Senator Collins' Statement On Confirmation Of Dr. Ash Carter As Secretary Of Defense

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, today voted in favor of Dr. Ash Carter’s nomination to be Secretary of Defense. Following the vote, Senator Collins released this statement:

“I’m proud to support Dr. Ash Carter’s nomination for Secretary of Defense. Dr. Carter and I had a productive meeting last month where we discussed many important issues facing our nation. I have known Dr. Carter for several years and think very highly of him and his qualifications for this important position.

“I believe Dr. Carter is prepared for the tremendous challenges ahead both at home and abroad as we address violent Islamist extremism, home-grown terror, the unstable and chaotic Middle East, as well as cyber-attacks. As Secretary of Defense, Dr. Carter will need to address the worldwide threats confronting our nation, specifically as Congress considers authorization for military operations against ISIL.

“During our meeting in January, Dr. Carter and I discussed the contributions that many Maine organizations make to secure our national security. Bath Iron Works, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, the Bangor Air National Guard Base, the Pratt & Whitney plant in South Berwick, the University of Maine, and other defense contractors and entities all contribute significantly to our nation’s security.”

Senator Collins met privately in her office with Dr. Carter for 45 minutes last month. During this meeting, Dr. Carter accepted her invitation to visit Maine and Bath Iron Works for a first-hand look at Maine’s enormous contributions to our nation’s security. Dr. Carter last visited Bath Iron Works in 2009 with then-Defense Secretary Robert Gates.