Nominations of the Principal Deputy under secretary of defense for intelligence, robert karen to be assistant secretary of defense for new National Security affairs and kenneth to be assistant secretary of defense for Homeland Defense and Global Security. I note the presence of several of our colleagues including our distinguished majority leader who is here as well. Representative barbara comstock. If it is agreeable to our colleagues, we would like senator mcconnell to make an introduction, it is a heavy busy schedule. Welcome, senator mcconnell. Senator reid, members of the committee, i am proud to be here today to introduce robert karen, a very experienced and wellqualified nominee to serve as next assistant secretary of defense in National Security affairs. This committee will find an individual who worked to prepare himself to address major challenges facing our country. Because of his razorsharp intelligence and diligence, robert, a native of lexington, kentucky, rapidly moved u