Chuck Hagel Resigns as Secretary of Defense

Today, the President announced Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel is resigning:

While I thank Secretary Hagel for his service to our country, I strongly urge the President to nominate someone who can secure the broad base of bipartisan support needed to serve effectively in this critical position.

As our nation faces a growing array of security threats – from the terror army of ISIL to a soon-to-be nuclear-armed Iran to a resurgent Russia invading sovereign nations – the Commander-in-Chief continues to send mixed messages to the American people and thousands of troops serving overseas.

Now more than ever our military needs a decisive leader with a clear understanding of the complex missions being handed to our men and women in uniform who protect us around the globe, and the will to see them through.

I opposed Secretary Hagel’s nomination, and along with 14 other Senators, formally called on the President to withdraw Secretary Hagel’s nomination in February 2013.