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Sens. Collins, King vote against Trump defense pick

Photo: Associated Press


Both of Maine’s Senators voted against advancing the nomination of Pete Hegseth, who was chosen by Trump to lead the Defense Department.

Hegseth’s nomination was ultimately approved in a Senate vote on Thursday.

In a statement, Republican Sen. Susan Collins said she appreciates Hegseth’s military service, but that she’s “concerned that he does not have the experience and perspective necessary to succeed in the job.”

Independent Sen. Angus King, who serves on the Armed Services Committee, says he voted against the nomination in light of Hegseth’s comments about the use of torture during his testimony and what he says is a lack of experience.

Also on Thursday, Sen. Collins and her colleagues were urged to vote against President Trump’s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

Three Maine doctors gathered to call on Collins to vote against RFK Jr.’s nomination to lead the department, saying more than 15,000 physicians have signed on to a letter urging the Senate to vote no, including 150 in Maine.

The group says that, while Kennedy has an extensive legal background related to health and environmental issues, he has no medical experience.

A representative from Sen. Collins’ office says they’ve heard from many Mainers about the nomination and that she “appreciates their input.”

Kennedy will testify next week before a committee on which Sen. Collins serves.

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