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Hagel Confirmation Temporarily Blocked

February 15, 2013

Republicans in the U.S. Senate have temporarily blocked a vote on whether to confirm Chuck Hagel as the next defense secretary.

On February 14, the Senate came up two votes short of the 60 needed to hold a formal confirmation on President Barack Obama's nominee.

Obama reacted immediately, accusing Republicans of playing politics with the nation at war.

The former Nebraska Senator is facing opposition mainly from members of his own Republican Party, with some questioning his support of U.S. ally Israel and his determination to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

A vote on his nomination is now expected on February 26.

Commentators say despite the latest setback, Hagel should win the simple majority of 51 votes needed to secure the nomination as Democrats hold 55 seats.

If confirmed, Hagel will be the first enlisted man to serve as defense secretary.

Based on AP and Reuters reporting

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/united-states-hagel/24902632.html

Copyright (c) 2013. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.