House Armed Services Vice Chair Anthony Brown: "Dr. Kathleen Hicks Is Breaking Barriers In The National Security Space And Is Committed To Doing The Same For Others"

Press Release

House Armed Services Committee Vice Chair Anthony G. Brown (MD-04), a 30-year Army veteran, released the following statement regarding President-elect Joe Biden's nomination of Dr. Kathleen Hicks to become Deputy Secretary of Defense:

"In Dr. Kathleen Hicks, President-elect Joe Biden and Secretary of Defense designate Lloyd Austin have chosen an experienced and forward thinking Deputy Defense Secretary. Serving in what is widely viewed as the Chief Operating Officer, her nomination strengthens civilian oversight of the Pentagon and will restore stability to the daily operations of the Department of Defense. Her work in national security policy both inside and outside of government has allowed her to not only understand the inner workings of the Pentagon, but also develop necessary frameworks for reform. She has the necessary depth of policy knowledge to lead uniformed and civilian public servants in countering the most complex set of national security threats our country has ever faced.

"Dr. Kathleen Hicks is breaking barriers in the national security space and is committed to doing the same for others. I've personally discussed with Dr. Hicks the importance of building diversity throughout the defense community. She is an advocate for greater inclusion as a means for strengthening our country and making us safer. I look forward to working with Dr. Hicks alongside Gen. Austin to bolster our national security, restore American leadership and ensure Americans from all backgrounds can serve and protect the country they love."

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