More efficient and faster acquisition, better technology and military hardware, and better medical care to keep service members healthy were among the commitments made on Capitol Hill on Thursday by three Defense Department nominees.

Lawmakers from the Senate Armed Services Committee heard testimony from Michael P. Duffey, nominated for undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment; Emil G. Michael, nominated for undersecretary of defense for research and engineering; and Keith M. Bass, nominated for assistant secretary of defense for health affairs.

“If confirmed, I would assume responsibility to implement President Hegseth’s priorities by providing the military with the capabilities and force structure necessary to deter our adversaries and, if necessary, prevail in conflict,” Duffey said.

DOD’s acquisition and sustainment communities are primarily responsible for ensuring warfighters have the tools to fight and win in any conflict. Duffey said he would change how the department operates to achieve that goal.

“This will require the department to modernize how it manages the integration of requirements, budgeting and acquisition processes, aligning incentives to deliver results,” he said. “We must deepen our understanding of the strengths and vulnerabilities within our defense industrial base and seek to revitalize through reindustrialization, increased investment, flexible contracting, enhanced workforce recruitment and training and increased competition.”

If confirmed, Duffey told senators he’d focus on four priorities:

1. Accelerating the delivery of tools to warfighters.
2. Increasing the speed, performance and affordability of acquisition systems.
3. Strengthening the defense industrial base.
4. Bringing modern business systems and management practices to DOD.

Michael told senators that China is a strong competitor, and the U.S. must adapt to remain stronger.

“Time must be a factor in all of our…