U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after his meeting with General James Mattis, President-Elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense.

"Respect is earned, and James Mattis has unquestionably earned the respect of our Nation. Our meeting made clear that he will be an honorable, steadfast leader of the men and women serving in and around our military. Even more, I believe he has the intellect and the courage to lead the Department of Defense as it confronts the diverse threats facing our country. It was a privilege meeting with him today and it will be a privilege supporting his nomination."