Georgia U.S. lawmakers weigh in on Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel’s resignation
In a statement, Senator Johnny Isakson said:
“Whether a resignation or a firing of Secretary Hagel, this decision reflects the uncertainty of this administration as it relates to foreign policy in general, and in particular the destruction of ISIS. Given the crisis with ISIS, along with situations of unrest in the Ukraine, Iran, and west Africa, this president and his administration need to send a clear message of strength and commitment.”
Congressmen Sanford Bishop called Hagel a tremendous public servant who dedicated much of his life to serving the American people. He tells 41NBC this is a great loss to the country.
“I think the fact that Secretary Hagel was able to serve under both republican and democratic administrations, the fact that he put our country and our national defense and our soldiers and our veterans first above partisan concerns, I think is a great star in his crown,” Bishop said.
U.S. Representative Austin Scott says Hagel’s replacement will be the fourth person President Obama appoints to that position. He tells 41NBC continually changing leadership is not good for our country.
“I think it’s pretty clear that the president is trying to turn the DoD into a political organization and you simply can’t. You can’t provide the type of military and security that we need in the country when politics is taking precedent over national security,” Scott said.
NBC News reports Hagel resigned under pressure after White House officials lost confidence in his leadership at the Pentagon. Hagel submitted his resignation letter to President Obama Monday morning.
Officials say Hagel agreed to remain in office until his successor is confirmed by the Senate. Potential replacements include former under secretary Michele Flournoy, former deputy secretary Ashton Carter, and Rhode Island democratic Senator Jack Reed, a former army ranger.
Hagel is the only republican on the president’s national security team.
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