WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Mazie K. Hirono secured a commitment from General James Mattis to continue to strengthen America’s strategic interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region if he is confirmed to serve as the next Secretary of Defense. “Hawaii has a
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Mazie K. Hirono secured a commitment from General James Mattis to continue to strengthen America’s strategic interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region if he is confirmed to serve as the next Secretary of Defense.
“Hawaii has a huge role to play in our strategic interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. General Mattis assured me that he shares my perspective that our actions and continued presence in the region are of critical importance to national security,” Hirono said.
She also pressed General Mattis to pledge to combat sexual assault in the military and to prevent retaliation against any soldier that lodges a complaint.
“I have been very vocal in my support of making sure that we prevent and prosecute sexual assault in the military,” Hirono said. “I asked General Mattis to address allegations of sexual assault in an effective way, and to take action to prevent retaliation that occurs all too often when these crimes are reported.”
