McClellan Statement on Senate Confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer L. McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Pete Hegseth as the next Secretary of Defense of the United States: 

“On the 12th anniversary of Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta lifting the ban on women in combat, the U.S. Senate confirmed a man who says that never should have happened to be the next Secretary of Defense.

“Pete Hegseth’s confirmation is a slap in the face to the 200,000 active-duty women service members and 2,000,000 women veterans who have dedicated — and in some cases gave — their lives to defend our country. With his credible allegations of sexual assault, financial malfeasance, and alcohol abuse, and backwards views on women in combat and building a fighting force that reflects the diversity of the nation it defends, Hegseth’s confirmation will inevitably hurt our military readiness, recruitment and retention efforts. 

“Pete Hegseth has not demonstrated the experience, judgment, or moral character necessary to lead the United States’ armed forces and advance our national security interests around the globe.”