Washington (CNN) – There was a heated exchange at the confirmation hearing for Homeland Security Secretary designate Jeh Johnson, but it had nothing to do with questions over his qualifications or politics, but rather questions over his questionnaire.
"I'm extremely disturbed by the responses to the questionnaire," Republican Sen. Tom Coburn said in his opening statement. "Either the legislative staff or the White House has cut and pasted identical answers to 23 questions in your response. Identical responses to that of other nominees."
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Coburn blamed the duplication on staff and not Johnson himself.
Johnson made commitments to provide some information to the committee and said he was inclined to provide other information but would have to look into the matter.
Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, pressed Johnson for a commitment to provide specific information on border security.
"I'm inclined to give you what you need," Johnson responded.
"I'm not asking about your inclination. I'm asking for a yes or no answer," McCain shot back. When Johnson would not provide one, McCain said he could not support Johnson's nomination.
Despite McCain's objections, Johnson, a former Pentagon lawyer, is widely expected to be confirmed. He would be the fourth secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, replacing Janet Napolitano who stepped down to head the University of California System earlier this year.