Vance Backs Colby In Senate Hearing, Urges Approval For Key Defense Role
Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a strong endorsement for Elbridge Colby to be under secretary of defense for policy before the Senate Armed Services Committee, making the case for his confirmation as the third-highest-ranking official at the Department of Defense. As the Trump administration works to rebuild a military strained by years of foreign-focused leadership, Vance underscored Colby’s strategic insights and deep understanding of defense policy.
Vance emphasized that Colby has a rare grasp of how military strength depends on a robust industrial base. He pointed out that without a steady supply of critical weapons — including ammunition, artillery, and advanced drones — the U.S. cannot maintain a strong national defense. According to Vance, Colby has long warned about the decline of America’s defense manufacturing capacity and has pushed for solutions to ensure that the country remains prepared for future conflicts.
Drawing from past discussions, Vance described Colby as someone with a forward-looking perspective on national security. He noted that Colby has consistently predicted the challenges the U.S. would face years in advance, making him an essential voice at the Pentagon. While acknowledging that no nominee will align with every senator on every issue, Vance argued that Colby’s ability to anticipate future threats is exactly what the Defense Department needs.
Beyond his policy expertise, Colby’s character and ability to work across the aisle were key points in Vance’s appeal. He described him as a man of integrity, someone who can engage in honest discussions with both Republicans and Democrats. While Colby is clearly a conservative and a nominee of President Donald Trump, Vance insisted that his pragmatic approach makes him a valuable asset to national defense strategy.
A central part of Vance’s argument focused on the need to modernize the Pentagon’s procurement system. He stressed that simply increasing the defense budget is not enough — efficiency and innovation must be prioritized. He warned that the U.S. cannot compete with China on sheer population size but must instead focus on maintaining technological superiority. That means reforming procurement practices to ensure that both established contractors and innovative newcomers can contribute to national security.
Vance closed his remarks by urging the committee to support Colby’s nomination, calling him a principled and capable leader who will strengthen the nation’s defense. The hearing marked a crucial step in the administration’s broader effort to realign the Pentagon’s priorities and reinforce America’s military readiness.
