Peace Garden News

The Senate Armed Services Committee convened to evaluate Dan Driscoll's nomination as the 26th Secretary of the Army. Nominated by President Donald Trump in December, Driscoll is a businessman, Army veteran, and Yale Law School graduate. His responsibilities would include overseeing various aspects of the U.S. Army, including personnel management and military equipment maintenance.

During the hearing, Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) questioned Driscoll about delays in establishing the Western Water Cooperative Committee (WWCC), mandated by bipartisan language in the Water Resources Development Act of 2022. The act was signed into law in December 2022 and fully funded a year later, yet the WWCC has not been formed.

Cramer noted that after sending a letter with Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) last October, some clarity on the process was provided. He stated that "the WWCC’s charter currently sits before the Department of Defense’s Advisory Committee Management Office and will be approved within 30 days," after which it returns to the Army for action.

Cramer expressed frustration over the delay: “It’s a law! It's been approved by the only people that matter, the people in Congress and the President of the United States.” He continued, “So, 30 days to approve something that they're required to do by law seems a little outrageous to me.”

Driscoll committed to addressing this issue promptly if confirmed: “Unequivocally, Senator,” he said. “I intend to work with this committee and follow the law.”

As chair of relevant subcommittees, Cramer emphasized acquisition reform and modernization within DOD operations. He remarked on Driscoll's potential role as a disruptor in these efforts: “it's time to get disruptors in place, and Dan is one of those.”

Highlighting modernization needs against global competitors like China, Cramer urged faster innovation: “We just have to go faster,” he said. He assured support for those who innovate but warned against complacency: “I'll be your worst nightmare if you fail to go fast because you're worried about your backside.”