Senate Questions Zimmerman on NATO Burden‑Sharing, WPS and Use of All Tools to Counter Extremism

Daniel Zimmerman, the president’s nominee for Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, told the Senate Armed Services Committee he would press U.S. partners to take on greater security responsibilities, deepen alliance cooperation and coordinate tools across theaters if confirmed.

Senators focused on three related areas: NATO burden‑sharing, the operational utility of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) policy, and the use of all available tools — including foreign military sales — to counter threats such as the Houthis and Russian aggression.

Senator Bill Hagerty introduced Zimmerman and praised his classified operational experience, including work with special operations and the Abraham Accords. Zimmerman said he would “cultivate strong partnerships in these regions” and seek “greater burden sharing” from allies to advance U.S. interests.

On NATO specifically, senators asked whether recent allied defense spending and posture changes signaled renewed commitment to burden‑sharing. Zimmerman said he was encouraged by some actions by NATO members and committed, “to the extent I can, I commit” to prioritize filling vacancies such as a deputy assistant secretary focused on NATO if confirmed.

Senator Shaheen raised WPS after recounting a memo reported by Lawfare in which the director of the joint staff advised that WPS engagements provide access to populations China largely ignores and help counter violent‑extremist organizations. Shaheen said combatant commanders reported operational value from WPS activities for human intelligence, counter‑trafficking and partner capacity building. Zimmerman said countering violent extremism requires a whole‑of‑government approach and that he would make use of “all the tools and coordinate to make sure all the tools are available.”

On the campaign against Houthi forces, Senator Tuberville asked whether U.S. operations had been successful. Zimmerman said he supported the administration’s approach and designation actions but that he did not have access to classified assessments needed to judge operational effectiveness.

Senator Scott raised allies’ complaints about the foreign military sales process and timeliness from U.S. defense contractors. Zimmerman acknowledged those concerns and said his role would include advising on prioritization for allied security needs and working to address underinvestment in the defense industrial base.

Zimmerman told the committee he would urge allies to shoulder more responsibility and asked partners to boost defense spending and readiness. He described his nomination as rooted in near‑two decades in intelligence and policy roles but said many details of his career remain classified.

Ending: Senators welcomed Zimmerman’s operational background while reserving judgment pending his written follow‑up answers; the committee will weigh his commitments on NATO, partner capacity and use of tools such as WPS and FMS when considering his nomination.