On the recordJanuary 31, 2013
even though the confirmation hearing regarding the nomination of former Senator Chuck Hagel for Secretary of Defense is going on before the Armed Services Committee, I would like to make some comments in terms of my thoughts regarding his potential appointment and the conclusion I have come to based on the 130 pages of written answers to questions posed to Senator Hagel by the Senate Armed Services Committee and some of the information I have gleaned, as my schedule has allowed, from his testimony before the SASC--ongoing, as I said. Based on his written answers and what I have heard so far, it is clear that Senator Hagel is willing to execute the policies established and endorsed by the President. But the idea floated out of the White House, what the President has described as bipartisan balance--that is why Senator Hagel was selected--to consideration of these critical issues before us regarding the role of the next Secretary of Defense, doesn't hold water. As I said, Senator Hagel has essentially indicated on a number of occasions--through his written answers and through his answers to the SASC committee--that he is in line with the President's policies and, in fact, in some cases, to the left of some of those policies. It is obvious that I and many of my Republican colleagues disagree with many of the views and policy positions taken by the administration and Senator Hagel. This is to be expected.…
