WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement after today’s meeting with the president’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper:

“Today I met with Acting Secretary Esper to discuss the critical challenges facing America’s armed forces, Kentucky’s contributions to our national defense, and his nomination to become the next Senate-confirmed Secretary of Defense.

“Acting Secretary Esper is an impressive leader with a distinguished record in uniform, on Capitol Hill, in the private sector, and as a senior leader at the Pentagon. I’m glad President Trump has chosen someone so qualified to continue rebuilding and modernizing the U.S. military, strengthening our strategic alliances, and helping our nation confront the wide variety of national security challenges that we face.

“I look forward to the Senate’s swift consideration of Acting Secretary Esper’s nomination to the Pentagon’s top job.”

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.