Ayotte Statement on Resignation of Secretary of Defense Hagel

Statement

U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released this statement today following the president's announcement that Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel will resign:

"While I did not support Secretary Hagel's nomination to be the Secretary of Defense, we should be clear that the responsibility for the national security failings of this administration rests primarily with the White House and not with Secretary Hagel.

"I admire Secretary Hagel's long record of distinguished service to our nation - including his honorable and courageous service in Vietnam - and I wish him the very best in the future.

"As the president considers who to nominate as the next Secretary of Defense, it's imperative that it be an individual who can garner broad, bipartisan support. Such an individual must possess an intense focus on providing our troops what they need, a clear understanding of the threats our nation faces, as well as an ability to effectively advocate for the defense strategy and budget necessary to protect our country."

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