WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement reacting to the resignation of U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel.
“From his time as an enlisted man in the Vietnam War to his pragmatic days in the Senate, Secretary Hagel has shown himself to be a courageous leader who is ready and willing to put his country above all else. I appreciate his leadership at the Department of Defense during this challenging period abroad and at home. I commend his stewardship of the defense budget, maintaining troop readiness and preparation despite sequestration and ongoing fiscal uncertainty. I particularly appreciated Secretary Hagel’s efforts to strengthen the department’s financial management – a critical step toward curbing waste and fraud. I hope his successor continues to makes this issue a top priority. Finally, I thank him for his leadership and dedication to combating the murderous and ruthless group, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Given the myriad challenges our nation faces abroad, especially as we continue our campaign to defeat ISIS and other Islamic extremists in Iraq and Syria, it is critical that we have Senate confirmed leadership in place at the Department of Defense. I urge the president to nominate a new secretary as soon as possible.”