WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, released the following statement today regarding the bipartisan Senate vote to confirm Mark Esper to serve as secretary of Defense.

“The grave and growing national security threats we face require proven and effective leadership at the Pentagon. A decorated soldier who has devoted his life to national security, Mark Esper has the right experience and judgment to lead the Defense Department at this critical time. That’s why the Senate confirmed him in a strong bipartisan vote. I look forward to working with Mark Esper to keep America safe in a dangerous world, modernize our military, and ensure that our troops have the resources they need.”

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