Senate confirmation session
On July 16, Lieutenant General Douglas Schiess appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee to discuss his proposed appointment as Chief of Space Operations. The confirmation hearing allowed the nominated commander to outline the direction of the newest military branch.
- Schiess was nominated by President Trump for the top Space Force role
- The budget proposal calls for more than a twofold increase in funding
- The committee is reviewing the candidate's fitness for the space domain
During the session, the general defended the aim to raise the Space Force budget to more than twice its current level. He stated that such growth is required to keep pace with expanding security challenges in orbit.
Members of the panel questioned the nominee on several aspects of space defense, with financial planning as the main focus. A final vote on confirmation is pending and follows standard procedures for senior military posts.