U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on today’s Senate confirmation of former Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter as the nation’s Secretary of Defense:
“In voting to approve Ash Carter as our next Secretary of Defense, the Senate has confirmed a proven leader with deep Pentagon experience and a firm commitment to our servicemembers. Ash Carter is the right person to navigate the complex global challenges facing the Department of Defense and I look forward to working with him on matters that impact Virginia’s defense community, as well as in the effort to secure Congressional authorization of the U.S. military mission against ISIL.”
U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued the following statement on today’s 93-5 Senate vote to confirm Ashton B. Carter to serve as U.S. Secretary of Defense:
“Ashton Carter has dedicated his career to protecting our country, supporting our troops, and strengthening our military. He has served under 11 Secretaries of Defense and already held the second and third highest positions in the Department. From day one, Secretary Carter will be ready to lead the Department of Defense in making the investments we need to prepare and respond to the complex challenges facing our national security. I look forward to working with him to responsibly ensure that our military remains the strongest, most capable fighting force in the history of the world.”