Hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee - Nominations

Federal News Service

HEADLINE: HEARING OF THE SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE

SUBJECT: NOMINATIONS

CHAIRED BY: SENATOR JOHN WARNER (R-VA)

WITNESSES: TINA WESTBY JONAS, TO BE UNDERSECRETARY OF DEFENSE, COMPTROLLER; DIONEL AVILES, TO BE UNDERSECRETARY OF THE NAVY; AND JERALD S. PAUL, TO BE PRINCIPAL DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR, NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

LOCATION: 216 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING

BODY:
SEN. BILL NELSON: Thank you for the courtesy of letting me introduce a fellow Floridian --

SEN. WARNER: With a very impressive record of accomplishment, I note.

SEN. BILL NELSON: Indeed. I'll just chronicle that in just a moment. He clearly has the technical experience, the background to make him well qualified for this position-principal deputy administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration, at DOE. He has a very diverse background, both in and outside the Navy, and that is a combination that suits this particular position. Right now he serves in the Florida House of Representatives, and he's well regarded as thoughtful and capable. He is the only member of the Florida House right now that simultaneously chairs two subcommittees. And given his naval and his nuclear background, because of that Jerry is obviously recognized in the Florida House of Representatives on public security, focusing on those kind of policy issues having to do with what a state looks at in critical infrastructure on nuclear power plants, pipelines, electric grid systems and seaports-which is something that we've talked about quite a bit in this committee, and you've heard it from me ad nauseam, because of Florida having 14 deepwater seaports.

Well, it's my understanding that you have already introduce the family-his wife Christie; his mother and father, Tom and Patricia; his sisters from Ohio and Texas; and his brother from Ohio. And so, Mr. Chairman, it 's been a pleasure for me to come and bring to you a fellow Floridian. I think he's going to be an outstanding public servant as principal deputy administrator. Thank you.