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Subscribe to RSSSen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who is seen as a key to Chuck Hagel's becoming Defense secretary, is throwing his support behind the former Nebraska Republican senator -- despite past controversial statements on Israel, Iran, and the "Jewish lobby."
"Based on several key assurances provided by Senator Hagel, I am currently prepared to vote for his confirmation," Schumer said in a statement. "I encourage my Senate colleagues who have shared my previous concerns to also support him."
Spencer Platt / Getty Images
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) speaks during a news conference where it was announced that free Wi-Fi will be provided by Google to the Manhattan neighborhood of Chelsea on January 8, 2013 in New York City.
He added, "I know some will question whether Senator Hagel's assurances are merely attempts to quiet critics as he seeks confirmation to this critical post. But I don't think so. Senator Hagel realizes the situation in the Middle East has changed, with Israel in a dramatically more endangered position than it was even five years ago. His views are genuine, and reflect this new reality. ... In general, I believe any President deserves latitude in selecting his own advisors. While the Senate confirmation process must be allowed to run its course, it is my hope that Senator Hagel's thorough explanations will remove any lingering controversy regarding his nomination."
With Schumer's support, Hagel is seen as a likely shoo-in to win confirmation.
Full statement from Schumer's office:
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer released the following statement Tuesday regarding the nomination of former Senator Chuck Hagel’s nomination for Secretary of Defense:
When Senator Hagel’s name first surfaced as a potential nominee for Secretary of Defense, I had genuine concerns over certain aspects of his record on Israel and Iran. Once the President made his choice, however, I agreed to keep these reservations private until I had the opportunity to discuss them fully with Senator Hagel in person.
In a meeting Monday, Senator Hagel spent approximately 90 minutes addressing my concerns one by one. It was a very constructive session. Senator Hagel could not have been more forthcoming and sincere.
Based on several key assurances provided by Senator Hagel, I am currently prepared to vote for his confirmation. I encourage my Senate colleagues who have shared my previous concerns to also support him.
In our meeting Monday, Senator Hagel clarified a number of his past statements and positions and elaborated on several others.
On Iran, Senator Hagel rejected a strategy of containment and expressed the need to keep all options on the table in confronting that country. But he didn’t stop there. In our conversation, Senator Hagel made a crystal-clear promise that he would do “whatever it takes” to stop Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons, including the use of military force. He said his “top priority” as Secretary of Defense would be the planning of military contingencies related to Iran. He added that he has already received a briefing from the Pentagon on this topic.
In terms of sanctions, past statements by Senator Hagel sowed concerns that he considered unilateral sanctions against Iran to be ineffective. In our meeting, however, Senator Hagel clarified that he ‘completely’ supports President Obama’s current sanctions against Iran. He added that further unilateral sanctions against Iran could be effective and necessary.
On Hezbollah, Senator Hagel stressed that—notwithstanding any letters he refused to sign in the past—he has always considered the group to be a terrorist organization.
On Hamas, I asked Senator Hagel about a letter he signed in March 2009 urging President Obama to open direct talks with that group’s leaders.
In response, Senator Hagel assured me that he today believes there should be no negotiations with Hamas, Hezbollah or any other terrorist group until they renounce violence and recognize Israel’s right to exist.
Senator Hagel volunteered that he has always supported Israel’s right to retaliate militarily in the face of terrorist attacks by Hezbollah or Hamas. He understood the predicament Israel is in when terrorist groups hide rocket launchers among civilian populations and stage attacks from there. He supported Israel’s right to defend herself even in those difficult circumstances.
In keeping with our promises to help equip Israel, Senator Hagel pledged to work towards the on-time delivery of the F-35 joint strike fighters to Israel, continue the cooperation between Israel and the U.S. on Iron Dome, and recommend to the President that we refuse to join in any NATO exercises if Turkey should continue to insist on excluding Israel from them. Senator Hagel believes Israel must maintain its Qualitative Military Edge.
Regarding his unfortunate use of the term “Jewish lobby” to refer to certain pro-Israel groups, Senator Hagel understands the sensitivity around such a loaded term and regrets saying it.
I know some will question whether Senator Hagel’s assurances are merely attempts to quiet critics as he seeks confirmation to this critical post. But I don’t think so. Senator Hagel realizes the situation in the Middle East has changed, with Israel in a dramatically more endangered position than it was even five years ago. His views are genuine, and reflect this new reality.
On issues related to female and LGBT service members, Senator Hagel provided key assurances as well. He said he is committed to implementing the Shaheen amendment to improve the reproductive health of military women. He also supports the full repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
In general, I believe any President deserves latitude in selecting his own advisors. While the Senate confirmation process must be allowed to run its course, it is my hope that Senator Hagel’s thorough explanations will remove any lingering controversy regarding his nomination.
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Duh! And this is news? This is the ultra liberal press hyping non-news again to sway outcomes.
Schumer has become a kapo for Obama.
We don't need any assurances to "Schumer". We need Hagel to remain independent of AIPAC, and working for equality for all countries and peoples, something the people running for "President" should remember first and foremost. Iran was once a very strong ally of America and should be again. They are moving toward a democracy and haven't initiated a "war" in hundreds of years, unlike Israel and unlike this country.
You can't have a country and have hypocrisy for your foreign policy, pot calling kettle "black" Israel is only in danger to the degree it holds in contempt and disregard the Muslims, other religions, and anyone not of their falsely "chosen" ones and with their illegal and killing wmds. If Israel wants war and contempt with everyone, it needs to be brought in line. This is a separation of church and state to some degree. The contributions made to the U.S. by Jews should be noted as accomplishments because they are Americans first. All peoples are equal in stature and worth in this crazy, paranoid and mixed up world of bigotry, hatred, and contempt of others unlike.
Schumer, the Senator who caused the run on Indymac Bank causing financial tragedy for millions. If he is for Hagel I would be against him. Schumer is pure evil.
Hagel's support of the full repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell speaks volumes to his honest integrity and solid conviction. First thing Hagel should do as Defense Secretary is round up the leaders of America's biggest band of traitors (aka The T party of Fear, Hate) and drop them in the nearest Ocean (Shark food is about all their good for).
Schumer is a total jerk
"jewish lobby" must be a total failure as schumer, a jewish senator, endorses Hagel. Add wasserman schultz and feinstein to the list. As much as I dislike the trio, the anti Israel hypocrisy by some posters has no end. Can't have it both ways, sweep one thing under the rug and emphasize another in the same breath as you see fit, because it only highlights your anti Israel biase, not your pro American sentiment.
TO FEISTY:
If you want to label lobbyists as "bribers" (which I agree), you cannot limit that label to those who fit your biased views only. Farmers, bankers, pharmaceuticals, muslims, blacks, water bottling plants, defense industry, the Saudis, venezuelans, horse traders and anyone else under the sun has paid lobbyists in DC pushing their agenda. The liberals often label that as "free speech", obama promised to reform it. Go talk to him.
Hagel has a problem . He tends to speak the truth before the political correctness sieve can be placed in front of his mouth. As a vietnam vet ( 69-70 ), I find this refreshing and amusing. The greatest generation sent this man, and 2.5 million others, to that terrible fight in the peak of their youth, when so many of their peers went to camelot. 58,000 never would come home and another 330,000 would feel their participation on behalf of this country every day. I think he sees the world as a much different place than the "Camelotions". I like that. He knows the world is not always the Londons, Romes and the Paris life of anything goes and all is educational and good for ones development. He has seen the Cu Chis, Daktos, Hues and the exciting nights of fear and loneliness of not knowing why he is in this "special place", other than his country said they needed him. I have a son, and I am glad someone that knows, first hand, the terrifying feelings of a war, an engagement, a police action that may turn out to be a waste of life will be in charge, for a change.
Good luck Mr. Hagel, I mean that.
Great chose.Not your typical GOP war lover......
Chuck would support the Nazi Party if Obama wanted him to. Chuck is bought and paid for.
Ralph,
AH HA!!! You have finally revealed your true self, you are one of the haters you talked about, an anti-semite. I too am not Jewish (Catholic).
I think you are in error about the stealing of land by Israeal, they still have the land they acquired in the 6 day war in 1967 when Syria and Egypt tried to annialate them. In fact they gave the Gaza strip to the Palistinians in hopes it would be a precursor to peace. Instead they got back thousands of Rockets, (supplied by Iran), fired into there territoy against their people.
Make no mistake about it the country of Israeal was not established by the partician in 1947. The country of Israeal has been the Jews country for thousands of years until the Islamic Hoards overan the Middle East in the middle ages. They butchered the Jewish people then just as they want to do now.
Israeal is a friend of the USA and the only Democracy in the middle east. It stands in the way of the radical Islamists from realizing their dream of a caliphate that stretches from India to Turkey and across N Africa.
Also the Muslim Brotherhood and Al Quiada is virtually in control of most of N Africa, putting Israeal in a position of possibly having to pre-emptively strike Iran's nuclear facilities, which would further inflame the middle east. Nothing over there looks too good to me.
Oldtimer---- You have that right. Prior to the Hamas and Hezbollah, Israel treated the Palestinians better than any of their Muslim Brethren ever did.
I am very suspect of any thing any anyone Chuck Schumer endorses.