Kaine statement on meeting with Secretary of Defense Nominee Chuck Hagel

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, who will serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after meeting with President Obama’s nominee to be Secretary of Defense, Sen. Chuck Hagel.

“Sen. Hagel and I had a positive and productive discussion. He performed exemplary service in combat and his subsequent public service career has been marked by an unwavering commitment to our troops, veterans and military families. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I look forward to participating in the next phase of the confirmation process and talking more about many of the important issues Sen. Hagel and I discussed today, including the defense budget, U.S. policy towards Iran and ways to increase the employability of our veterans.