Senator Ayotte's Statement on Confirmation of Leon Panetta as Secretary of Defense

Statement

U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today after voting to confirm Leon Panetta as Secretary of Defense.

"Leon Panetta will bring an impressive record of government service to the Pentagon, including his recent leadership of the CIA. While we may not agree on every issue, I believe he is qualified to serve as the next Secretary of Defense.

"As our nation faces a fiscal crisis, there's no question that the Defense Department must do its share of belt-tightening. However, we must ensure that our troops - who are currently fighting three wars - have the support they need while also maintaining America's military readiness. I will work with the Secretary to cut waste in the Pentagon, while fully supporting our warfighters and carefully maintaining our nation's military readiness.

"In a recent meeting with Mr. Panetta, I underscored to him the value of military personnel, facilities, and programs that are important to New Hampshire and our nation, including the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and the 157th Air Refueling Wing at Pease Air National Guard base. The New Hampshire National Guard is currently completing its largest deployment since World War II, and I will work to make sure that they and their families have the support they deserve.

"I look forward to working with Mr. Panetta to ensure that our military continues to be the best manned, equipped, and trained in the world."

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