Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) threw her assist behind Protection Secretary-designate Pete Hegseth on Tuesday hours after President-elect Donald Trump’s choose to steer the Pentagon was grilled by senators on Capitol Hill.
Ernst, an Military veteran and rape survivor, had beforehand expressed considerations over Hegseth’s previous feedback about girls in army fight roles and the allegations of sexual misconduct leveled in opposition to the previous tv persona.
However the Iowa Republican mentioned she now helps Trump’s needs to see Hegseth within the Pentagon head after his affirmation listening to.
“After four years of weakness in the White House, Americans deserve a strong Secretary of Defense,” the Iowa Republican mentioned in an announcement. “Our next commander in chief selected Pete Hegseth to serve in this role, and after our conversations, hearing from Iowans, and doing my job as a United States Senator, I will support President Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense.”
“As I serve on the Armed Services Committee, I will work with Pete to create the most lethal fighting force and hold him to his commitments of auditing the Pentagon, ensuring opportunity for women in combat while maintaining high standards, and selecting a senior official to address and prevent sexual assault in the ranks,” she added.
Ernst’s endorsement of Hegseth means the previous Fox Information host is all however assured to be confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate when his nomination comes up for a vote later this month.
Hegseth, 44, met with Ernst on Capitol Hill on a number of events main as much as Tuesday’s affirmation listening to in an effort to achieve her essential assist.
“Women will have access to ground combat roles, given combat standards remain high,” Hegseth pledged to Ernst throughout the listening to.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who at one level known as the accusations in opposition to Hegseth “disturbing,” additionally introduced his assist for the Afghanistan and Iraq conflict veteran’s bid after the listening to.
“Pete did a very good job answering difficult questions at today’s hearing while laying out a vision to reform the Pentagon and to be the warfighters’ biggest champion,” the South Carolina Republican mentioned in an announcement.
“Democratic attacks were overly personal and fell flat,” Graham added. “It was clear Pete was more prepared for the hearing than my Democratic colleagues.”
“With today’s performance, I believe Pete Hegseth’s path to confirmation has been assured.”
