Coons and Cardin critical of Tillerson

For nine hours Wednesday Trumps nomination for secretary of state Rex Tillerson faced a senate committee that will ultimately recommend whether he is confirmed for his position.

Both Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) were critical of the former Exxon CEO, questioning whether he would be able to separate his former business interests, with his potential duties as secretary of state.

Cardin brought up the fact that Tillerson has relations in Russia, a country that the US has placed numerous sanctions on for the crimes against humanity in both the Ukraine and Syria. Cardin said that more sanctions are underway and when Tillerson was asked if he would be able to enforce those sanctions, his answer was unclear.

"He did not give a definitive answer, he said that there's several factors, so it was a again a matter that I think we have to judge as to whether he will take a tough position against the aggression we've seen  from Russia," Cardin said.

Coons was also concerned with many of Tillerson's answers saying at times he seemed evasive.

Coons also shared concerns that Sen. Cardin had on whether Tillerson will able to successfully transition from his role in the business world.

"There are areas where I'm concerned that his preparation and values really are much more in line with the interests of Exxon Mobil than with the interests of secretary of state fighting for a free press, human rights and most importantly democracy," Coons said.

Coons says the next step is for the foreign relations committee to review Tillerson's answers and their notes from the hearing.

A decision on Tillersons confirmation is expect to come in the next two weeks.