The ranking Democrat on the Senate Committee on Armed Services declared his opposition to Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary on Tuesday.

“These are perilous times, and the position of secretary of defense demands a leader of unparalleled experience, wisdom and, above all else, character,” Sen. Jack Reed said Tuesday in his opening remarks at Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing.

Watch Reed’s full opening statement below.

Hegseth, a military veteran and conservative media personality, has faced allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking, and been criticized as a nominee for his controversial views on diversity and religion in the military.