Senate panel schedules Norquist's nomination hearing to be DOD's No. 2

The Senate Armed Services Committee has scheduled a July 24 nomination hearing for David Norquist, who has been selected to serve as the Pentagon's deputy defense secretary.

Norquist, whom the Senate confirmed as Pentagon comptroller in June of 2017, has been serving as acting deputy defense secretary since Jan. 1.

Once the White House officially sends Norquist's nomination to the Senate, he will return to his duties as comptroller and await confirmation.

Committee Chairman Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-RI) said they would work to expedite Norquist's nomination. They have also pledged to do so for Army Secretary Mark Esper, who has been tapped to serve as defense secretary.

"The deputy secretary of defense is the number-two civilian role at the Pentagon, so it's incredibly important to receive a formal nomination and confirm the nominee quickly," Inhofe said in a statement. "But while there is a sense of urgency, the committee must thoroughly consider nominations that we receive. Mr. Norquist has been performing the duties of deputy secretary for the past several months to maintain stability and continuity in the department. I believe Mr. Norquist is more than capable of fulfilling the requirements of this critical position."

Reed said it is important to begin moving on Norquist's nomination, as well as those of other senior Pentagon officials, as quickly as possible.

"I commend Chairman Inhofe for scheduling this hearing and look forward to discussing issues with Mr. Norquist," Reed said. "It is very troubling that there are almost 20 top jobs across the Pentagon and military that are vacant or being filled on a temporary basis. The president needs to realize this is a significant problem and quickly nominate qualified nominees for these key positions."

Traditionally, the committee waits seven days between receiving a formal nomination and voting out the nominee. But the committee is going to waive that rule for Norquist, just as it did for Esper, who is awaiting confirmation by the full Senate.