WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today met with Dr. Ashton Carter, President Obama’s nominee to succeed Chuck Hagel as Secretary of Defense.

“I had a productive discussion with Dr. Carter today about the future of the Defense Department, including the many challenges the Department and our country face at home and abroad. From growing turmoil in the Middle East to the looming specter of sequestration here, the next Defense Secretary must be prepared on day one to tackle a wide range of issues that will fundamentally shape our country for years to come,” Senator King said. “I came away from today’s meeting impressed by Dr. Carter’s intelligence, his depth of experience, and his command of the issues. I look forward to hearing more of his thoughts during his testimony before the Armed Services Committee in the coming month.”

The Senate Armed Services Committee, which exercises oversight authority for the Department of Defense, is expected to hold a confirmation hearing for Dr. Carter in early February.

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