The US Senate has confirmed former Senator Chuck Hagel as the new Pentagon chief, after four Republicans joined Democrats to approve his nomination. The former Republican Nebraska senator was confirmed by 58-41. Hagel will replace outgoing DefenSe Secretary Leon Panetta, who was confirmed by 100-0 in June 2011. Two weeks ago, Republicans delayed a vote, questioning Hagel’s past positions on Israel and Iran, and his qualifications for the post. But they dropped the filibuster stalling tactic, the first time it has ever been used to delay confirmation of a defenSe secretary, after a week-long recess. President Barack Obama’s Democratic Party holds a 55-45 edge in the chamber, and Hagel ultimately only needed 51 votes to be confirmed. Republican Senators Thad Cochran, Rand Paul, Richard Shelby and Mike Johanns voted in favour of Hagel’s appointment. US President Obama said he was pleased there had been at least some bipartisan support for Hagel. “I am grateful to Chuck for reminding us that when it comes to our national defense, we are not Democrats or Republicans. We are Americans, and our greatest responsibility is the security of the American people,” said Obama. Earlier on Tuesday, Hagel, a decorated Vietnam veteran, passed a crucial procedural vote that needed the support of 60 senators.
GMT 16:26 2018 Wednesday ,29 August
Morocco, Cuba Start 'Unprecedented and Historic Era' in their RelationsGMT 16:13 2018 Wednesday ,29 August
Morocco, Dominican Republic Discuss Means to Promote CooperationGMT 18:51 2018 Sunday ,21 January
Tensions mount in Rohingya camps ahead of planned relocation to MyanmarGMT 18:47 2018 Sunday ,21 January
Macron shares African outrage on Trump’s vulgar languageGMT 18:41 2018 Sunday ,21 January
Jordan urges Pence to rebuild trust after Jerusalem pivotGMT 18:37 2018 Sunday ,21 January
UN Security Council to discuss Syria on MondayGMT 18:23 2018 Sunday ,21 January
Iraqi court sentences to death German woman who joined DaeshGMT 18:19 2018 Sunday ,21 January
Turkish state media say Turkey’s ground forces have entered Syrian Kurdish enclave
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor