Why it Matters
Two nominees for senior civilian Navy positions will appear before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Nov. 19, and both have ties to Navy shipbuilding. William Toti has served as under secretary of the Navy since May, according to USNI News, while Richard Breckenridge was appointed senior adviser for shipbuilding in June, according to a Navy announcement described in USNI News reporting.
The hearing, "Hearings To Examine The Nominations Of William Toti, Of Florida, To Be Under Secretary Of The Navy, And Richard Breckenridge, Of New Hampshire, To Be An Assistant Secretary Of The Navy, Both Of The Department Of Defense," is scheduled for Nov. 19 before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) chairs the committee, and Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) is the ranking member.
The White House formally nominated Toti and Breckenridge in September. USNI News reported Sept. 15 that they were among three Navy nominees sent to the Senate. Inside Defense reported Nov. 10 that the Senate would consider both nominations Nov. 19, alongside Hung Cao's nomination, during the lame-duck session.
Broader Context
Breckenridge has been nominated to serve as assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition, as specified in the committee's hearing notice. Both nominees have held Navy shipbuilding advisory roles, according to the USNI News reporting cited above. On Nov. 5, a UPI report quoted Congressional Budget Office analyst Eric J. Labs about Navy construction delays and their effects on fleet size.
The Bottom Line
Both nominations remain pending, with the Nov. 19 hearing representing the committee's next scheduled step. The hearing will provide senators an opportunity to examine the nominees' qualifications and experience as the Senate considers Navy leadership appointments during the lame-duck session.
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