Congresswoman Betty McCollum Statement on Pete Hegseth Nomination to lead Department of Defense
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement:
“I have great respect for anyone who has served our nation in the U.S. Armed Forces. However, not everyone who has worn the uniform is qualified to lead the Department of Defense. While much is unknown about Mr. Hegseth, I share the bipartisan concern that he is ill-prepared to serve as Secretary of Defense. I have serious questions about his views on the role of women in the Armed Forces, who comprise nearly 20 percent of our uniformed personnel. His advocacy for the January 6th rioters and his questioning of the Uniform Code of Military Justice are very troubling. We will learn more about his views and background in the coming days, but I am deeply concerned about President-elect Trump’s judgment in nominating Mr. Hegseth to lead the Pentagon. The burden will be on the Republican-controlled Senate to determine whether Mr. Hegseth and the other nominations presented by Mr. Trump have the necessary experience, qualifications, and basic abilities to do the job.”