US vice president urges senators to confirm Elbridge Colby for no. 3 post at Pentagon

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US Vice President JD Vance urged senators on Tuesday to vote to confirm Elbridge Colby for undersecretary of defense for policy.

"If you look at his long career in defense policy, he has said things that, you know, frankly, alienated Democrats and Republicans. He's also said things that I think both Democrats and Republicans would agree with," Vance said at Colby's confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Calling Colby a "good man" and an "honest man," Vance asked the committee to give Colby the “stamp of approval."

"He's a good guy, he's a smart guy, and he'll do a good job for the United States of America," he added.

Colby said in opening remarks that he is "deeply committed" to a foreign and defense policy that "realistically" protects and advances all American security, freedoms and prosperity.

President Donald Trump's pick was questioned about his evolving stances on Iran, Taiwan and NATO allies.

"I'm willing and ready to engage with those who disagree with me and adapt my views based on persuasive arguments and the fact is that I value our alliances deeply, even as I think they must be adapted, and that I love our great country, and will put its interests first and foremost," said Colby.