The White House last week formally nominated two former National Nuclear Security Administration officials to key administration positions at the Pentagon and the Energy Department.
One, Robert Hood, was nominated to be assistant secretary of defense for legislative affairs. Hood was most recently vice president for government affairs at CH2M, an Energy Department contractor, and previously was director of congressional affairs at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Hood has also held legislative-affairs positions in the White House and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Senate confirmation will be required for Hood’s position. If confirmed, he would become a liaison between Defense Secretary James Mattis, the White House, cabinet agencies and Congress. LeeAnn Borman is the acting assistant secretary of defense for legislative affairs.
The White House also nominated David Jonas to be general counsel at the Energy Department. Jonas is currently a partner at the Fluet, Huber & Hoang law firm in Virginia. The Marine Corps. veteran previously served as general counsel for both NNSA and the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.
The DOE general counsel provides legal support to agency leadership. John Lucas is the acting DOE general counsel.
