The U.S. Senate cleared the way on Tuesday for the likely confirmation of Chuck Hagel as President Barack Obama’s new secretary of defense.
The Senate voted 71-27 to end debate and move forward, almost two weeks after Republicans launched a filibuster to block Hagel’s nomination. It was the first time such a procedural tactic had been used to delay consideration of a nominee for secretary of defense.
More than 15 Republicans joined with Democrats to open the way for a vote by the full Senate, now scheduled for 4:30 p.m. EST.
The Democratic majority, joined by at least three Republicans, is expected to approve the nomination when the issue gets to the floor.
Many Republicans have fiercely opposed Hagel, a former Republican senator from Nebraska who angered party leaders when he criticized former President George W. Bush’s handling of the Iraq war.
Some have also raised questions about whether Hagel is sufficiently supportive of Israel or tough enough on Iran.
(Reuters)
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2 Responses
Kol hakovd to the Republican Senators who bucked the tea party and neo-cons and voted to allow the matter to come to a yes/no vote. I respect their right to vote against Hagel but have little respect for those who simply wanted to delay for political purposes. This would not have been my first choice for Sect. of Defense but the President has the right to appoint his own choices for his top cabinent positions.
Obama knows his jews. The ones who support him care more about his domestic agendas than they care about israel, and there is nothing he can do that would make them stop thinking that.