Former Senator Chuck Hagel testified on his nomination to be secretary of defense. Among the topics he addressed were military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, his opinions and votes on military operations, U.S. relations with Israel, projected Defense Department budget cuts, service by openly gay and lesbian personnel, Iranian nuclear development programs, and future roles for the U.S. military.
He was introduced at the hearing by former Senators John Warner (R-VA) and Sam Nunn (D-NC).