Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) said Sunday on CBS' “Face the Nation” that President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, “doesn't appear to be qualified for the appointment.” ” he said.
A partial transcription follows:
MARGARET BRENNAN: I'd like to address two of the two here. You are a member of the military committee. Typically, only committee rankings and committee chairs can undergo background checks on candidates by the FBI. But you know, a lot of senators are here asking for more information about Pete Hegseth. Is there any information from Senator Reid, the ranking member of the committee, that he will have access to FBI background checks or any other information?
KELLY: Margaret, let me start by saying that there is no job more serious or more important to our national security than being Secretary of Defense. The job requires a qualified person, and he doesn't seem to have those qualities. Qualifications. And on top of that, look at his personal conduct, especially when he was managing American Veterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans. You know, these two organizations were financially, financially mismanaged. There were reports of people getting drunk on the job and creating an environment where there were sexual harassment issues. So I think it's in our best interest that we have all the information if we want to make sure that the candidate, Mr. Hegseth, gets this job. As you know, information from these organizations as well as FBI background checks are conducted. Now, as you say, the Chairman and Ranking Members are going to get it. This is an agreement with the White House, although exceptions have been made for certain candidates in the past. Because this is obviously bipartisan. Across the aisle, people want FBI background checks. I think we should take the opportunity to take a look at it.
BRENNAN: Well, the New York Times reported that as of Friday, ranking members had been briefed. Are you saying that information is not shared?
Kelly: Yes.
Brennan: Okay, do you think it will be by Tuesday?
Kelly: Not yet.
BRENNAN: —During the hearing—
Kelly: I don't know. I think-
Brennan: Okay.
KELLY: — you know, we're going to have a chance — I've talked to the ranking members and I've also talked to the chairman about this and his nomination in general. Furthermore, the discussion I had with Roger Wicker was precisely about the meeting with Mr. Hegseth. We contacted him many times. I can't schedule a meeting in my office. And he hasn't met with any Democrats other than ranking members on the committee. The more information, the better. If we want to make sure he gets this job, I think it's in our best interest to put everything on the table.
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