GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski says she's "unable to support" Hegseth for defense secretary
CBSN
Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski said Thursday she is "unable to support" Pete Hegseth for secretary of defense. She's the first Republican to state her opposition to President Trump's nominee ahead of his Senate confirmation vote.
The Alaska Republican had been seen on Capitol Hill as a possible "no" vote and had tough questions for Hegseth about his views on women in combat, about his character, and about his lack of an FBI background check.
"The leader of the Department of Defense must demonstrate and model the standards of behavior and character we expect of all servicemembers, and Mr. Hegseth's nomination to the role poses significant concerns that I cannot overlook," Murkowsi said in a lengthy statement Thursday. "Given the global security environment we're operating in, it is critical that we confirm a Secretary of Defense, however, I regret that I am unable to support Mr. Hegseth."
