Inhofe Praises EUCOM Nominee Cavoli at Armed Services Committee Hearing

Press Release

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today gave an opening statement at a nomination hearing to consider General Christopher Cavoli's reappointment to the grade of general and to be Commander, United States European Command (EUCOM) and Supreme Court Allied Commander, Europe.

Inhofe: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank you and General Cavoli for your willingness to continue in distinguished service to our country. I enjoyed meeting your wife, your parents, and other family members just earlier this morning, and they are with us today, and I just know how proud they are of you and the service you have given to your country.

And I'll note that you were born in Europe during one of your father's tours there -- so, it is clear that you were destined to fill this role we are discussing here today.

We are considering your nomination to lead the United States and NATO forces in Europe at a pivotal point in our history.

Russia's unprovoked, unjustified invasion of Ukraine has been a wake-up call to the free world that we need to deter Putin, not accommodate him, not appease him, as some would want to do, but to deter him. But this was not a surprise to many of us here today, who also understand that protecting America's interests means supporting Ukraine's defense and working to deter further Russian aggression against NATO.

I am encouraged that Europe is now stepping up their investment in their own defense. With Finland and Sweden now seeking NATO membership in response to Putin's reckless acts, you know, we've got to keep up this momentum to strengthen our shared security.

We have seen what happens in Ukraine when deterrence fails. That is why I have long advocated that we invest more in our own defense to ensure deterrence doesn't fail in even worse ways.

I don't want anyone to forget that China is supporting what Russia is doing in Ukraine, and China's long been involved in malign activity in Europe itself.

General Cavoli, you are the right man for the job during these exceptional times. I look forward to working with you on bolstering United States security interests with our European allies and partners. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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