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Deb Fischer aims hard questions at Hagel
Chuck Hagel, President Obama's choice to become the next defense secretary, faced testy question from Republican senators during his confirmation hearings Thursday.
But his opposition to the 2007 surge of U.S. troops into Iraq turned into a heated focus of the hearing. Senator John McCain repeatedly pressed Hagel into answering whether he had been right or wrong to say the surge would be a major blunder. Hagel reaffirmed his support for Israeli security and his stance that all options must be available to prevent Iran from gaining nuclear capability. "I am fully committed to the President's goal of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon," said Hagel. "And - as I've been on record on that issue and as I've said in the past many times - all options must be on the table to achieve that goal. My policy has always been the same as the President's. One of prevention, not of containment." Not only did Arizona John McCain take issue with a number things concerning Hagel, new Nebraska senator Deb Fischer also voiced her displeasure with the former Cornhusker congressman. "After our meeting last week I still have concerns with your nomination. Many of my colleagues are concerned that you have changed your views and I share that concern, but I must admit that I am more worried that your views have not changed. From your meeting with me last week it was clear that you maintain the views that have led to so much scrutiny of your nomination. Despite these recent claims to the contrary, you continue to hold, I believe, extreme views far to the left even of this administration," said Fischer. It's likely every Senate Democrat will support Hagel's confirmation - so far he has the support of one Republican. But Hagel will need four more Republicans in his camp to prevent a filibuster. |
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