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Hagel Faces Tough Questions at Nomination Hearing

January 31, 2013

The nominee to be the next U.S. secretary of defense, Chuck Hagel, is fending off criticism from lawmakers on Iran, Israel, and his position on national security issues.

During his confirmation hearing, Hagel urged the Senate Armed Services Committee not to rush to judgement, but rather consider his whole career.

"I am on the record; I am on the record on many issues," said Hagel. "But no one individual vote, no one individual quote, no one individual statement defines me, my beliefs or my record. My overall world view has never changed: that America has and must maintain the strongest military in the world, that we must lead in the international community, to confront threats and challenges together.

Hagel, a decorated Vietnam War veteran and former senator, has faced criticism he favors a softer approach toward Iran and its nuclear program, while being less supportive of Israel.

​​During the hearing, Hagel said he is committed to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and all options must be on the table. He also said he will make sure Israel maintains its military edge in the region.

Republican Senator James Inhofe said Hagel's position on national security issues is "deeply troubling" and out of the mainstream.

Republican Senator and Vietnam veteran John McCain sharply questioned Hagel on his opposition to the 2007 troop surge in Iraq.

Lawmakers also want to know about his previous calls to reduce the U.S. military's budget and his opposition to naming Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization.

President Obama nominated the former Republican lawmaker from Nebraska to replace Leon Panetta as Pentagon chief. The president said when he served in the Senate, he came to admire Hagel's courage, judgment and willingness to speak his mind even if the position was not popular.

If confirmed, Hagel would become the first Vietnam veteran and former enlisted soldier to become U.S. defense secretary.