SENATE CONFIRMS DOD’S MILLER, HICKS TO KEY POLICY POSITIONS

The Senate firmed up leadership of the Department of Defense’s policy shop late last week, confirming Jim Miller, the Obama Administration’s pick to be Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, and Kathleen Hicks, the President’s selection to take over as Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. The chamber confirmed the nominees as part of a wave of approvals late on May 24. Miller has served as the Pentagon’s top policy official in an acting capacity since February, having taken over the post when Michele Fluornoy left the Department of Defense. Hicks is taking Miller’s spot as Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. She has spent the last three years as Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans and Forces. In her new post, she’ll oversee the development of nuclear weapons policy, among other issues.