CNN "The Situation Room" - Transcript: Interview With Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut

Interview

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WOLF BLITZER, CNN HOST: All right. So strong words from Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer saying what the Republicans want to pass in the House clearly not going to pass in the Senate.

Let's speak to a senator, Richard Blumenthal, is joining us. He's a Democrat. He serves on the Judiciary and Armed Services Committee.

Senator, first of all, thanks for your patience. Thanks for waiting.

We want to get your reaction, first of all, to the decision by the Secretary of Defense James Mattis to quit.

SEN. RICHARD BLUMENTHAL (D-CT), ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE: His decision to resign is virtually our worst nightmare when we said to ourselves on the Armed Services Committee or on the Senate that we were deeply disturbed and worried about a petulant and unpredictable administration. We could reassure ourselves and the nation that there was a strong and stable expert, a patriot in the position of standing between the president and the use of military force.

And now, this resignation leaves a chasm of leadership that will be destabilizing and could be really sending waves of alarm throughout the world because it is the culmination of the president rejecting advice from military, civil, and intelligence experts, and in fact going it alone. It culminates a lot of dissatisfaction for General Mattis.

[18:50:02] BLITZER: You serve on the Armed Forces Committee. Your colleague, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, he's been very outspoken in his support of Secretary Mattis and his opposition to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria. Do you see an opportunity now, Senator, to work together in reaction to these developments?

BLUMETHAL: There is a real opportunity but also an obligation because literally the national security of our nation is at stake. And I am deeply alarmed by the departure of General Mattis who was a source of strength and stability and embodied principles that should be bipartisan. Unfortunately, the president has alienated our allies and embraced our adversaries. He has demeaned and degraded the brave and dedicated professionals of our intelligence community. And I think there's an opportunity in the name of national defense for us to come together. I have worked closely with Senator Graham on many issues of national security around the globe on the Armed Services Committee and elsewhere and I think there's an opportunity for us to come together.

BLITZER: We'll see who the president nominates to become the next secretary of defense. That secretary of defense nominee is going to have to be confirmed by your Armed Services Committee.

Senator, thanks as usual for joining us.

BLUMENTHAL: Thank you.

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