Senator Kim Delivers Floor Remarks Opposing the Confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense
Senator Kim Delivers Floor Remarks Opposing the Confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense
WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim delivered floor remarks on the Senate Floor against the confirmation of Pete Hegseth as United States Secretary of Defense.
Video of Senator Kim’s Full Remarks
Key quotes from Senator Kim’s remarks as prepared include:
“I rise today because it’s inevitable that at some point in the future, President Trump will convene his national security team in the Situation Room at the White House in response to a global crisis, whether in Ukraine, the Taiwan strait or some other hotspot.”
“The Situation Room is a room that I’ve had the privilege of working in as staff on the White House National Security Council. It is a room where the most consequential decisions are made. It’s a room where the safety and security of our country is decided. Where the lives of people are determined.”
“In fact, I worked at the Pentagon in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. I’ve seen the massive operation that the Secretary needs to lead every day. I’ve seen the readiness necessary for the Secretary of Defense to turn to the President and provide the right recommendation for America’s national security.”
“And I can say from my experience in the Secretary of Defense’s office and the Situation Room that Mr Hegseth’s appointment is an unnecessary risk in a dangerous global moment.”
“Mr. President, I have said before that every president, including President Trump, has the prerogative to choose the people that sit at that table with him in the Situation Room. But our job is to make sure that those people have the competence and the character to serve our country.
“This is not a reality TV show. This is real life. And there are real lives at stake.”
“For the sake of our country and our national security, I encourage my colleagues who want to support this president, to oppose this nomination and bring forth another nominee more qualified for this role. I encourage my colleagues who want to deliver change to oppose this nomination and bring forth another nominee with the experience and credibility to deliver it. And I encourage my colleagues who want to make our country safe, who want to make our world a more stable place, and who want to leave a legacy of peace and strength, to oppose this nomination and bring us a nominee ready to deliver for the American people. Vote NO on Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense.”
Senator Kim is a member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP); the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; and the Special Committee on Aging. Before being elected to the U.S. Senate, Kim represented New Jersey’s Third Congressional District in the U.S. House and was a career public servant working in national security and diplomacy at the White House, State Department, and Pentagon. Learn more about Senator Kim’s service on behalf of New Jersey here.
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