News Story

William J. Lynn ’80 has been nominated by President-elect Barack Obama to serve as Deputy Defense Secretary. On January 15, 2009, the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services held a hearing on his confirmation. During the hearing, Lynn indicated that fiscal reform for Pentagon purchases would be one of his top priorities. "Acquisition reform is not an option," said Lynn. "It is an imperative."

Lynn brings years of government experience, including stints as comptroller and director of policy analysis in the Department of Defense under the Clinton Administration, where he received numerous service awards. He will co-chair the Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Executive Committee, along with other duties.

The nomination is notable because in June 2008, Lynn called for an executive order banning torture, as part of a bipartisan and ecumenical group of more than 300 former U.S. government officials. Thus, his nomination signals a change in direction for the defense department, accompanying Obama’s stated intention to close Guantánamo.

In a statement on change.gov, President-elect Obama said, “I am confident that [Lynn has] the expertise and commitment needed to help me implement a sustainable national security strategy that combats 21st century threats and keeps the American people safe. . . we will work to responsibly end the war in Iraq, defeat al Qaeda and the Taliban, and renew America’s strength and standing in the world.” In news reports, transition officials said that Lynn’s nomination was “critical.”

Previously, Lynn worked for Senator Edward Kennedy as liaison to the Senate Armed Services Committee, was a senior fellow at the National Defense University, worked for the Institute of Defense Analyses, and directed the Defense Organization Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

"Mr. Lynn has led a distinguished and committed career as a public servant and the Law School is fortunate to count him among its graduates," said Peter Cronin, associate dean for alumni affairs and development at Cornell Law School, when he heard of Lynn's selection. "We wish him the best in this nomination process and, hopefully, in his future service to the country as part of President-elect Obama's administration."