Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, retired Marine Gen. James "Mad Dog" Mattis, and Congressman Mike Pompeo, R-Kan., all offered frank testimony before Senate committees. 

During his confirmation hearing, Carson, Trump's nominee for secretary of Housing and Urban Development, opened up about growing up poor.

Carson told committee members about the struggles of his single mother and how they shaped his understanding of housing insecurity.
 
"We had no place to live. She couldn't afford the house so we ended up moving to Boston, moving in with relatives. So, I have actually in my life (experienced) what housing insecurity was," Carson recalled. 

Carson also talked about cutting reliance on welfare and getting people out of government dependency. (Photo Credit: Reuters/Kevin Lamarque) 

Mattis, Trump's nominee for defense secretary, appeared to have strong support after his hearing, where he took a tough line on one of the big issues in Washington right now—Vladimir Putin and Russia.

"Russia ... is an adversary in key areas," Mattis told the Senate panel. "I'm all for engagement, but we also have to recognize reality and what Russia is up to." 

Pompeo, nominee for CIA director, appeared to share the retired general's sentiments.

"Russia has reasserted itself aggressively, invading and occupying Ukraine, threatening Europe, and doing nearly nothing to aid in the destruction and defeat of ISIS," Pompeo testified.

In addition to his cabinet picks, Trump also has another important choice coming: his Supreme Court nominee to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia. 

The Hill reports influential conservatives are pushing the president-elect to nominate federal Judge William Pryor. They want someone who will be a strong, reliable justice. But many Democrats would fiercely oppose him.

Regardless of who Trump picks, both sides will be watching closely as his choice could spark an intense confirmation battle.

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

AMERICAN SOUNDTRACK: Singer-Songwriter Kaylin Roberson Honors Father and 250 Years of Brave Soldiers in Stirring Ballad 'So I Didn't Have To' (Video)

America of 1976 Would Not Recognize Herself in Our 250th Year

Baseball Players Refuse to Wear Pride Uniforms, Forced to Forfeit

Canada: Carney Liberals Move to 'Force' Radical Internet Surveillance Bill through House

Belfast Is Burning, and the Media Won't Say Why

Israel, Hezbollah Agree to New Ceasefire after Conflict Delayed US-Iran Talks

Report: Biden-Era FDA Spun Autopsy Results to Downplay COVID Vaccine Deaths in Kids, Letter Shows

Newly Exposed: Fauci Funded Wuhan Lab Research That Sparked COVID; Evidence Fauci Manipulated Intelligence and Lied to Congress

From Pulisic's 'Bible Time' to Team Prayer on the Field, US Gives 'Glory to God' at World Cup

Good News: Gasoline Drops Below $4 A Gallon

Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro Abandoning 30,000 Children as Democrats Push to Strip School Choice

Canada's Parliament Officially Passes 'Bible Ban' Bill C-9

Occupied Britain: Muslim Rape Gang Report Warns against Dangers of Mass Immigration (Part 1)

Obama Center Contractors Say Millions Are Owed

VP Vance Defends Iran Deal, Says It Will Benefit Both America and Israel

President Trump Signs MOU with Iran During Dinner at Palace of Versailles (VIDEO)

[Watch] JD Vance Ventures Onto 'The View,' Serves Up an Unforgettable Schooling

School District Pays $95K to Settle Lawsuit After Painting Over Bible Verse Tribute to Charlie Kirk

Is MLB Treating Christians Differently? Senator Hawley Demands Answers

Hundreds of Thousands of Antidepressants Recalled Over Potential Cancer Risk