Peace Garden News

The Senate Armed Services Committee has advanced Pete Hegseth's nomination for the position of U.S. Secretary of Defense. This decision follows President Donald Trump's announcement in November, selecting Hegseth for the role. Last week, Hegseth appeared before the committee during his confirmation hearing.

The nomination will now proceed to the Senate floor for a full vote. If confirmed, Hegseth would lead the U.S. Department of Defense, which comprises over 3 million personnel and manages an annual budget approaching $900 billion. In this capacity, he would serve as the primary defense policymaker and advisor to the President.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer expressed his support for Hegseth, stating: "I support Pete Hegseth not only because of his devotion to his faith, family, and country but because of his lifelong oath to protect and serve our nation." He added that under President Trump's leadership, Hegseth "will restore a peace-through-strength ethos respected on the global stage" and urged colleagues to back the nomination.