CONFIRMATION
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
FOR
DR. JOSEPH W. WESTPHAL
FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
UNITED STATES SENATE
Defense Reforms
More than a decade has passed since the enactment of the Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986 and the Special Operations reforms.
A. Yes, I support full implementation of these reforms. The objectives of Goldwater-Nichols most directly relevant to the mission of the ASA(CW) are as important today as when the Act was passed. They provide for more efficient and effective use of defense resources and they improve the management and administration of the Department of Defense (including the Department of the Army).
Defense Reforms
More than a decade has passed since the enactment of the Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986 and the Special Operations reforms.
Defense Reforms
More than a decade has passed since the enactment of the Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986 and the Special Operations reforms.
Defense Reforms
The goals of the Congress in enacting these defense reforms, as reflected in section 3 of the Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act, can be summarized as strengthening civilian control; improving military advice; placing clear responsibility on the combatant commanders for the accomplishment of their missions; ensuring the authority of the combatant commanders is commensurate with their responsibility; increasing attention to the formulation of strategy and to contingency planning; providing for more efficient use of defense resources; and enhancing the effectiveness of military operations and improving the management and administration of the Department of Defense.
A. Yes, I agree with the goals cited in section 3 of Goldwater-Nichols. They are as valid today as they were in 1986.
Defense Reforms
Recently, there have been articles which indicate an interest within the Department of Defense in modifying Goldwater-Nichols in light of the changing environment and possible revisions to the national strategy.
Relationships
In carrying out your duties, what would be your relationship with:
Relationships
In carrying out your duties, what would be your relationship with:
Relationships
In carrying out your duties, what would be your relationship with:
Relationships
In carrying out your duties, what would be your relationship with:
My responsibility for the overall policy direction and oversight of the Civil Works Program, the formulation of the President=s budget and the development of legislative initiatives, will require collaboration with, and cooperation of, the Chief of Engineers. We must stand together and work together to meet the challenges of the many complex issues facing the program.
Our ability to be responsive to the President=s priorities and to the policy directives of the Congress depends greatly on the success of this relationship. I look forward to working with this Chief, in leading the Corps into the next century.
Relationships
In carrying out your duties, what would be your relationship with:
Upon confirmation, I will work with the Chief to develop a mutually agreeable way to maintain open levels of communications between my office and the Divisions and Districts. There must be a constant openness between the OASA(CW) and the field offices of the Corps to develop a proactive and collaborative spirit that will enhance our ability to react swiftly and appropriately to all unforeseen scenarios which may occur in the districts.
Use of Military Personnel
Like many federal agencies the Corps of Engineers workload is declining in all areas other than operations and maintenance of the facilities.
A. There are currently 208 military personnel working in the Corps districts and divisions. These officers carry out important project management, regulatory, and environmental activities. The management skills these officers develop are of tremendous value to the Army in future assignments, as these officers participate in contingency operations and emergency situations, both domestically and internationally. About half of these officers serve in command positions and the other half provide interface with our military customers on Army Posts and Air Force Bases.
Wetlands Permits
One of the more controversial issues the Corps of Engineers has to deal with is that of wetlands permits.
A. Yes. Although I believe that most applicants currently receive permit decisions in a timely manner, improvements can and should be made. The Department of the Army evaluates an average of 40,000-50,000 permit actions per year. Through the issuance of General Permits, the Corps has done an excellent job of expediting the permit process for a large segment of these applications. Nearly 80% of the total annual permit applications are approved in an average of 16 days. The remaining 20% (8,000-10,000 permit actions) must be evaluated as individual permits. The individual permit process involves extensive coordination with the public and Federal and State agencies. It also may involve the preparation of environmental impact statements.
All of these activities take time, but I am hopeful that there are opportunities to expedite the process consistent with the laws passed by the Congress.
Wetlands Permits
One of the more controversial issues the Corps of Engineers has to deal with is that of wetlands permits.
(LEAD IN FROM PREVIOUS QUESTION - ADO YOU BELIEVE THAT THE PERMIT PROCESS NEEDS TO BE EXPEDITED?)
Responsiveness
The Corps of Engineers has a reputation for being difficult when dealing with the average citizen and small businesses.
Working with State Authorities
Stewardship
Existing policies require specific reviews of projects proposed for authorization by Congress to ensure compliance with all appropriate environmental laws and regulations. This will continue to be a priority if I am confirmed by the Senate.
Stewardship
Environment and Natural Resources
Will you ensure under your administration that all commitments in the way of mitigation for environmental damage by the Corps and any other commitments concerning safeguarding the environment are totally and completely fulfilled?
As in all matters regarding the environment and natural resources, I pledge to work with the States, tribes, local governments, citizens and of course, other Federal agencies to work in a partnership approach that includes input from Congress.
Environment and Natural Resources
The water resources issues we deal with are very complex and often involve competing project purposes and different approaches to achieving objectives. If confirmed, I will work with the Chief to further improve our ability to communicate with local interests and be more responsive to their needs.
State Water Quality Standards
In the past, the United States Army Corps of Engineers has not been required to meet state water quality standards in constructing and operating their water resources projects.
State Water Quality Standards
In the past, the United States Army Corps of Engineers has not been required to meet state water quality standards in constructing and operating their water resources projects.
Panama Canal
Given your broad experience in water policy and experience in Latin America, you appear well qualified to chair the Panama Canal Commission supervisory board.
Panama Canal
Given your broad experience in water policy and experience in Latin America, you appear well qualified to chair the Panama Canal Commission supervisory board.
Q. What is your opinion of water management in the Canal watershed?
Panama Canal
Given your broad experience in water policy and experience in Latin America, you appear well qualified to chair the Panama Canal Commission supervisory board.
A. The Panama Canal Treaty requires the United States to A...take all measures to ensure insofar as may be practicable that every hazard to human life, health and safety is removed...@ from real property being returned to Panama. The Treaty is binding on the Army, as an Executive Branch agency, and we intend to fully comply with the Treaty. U.S. military ranges are home to a treasure trove of endangered species C both flora and fauna. The ranges contain thousands of acres of dense rainforest and are critical to the protection of the Panama Canal watershed. In determining what level of unexploded ordnance (UXO) cleanup is practicable, we must consider: that removing UXO may harm the environment; the potential danger of the UXO to humans; the safety of personnel conducting the removal; and the cost, time, and technology available.
In preparing the DOD properties for transfer to Panama, a range of options will be considered, including leaving UXO in place. In those areas where removal of UXO may be practicable from safety and environmental perspectives, the Corps of Engineers has a capability to perform UXO identification, risk assessment, and removals. Currently, the Corps is assisting the Panama Canal Commission with UXO characterization of a portion of Empire Range, adjacent to the Canal, in connection with the construction of a new lock. Any assistance to the Panama Canal Commission or the U.S. Southern Command will be closely coordinated with the Panama Canal Treaty Implementation Agency.
Panama Canal
Given your broad experience in water policy and experience in Latin America, you appear well qualified to chair the Panama Canal Commission supervisory board.
Panama Canal
Given your broad experience in water policy and experience in Latin America, you appear well qualified to chair the Panama Canal Commission supervisory board.
Panama Canal
Given your broad experience in water policy and experience in Latin America, you appear well qualified to chair the Panama Canal Commission supervisory board.
As I have observed, Panama is undergoing significant political and social changes due in part to the downsizing of the U.S. presence and the country=s future task of operating the Canal. While one can never be fully satisfied that laws can act to insulate a process from politics, I remain hopeful that Panama will be able to manage this task if it continues to uphold democratic principles and maintain free and fair elections.
International Policies
If confirmed, I hope to make the Corps capabilities more widely known to these customers and to identify how the Corps can support the United States= interests internationally. I will make the Corps available when Corps capabilities enhance the United States= interests. Also, I will work with the Chief to ensure that domestic interests are not sacrificed and that the Corps works with the U.S. private sector in it=s work abroad.
Vision for the Corps of Engineers
As a Nation, we have made a huge investment in the Corps and its work. Our progress in commerce and trade, flood protection, electric hydropower generation, providing water supply, aiding with national disaster relief and enhancing and increasing recreation areas has contributed to our Nation=s economic growth and development. It=s organization, efficiency and expertise are the very reflection of this Nation=s progress to date. That a Nation can combine within the broad mantle of its Army, civil infrastructure support to local communities, with its national security interests, says much about our confidence in our Constitution, our military leaders and our representative form of government.
I believe we must continue to build on this investment and in the confidence and support of the people of this country in this organization. With an annual budget for research, construction, operations and maintenance of approximately $3.6 billion, the Nation derives an annual economic development benefit of $32.6 billion, generating $22.6 billion in Federal tax revenues. Building on this investment, we must now look to the future needs of the country and to the role the Corps can play in alleviating increasing pressures due to population growth and an expanding economy, and in creating new priorities for protecting and enhancing our environment and our Nation=s natural resources for future generations. The Corps is adjusting well to these new pressures, for example, assuming an increasingly greater role in environmental protection and restoration.
As our issues and problems become more complex and competing interests grow, we must be ready to work in partnership with States, tribes, local governments, citizens and other Federal agencies to build on our Nation=s investment, maintain economic growth, protect our environment and enhance the quality of life for future generations. My vision for the future of the Corps is for an organization that is responsive to the many interests represented by the Congress, that is adept at working with its Federal partners in solving real problems for our citizens, and that is innovative and creative in serving the President and Commander-in-Chief in both domestic civil works and emergency response as well as our Nation=s vital national security interests.
I believe we have great leadership in the Corps, prepared to advance the Nation=s interest into the 21st Century. I look forward to working with the Secretary of the Army, the Chief of Engineers and the elected representatives of the American people to provide the very best service and products to our communities through the Army Civil Works Program.
Vision for the Corps of Engineers
Federal and State Responsibilities
Q. What is your opinion of the current division between state and federal responsibilities with respect to ports and inland waterways?
A. The current division of responsibilities between the States and Federal Government has worked quite well for some time. Recently, however, budget constraints have resulted in major discrepancies between the Federal budget and the development plans of some port authorities. I would work with others in the Executive Branch, in Congress and at the State and local levels to reconcile these differences, which are impeding the efficient development of ports and inland waterways. Moreover, now that the Supreme Court has declared the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to be unconstitutional, it is imperative that the Executive and Legislative Branches, port authorities and industry come together and advance a plan for continued financing of harbor maintenance.
Infrastructure Management
Major Challenges
Major Challenges
Most Serious Problems
Most Serious Problems
Qualifications
If confirmed, you will be entering this important position at a time of concern about the adequacy of the budget, force levels and readiness of our forces.
A. Throughout my professional career, I have emphasized the need to work with others, to be practical in my approach and to seek consensus and cooperation in decisionmaking. As a professor, I worked a great deal with the Oklahoma State Legislature and the Governor in developing workable solutions to an array of public policy issues concerning water resources development in the State and region.
In my ten years working as a staff member, first in the House and later in the Senate, I learned the art of working complex issues requiring negotiation and consensus. I spent those ten years working in a bipartisan, bicameral forum and realizing that we could achieve consensus if communication, trust and good information were present. In this highly charged political arena, I learned much about process and was able to work very well with Members of both parties and the Executive in achieving workable solutions to our issues.
My academic background and management experience combined with years of work in both Congress and the Executive Branch on a bipartisan basis, enhance my ability to take on this very important position. My work at EPA on Clean Water Act initiatives, and my previous experience working at the Corps and the U.S. Department of the Interior will provide me with an excellent perspective on the need and potential for Federal agencies to work together.
My work on regional development, decentralization of government, institution building and democratic processes on behalf of USAID and USIA Democracy Programs in Latin American over the last fifteen years have also given me a good perspective on relations with local governments, federalism issues, the role of the military in a democracy, and the importance of representative government.
I believe my background is strong by the experience that I have gained in the past twenty years of working in all these areas. I stand ready to observe, learn and work with those around me to serve in this position with integrity, common sense and a positive attitude.
Qualifications
If confirmed, you will be entering this important position at a time of concern about the adequacy of the budget, force levels and readiness of our forces.
I intend to work closely with the Chief and the Director of Civil Works to be better informed, prepared and knowledgeable in my tenure at this position. I look forward to the challenge and the experience this position affords.
Congressional Oversight
In order to exercise its legislative and oversight responsibilities, it is important that this Committee and other appropriate Committees of the Congress are able to receive testimony, briefings, and other communications of information.
A. Yes
Congressional Oversight
In order to exercise its legislative and oversight responsibilities, it is important that this Committee and other appropriate Committees of the Congress are able to receive testimony, briefings, and other communications of information.
Congressional Oversight
In order to exercise its legislative and oversight responsibilities, it is important that this Committee and other appropriate Committees of the Congress are able to receive testimony, briefings, and other communications of information.
A. Yes
Congressional Oversight
In order to exercise its legislative and oversight responsibilities, it is important that this Committee and other appropriate Committees of the Congress are able to receive testimony, briefings, and other communications of information.