WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), all members of the Committee, in releasing the following statement on the sworn affidavit containing abuse allegations against Pete Hegseth, nominee for U.S. Secretary of Defense.
“In a sworn statement under the penalty of perjury, a new report shows U.S. Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth was ‘erratic and aggressive’ toward his second wife over many years, to the point that she feared for her safety. The report also details repeated instances of his drinking alcohol in excess, including the need to be dragged out of a strip club while in uniform. This affidavit is part of a disturbing pattern of behavior that has been documented through numerous public and private reports. The affidavit also raises additional questions about the thoroughness of his FBI background check during a rushed confirmation process.
“Despite repeated requests, Mr. Hegseth has refused to meet with the vast majority of Democratic members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. We request that Mr. Hegseth meet privately with every interested lawmaker on the committee before the Senate votes on his nomination so that we can have frank discussions about the new information that has come to light. It would be irresponsible and contrary to our constitutional duty for the Senate to vote to confirm this nomination before such meetings have occurred.”
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