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Senate Panel Backs Hagel for Defense

But vote in full Senate is no gimme

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 12, 2013 4:21 PM CST

(Newser) – Chuck Hagel has cleared his first hurdle in becoming secretary of defense: The Senate Armed Services panel voted 14-11 to approve President Obama's pick to succeed Leon Panetta. All of the Democrats on the committee backed Hagel, and all of the Republicans opposed him. The nomination now goes to the full Senate, and while AP says the former Nebraska senator is expected to prevail in the end, the outcome is anything but a sure thing. Some Republicans are threatening to take the rare action of filibustering a Cabinet pick, reports Politico. A Senate vote could take place Thursday. Click to read some of the common criticisms against him.

In this Jan. 31 file photo, former Nebraska Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee.
In this Jan. 31 file photo, former Nebraska Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 14 comments
cornelison
Feb 12, 2013 9:49 PM CST
This how Republicans waste tax dollars.  They're in D.C. to get rid of Medicare and all social programs. 
AustinSpace
Feb 12, 2013 5:51 PM CST
This would be the first time EVER that a majority of 60 would be needed to overcome a filibuster to confirm a secretary of defense, and they are doing this to one of their own fellow Republicans, a man who in 2008 the GOP presidential nominee John McCain said he would have as his secretary of defense.
JimW
Feb 12, 2013 4:54 PM CST
Republicans: Anti America, anti minority, anti government, anti choice, anti woman, anti health. Why don't they just rename as the" American Taliban" and get it over with.

 
Chuck Hagel • Senate • defense secretary • confirmation vote

 
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