Vice President J.D. Vance took the floor at the Senate Armed Services Committee to push for the confirmation of Elbridge Colby, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be under secretary of defense for policy at the Department of Defense. Vance argued that Colby’s leadership is vital to restoring military readiness and modernizing U.S. defense strategy.
Vice President @JDVance introduces Elbridge Colby to the Senate Armed Services Committee to become the 3rd highest ranking official at the DOD:
"Bridge predicted what we would be talking about 4 years down the road, 5 years down the road, 10 years down the road. He saw around… pic.twitter.com/Ueg0oRiRBl
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) March 4, 2025
Colby, Vance said, has long recognized the importance of a strong industrial base in maintaining military power. Without reliable access to critical weapons and defense technology, he warned, the U.S. risks being unprepared for future conflicts. Vance pointed out that Colby has been vocal about the need to rebuild America’s defense manufacturing sector, making him well-suited for a top Pentagon role.
Vance described Colby as a forward-thinking strategist who has consistently identified security threats years before they became widely acknowledged. While acknowledging that not all lawmakers may align with Colby’s views, Vance emphasized that his insights into long-term defense planning make him an invaluable choice for the administration.
In addition to his policy expertise, Vance praised Colby’s character and willingness to engage in meaningful discussions across party lines. He noted that while Colby is a staunch conservative and Trump nominee, he has also taken positions that challenge both Republican and Democratic assumptions about defense policy.
A central theme in Vance’s testimony was the need to modernize the Pentagon’s approach to acquiring military equipment. He argued that simply spending more on defense is not enough—procurement strategies must be updated to ensure efficiency, innovation, and competition. By supporting new defense technologies and rethinking outdated practices, the U.S. can stay ahead of global threats.
Vance wrapped up his remarks by urging senators to confirm Colby, stressing that his leadership would help reshape the Pentagon’s strategic priorities. As the Trump administration moves forward with its national defense agenda, securing experienced policymakers like Colby is a key part of its broader effort to reinforce military strength.
