
The Senate voted 58-41 Tuesday night to confirm Chuck Hagel as the 24th U.S. defense secretary, ending a month-long campaign by Republicans to derail the nomination of their once-outspoken former colleague. Hagel, a former GOP senator and Vietnam veteran, was sworn in as head of the Department of Defense Wednesday during a private ceremony with his family and immediate office staff. Hagel’s confirmation previously was delayed on Feb. 14 by Republicans annoyed with their former colleague on multiple fronts, including his outspoken…