Leader Schumer Floor Remarks On Answers Americans Need From President Trump’s Unqualified Cabinet Nominees In Upcoming Confirmation Hearings

Washington, D.C. – Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today spoke on the Senate floor about three of President Trump’s unqualified, troubling, and dangerous nominees—Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.— before their upcoming confirmation hearings. Below are Senator Schumer’s remarks, which can also be viewed here:

This week, three of the President’s most controversial nominees will testify before Senate Committees: Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

All three nominees have deeply troubling backgrounds and equally troubling views. If Pete Hegseth’s nomination process was any indication, these controversial nominees can expect to face immense scrutiny from both sides of the aisle and from the American people.

Americans deserve to know – will the Trump Administration strengthen our health and security or strengthen big drug companies and pseudoscience? Mr. Kennedy’s hearing will give us answers. Also, we want to know from Mr. Kennedy: does he want to eliminate life-saving vaccines that have saved the lives and health of so many millions of children in the United States and around the globe?

Americans also deserve to know – will the FBI focus on public safety and rule of law, or focus on Donald Trump’s personal grievances? Mr. Patel and his hearing will give us answers.

Americans need to know: will the Trump Administration protect us from foreign adversaries, and deal in truth and facts when it comes to classified intelligence? If there is ever a need for a fact-based agency, it's the intelligence agencies which gather information that keep us safe. Or will these agencies be turned to give shelter to conspiracy and misinformation in our intelligence? Ms. Gabbard’s hearing will give us very important answers here.

The people entrusted to oversee matters of public health and law enforcement and classified intelligence should be beyond reproach. Their qualifications should not be in doubt. But President Trump seems to have chosen three deeply unqualified, deeply untrustworthy individuals to these positions. Like Mr. Hegseth, it's hard to imagine they're the best for the job, or even close to it.

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