05.09.19

McConnell Statement on Secretary of Defense Nominee Patrick Shanahan

‘Acting Secretary Patrick Shanahan is a well-regarded leader and the duties of the Secretary are too important for this position to remain unfilled. I look forward to meeting with Acting Secretary Shanahan soon and to the Senate’s prompt consideration of his nomination.’

LOUISVILLE, KY – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement regarding the president’s intent to nominate Patrick Shanahan for Secretary of Defense:

“I am glad to learn that President Trump has made his choice for the next Secretary of Defense. Acting Secretary Patrick Shanahan is a well-regarded leader and the duties of the Secretary are too important for this position to remain unfilled. I look forward to meeting with Acting Secretary Shanahan soon and to the Senate’s prompt consideration of his nomination.

“The United States faces a range of significant national security challenges, from renewed competition with powers like Russia and China to the continued threat of global terrorist organizations like ISIS and Al Qaeda. Meeting these challenges will require our continued focus on the readiness and modernization of our armed forces, on the strength of critical alliances such as NATO, and on meaningfully implementing the National Defense Strategy to ensure America continues to lead from a position of strength around the world.

“I look forward to discussing these pressing issues with Acting Secretary Shanahan. I hope all my colleagues will give this nomination the full and fair consideration that it deserves.”

Background: The Senate will consider this nomination in a timely manner. Additional details and scheduling announcements regarding confirmation hearings will be forthcoming from the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Related Issues: Nominations, National Security