February 14 2013

Votes against cutting off debate, says Majority Leader Reid’s motion to end debate after two days on Senate floor is premature

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“Chuck Hagel is a patriot, but by virtue of his views and his experience, he is not the right person to lead the world’s largest military organization in these dangerous times.”  – Lamar Alexander

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 – U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) released the following statement on his opposition to President Obama’s nomination of former Sen. Chuck Hagel as Defense Secretary and the senator’s decision today to vote against cutting off debate on Hagel’s nomination:

“Chuck Hagel is a patriot, but by virtue of his views and his experience, he is not the right person to lead the world’s largest military organization in these dangerous times,” Alexander said of his intention to vote against Hagel’s confirmation. On today’s vote to end debate, Alexander said, “The majority leader’s motion to cut off debate only two days after an important nomination is reported to the Senate floor is premature, as several senators have asked the nominee questions that deserve more consideration.”

Alexander continued: “When the Senate returns on Feb. 26, there should have been sufficient time to consider Sen. Hagel’s record, so I will vote to end debate because I believe a president’s cabinet members deserve an up-or-down vote.”

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