[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 1873]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          CONFIRMATION OF CHUCK HAGEL AS SECRETARY OF DEFENSE

  Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, today is Chuck Hagel's first day as 
our Secretary of Defense. This is a great development for our Armed 
Forces and the Nation they protect.
  I was proud to support Chuck Hagel's nomination to become the 
Secretary of Defense, and I was proud to see his nomination confirmed 
with bipartisan support yesterday. Throughout his life, Chuck has 
displayed courage, wisdom, and leadership. And he has always served 
this Nation with dedication and resolve. I am confident he will be a 
strong and able leader of the men and women in our military, and I am 
confident he will do everything possible to keep our country safe.
  I congratulate Secretary Hagel on his successful and well-deserved 
confirmation and wish him the best as he begins his leadership of our 
Department of Defense.
  I yield the floor.

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