Hawaii’s Hirono continues partisan streak during confirmation hearings
Democratic Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono made headlines recently for being the sole lawmaker on the Senate’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee to oppose the confirmation of former GOP congressman from Georgia, Doug Collins, as President Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. This move by Hirono is just one example of her outspoken and fearless approach during confirmation hearings.
One notable instance was when Hirono questioned Trump’s defense secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth, about his willingness to shoot at lawful protesters. Referring to reports that President Trump had asked former Defense Secretary Mark Esper to shoot protesters in the leg during the 2020 riots in Washington, D.C., following George Floyd’s death, Hirono asked Hegseth if he would carry out such an order. When Hegseth attempted to respond, Hirono interjected, asserting, “You will shoot protesters in the leg. Moving on.”
Throughout various confirmation hearings, including those for nominees like Doug Burgum for interior secretary and Pam Bondi for attorney general, Hirono has not shied away from asking tough questions about unfounded allegations of sexual assault. She posed questions regarding unwanted requests for sexual favors, verbal or physical harassment, and past disciplinary actions related to sexual misconduct to each nominee.
During Bondi’s confirmation hearing, the nominee criticized Hirono for refusing to meet with her privately to discuss concerns before the public hearing. Bondi expressed her frustration, stating, “Sen. Hirono, I wish you had met with me. Had you met with me, we could have discussed many things and gotten to the meat [of your questions]. You were the only one who refused to meet with me.”
Hirono’s approach to confirmation hearings has drawn both praise and criticism, but her unwavering commitment to thorough vetting of nominees has made her a prominent figure in the Senate. As she continues to advocate for accountability and transparency in the confirmation process, Hirono remains a force to be reckoned with on Capitol Hill.
