WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins today issued this statement following the resignation of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel:
“Although Secretary Hagel is a talented, patriotic individual with much to offer his country, I have never believed that he was a good fit to head the Department of Defense. We face complex national security challenges ranging from the threat posed by ISIL and other terrorist groups, the dangerous instability afflicting the Middle East and the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran, to increasingly confrontational behavior of Russia. I urge the President to submit a nominee with extensive national security credentials to replace Secretary Hagel as soon as possible so the Senate can consider the nomination. These are dangerous times, and the Department needs a strong, experienced leader.”