Wyden Vows to Block Rudd’s Cyber Command and NSA Confirmation
Summary
Sen. Ron Wyden says he will block Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd’s nomination to lead Cyber Command and the NSA, citing limited cyber and signals-intelligence experience and vague answers on surveillance authorities. A hold could force a Senate vote.
Key points
- Wyden pledged to block Rudd’s confirmation, arguing he lacks a background in cyber operations and signals intelligence.
- Wyden also objected to Rudd’s vague answers about NSA surveillance authorities during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing.
- Rudd said his leadership experience integrating NSA and Cyber Command capabilities prepared him for the roles.
- Wyden’s hold could require a formal Senate vote rather than approval by unanimous consent.
- Cyber Command and the NSA have been without a permanent chief since Gen. Timothy Haugh was fired; Lt. Gen. William Hartman is serving in an acting capacity.
- The Defense Department said Senate committees had demonstrated confidence in Rudd by advancing his nomination.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Senator Ron Wyden pledged to block Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd’s confirmation to lead U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency.
- Impact
- Wyden’s hold could require a formal Senate vote or inclusion of Rudd’s nomination in a rules-change package. Both organizations have been without a permanent chief for nearly a year, with Lt. Gen. William Hartman serving in an acting capacity. Wyden cited Rudd’s lack of cyber operations and signals-intelligence experience and his vague answers about NSA surveillance authorities; the Defense Department said Senate committees had demonstrated confidence in Rudd’s qualifications.
People
Joshua RuddNominee to lead U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency; at his confirmation hearing, he discussed his leadership and integration experience with the organizations.Ron WydenU.S. senator who pledged to block Joshua Rudd’s confirmation, citing Rudd’s cyber and signals-intelligence experience and answers about NSA surveillance authorities.Timothy HaughFormer leader of U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency, fired by President Donald Trump, according to the article.William HartmanLt. Gen. serving in an acting capacity as leader of U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency.