WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today met with Dr. Robert Gates, President Bush’s nominee to become Secretary of Defense. The Senate Armed Services Committee is scheduled to begin Dr. Gates’ nomination hearings tomorrow, Tuesday, December 5, 2006.
Following their 45-minute private meeting, Senator Collins issued this statement.
“I had a very good meeting with Dr. Gates. We spoke about a wide range of issues from Iraq, to Afghanistan, to shipbuilding, to military personnel issues—including the strength of our Army, and the current strain on our National Guard.
“I found Dr. Gates to be very well informed, and to have an innovative mind that I think would be very helpful in developing a new strategy for Iraq. He seems very open and eager to consult with Congress. It is very encouraging to me that Dr. Gates spoke about the need for a bipartisan approach to national security.
“In addition, I am particularly pleased that I was able to speak to Dr. Gates about the Chief of Naval Operations’ plan for a 313-ship Navy. I have consistently urged the Administration to prepare a budget that would begin to restore the nation’s shrinking U.S. Navy fleet. I believe the Administration should provide increased and consistent shipbuilding funding in order to enable Congress, the Navy, and the shipbuilding industrial base, including Bath Iron Works, to plan for the future, increase the size of the fleet, lower costs, and maintain a stable, and skilled shipbuilding workforce.
“While I will reserve final judgment until his hearings have been completed, as a member of the Senate Armed Service Committee, I look forward to further discussion of these and other important issues with Dr. Gates at the hearing tomorrow.”