Chuck Hagel faces his first major hurdle in his bid to become the nation's defense secretary as a bitterly divided Senate Armed Services Committee pushes toward a vote on his nomination.
The panel is scheduled to meet Tuesday afternoon to discuss and vote on President Barack Obama's choice to succeed Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who is stepping down after four years as CIA director and Pentagon chief.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is pressing for a full Senate vote on Hagel later in the week.
The former Nebraska senator faces fierce opposition from Republicans who have challenged his past statements and votes on Israel, Iran, Iraq and nuclear weapons.
The committee vote will probably break along party lines -- 14 Democrats for Hagel, 12 Republicans against their former colleague.
Poll Question
Special Features
Most Viewed
- 10/11 Severe Weather Alert Day Issued for Saturday and Sunday
- UPDATE: Names Released in Stabbing at St. Mary's Cathedral in Grand Island
- Crimestoppers: Dumpster Diving Thief
- Employee in Attorney General's Office Arrested in Pot Bust
- Students Raise Money for Teacher's Memorial
- Lance's Journal: Crochet Therapy in Hastings, May 17, 2013
- School Board Reprimands Nebraska Superintendent Cited with DUI
- Relay Fights to End Cancer
- Former Corrections Officer Faces Charges
- Stolen Car Found and Teen Arrested After Traffic Stop
Most Commented
powered by Disqus
