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Press Release of U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer
For Immediate Release: January 14, 2013 | Contact: Washington D.C. Office (202) 224-3553 |
Boxer Announces Support for the Nomination of Former Senator Chuck Hagel as Secretary of Defense
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today announced her intention to support the nomination of former Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) to be Secretary of Defense.
Senator Boxer issued the following statement after receiving a letter from Senator Hagel tonight:
“After speaking extensively with Senator Hagel by phone last week and after receiving a detailed written response to my questions late today, I will support Senator Hagel’s nomination as Secretary of Defense.
“First and foremost, he has pledged without reservation to support President Obama’s polices – policies that I believe have made our world safer and our alliances stronger.
“I asked him about a number of issues – including America’s special relationship with Israel, the threats posed by Iran to the world and the treatment of women and gay and lesbian members of our military – and his answers were reassuring and show a sensitivity and understanding of these issues. In addition, Senator Hagel has pledged to meet with me once he has been confirmed for a more detailed discussion about the Defense Department’s efforts to combat sexual assault in the military.”