Sen. John McCain this week will meet with Rex Tillerson, President-elect Trump’s pick for secretary of state, amid worries about the Exxon Mobil executive’s ties to Russia and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
McCain said in an interview Tuesday that he will meet with Tillerson to discuss a “whole range of concerns,” including Russia, which some Republicans believe is an issue as he heads into his confirmation process.
“I’m meeting with him sometime in the next couple days,” McCain said. “I want to hear from him on a whole range of concerns. A whole range of concerns that I have.”
In particular, McCain, Sen. Lindsey Graham and Sen. Marco Rubio have said they worry about Tillerson’s ties to Russia. Putin bestowed the “Order of Friendship” on the Exxon Mobil chief executive.
“I’m very interested in his votes on Russia, what Putin’s up to, should Russia be punished,” Graham said. “And should we push back against Russian aggression all over the world.”
Tillerson met Tuesday with Sen. Bob Corker, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which will take up his confirmation before the entire Senate body does so. In a tweet, Corker said that the two engaged in a “wide-ranging discussion” on foreign affairs.
Enjoyed a wide-ranging discussion with Rex Tillerson this afternoon and am looking forward to chairing his confirmation hearing next week. pic.twitter.com/MU0rXAY5SY
— Senator Bob Corker (@SenBobCorker) January 3, 2017
Corker also told reporters that Tillerson’s hearing before the committee is scheduled for Jan. 11.
