WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, with the support of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), the United States Senate approved the nomination of Dr. Ashton Carter to serve as Secretary of Defense.

“I am convinced that Dr. Carter is the right person to lead the Defense Department during this challenging time,” Senator King said. “It is more than evident to me that he is an intelligent and well-respected leader who is not only willing to make the hard decisions, but, importantly, who is also going to be a partner with Congress as the Department adapts to address the many difficulties it confronts across the globe. From dealing with sequestration to refining our strategy to destroy ISIL, Dr. Carter will be an instrumental figure in the development and execution of policies that will have repercussions for years to come. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I look forward to working with him in that endeavor and to further sharing with him the vital role that Maine plays in supporting our country’s national security.”

Last week, Senator King questioned Dr. Carter during his nomination hearing before the Armed Services Committee, urging him to ensure the Defense Department was a flexible entity that could meet the changing needs of today’s global conflicts. Senator King also met privately with Dr. Carter in late January.

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