Mobile Courant

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville participated in a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, engaging with Elbridge Colby, President Donald J. Trump's nominee for Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. The discussion focused on the Trump administration's strategy to counter foreign adversaries and emphasized the need for military installations to be based on merit rather than political influence.

During the hearing, Tuberville addressed concerns about Chinese influence in Central and South America, particularly regarding the Panama Canal. He stated, "Good to see you and your family and thank you for wanting to take on this job. It’s going to be very difficult, but we think you can handle it." Colby responded by highlighting the importance of securing U.S. interests and preventing China from gaining a dominant position in Latin America.

The conversation also touched upon the location of Space Command headquarters. Tuberville criticized President Biden's decision to keep it in Colorado instead of moving it to Redstone Arsenal in Alabama. He asked Colby if he agreed that basing decisions should be made on merit rather than politics, to which Colby replied affirmatively.

Tuberville further questioned Colby about defense policy priorities concerning China's growing influence alongside Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Colby described this alliance as a "counter coalition" and stressed the need for robust defense funding and collaboration with allies like Israel, India, South Korea, Poland, and Finland.

The topic of BRICS was also discussed briefly. Colby noted that BRICS represents a shift in global dynamics and emphasized strengthening ties with India while acknowledging the complexities of international relations.

Senator Tuberville serves Alabama in the United States Senate and is part of several committees including Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP (Health, Education, Labor & Pensions), and Aging.