January 14, 2025
My only special interest is—the warfighter. Deterring wars, and if called upon, winning wars—by ensuring our warriors never enter a fair fight. We let them win and then bring them home.
Veteran, author and former Fox News host, Pete Hegseth, during his opening statement in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.
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Why It Matters: Typically*, each nominee will face a Senate hearing before their nomination heads to the Senate floor for a vote; a simple majority vote will affirm their nomination to the President’s cabinet.
Hegseth, the nominee for Secretary of Defense, faced a variety of questions from Republicans and Democrats. Republicans focused on Hegseth’s service and faith. Democrats focused on questions about Hegseth’s character (referencing allegations of drinking, inappropriate professional behavior, sexual assault and sexual harassment), as well as his experience managing money at nonprofits he led and past comments about the role of women in the military.
“The Department of Defense is one of the nation’s largest employers, with almost 3 million military and civilian employees and $205 billion in contracts for services.” (U.S. Government of Accountability Office)
The Department of Defense makes up the largest portion of taxpayer spending: “The DoD’s 2024 defense budget was signed into law on December 22, 2023 at $841.4 billion, slightly less than was initially requested.” (USAFacts.org)
*Cabinet appointments can happen without the Senate following a different procedure while the Senate is on recess.
SMARTHER NEWS PODCAST: “Quick Hit: The Next Secretary of Defense? Pete Hegseth Faces-Off Vs. Senators”
Read More: READ: Pete Hegseth’s opening statement for confirmation hearing (CNN)
Key takeaways from Pete Hegseth’s fiery confirmation hearing (The Associated Press)
by Jenna Lee, Founder of SmartHER News
