Joni Ernst signals openness after "encouraging" talk with Pete Hegseth

• "As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources," Ernst said in a statement after meeting with Hegseth again on Monday for what she called "encouraging conversations."

Zoom in: Ernst said that Hegseth committed to her that he would complete a full audit of the Pentagon. The DOD has failed its audit seven years in a row.

• Hegseth also said he would select top officials who "uphold the roles and value of our servicemen and women" and would assist her work to prevent sexual assault in the military, according to the statement.
• Ernst faced some backlash for her reluctance to support Hegseth's nomination last week, with the Iowa Attorney General publishing a column criticizing "D.C. politicians" who "think they can ignore the voices of their constituents and entertain smears from the same outlets that have pushed out lies for years."

• Ernst's name had been floated as a potential DOD alternative to Hegseth.

What to watch: Other potential detractors are set to meet with Hegseth this week, including Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).

• Both indicated they have a lot of questions for the nominee, including about allegations of financial and sexual misconduct.