President Obama’s nominee to lead the Pentagon has voiced support for providing arms to Ukraine. During his confirmation hearing, Ashton Carter also said he would consider recommending changes to President Obama’s plan for withdrawing troops from Afghanistan by the end of next year. Carter has a long history at the Pentagon, where he once served as the chief arms buyer. In 2006, he backed a pre-emptive strike against North Korea if the country continued with plans for a missile test. On Wednesday, Carter was asked by New Hampshire Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte if he would resist pressure from the White House to transfer prisoners from Guantánamo.

Sen. Kelly Ayotte: “I would ask you to tell us and to make a commitment to this committee that you will not succumb to any pressure by this administration to increase the pace of transfers from Guantánamo. Will you commit to that?”

Ashton Carter: “Absolutely, Senator.”