Rep. Calvert Statement on the Confirmation of Defense Secretary Austin

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42), the Ranking Member on the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement on the confirmation of retired General Lloyd Austin III as Secretary of Defense:

"As retired General Lloyd Austin assumes the role of Secretary of Defense, I would like to congratulate and wish him my best. General Austin has served this country with distinction for decades, and his next role will no doubt be the most challenging.

General Austin has already publicly pledged to publish a new National Defense Strategy in 2022, updating the 2018 version. I hope that he is true to his word, and that this is an update and not a shift in strategy. The 2018 NDS authored by Secretary of Defense James Mattis is a landmark US grand strategy document. It was a much-needed course correction after almost twenty years focused on counter terrorism and violent extremist organizations.

During this time China used predatory economics to intimidate its neighbors while militarizing the South China Sea. Russia violated the borders of nearby nations and sought to degrade democracy around the world through proxy forces and cyber influence campaigns. North Korea's reckless actions continue despite censure and sanction, while Iran continues to pursue nuclear weapons.

I encourage General Austin to build upon the great work of the 2018 National Defense Strategy; ensure that China remains the nation's top national security priority; and to see revisionist great powers and rouge nations for the threat they are to US citizens at home and our allies abroad.

We cannot take our eye of the ball! Again, I wish General Austin the very best and look forward to working with him moving forward."