U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a combat veteran and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today met with President-elect Trump's Secretary of Defense nominee, retired General James Mattis.
Following the meeting, Senator Ernst issued the following statement:
"It was an honor to visit with General Mattis this afternoon. There is no question that he has served as an extraordinary leader in our military in the United States Marine Corps, and as the former Commander of U.S. Central Command and coauthor of the Counterinsurgency Field Manual.
"During our meeting, we discussed a wide-range of topics, including my priority of the need to combat sexual assault in the military. We also talked about the many threats rising around the globe, including Asia and Europe. I look forward to asking General Mattis more questions and getting his public confirmation to work with me on my priorities during his upcoming confirmation hearing. I am extremely concerned about the rising threat of ISIS in areas like Southeast Asia and Latin America, as well as many other threats that the incoming administration needs to address.
"As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I look forward to continuing to thoroughly vet him for this position and ensuring he will focus on these objectives and more in this position."