[1]Mark Kelly for Senate

Hey everybody, it’s Mark Kelly here.

The United States Senate is scheduled to vote on Pete Hegseth’s nomination as Secretary of Defense later today. I will be voting against him. Please, let me explain why:

The Secretary of Defense needs to walk into the job ready and able to command the largest bureaucracy in the United States. They must have the necessary experience to lead 3.4 million uniformed and civilian employees in the defense of our nation. And they must possess the strength of character to live up to the enormous responsibilities of the job.

This is one of the toughest, most important posts there is. It is my responsibility to ensure that the Secretary of Defense can meet the demands of the job, and I don’t think that Pete Hegseth can.

My colleagues and I pressed Hegseth on his qualifications over the course of his hearing. His answers did not inspire confidence.

Hegseth has admitted to personal issues in his past. When I asked about those same issues, he blamed an “anonymous smear” campaign against him. It can’t be both.

Hegseth denied allegations of misconduct throughout the hearing. I asked if any of those answers would be different if he was under oath, and he refused to answer that question.

In spite of all of that, Hegseth may be confirmed. I can understand if that’s difficult to hear.

Here’s the truth, though: This process does not end with one cabinet members’ confirmation. It is more important than ever that we hold President Trump’s administration accountable. Arizona sent me to the Senate to serve on their behalf, and I don’t intend to let them down.

I will not back down. I am not going anywhere. And I am going to stand firm against any efforts to undermine our military and degrade our national security — whether they come from Hegseth, President Trump, or anyone else.

I hope you’re with me on that.

Thanks for reading,

Mark

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