During Tuesday’s Senate Armed Services Committee, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) questioned military nominees about water resource management and medical facility operations.
00:00Thank you, gentlemen. Congratulations. Mr. Anderson, confirm you'll be responsible for the guidance direction and oversight of the air reserve component, including the Air National Guard.
00:11In Arkansas, the Air National Guard members play a key role in training both our allies on the F-35 and our own C-130 air crews that's at Ebbing Airfield outside of Fort Smith and Little Rock Air Force Base.
00:24Can you commit to making sure that our Arkansas Air National Guard has the resources it needs to continue delivering strong warfighting capabilities at home and abroad?
00:35Absolutely, Senator Cotton. My first assignment was Little Rock Air Force Base at the 308 Strategic Missile Wing.
00:42I knew a number of individuals in the 189th Air Refilling Wing at the base.
00:47And so, yes, I do believe in proper resourcing for our Air National Guard and its people.
00:54They're absolutely crucial to the fight.
00:56Thank you. Mr. Tell, welcome again to the committee.
01:00The Army Civil Engineers in Arkansas State are currently developing a comprehensive water resource management strategy for the White River Basin in Arkansas.
01:08This study is important to ensure the government provides sustainable water resource management while taking into consideration other priorities like hydropower generation and agriculture.
01:20Can you commit to working with the Arkansas Congressional Delegation to ensure that this study and any follow-on actions are completed in a timely manner?
01:28Senator Cotton, thank you for the question.
01:30It's critically important.
01:31Your state, of course, abuts the Mississippi River and the White River flows right into the Mississippi River.
01:36This is an important basin.
01:37It has to be managed properly.
01:39It affects states up and down the Mississippi and the entire system.
01:43So I'll commit to work with you on that.
01:46The FY25 NDAA contained language that gives Arkansas the option to work with the Army to determine the proper ownership and disposition of the former Army, Navy, General Hospital, and Hot Springs.
01:58Can you commit to working with me, this committee, and the rest of our delegation to ensure that we address the issue in a timely manner that best serves the interests of all parties involved?
02:08Yes, Senator, of course.
02:10And this will require coordination with the Assistant Secretary of the Army for installations, energy, and the environment.
02:15We have a shared workforce at the Corps of Engineers focused on civil works and military, and this will require coordination to make sure we get that right for you, sir.