Senate panel endorses Hagel for Pentagon in rare party-line vote

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Fox News:

A Senate panel narrowly endorsed Chuck Hagel to lead the Pentagon Tuesday, in a rare party-line vote that underscored intense Republican opposition to his nomination while nevertheless advancing Hagel to the floor for a final verdict.

The Senate Armed Services Committee voted 14-11 to advance Hagel's nomination.

All Republicans present voted against Hagel, himself a Republican and former Nebraska senator. Supporters lauded his service in the Vietnam War, and claimed the nominee had been forthcoming throughout his confirmation process.

But critics pointed to Hagel's history of controversial votes and statements regarding Iran, Israel, terror groups, the Iraq war and other issues.

Further, they panned what was widely regarded as a rocky performance by Hagel during his recent confirmation hearing. It is rare for the Senate to be this divided on a Cabinet nomination of this magnitude.

"His performance before this committee was the worst that I have seen for any nominee for office," Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said, before voting against Hagel.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., another senator opposing Hagel, said "there are very few people who have been this wrong about so many things."

Saying the next secretary of Defense will deal with "a world on fire," Graham said Hagel's testimony was "not reassuring."

Republican lawmakers had various reasons for opposing Hagel or trying to hold up his nomination. Some wanted him to provide more financial background information. Others voiced interest in holding up the nomination until the administration provides more information about the Benghazi terror attack, while voicing concerns about Hagel's background as well.

Democratic Chairman Carl Levin, though, pushed forward on a vote just hours before President Obama was set to deliver his State of the Union address.

"The time has come for the committee to act on this nomination," Levin said.

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