Retired Gen. Lloyd Austin arrives for his SASC confirmation hearing. The room (not the usual location) is very large and very empty - just a handful of press and staffers. 
Austin being introduced now by @SenDanSullivan and former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, by video link. Watch armed-services.senate.gov/hearings/21-01…
Austin kicks off his testimony by acknowledging the reservations some lawmakers have expressed about "having another recently retired general at the head of the Department of Defense."
He defends his record, stressing that he has spent nearly his entire life committed to the principle of civilian control of the military.
"In war and in peace I implemented the policies of civilians elected and appointed over me, leaders like Secretary Panetta," he says.
"In war and in peace I implemented the policies of civilians elected and appointed over me, leaders like Secretary Panetta," he says.
Notes that he will surround himself with and empower "experienced, capable civilians who will enable healthy civil-military relations, grounded in meaningful oversight." Says he will include the USDP in top decison-making meetings.
He also pledges to "rebalance collaboration and coordination between the Joint Staff and the OSD staff to ensure civilian input is integrated at every level of the process," and to work with the State Department
The most immediate challenge he will face is the pandemic, Austin says. He plans to quickly review DOD's role in Covid relief efforts, particularly the vaccine distribution effort.
Another priority is fighting to stamp out sexual assault and tackle racism and extremism in the ranks. Aims to "create a climate where everyone fit and willing has the opportunity to serve this country with dignity."
For Asia watchers: Austin says he sees China, in particular, as "the pacing challenge for the Department."
In an interesting comment (maybe directed at his predecessors who served under Trump?), Austin says he wouldn't be before the committee if he felt he was "unable or unwilling to question people w/ whom I once served" or "too afraid to speak my mind to you or to the President."
Responding to Qs from lawmakers, Austin says he supports the direction his predecessor Jim Mattis' 2018 National Defense Strategy (which shifts focus from CT to China/Russia), and the nuclear triad.
Austin indicates he will keep US forces in Africa, noting that the US military has been able to be very effective "with a small amount of investment" on that continent, primarily through training partners in the region
In response to Qs from @SenJackReed related to his concerns about the erosion of civilian control under Trump, Austin promises to do everything he can to move quickly as to fill key positions "with experienced and confident civilians"
More on Austin's Asia focus: he says the Indo-Pacific region will be one of his first stops as SecDef
In response to @SenatorShaheen's Qs about Afghanistan, Austin says he would like to see the conflict end "with a negotiated settlement."
Stresses that he & Biden want to make sure Afghanistan does not present a threat to the US, which will likely involve "some CT issues"
Stresses that he & Biden want to make sure Afghanistan does not present a threat to the US, which will likely involve "some CT issues"
New (though not surprising): Austin says he supports Biden's promise to overturn Trump's ban on transgender individuals serving in the military.
To @SenGillibrand's Qs on sexual assault in the military, Austin says this is an issue he takes "seriously and personally."
"We have not gotten better, and we have to get better, and we will get better," he says.
This is a "leadership" and "readiness" issue
"We have not gotten better, and we have to get better, and we will get better," he says.
This is a "leadership" and "readiness" issue
Gillibrand presses Austin on whether he supports moving prosecutorial decisions on sexual outside the chain of command. Austin dodges, but promises to quickly assess what needs to be fixed.
BREAKING: @SenTomCotton announces he will oppose the waiver for Austin. Says he supported one for Mattis but has realized it was a mistake.
Just before Cotton started speaking, Austin pledged to establish a good relationship with the media and "provide them the access and the information required to do their job."
Nice to hear these words - hopefully he will follow through.
Nice to hear these words - hopefully he will follow through.
In response to Cotton Qs, Austin pledges to hold regular on-camera press briefings, and to appear on TV to explain key issues
Ooooo, an audit shoutout from @SenJoniErnst. Cc @AaronMehta
New: Sen. Rounds, Republican from South Dakota, says he will support the waiver
Of the Trump administration Abraham Accords, Austin says that "anytime countries agree to normalize relations that’s a good thing," notes that the agreements has put more pressure on Iran and "I hope it will have good effects."
Oooooo @SenWarren is up
News: Austin pledges to extend his recusal from issues related to @RaytheonTech for four years and that he won't seek a waiver.
Contrast to his predecessor Mark Esper, who refused to extend his recusal.
Contrast to his predecessor Mark Esper, who refused to extend his recusal.
Austin adds that he does not intend to seek employment as a lobbyist or sit on a board of a defense contractor after he serves as SecDef
Wow - Warren seems satisfied with his response. Says his commitments send a "powerful message" by going above and beyond what is required by the law.
Answering Qs on what happened last week at the Capitol and the involvement of military veterans, Austin says DOD could do a better job of screening the people they bring in
Austin says China is the "pacing threat" because it is "ascendent." Russia is also a threat but it is "in decline."
.@connorobrienNH with the story politico.com/news/2021/01/1…
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