[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 44 (Friday, April 7, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S3375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      NOMINATION OF GORDON ENGLAND

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I support the nomination of Gordon England 
to the position of Deputy Secretary of Defense.
  Secretary England has been the Department's problem-solver for the 
last 5 years. In this brief period of time, he has served as Secretary 
of the Navy, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, 
Secretary of the Navy again, and--after being under consideration to 
serve as Secretary of the Air Force--as Deputy Secretary of Defense. At 
the request of the Secretary of Defense, he has also taken on such 
critical jobs as designing the new National Security Personnel System 
and overseeing the review of the status of DOD detainees at Guantanamo.
  Secretary England has always made himself available for hearings, 
meetings with Members, and discussions with the wide array of others 
who have interests and concerns about the operations and activities of 
the Department of Defense. He is a good listener, open to compromise, 
willing to take on tough problems--characteristics which are always in 
great demand and short supply at DOD.
  The Deputy Secretary of Defense serves in a position of awesome 
responsibility. He is the alter ego of the Secretary. In this capacity, 
the Deputy Secretary plays a key role in determining how our country 
will face critical national security challenges.
  At the same time, the Deputy Secretary of Defense has traditionally 
served as the chief manager of the Defense Department. A wide array of 
management challenges, including financial management, acquisition 
management, and human capital issues, cut across functional areas in 
the Department to such an extent that no official other than the 
Secretary or the Deputy Secretary has the authority needed to address 
them.
  Fortunately, Secretary England brings the kind of strong management 
background and commitment to addressing these issues that are needed in 
the Deputy Secretary position.
  For the last several months, Secretary England has served as Deputy 
Secretary of Defense under a recess appointment by the President. I 
believe that his service to the Department and the Nation over the last 
5 years merit a favorable vote on his nomination by the full Senate.

                          ____________________