New York, NY – Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement after President Obama announced that he will nominate former Senator Chuck Hagel (R-Nebraska) to be the next Secretary of Defense:

“Senator Hagel is an excellent choice for Secretary of Defense.  As a veteran of the Vietnam War, Senator Hagel possesses the most important quality for this position: he understands exactly what it means to send Americans into battle.  In Vietnam, Senator Hagel has seen the atrocities of war and knows that war should always be the ultimate last resort.

Throughout his career in the Senate, Senator Hagel has fought tirelessly for our nation’s troops, military families, and veterans. It was his leadership that was instrumental in passing the post-9/11 G.I. Bill.  During his two terms on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Intelligence Committee, Senator Hagel gained valuable insight while working in foreign affairs.  This experience and his time in Vietnam gave him the expertise and perspective that will enable him to make the difficult decisions the post requires.

With this nomination, President Obama continues his commitment towards bipartisanship.  However, some of my Republican Colleagues in the Senate have indicated that they may have reservations.  I hope that the confirmation process will go smoothly as we need more people with combat experience at the highest level of the Defense Department.  I look forward to working with Senator Hagel as the Pentagon's new head.”