WASHINGTON -- "I welcome the President's nomination today of Dr. Ely Ratner as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs. Ely has already proven an invaluable member of our team as Director of the China Task Force, and his deep knowledge of the Indo-Pacific region will prove invaluable as we begin to shape our operational concepts and strategy for dealing with threats and challenges in that part of the world.

There is simply no better person for the job. I am grateful to Ely for his commitment and willingness to serve, and I look forward to working with him. I urge the Senate to confirm Ely as soon as possible so he can take up this important work for our nation."