ISIS killing takes spotlight at Pentagon chief’s confirmation hearing

The brutal killing of a Jordanian pilot allegedly burned alive by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is expected to be the focus on Wednesday’s confirmation hearing for Ashton Carter, President Obama’s pick to lead the Pentagon. 

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, signaled at the outset of the hearing that he would press Carter for his views on the war against ISIS. 

In his own opening statement, Carter signaled that he wants to talk about getting Congress to get rid of defense spending caps created through the budget process known as sequestration.

“I very much hope that we can find a way together out of the wilderness of sequester,” Carter plans to say, according to his prepared remarks. 

But the ugly images of al-Kasasbeh’s death released in a Tuesday video by ISIS are expected to draw many questions from senators about the administration’s plans for dealing with the terrorist group. Two Japanese hostages were also beheaded by ISIS in recent weeks. 

The administration has not sent Congress a request for a new authorization of military force against the group. 

Carter in his statement pledges to end excessive spending at the Pentagon.

“The taxpayer cannot comprehend, let alone support the defense budget, when they read of cost overruns, lack of accounting and accountability, needless overhead, and the like. This must stop,” he will say, according to his remarks. 

Carter said he will also advocate for acquisition reform, which he became familiar with as undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics.

Carter, 60, served as deputy secretary under Secretary Chuck Hagel and when former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta was at the Pentagon.

McCain indicated he was in broad agreement with Carter on excessive Pentagon spending.