Arnold Punaro Statement On Nomination Of Senator Chuck Hagel for Secretary Of Defense

Once Senator Hagel is confirmed and appointed, he knows as do the members of the committee that the next vote is always the most important vote.  That the person who may be your strongest opponent on this vote could be your strongest ally on the next vote.  He understands as a squad leader in combat that you need the support of those on your left flank and those on your right flank to accomplish the mission.  He knows firsthand the Congress’ key role and, as Secretary Hagel, I am confident he will work cooperatively with the leadership and members of the defense committees on both sides of the aisle whether they supported him or not.  He will receive lots of calls from the Congress on issues big and small and will make lots of calls to members of congress on issues big and small.  He will need and solicit the wisdom and experience of individuals like Chairman McKeon and Senator McCain and others just as he will Chairman Levin and Congressman Smith.  And even his staunchest opponents will need his help on issues in their districts and states.  One of the reasons that he has such strong bipartisan support from everyone that is anybody in the national security establishment from former secretaries of state, defense, national security advisors, SASC committee chairmen, retired military leaders, ambassadors, and the veteran leaders, is he is a true statesman. Statesmen know the only time you have an enemies list is when you are on the battlefield and you need to sort out the friendlies from the enemies. Whether they supported him or not, all of Congress is in the “friendly” camp.