03.15.17

Leader McConnell on Dan Coats and Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster

‘I know each of us appreciates the willingness of both former Sen. Coats and Lt. Gen. McMaster to take on these challenging positions and for their continued efforts to keep our country safe.’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding Dan Coats, the nominee for Director of National Intelligence and Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, the president’s choice for national security advisor:

“A few short months ago our colleague Dan Coats retired from his post here in the Senate. At that time, I had a chance to reflect on our friend’s impressive career, and I noted that we could expect him to rise to the occasion if called to serve his country once again.  Well, that’s exactly what Dan Coats is doing now. This time he’ll be taking on the role of Director of National Intelligence. 

“It goes without saying that the President made an excellent choice in selecting Dan for this job.  Our former colleague from Indiana has served his nation in the Army, in the House of Representatives, and as the ambassador to Germany, too. And of course, he also served his state here in the Senate where he was a leader on issues regarding our national security and the intelligence community.  I look forward to the Senate confirming him today.

“We’re also working toward an opportunity to support another of the President’s exceptional selections, Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, his choice for national security advisor.  The Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee recently called him ‘an outstanding choice’ and ‘a man of genuine intellect, character, and ability.’  He will now be tasked with adapting his vast experience to the responsibility of coordinating our national security policy — at a time when our nation faces myriad threats and challenges. 

“I know each of us appreciates the willingness of both former Sen. Coats and Lt. Gen. McMaster to take on these challenging positions and for their continued efforts to keep our country safe.

Related Issues: National Security, Nominations