Sen. John McCain announced Wednesday that he plans to oppose Rep. Mick Mulvaney’s nomination to be the next director of the Office of Management and Budget because of his record of supporting cuts to military spending.
Speaking on the floor of the Senate, Mr. McCain said he generally gives deference to the president on his Cabinet picks, but said he could not do so with President Trump’s pick of Mr. Mulvaney to run OMB.
“I believe we must rebuild our military while at the same time putting our nation on sustainable long-term fiscal path. We can and must do both,” said Mr. McCain, Arizona Republican. “Unfortunately, Congressman Mulvaney has spent his last six years in the House of Representative pitting the national debt against our military.”
Mr. McCain said the South Carolina Republican has repeatedly authored legislation to cut national defense — including in 2013 measure that cut $3.5 billion in proposed military spending.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.