February 26, 2013

WASHINGTON (JTA) — The U.S. Senate advanced Chuck Hagel’s nomination, virtually guaranteeing his confirmation as secretary of defense.

The Democratic-led Senate had sought to confirm President Obama’s nominee earlier this month, and the armed services committee approved him in a 14-11 vote on Feb. 12. Subsequently, Republicans, seeking further review of allegations that Hagel had made remarks critical of Israel and derogatory of Jews during and after his career as a Republican senator from Nebraska, used Senate rules to prevent a full vote.

In recent days, however, some of Hagel’s toughest critics said they would allow a full vote, and on Tuesday the Senate voted 71-27 to end debate, 11 more than the 60 votes needed. Among the Republicans voting to advance the nomination were a trio of Hagel’s toughest pro-Israel critics: Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).

The vote virtually guarantees Hagel’s approval: The entire Democratic caucus — 55 out of 100 senators — is committed to his confirmation, and only a simple majority is required to confirm the nomination.

A number of centrist Jewish groups, including the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee, had expressed concerns about past Hagel comments, particularly his claim in 2006 that a “Jewish lobby” “intimidates” Congress, as well as his skepticism of sanctions and military moves that would keep Iran from advancing its suspected nuclear weapons program.

Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said after the vote to end debate that a vote to confirm Hagel could come as soon as Tuesday afternoon.

ADVERTISEMENT: Visit OneHappyCamper.org to find a Jewish camp and see if your child qualifies for a $1,000 grant.

Click to write a letter to the editor.

This article was made possible by the support of readers like you. Donate to JTA now.