Hagel Hounding. Former Nebraska GOP senator Chuck Hagel will face former colleagues opposed to his nomination as defense secretary at his confirmation hearing before the SASC on Jan. 31 at 9:30 a.m. Those critics include incoming SASC Ranking Member James Inhofe (R-Okla.). After meeting with Hagel Jan. 15, Inhofe says “we are simply too philosophically opposed on the issues for me to support his nomination.” Inhofe says one of his personal “biggest concerns” is preventing pending sequestration cuts of $500 billion to longterm defense spending. “However, Senator Hagel’s comments have not demonstrated that same level of concern about the pending defense cuts,” the SASC ranking member says. Inhofe cites other qualms, including Hagel’s support of nuclear reductions, opposition to sanctions on Iran in 2001, and refusal to sign a letter affirming U.S. –Israeli solidarity in 2001. Hagel and his allies insist he is not anti-Israel. Hagel receives a boost Jan. 15 when Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) announces he will support the nominee, who Schumer says convinced him he would be a strong supporter of Israel.
free preview