January 11, 2013

From the moment they got wind that former Senator Chuck Hagel’s name was a contender for the next Secretary of Defense, special interest groups and opponents on all sides were ready to attack.

A decorated war veteran, a senator from Nebraska and congressional leader on foreign policy and national security issues, Hagel’s experiences give him an out-of-the-box edge on various policy issues. His confirmation would signify President Obama’s commitment to having a politically diverse cabinet, and would make Hagel the first decorated veteran to head the Pentagon. Political opponents have started a vicious attack campaign against Hagel. The truth is, regardless of his resume and pedigree, he should undergo a vigorous public confirmation hearing and process conducted by Congress to determine if he should be granted the position.

Understanding there are varying opinions on priorities and approaches to national security issues means the Secretary of Defense must understand the nuances of working in a diverse and ever-changing reality. Contradictions are a reality in Washington, D.C. and Hagel is no exception to that rule. Although he has seen the frontlines of fighting in conventional warfare, he has stated in the past, “I’m not a pacifist. I believe in using force, but only after a very careful decision-making process. If I’m ever in a position to influence policy, I will do everything I can to avoid senseless war.”

While opponents to Hagel’s nomination are focusing on his statements on Israel and Iran, one must take into consideration his unique bilateral approaches to foreign policy issues that affect our national security. In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, MPAC urged that Congress needs to “ensure that Mr. Hagel’s confirmation process is transparent and focuses strictly on his qualifications.” Further, the Committee on Armed Services must “prevent the undermining of our own national security interests when addressing the attacks on Mr. Hagel.”

It is imperative that Sen. Hagel gets a transparent and fair confirmation hearing based on his qualifications and not the noise generated by special interest groups seeking to sway our national agenda based on their self-interest. While Hagel may potentially be defending our national security from inside the Pentagon, the American people must ensure the defense of a fair process of confirmations without capitulating to offensive smear campaigns. We hope that for the prosperity of our country and for the progressive agenda moving forward in the next four years, Sen. Hagel undergoes a vigorous process to ensure he is indeed the most qualified person for this extremely important position.

[Contact: Hoda Elshishtawy, Legislative and Policy Analyst, (202) 547-7701,hoda@mpac.org]