming tomorrow.
00:40:16You wouldn't change that?
00:40:18Right now, Senator, I'd want to understand exactly the nature of that, and if I felt
00:40:24there was more that could be done, I'd raise that to my leadership and this committee.
00:40:28Thank you.
00:40:29Thank you, Senator King.
00:40:31Senator Browns.
00:40:35Thank you, Mr. Acting Chairman.
00:40:37First of all, let me begin.
00:40:41Ms. Wilkerson and Dr. Solmeier, I want to once again thank you both and your families
00:40:45for being here with us today and your willingness to continue to serve our country.
00:40:53Ms. Wilkerson, I appreciated the opportunity to visit with you yesterday as well, and I
00:40:57wanted to follow up a little bit, as I indicated I would, with regard to just a couple of areas
00:41:02that I really think are sensitive and timely at this point with regard to actions going
00:41:08on right now within the Department.
00:41:11Often the U.S. government makes changes to regulations without consulting key constituencies,
00:41:19including industry, academia, and even those of us here on Capitol Hill.
00:41:23I know that INS doesn't make regulations, but they do make policies that can have a
00:41:29broad impact on the defense and intelligence community and the defense industrial base.
00:41:35Would you commit to engaging with the appropriate stakeholders to the maximum extent possible
00:41:40before making significant policy changes that could impact these stakeholders?
00:41:48Senator, thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday.
00:41:52I very much appreciated that.
00:41:54I certainly would commit to ensuring engagement with this committee to ensure that you have
00:42:02the adequate insight and the insight that you would seek to have regarding decisions
00:42:08that are made within the Department.
00:42:10Thank you.
00:42:11The reason why I bring it that way is the one area which is really front and center
00:42:15right now, specifically, I'm hoping that it would be a priority for you to follow the
00:42:22current law governing the space-based moving target indication, or MTI, that we talked
00:42:28about yesterday, and leave its governance within the Title X to optimize direct support
00:42:34for our frontline warfighters.
00:42:36There's a discussion right now going on in terms of how that's going to be implemented,
00:42:39and it really does impact the agencies that you're going to be responsible for.
00:42:44I just want to make a commitment that we're going to hear about any changes to that and
00:42:48that the other stakeholders would also be involved before any changes or policy changes
00:42:52would be made.
00:42:54Senator, if confirmed, I certainly will ensure that I provide insight to decisions that are
00:43:01made within the Department relative to all topics, but MTI in particular, recognizing
00:43:06that that is a topic of high interest at this time.
00:43:12Okay.
00:43:13Let me just, I understand that the Department of Defense and the IC have completed a joint,
00:43:18as they call it, a 45-day study on how to accomplish GMTI.
00:43:23It's been done for over a year now, but it has not yet been provided to Congress.
00:43:29Will you commit to making sure that this important report is provided to the appropriate congressional
00:43:35committees?
00:43:36Senator, yes, if confirmed, certainly I will do all within my power to ensure that the
00:43:43committee has insight into the report, and I will certainly note for the SECDEF and D&I
00:43:49on the interest.
00:43:50Excellent.
00:43:51And then this question really is for both of you.
00:43:53I remain concerned about the potential commercial auction of government-managed wireless spectrum.
00:44:00Dozens of the most senior DOD officials have shared their concerns with me regarding, with
00:44:06regard to weapon systems that would be affected should some of these areas be sold.
00:44:13However, I'm also concerned about the ramifications for our defense intelligence capabilities
00:44:18as well.
00:44:19I realize that you're limited in what you can discuss in this setting, but to the extent
00:44:24that you can, would you please share where you stand on this issue and your thoughts
00:44:28about the administration position generally with regard to the sale of DOD assets in the
00:44:36areas of spectrum that are critical to both DOD operations, a lot of our radars that protect
00:44:41our shorelines, and to the IC community with regard to very valuable space to ground communications
00:44:48and so forth.
00:44:49I just want to make sure that I've got commitments from both of you, that there is a clear understanding
00:44:55of how serious this is, and that I want to know how you're going to handle the response
00:45:00when the time comes, and there's a possibility of this being sold, and you're going to find
00:45:05uniformed officers coming and saying somebody has to stand up and talk about the ramifications
00:45:10to the Department of Defense and the IC community should these auctions move forward.
00:45:14Dr. Schallmeyer?
00:45:16Yes, Senator.
00:45:19I approach that spectrum issue very carefully from a threat perspective and am very mindful
00:45:24of the capabilities we have that rely on it.
00:45:27That's why it's so critical for the department to have a seat at the table and really study
00:45:31the feasibility of what is being proposed at all times.
00:45:34So if confirmed, I commit to working very closely on that issue.
00:45:38Thank you.
00:45:39Ms. Wilkerson?
00:45:40Senator, while I'm not very steeped in this particular topic, I do certainly understand
00:45:46the sensitivity and the implications given my prior experiences.
00:45:51And so if confirmed, Senator, certainly this is an area that I would focus on.
00:45:56Thank you.
00:45:57Thank you, Ms. Chairman.
00:45:58Senator Ernst?
00:46:00Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you, and good morning, Ms. Wilkerson and Dr. Schallmeyer.
00:46:06It's nice to have you both here, and thank you so much for your service to our great
00:46:10nation.
00:46:11Ms. Wilkerson, I'd like to start with you.
00:46:14In the lead-up to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, our intelligence community declassified
00:46:21reports which shed light on Russia's true intentions.
00:46:24And this proactive approach helped counter Russian disinformation, and it really did
00:46:29build a trust between the United States and our allies and our partners.
00:46:34We enhance our collective defense capabilities by sharing intelligence and strengthening
00:46:40our alliances.
00:46:42And Ms. Wilkerson, can you speak to how these information-sharing programs help address
00:46:47common security challenges faced by European nations?
00:46:52Senator, thank you for the question.
00:46:56I certainly understand, given the recent experience from the unprovoked invasion of the Ukraine
00:47:04by Russia, just how important it is to have a responsive process for declassifying information,
00:47:13in that it can be very much impactful in sharing information with not only our partner organizations,
00:47:21but also bringing to light for the public what is transpiring.
00:47:27Very good.
00:47:28And what role does information-sharing play in deterring some of those common threats,
00:47:34such as cyberattacks or disinformation campaigns, and specifically in the European theater?
00:47:42Senator, I believe in the European theater, what we are seeing is that it provides, it
00:47:50illuminates what is occurring on the ground and helps others to be able to best be postured
00:47:57to support the current crisis situation.
00:48:01And so, you know, if confirmed, I certainly would commit to being able to, of course,
00:48:08in coordination with the DNI, look at our continued focus on efforts to be able to declassify
00:48:14information at the right time for the right purposes.
00:48:17Yeah, thank you.
00:48:18And to speak a little to AI, and maybe both of you could join in here, Ms. Wilkerson will
00:48:27start with you, but what role does artificial intelligence play in the ongoing conflict
00:48:32in Ukraine, and what key insights or lessons have been gained from its utilization in warfare?
00:48:39We'll start with you, Ms. Wilkerson, and then Dr. Solmeier, if you have any thoughts as
00:48:43well.
00:48:44Yes, Senator, the department has been focused on using AI to make better decisions affecting
00:48:52the battlefield, and I certainly would welcome the opportunity to speak at a more in-depth
00:48:57level in a classified session, if you should desire.
00:49:00Yeah, thank you.
00:49:01Dr. Solmeier?
00:49:02Well, good morning, Senator.
00:49:05Ukraine is a case study of how technology has grown towards AI, and in 2015, the power
00:49:12was turned out by a cyber attack in Ukraine through a manual effort.
00:49:16The next year, the code that was used was much more automated, and we've seen that trajectory
00:49:22over the years towards greater automation, and now with the advent of artificial intelligence.
00:49:27So if confirmed for me, that's front and center, looking at the future of cyber warfare and
00:49:32how generative AI can both help our warfighters, and we have to guard against it.
00:49:38Right.
00:49:39I do believe there's also efforts using artificial intelligence and other data mining means to
00:49:48prove different criminal actions by those Russian soldiers that have come into communities.
00:49:56There are ways of tracking them and getting information, gathering that intelligence to
00:50:01use in cases against them to prove war crimes or to show war crimes.
00:50:06So it's just fascinating what we've been able to do across Ukraine using artificial intelligence.
00:50:13You mentioned cyber warfare.
00:50:15We'll dive a little deeper into that, too, Dr. Solmeier.
00:50:20Developing a whole-of-government approach to cyber remains a top priority of mine and
00:50:24others on the committee, and this is true as we continue to evaluate the lessons learned
00:50:29from the ongoing conflicts, whether it's in Ukraine or other areas around the globe.
00:50:35Do you feel the DoD is successfully facilitating inter-service cooperation and coordination
00:50:42in developing cyber warfare strategies within our force and alongside some of our strong
00:50:49friends and allies?
00:50:51Yes, Senator.
00:50:52I see each of the services within our own force generating that combat power in different
00:50:58ways, and so if confirmed, it's a big opportunity to harmonize how that combat power is generated
00:51:05and then how we can use that to enable our partners, as you described, and really bring
00:51:10about an even stronger defense of the nation in cyberspace.
00:51:13Excellent.
00:51:14And while, again, my time has expired, and I want to thank you both very much for your
00:51:18service.
00:51:19Thank you.
00:51:20Senator Kaine.
00:51:23Thank you to my committee colleagues, and congratulations to our nominees.
00:51:27You each have decades of public service where you have really climbed to the pinnacle of
00:51:32your respective fields, and I am very happy to be able to support your nominations, but
00:51:38what I'd like to know is, based on your past experiences as you look at them, what are
00:51:42achievements, accomplishments that you are the proudest of, and how would you bring lessons
00:51:47from those accomplishments to the positions to which you've been nominated?
00:51:50Dr. Solmeier, if you could begin.
00:51:54Thank you, and good morning, Senator.
00:51:55You know, when I think about what I'm most proud of in this field, it's the teams I've
00:51:59been able to build and be a part of, not just in academia, but now with the U.S. Army.
00:52:05Several of them are here today to experience this, and we've been able to use the hiring
00:52:11authorities that this committee and the Congress has given the department in really creative
00:52:16ways, and I don't think I would be able to do that without being empowered by the committee
00:52:21and the Congress to do so, so that's what I'm most proud of going forward.
00:52:24Thank you.
00:52:25Ms. Wilkerson.
00:52:27Thank you, Senator, and thank you for the opportunity to share about a key accomplishment.
00:52:31As I look at my tenure as the Deputy Director of NGA, I would say the key accomplishment
00:52:37has been being able to strengthen the stewardship of GEOINT resources, so I am the senior champion
00:52:43for that, and what that really has focused on is thinking about how we're postured organizationally,
00:52:49driving culture change, if you will, to think about the governance structure that needs
00:52:54to be in place, how we ensure we are able to provide the very best financial management
00:53:01artifacts, and as part of that, also strengthening our relationship with Congress.
00:53:08Thank you.
00:53:09Ms. Wilkerson, I'm going to stick with you.
00:53:10As a leader in the intelligence community, you've witnessed a lot of changes over the
00:53:14course of your career about the way we respond to different kinds of threats.
00:53:18One of the key advantages we have over our adversaries is that we invest heavily in innovation
00:53:24and emerging technology.
00:53:26In Virginia, we're really proud of the Ravenna Station work being done down in the Charlottesville
00:53:31area where we have great partnership between academic institutions, industry partners,
00:53:36and then government agencies, and those partnerships help us drive innovation.
00:53:42How would you build on the success of our centers of innovation like Ravenna Station
00:53:46in your new capacity?
00:53:49Senator, I had an opportunity to visit Ravenna Station not that long ago, and I couldn't
00:53:55agree with you more that it's fantastic work that happens there, and I do think it is because
00:54:00of the partnership that happens with academia.
00:54:03I do, from an NGA perspective, one of the things that we've been focused on is educational
00:54:08partnership agreements, and also leveraging cooperative agreements that would allow for
00:54:13development activities as well, so that academia gets insight into what the mission requirements
00:54:19are, and there's an opportunity for early engagement.
00:54:22I would, if confirmed, certainly want to continue to build upon that, and then also not lose
00:54:27sight of the opportunity that the small businesses also provide to be able to tap into innovative
00:54:34concepts that we might not otherwise consider.
00:54:37That's part of my current portfolio, and one that I've been very passionate about.
00:54:41I was impressed when we talked the other day, and you talked about NGA's partnership with
00:54:45Gallaudet, and even high school students coming in to start to learn about work that's being
00:54:50done as a way to attract people into a talent pipeline into your agencies.
00:54:55Dr. Somer, I think you might have referred to this before I came in the room.
00:54:59I was at another event this morning, but AUKUS, I'm a big AUKUS fanatic.
00:55:04I guess because subs are built in Virginia, and I'm on both Armed Services and Foreign
00:55:10Relations, and a lot of the legislation to put AUKUS into place kind of straddled the
00:55:14two committees.
00:55:16I'm particularly interested in the kind of open field of pillar two of AUKUS, how we
00:55:22can work together with these allies on innovative new technologies.
00:55:25Talk a little bit about the way you see AUKUS, and particularly what we might do in the pillar
00:55:29two space to advance safety and security in the Indo-Pacific.
00:55:33Absolutely, Senator.
00:55:35AUKUS really gives us this opportunity to see how the three countries can work, not
00:55:44just as great intelligence partners, but now really as militaries in cyberspace.
00:55:49That is, as you say, open field running.
00:55:52From training, exercising, capability development, those are the three areas where I would look
00:55:57if confirmed in the pillar two area for cyberspace.
00:56:01Great.
00:56:02Thank you very much.
00:56:03I yield back.
00:56:04Senator Budd.
00:56:07Thank you both for being here, and congratulations on your nominations.
00:56:10Congratulations to your families as well.
00:56:12Dr. Solmeier, hopefully you had some sleep recently as a new father, so congratulations
00:56:17there as well.
00:56:18Ms. Wilkerson, I enjoyed our conversation yesterday.
00:56:22If confirmed, you would have direct oversight responsibility for the Defense Counterintelligence
00:56:27and Security Agency.
00:56:28As you know, DCSA took over responsibility for conducting background investigations for
00:56:36most federal agencies after the 2015 OPM breach.
00:56:42What happened there is that it compromised highly sensitive data of millions of Americans.
00:56:50This caused severe damage to our national security.
00:56:53We talked a little bit about that yesterday.
00:56:54DCSA, it conducts these background investigations through a combination of recently developed
00:57:00systems and old legacy IT systems.
00:57:03Those systems were previously owned by OPM.
00:57:06As we talked about yesterday, GAO recently came out with a study.
00:57:11It said DCSA, it hasn't appropriately addressed the cybersecurity risks of these IT systems.
00:57:18I think that's absolutely unacceptable, and it increases the chance of another catastrophic
00:57:22breach.
00:57:24Could you talk about your thoughts on this report?
00:57:28Senator, thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday, and I did appreciate
00:57:33our conversation on this particular report.
00:57:35Clearly, the Department and the IC must ensure that we're addressing any potential for vulnerabilities
00:57:42with respect to our background investigation systems.
00:57:46I had an opportunity to read the report, and I really feel like the recommendations are
00:57:51very compelling.
00:57:53It's my understanding that DCSA has already started to move out on actions to implement
00:57:59the recommendations that were included in the report, many of which seem to focus around
00:58:04thinking about how we focus on risk management.
00:58:09If confirmed, I would strongly support DCSA continuing to ensure that implementation of
00:58:17those particular recommendations, and then also do all within my ability to ensure their
00:58:22success within this.
00:58:24Ms. Wilkerson, that was the second part of my question.
00:58:27I ask, if confirmed, do you commit to addressing these issues?
00:58:30That sounds like a yes.
00:58:31That is absolutely a yes.
00:58:33Thank you.
00:58:34Thank you, Dr. Silmeyer.
00:58:35It was great to meet with you a couple weeks ago.
00:58:37We talked about the increasing need for cybersecurity professionals in order to ensure that we are
00:58:42mission ready.
00:58:44If confirmed, what will be your strategy to address these readiness shortfalls of the
00:58:48cyber mission force?
00:58:52Thank you, Senator.
00:58:53Building that combat power and that sustained readiness is the overall goal.
00:58:58That's how we will have a robust deterrence posture.
00:59:01That's how we will be able to disrupt and degrade our adversaries' work.
00:59:05That for me is the number one priority.
00:59:07In terms of how to do it, first, we have to be able to recruit from a broad audience that
00:59:14has that propensity to serve, to put the interests of the team and the nation ahead of themselves,
00:59:20and have that technical interest and aptitude.
00:59:23But then we have to retain them and to show them that there is a career and a pipeline
00:59:28to stay in federal service and national security, but also if they want to get out for a while,
00:59:33they should be empowered to know that they can come back and continue to help the nation
00:59:38later when that's possible.
00:59:40Those are just a few of the areas I'd start with to build that combat power.
00:59:43Thank you.
00:59:44I'd like to discuss the importance of collaborations between cyber operations and special operations
00:59:50forces as well.
00:59:51We talked a little bit about that a few weeks ago.
00:59:53Do you agree that the access, placement, and intel gathering that SOF provide is vital
00:59:59to successfully conduct many cyber operations?
01:00:03Very much so, Senator.
01:00:04If confirmed, I'd work very closely with the Assistant Secretary for Special Operations
01:00:09to see what even more we can do on that front.
01:00:12Thank you very much.
01:00:13That answers the second part of my questions, which is would you confirm to work with SOLIC
01:00:18on that issue?
01:00:20Thank you very much.
01:00:21Absolutely.
01:00:22I yield.
01:00:23I wanted to follow up on a couple of matters that we've touched on.
01:00:28Ms. Wilkerson, you and I talked about this.
01:00:32I don't want to say it's easy, but it's relatively straightforward to count the number of tanks
01:00:37on the ground from satellite feed or determine the flow of ammunition or materiel.
01:00:45What has turned out to be very hard is to have an intelligence analysis of the will
01:00:49to fight.
01:00:51We saw this fail in two recent examples in Afghanistan, where we overestimated the will
01:00:57to fight of the Afghan government and the people, and Ukraine, where we underestimated
01:01:03it.
01:01:04As we look at conflicts around the world involving other countries where we're going to be coming
01:01:08to their defense or their assistance, how we will approach this question of the will
01:01:13to fight, it is much harder, but it's also incredibly important.
01:01:18Give me some thoughts on that.
01:01:21Senator, I did appreciate very much that conversation, and I think you make a very valid point in
01:01:27terms of the success of a situation really hinging upon the will to fight.
01:01:35I feel like it's a challenging thing, though, to try to ascertain that particular aspect.
01:01:43It's challenging, but we need to know it.
01:01:45I agree with you 100%.
01:01:48If confirmed, it is certainly something that I would put some focus on, understanding how
01:01:53could we be able to ascertain on the will to fight.
01:01:58The DNI has done substantial work on this.
01:02:00I would urge you to study, do some homework on what they've already done, talk to the
01:02:05DNI, talk to your colleagues in the interagency, because this is a crucial factor as we're
01:02:10talking about Taiwan, for example.
01:02:13We need to know what the commitment of the Taiwanese people are to their own defense.
01:02:17It just seems to me that's an important bit of intelligence in determining policy.
01:02:23Mr. Solmeier, a couple of quick questions for you.
01:02:28One is attribution.
01:02:30If we're talking about a cyber attack, it's becoming harder and harder to determine where
01:02:35it comes from.
01:02:36Does the U.S. government have sufficient resources in a coherent structure to do attribution
01:02:45of cyber attacks in a timely and reasonably certain way?
01:02:52Senator, the tools and the experience necessary to attribute adversary cyber activity have
01:02:59to keep evolving with their behavior.
01:03:02So I believe that historically we have been able to attribute and understand with varying
01:03:09levels of confidence at different times who's doing what.
01:03:12The difference is when the government is willing and when it makes sense to say so
01:03:17publicly versus to be private about it.
01:03:20But I commit to working with the committee and, of course, my leadership on that transparency.
01:03:24My question is, who is we?
01:03:26Is there a central office somewhere in the federal government of attribution, or is some
01:03:32of it in the FBI, some of it in the CIA?
01:03:34I'm just concerned that this is such an important question, but that institutionally, structurally
01:03:41we don't have a central area to do this essential function.
01:03:52It's a good point, Senator, that there's a lot of different organizations, a lot of cooks
01:03:57in the cyber kitchen.
01:03:58And so because different kinds of malware have different technical specifications, you
01:04:04want the best experts to be able to come look at any given piece of code.
01:04:08So I'd want to just make sure that that community of interest is clear about who they are and
01:04:15that they have the tools they need to work fast and then share that.
01:04:18I hope this is something you'll look at with your interagency colleagues.
01:04:23Whenever I hear the term around here, all of government, I think none of government
01:04:27because nobody is responsible.
01:04:29So think about that.
01:04:30Second question for you is workforce.
01:04:33Are you able to recruit and retain the people that you need?
01:04:36My sense is there's a giant shortfall of cyber-capable trained people across the country.
01:04:45Does that also affect what you're going to be doing?
01:04:49Well, Senator, for cyber operations, that is those higher-end active defense and offense
01:04:55type work, we find that at least in the Army, in my experience thus far, it's been one of
01:05:00the most competitive fields.
01:05:01For example, coming out of West Point, it's one of the hardest things to get into.
01:05:06So the interest in doing it is there and coming into the service is there.
01:05:12I think the bigger challenge that I would commit to, if confirmed, is the retention
01:05:16side and making sure we stay as competitive as we can, not matching, but competitive as
01:05:21we can with industry and being flexible where possible to keep folks who want to stay and
01:05:28serve on the mission.
01:05:30Thank you.
01:05:31Senator Schmidt.
01:05:32Thank you, Senator.
01:05:34Ms. Wilkerson, you may be aware I'm a huge supporter of NGA and the work that's being
01:05:42done out of NGA in St. Louis, which is my hometown.
01:05:46And the construction there, there's a lot of opportunities that exist, not just for
01:05:51our country and our national security, but also that sort of economic ecosystem that
01:05:55exists around that and I think can be a real catalyst for private sector development as
01:06:01well.
01:06:02Could you just, because of your experience, could you just speak to the importance of
01:06:07geospatial intelligence in general as it relates to our national defense?
01:06:14Certainly and Senator Schmidt, I appreciate your support of NGA and I'm very excited about
01:06:21the new facility as well.
01:06:23And quite frankly, as I stepped into this job, I also noted really the commitment of
01:06:29the entire region to really focus in on developing that ecosystem for geospatial intelligence.
01:06:37To me, when I think about geospatial intelligence, it really illuminates not only the when and
01:06:43where on the earth, right, but it's also how things are being done.
01:06:47And so that's where I think GEOINT really pays dividends in being able to illuminate
01:06:54topics that perhaps other ints might not be able to provide.
01:07:01And based on your experience, including your recent time with NGA, could you discuss a
01:07:06little bit the importance of integrating commercial imagery, products and capabilities into our
01:07:14defense intelligence operations?
01:07:15I know there's some barriers that exist and maybe you could just sort of address that
01:07:20a little bit.
01:07:21Senator, yes.
01:07:24We really value, I personally do value the partnership that exists with the commercial
01:07:29industry in providing products that are easily shareable for the intel consumers as well.
01:07:38From my perspective, one of the things that we've been focused on is ensuring that we're
01:07:43from an ODNI and OUSDINS perspective, adhering to the direction and the recommendations that
01:07:49have been made with respect to commercial imagery acquisition.
01:07:53And so in doing so, it's been centralized.
01:07:56And so that centralization of that acquisition activity does help to ensure that there's
01:08:02a cost effective and efficient approach that is in place.
01:08:06I am aware that there are conversations ongoing regarding, is that the best structure?
01:08:14And so certainly if confirmed, I would ensure that I would take a look at all equities.
01:08:21I think that's important because my understanding is that despite the importance of NGA and
01:08:27being a major consumer of the commercial imagery, the NRO retains the responsibility to contract.
01:08:35Is that your understanding as well?
01:08:38That is exactly the arrangement.
01:08:40NRO has the responsibility to procure pixels and NGA has the responsibility to procure
01:08:46commercial analytic services.
01:08:48Well, you're going to have a great opportunity to look at that alignment, I think, hopefully
01:08:52moving forward here.
01:08:53I do want to address one other topic quickly on sort of the monoculture concerns that I've
01:08:58articulated as it relates to our cyber systems.
01:09:03Could you speak to a little of the potential dangers and vulnerabilities that could open
01:09:09up because of this sort of maybe one vendor approach or this kind of monoculture that
01:09:13exists in our intelligence community as it relates to cyber?
01:09:18And just so that I have clarification on your question, Senator, the monoculture that exists
01:09:24as it relates to commercial?
01:09:26Well no, as it relates, so there's a discussion that's going on and I think there's a little
01:09:31bit of a push and pull here between a bipartisan group of Senators who've raised concerns about
01:09:36some of the hacks that have happened and the fact that we're very reliant on a single vendor.
01:09:41And I think it's the view of many, including me, that a multi-vendor approach might provide
01:09:47some additional security here and ameliorate some of the concerns and vulnerabilities.
01:09:51I'm just curious how you view that.
01:09:54So thank you for that additional context.
01:09:57I really think it's incumbent upon us to ensure that we're providing vendors with the right
01:10:03tools and understanding of the right tools to help to protect the overall infrastructure
01:10:10within their purview.
01:10:13And so, if confirmed, this is an area that I certainly would welcome a chance to take
01:10:18a hard look at and understand whether or not we're giving that right information to vendors
01:10:23to be able to be best protected.
01:10:24Okay.
01:10:25All right, thank you.
01:10:26Thank you, Senator.
01:10:27The good news is that Senator Rosen is on her way.
01:10:31The bad news is I get to ask more questions in the meantime.
01:10:36Mr. Solmeier, I want to go back to something I mentioned earlier.
01:10:3985% of the target space in cyber is in the private sector.
01:10:44And I'm particularly concerned about the defense industrial base, and I'm particularly concerned
01:10:48not about the major contractors, but the subs.
01:10:54How do you establish a partnership, which is not a common term when you're talking about
01:11:00the federal government and the private sector?
01:11:03How do you develop a working partnership of mutual confidence and trust between your cyber
01:11:12protections within the Department of Defense and the defense industrial base?
01:11:16Well, Senator, I begin by really finding the home for where those partnerships and who's
01:11:23got the best insight to share and represent the government in that partnership.
01:11:29I think the National Security Agency's Cybersecurity Collaboration Center is a really great, it's
01:11:34not the only, but a great front door to be able to work on the kind of partnership you're
01:11:39talking from the government side.
01:11:41The opportunity then is to work not just with small businesses themselves, but also the
01:11:47managed service providers that help those small businesses with their IT.
01:11:51And so if we can empower with better threat information, the providers that help all the
01:11:56small businesses, we can scale cybersecurity to many, in addition to individual partnerships
01:12:01as well.
01:12:02Well, I think that's going to be the target for adversaries, I think.
01:12:09They're going to try to get into our systems via the smaller subcontractors and those areas
01:12:15in the private sector.
01:12:17Ms. Wilkerson, Senator Ernst mentioned this.
01:12:22The instinct of the intelligence community is to hold information tight, confidential,
01:12:29classified.
01:12:30And yet we learned at the beginning of the Ukraine war that releasing that information
01:12:34was a positive.
01:12:35It assisted us in our national policy.
01:12:39I hope you will think about pushing back against that classification instinct if the information
01:12:47would be helpful in furthering our national policy.
01:12:50Do you see what I mean?
01:12:51The whole, the default is don't tell.
01:12:55But in some cases, I think it's important to have that information out there.
01:12:59Senator, I certainly understand that, your point of view, and recognize that there has
01:13:05to be a balance.
01:13:06But I do agree with you that we have seen great benefit, especially in the Russia-Ukraine
01:13:11crisis of where being able to share that data more readily has led to tremendous success.
01:13:19And certainly, if confirmed, I would continue to look at the appropriate times to be able
01:13:24to do that.
01:13:25Thank you.
01:13:26Senator Rosen.
01:13:27Well, thank you, Senator King, appreciate it.
01:13:31And I want to thank you to the nominees today for testifying, for your willingness to serve.
01:13:36It's so important.
01:13:38And I want to talk a little bit about intelligence and great power competition.
01:13:42So Ms. Wilkerson, as the U.S. transitions to great power competition with China and
01:13:47giving the increasing emphasis on technological advancements and cyber capabilities, how is
01:13:52the U.S. intelligence community adapting its methodologies to ensure comprehensive intelligence
01:13:58collection from both traditional and emerging sources?
01:14:03And additionally, what strategies are being implemented to integrate diverse sources of
01:14:08intelligence?
01:14:09And if confirmed, how do you plan to coordinate integration across the defense intelligence
01:14:14enterprise?
01:14:16Senator, thank you for the opportunity to speak a bit on that topic.
01:14:20Of course, continuous modernization and deeper integration across the defense, intel and
01:14:26security enterprise are critical to supporting the objectives of the National Defense Strategy.
01:14:32And I think as part of that, really focusing in on how we develop ways to be able to leverage
01:14:36effectively emerging technology and then also expand our ability to share intelligence effectively
01:14:44as well with our allies and partners.
01:14:48From my seat at NGA, one of the things that we've been focused on is how do we take full
01:14:53advantage of the proliferated architecture and how do we take best advantage of AI, for
01:15:01example?
01:15:02On GEOINT, AI is where our focus would be.
01:15:05And so I recognize from those experiences the importance of always thinking ahead with
01:15:11respect to and being open to new innovations and being able to pull those in and do so
01:15:17at a rapid manner.
01:15:19And so if confirmed, I would look to work across the department, the IC, and as well
01:15:24as with other stakeholders to include allies and partners to make sure we're casting a
01:15:30broad net and understanding what exists and where there may be shortfalls that might need
01:15:35to be addressed.
01:15:36Thank you.
01:15:37Yes, technology moves faster sometimes and we can adapt to it, but I'm glad you brought
01:15:41up AI because, of course, there's issues around the ethical use of AI.
01:15:47And the Department of Defense has adopted a set of ethical principles for artificial
01:15:52intelligence, including minimizing unintended bias and protecting civil liberties and privacy.
01:15:59However, we do know our definition of ethical AI does not align with that of our adversaries.
01:16:05So Dr. Solmeier, as we work to leverage AI into our cyber capabilities, we know it's
01:16:12going to better enable our warfighters to execute their missions, whatever they are.
01:16:17How do you intend to balance the opportunities that we have before us, challenges and opportunities,
01:16:23and the ethical use of AI?
01:16:25Well, good morning, Senator.
01:16:27And I think the opportunity that artificial intelligence offers our warfighters really
01:16:34is open field right now.
01:16:36But what we bring that our adversaries don't is a professional military, a military of
01:16:42humans that we do trust and that are trusted with very serious responsibilities at even
01:16:48very junior ranks.
01:16:50And so to use artificial intelligence to empower them, to keep the human in the loop, but to
01:16:55empower them, that is different than what our adversaries will use AI for because I
01:16:59don't think they trust their militaries in the way that we can trust our professional
01:17:03force.
01:17:04Thank you.
01:17:05I do think that AI just potentiates what humans can do, right?
01:17:11Just helps us make those better decisions.
01:17:12So I would agree with you there.
01:17:15And it's important, though, that we have AI, we are going to have professional warfighters,
01:17:21but we also have to have a cyber workforce and really robust cyber workforce.
01:17:24We have to think forward into the future.
01:17:27And last year, DOD released its cyber workforce strategy, really to address those gaps in
01:17:32workforce management, ensure we're really capable of addressing the growing cyber threats
01:17:39from our adversaries.
01:17:40So again, Dr. Solmeier, what's your view on implementing non-traditional methods of expanding
01:17:45cybersecurity workforce, including establishing a cybersecurity reserve or implementing a
01:17:51skills-based hiring in order to increase the number of qualified candidates for cyberspace
01:17:57operations and roles?
01:17:58I'm interested, really, in the civilian cyber reserve.
01:18:00As a former computer programmer myself.
01:18:04Yes, Senator, and I've appreciated your leadership on cyber issues and in particular on the civilian
01:18:11reserve.
01:18:12I've read the legislation, and we currently have the beginning conversations going between
01:18:19the Army, where I work now, and U.S. Cyber Com, to very consistent with the law to see
01:18:24what we can do and how we can meet the steps to start that pilot.
01:18:29So I'm excited to see what we can do there with this civilian reserve, mostly to be able
01:18:35to have folks from industry who want to serve, but not in a full-time capacity, maybe in
01:18:40a quiet way, we can call in a crisis or call in the run-up to a crisis to help us with
01:18:45technical expertise, a few days, a week or two at a time, and then they can go back.
01:18:51Maybe teaching a course, some of those different things.
01:18:53That's exactly right.
01:18:54Yeah, thank you.
01:18:55Thank you.
01:18:56I appreciate your time.
01:18:57Senator King.
01:18:58Oh, Senator.
01:18:59Thank you.
01:19:00Senator Reed, you're back.
01:19:01I am.
01:19:02Thank you.
01:19:03Thank you, Senator Rose, and I particularly want to thank Senator King for chairing the
01:19:08committee in my absence.
01:19:09I was at the appropriations markup, so we're moving forward on our appropriations, which
01:19:15is important.
01:19:17Let me ask a few questions.
01:19:19Ms. Wilkerson, CIA Director Burns recently published an article, and he emphasized the
01:19:25importance of strategic declassification, or the intentional public disclosure of certain
01:19:31secrets to undercut rivals and rally allies.
01:19:35In fact, many of our geographic combatant commanders have also asked for this type of
01:19:41operation.
01:19:43What are your views on the importance of strategic declassification in support of information
01:19:48operations?
01:19:49Senator, thank you for the question.
01:19:53I do believe that it is necessary to be able to be strategic about how we might consider
01:20:02opportunities that exist to be able to declassify information for specific purposes.
01:20:08I do think that there are processes in place that help us to be able to effectively do
01:20:12that.
01:20:14As an example, we've seen in the Russia-Ukraine crisis where information has been able to
01:20:21be declassified and more openly shared.
01:20:25That has paid dividends in the success of the crisis situation, as well as being able
01:20:31to continue to inform the public.
01:20:33That would be an option that you would consider, at least, in your new role, if confirmed?
01:20:39If confirmed, I certainly would consider this as a particular option, and I would look forward
01:20:46to more in-depth conversation with subject matter experts to ensure that I've got it
01:20:51in the right way.
01:20:52Thank you.
01:20:53Dr. Solmar, could you give us the sense of your evolution of the threat in cyber, and
01:21:01also what that means for our cyber forces, both the doctrine and also integration into
01:21:10tactical operations?
01:21:14Thank you, Senator.
01:21:15The threat in cyberspace historically often was around intelligence collection and theft
01:21:21of intellectual property, so the compromise of the confidentiality of information.
01:21:28I think where the threat is now and is growing is the threat of the availability of systems
01:21:36like critical infrastructure, and also the integrity of data, that is, its deletion and
01:21:42modification.
01:21:43If confirmed, you can't take your eye off the ball on confidentiality, but really also
01:21:48have to focus on availability and integrity as well.
01:21:51That also implies a cross-governmental approach to cybersecurity, since you're talking about
01:21:58infrastructure, both civilian and military, and you, I presume, in the Department of Defense
01:22:05will be the point for that integration.
01:22:07Is that your sense?
01:22:09Yes, Chairman.
01:22:11If confirmed, I would be, yes.
01:22:16Appropriate modesty is always considered important here.
01:22:20Thank you.
01:22:24One of the provisions we passed in the fiscal year 2024 NDA, Ms. Wilkinson, was directing
01:22:32the Secretary of the Air Force to be responsible for presenting space-based ground and airborne
01:22:38moving target indications to combat commands.
01:22:42As we know, as I mentioned in my opening statement, JSTARS and AWACS aircraft are being taken
01:22:47out of service, so we're going to depend on space for a lot of information that was usually
01:22:53provided within the Department of Defense from one of their platforms to our forces
01:22:59on the ground.
01:23:01We are giving that responsibility now to the Secretary of the Air Force.
01:23:05In your role, will you ensure that this provision is adequately and appropriately enforced, and
01:23:14also, if there are problems, let us know?
01:23:17Senator, space is an operations domain and not necessarily one that is assigned to a
01:23:24specific organization.
01:23:26I am very much tracking the current direction and am supportive of the decisions that have
01:23:34been made to date by the Secretary and the DNI.
01:23:39What I would look to do, if confirmed, is to ensure that we don't take our eye off of
01:23:44the ball of ensuring that the right information is getting to the right people at the right
01:23:49time, which is really the outcome that we're trying to drive with respect to the new architecture.
01:23:58Certainly I would be focused in that way.
01:24:00Thank you very much.
01:24:02Again, thank you for your previous service.
01:24:04It's been outstanding.
01:24:07If confirmed, I look forward to working with you.
01:24:11I recognize Senator Gillibrand.
01:24:13Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
01:24:15Ms. Wilkerson, in light of Jack Teixeira's leak of classified intelligence and his reportedly
01:24:21violent and racist online behavior that went undetected during his background investigation,
01:24:27what suggestions do you have to reform security clearance investigations and to prevent such
01:24:30people from having access to classified intelligence?
01:24:35Good morning, Senator.
01:24:36I am certainly aware of the fact that Airman Teixeira did plead guilty to an unauthorized
01:24:44disclosure, and am aware that the Secretary did direct a 45-day security review.
01:24:54Certainly if confirmed, I would be focused on continuing to implement the Secretary's
01:24:58direction to enhance security in depth.
01:25:01That really looks across the whole of the department.
01:25:05And looks to also focus a culture of individual and collective accountability.
01:25:12Dr. Silmeier, CISA and the NSA and the FBI have put out a joint advisory on the PRC actors
01:25:20known as Molt Typhoon.
01:25:22They have noted that the choice of targets and patterns of behavior is not consistent
01:25:27with traditional cyber espionage or intelligence gathering operations.
01:25:31If this is more akin to preparation of the battle space, how will you approach deterring
01:25:36a PRC attack on U.S. critical infrastructure?
01:25:41Good morning, Senator.
01:25:42I think I would approach this from two standpoints.
01:25:44First, we have to enable and act.
01:25:47The first step is we have to enable the partners, the actual owners of those systems who control
01:25:52the security.
01:25:53We have to empower them with better information, more precise threat information.
01:25:57But then we also have to act.
01:25:58We have to act abroad to defend forward and disrupt our adversaries by imposing costs
01:26:05in this domain.
01:26:06How would you empower them?
01:26:08Better information sharing first.
01:26:10Secondly, these publications that our government agencies do release provide technical specificity
01:26:17about changes that can be made in configuration to keep them better protected.
01:26:22That doesn't sound reassuring.
01:26:24In fact, if you are preparing for a battle space where an adversary was going to bomb
01:26:28our subway system, you would have actionable items that you were going to do, that the
01:26:33Department of Defense can do, that our intelligence community could do.
01:26:37But just because it's in cyberspace, you basically declare that domain an undefendable domain
01:26:44where you're going to offer best practices, where you're going to offer information, where
01:26:47you're going to give vendors more guidance.
01:26:50It sounds absurd if you put it in that context.
01:26:53Can you please give me a little more reassurance that if China decides that the battle space
01:26:58is cyber and they shut down our electric grid, shut down our energy supply, shut down our
01:27:02banking system, zero out bank accounts, shut down our food supply, shut down our water
01:27:07supply, shut down anything they feel necessary, such as airfields, such as electric grids
01:27:13that service our bases, I can't imagine that there'd be no response by the DOD but best
01:27:19practices.
01:27:20I agree, Senator.
01:27:23I can't imagine that either, and that's why I would focus more from the Cyber Command
01:27:27side on the act, on the cost and position.
01:27:30But I would do that not just in response, but in the prevention and disruption as well
01:27:34before it occurs.
01:27:37So can you discuss prevention and obstruction before, and disruption before?
01:27:42Can you discuss that in this setting?
01:27:45What I can say in this setting, Senator, is that my focus on building combat power, which
01:27:50is really about the people, the technology, to be able to impose those costs, that's the
01:27:55overriding priority I would bring to the job if confirmed.
01:27:58We have to be, I'm sorry, Senator.
01:28:00Keep going.
01:28:01We'd have to be able to bring the technical talent needed, not just to recruit them, but
01:28:06keep them on the hardest missions, focused on the targets you're exactly mentioning,
01:28:10for long enough periods of time to develop that mastery and expertise so that if the
01:28:15order is given to impose those costs, to prevent and disrupt ahead of time, we're ready.
01:28:21So this year's NDA, we have a requirement in it asking you to create a plan to how you're
01:28:27going to protect the DOD's ability to project power from our bases, project power from all
01:28:33of our supply chain that's necessary for our Department of Defense to function effectively
01:28:40from a cyber attack.
01:28:42A lot of times when we request a report or a study or a plan, it is delayed.
01:28:49Do I have your commitment then when the NDA gives you directives to prepare a plan, prepare
01:28:55a report, you will do so on a timely basis?
01:28:58Yes, Senator, top priority to be timely with you, and if that means I've got to come up
01:29:03in person and give a personal briefing before the paperwork clears, I'll do it.
01:29:08Thank you.
01:29:09Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
01:29:10Well, thank you very much, Senator Gillibrand, and Ms. Wilkerson and Dr. Solomayor, thank
01:29:15you for your testimony and for your service over many years.
01:29:21There will be a video of this, of Vivian, Dr. Solomayor, so I think she'll be, in a
01:29:26few years from now, be looking at it.
01:29:29And it was very good to have your family here, Ms. Wilkerson and Dr. Solomayor.
01:29:33With that, let me adjourn the hearing.

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