Senate Committee Passes Hagel Nomination 14 - 11

[DonViejo]

Source: TPM

The Senate Armed Services Committee voted on Tuesday to approve the nomination of Chuck Hagel as secretary of defense by a party-line vote, 14 to 11. The nomination now moves to a full vote before the Senate. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said Monday that he expects the full vote to occur either Wednesday or Thursday of this week.

Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) has said he intends to "postpone" Hagel's confirmation before the full Senate with a series of "holds." Reid told reporters Tuesday that he will not honor any holds placed on Hagel's nomination.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) would not commit to filibuster Hagel's confirmation but signaled that Republicans might do so.

"I wouldn't be surprised if we do have a cloture vote on the Hagel nomination," McConnell told reporters.

Watch video of the vote below:

Read more: http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/hagel-nomination-passes-senate-committee-14-11

[think]

1. This is the GOP's blatant attempt to keep pork barrel military spending

By blocking the one guy who might actually make meaningful cuts to the fraud, waste, and outdated ways of thinking about America's defense needs. Of course there is no guarantees Hagel would have any real impact.

But with Pugs lining up to block him it is very apparent that they are concerned Hagel's bringing an ax and their pet projects & bases may be in his line of sight.

The American public is waking up and sick of politicians that are complete hypocrites. Politicians who make no qualms about lying to protect the special interests that grease their palms.....

Hopefully true change is possible. Hopefully America understands that the cost of out military adventurism is breaking the back of the very nation it is suppose to be protecting.

[TwilightGardener]

2. Listening to these Repub yahoos, it strikes me as very sad that someone

can almost give up his life for his country--VOLUNTARILY--and still have former colleagues imply he is not only unpatriotic, but downright treasonous. Sickening assholish display.

[RussBLib]

3. I am really getting tired of this GOP obstructionism

They are keeping America from doing all sorts of things we need to do to stay on top of changing times. The GOP is a total fucking disgrace and hindrance to America.

[AAO]

8. I'd even go farther

"They are keeping America from doing all sorts of things we need to do to survive as a functioning society"

[freshwest]

9. +1

[Tx4obama]

4. ‘Senator Cruz Has Gone Over The Line’: Colleagues Slam Ted Cruz For Irresponsible Rhetoric On Hagel

‘Senator Cruz Has Gone Over The Line’: Colleagues Slam Ted Cruz For Irresponsible Rhetoric On Hagel

Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) criticized Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) during an Senate Armed Services Committee meeting today on Chuck Hagel’s Defense Secretary nomination for suggesting that Hagel is being influenced financially by foreign countries.

During the meeting, Cruz objected to moving forward with Hagel’s nomination, saying — without offering any evidence — that the former Republican senator may have received money directly from countries like North Korea and Saudi Arabia.

“This Senator feels like that Senator Cruz has gone over the line,” Nelson shot back at Cruz. “He basically has impugned the patriotism of the nominee.” The Florida Democrat continued:

NELSON: In your conclusions which you are entitled to come to about him in essence about him being cozy with Iran. And you have also stated your opinion that you don’t think he has been truthful with this committee. Now those are two fairly strong statements. And I couldn’t help but having had the privilage of serving on this committee for a while, and seeing the two former chairman on either side of the nominee and I looked at the former Repubican chairman John Warner’s face as some of the questions were asked as he visibly winced. There’s a certain degree of comity and civility that this committee has always been known for. And clearly in the sharpness difference of opinion to question in essence whether somebody is a fellow traveler with another country I think is taking it too far.

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) piled on: “I just want to make it clear. Senator Hagel is an honorable man. He has served his country and no one on this committee at any time should impugn his character or his integrity,” he said.

-snip-

Full article and video here: http://thinkprogress.org/security/2013/02/12/1582181/nelson-mccain-cruz-hagel/

[Berlum]

5. Cruz is yet another freaking Republican Chickenhawk, ain't he?

All the Republican Chickenhawks are lining up against honorable US Veterans.

As usual.

[spartan61]

6. Let's not forget that Cheney

is also getting into the act dissing Hagel. Could someone refresh my memory about when Darth served in the military? Oh, that's right. He had five deferments. He is the Head
Chicken Hawk.

[davidpdx]

10. Cruz is a piece of shit

[RBInMaine]

7. Hagel should use his RePub party registration card for toilet paper.

[John2]

11. He is just

going to be another embarrassment for Texas. He is using ethnicity for cover but he is just another rightwinger. He will say anything to gain advancement. That is just my first impression of him. He would rather go to War with Hagel backing me up than turn my back on Cruz. If anyone can't be trusted, it is not Hagel.