WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth vows to bring “warrior culture’” to the military if confirmed as President-elect Donald Trump’s defense secretary pick. Hegseth is dismissing the sexual assault allegations against him as a “smear” campaign. The former combat veteran and TV news show host calls himself a “change agent’ as senators determine whether he is fit to lead the U.S. military. Chairman Roger Wicker says Hegseth will “shake up” the Pentagon. But the top Democrat Sen. Jack Reed says the allegations against Hegseth are “extremely alarming.” Tuesday’s hearing starts a week-long marathon as the Republican-led Senate rushes to have some of Trump’s Cabinet picks ready to be confirmed as soon as Inauguration Day, Jan. 20.