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Senators press nominee on civilian harm, laws of war and legal advice to commanders
Summary
Senators asked Colby whether he would uphold laws of war, support legal counsel to commanders and oversee reforms aimed at reducing civilian harm. Colby said he would treat the laws of war seriously and pledged to support measures that strengthen legal advice and civilian protection.
Senator Elizabeth Warren and other members raised concerns about civilian harm from U.S. military operations and the role of legal advice in operational planning. Warren said reforms had been enacted to reduce civilian casualties and urged the nominee to oversee implementation of the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence and to ensure commanders get legal counsel they can trust.
Colby responded that he had seen press reports about recent personnel changes and reforms and that, if confirmed, he "would take the laws of war very seriously." He said observing legal norms is consistent with effective military strategy and that preventing civilian harm "helps keep our war fighters safer, and ... helps keep our nation safer." Colby said he would work with Congress to support guidance and capabilities that reduce civilian harm.
Senators also connected civilian protection to intelligence, cyber and operational planning: several senators said better intelligence and legal counsel support accurate targeting and reduce unintended casualties.
Colby agreed to oversight and committed to supporting compliance with legal obligations and to offering full cooperation with congressional inquiries in areas under his authority.
