The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) approved by voice vote June 28 the nomination of former Boeing [BA] executive Patrick Shanahan to be deputy secretary of defense.
The committee’s action came after Shanahan submitted 10 pages of revised answers to the panel’s “advance policy questions.” At his June 20 confirmation, Shanahan drew fire from Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), the committee chairman, for some of his initial responses (Defense Daily, June 20).
For example, in his original submission, Shanahan said he would have to look into whether the United States should arm Ukraine with lethal defensive weapons to counter Russian aggression. McCain, who supports such aid, called that statement “disappointing” and “disturbing.”
In Shanahan’s revised document, he wrote, “I support lethal defensive security assistance to Ukraine. The United States must do more to counter Russia’s aggressive behavior and support the people of Ukraine.”
Shanahan’s nomination now heads to the full Senate for its consideration.