U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who serves as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, led a hearing to review nominations for top leadership roles at U.S. Cyber Command and U.S. Southern Command.
The nominees appearing before the committee were Lieutenant General Francis “Frank” L. Donovan, USMC, for Commander of U.S. Southern Command, and Lieutenant General Joshua M. Rudd, USA, for Commander of U.S. Cyber Command and Director of the National Security Agency, as well as Chief of the Central Security Service.
In his opening statement, Chairman Wicker highlighted the importance of these commands in protecting national security and supporting both cyber and regional defense operations.
“The committee meets today to consider two nominations. We will speak with Lieutenant General Joshua Rudd, who has been nominated to be the Commander of United States Cyber Command, Director of the National Security Agency, and Commander of the Central Security Service. We will also consider the nomination of Lieutenant General Frank Donovan to be the Commander of United States Southern Command. I welcome our nominees and their families, and I would like to extend my gratitude for their continued willingness to serve our nation,” said Wicker.
He noted that if confirmed, Lieutenant General Rudd would take over an organization that has not had a Senate-confirmed leader since April last year. “U.S. Cyber Command is our first and last line of defense in the cyber domain. It is largely invisible to the American people. But every day, the men and women of Cyber Command defend the U.S. from attacks by our adversaries. This is not a theoretical threat. This is an ongoing fight, occurring right now even as we speak.”
Wicker described how adversaries are increasing their efforts in cyberspace using advanced technology that makes detection more difficult: “Our adversaries intend to move against us in the cyber domain…We see this challenge manifesting in the homeland, where our critical infrastructure remains vulnerable to sophisticated attacks.” He also pointed out global challenges requiring further preparation for potential conflict in regions such as Indo-Pacific.
Addressing threats in South America during Donovan’s nomination discussion, Wicker remarked on rising operational activity: “Lieutenant General Donovan has been nominated to serve as the Commander of U.S. Southern Command…The threats we face here are significant and close to home.” He cited drug trafficking by South American cartels that results in tens of thousands of American deaths annually.
Wicker outlined concerns about coordinated actions by Russia, China, and Iran within South America: “Three of our greatest adversaries—Russia, China, and Iran—are coordinating to counter U.S. commercial, political, and security interests in South America…Together they exploit corruption and partner with authoritarian regimes in the Western Hemisphere.”
He described Chinese influence through control over infrastructure projects and resource acquisition: “Across South America, Chinese influence threatens U.S. interests by controlling critical infrastructure…China has used large-scale purchases…to deepen economic dependence.” Wicker also referenced diplomatic shifts away from Taiwan toward China among countries in this region.
Regarding Russia’s involvement: “Similarly, Russia has deepened security relations with authoritarian regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba…Moscow has exploited local corruption to access the global financial system.”
On Iran’s activities: “Iran has long used Hezbollah and affiliated networks in parts of South America to help with fundraising…These moves help fuel their terrorism operations around the world.”
Wicker concluded by expressing support for current counter-drug strategies: “It is time we restore U.S. primacy in our own neighborhood…I commend our troops for carrying out an almost perfectly executed operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores…and bring them to face justice for narco-terrorism.” He added that these actions send a message about protecting American interests close to home.
Senator Wicker represents Mississippi in Congress after serving previously at state level positions including service with the Air Force; he currently leads initiatives on national defense policy according to his official website.
