Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, today released the following statement on President Obama’s nomination of former Senator Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) to be Secretary of Defense:

“I am pleased to support Chuck Hagel to be the next Secretary of Defense.  I served with Senator Hagel during his two terms in the U.S. Senate—including his service on the Senate Intelligence Committee from 2003-2008.  I found him to be a knowledgeable and independent voice with a strong grasp of the pressing national security issues facing our country.  In addition to his service in the Senate, Senator Hagel has co-chaired the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board and served with distinction as a sergeant in the U.S. Army where he earned two Purple Hearts.

“I strongly believe that a president is entitled to his cabinet selections unless there is something in an individual’s record or background that is disqualifying.  As Secretary of Defense, Senator Hagel will implement the administration’s policies in Afghanistan and around the world, and will be responsible for managing the Department of Defense in an era of reduced spending.  I look forward to supporting him during the confirmation process.”

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