Week ahead: Trump’s defense team takes over

President Donald Trump’s top two defense picks were sworn in on Friday, becoming the first members of his Cabinet to take their posts.

Retired Marine Gen. James Mattis is serving as Defense secretary, and Gen. John Kelly is the new Homeland Security Secretary.

They were both confirmed by the Senate on Friday and later sworn in by Vice President Pence.

Mattis immediately inherited a Pentagon with most of its political appointees gone, but some remaining to smooth the transition until permanent replacements can be found. 

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About 20 current defense officials are filling in on an acting basis until their replacements can be found. Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work is filling in as Defense secretary until Mattis begins. Work will then serve as Mattis’s deputy until his replacement can be found. 

Maintaining continuity in the coming days is especially seen as important by the former and new administration, as they expect to be tested by nations such as North Korea. 

South Korea officials said they believe North Korea may conduct a test to advance its intercontinental ballistic missile program, in violation of international law. 

But the test is more likely directed at the new president as Pyongyang looks to see how Trump will respond.

Pentagon officials on Thursday insisted they were prepared for any provocation.

On Capitol Hill, in the coming week, lawmakers will hear about defense budget issues.

The Senate Armed Services Committee will hold a hearing on the defense budget for fiscal 2018 and beyond with testimony from outside experts at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Hart Senate Office Building, room 216. http://bit.ly/2jUTZ6P

Also, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee could take a vote on the nomination of Rex Tillerson, former Exxon CEO, to be secretary of State as early as Monday.

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