Ash Carter Sails Through Senate Armed Services Committee

As expected, members of the Senate Armed Services Committee voted unanimously Wednesday morning to send Ash Carter’s nomination for defense secretary on to the full Senate. Committee Chairman Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., wants a vote by the end of the week, and with support from the leadership and little else likely to get done before next week’s recess, Carter could be in the Pentagon by Monday morning.

At the outset of a hearing entitled “Global Challenges and U.S. National Security Strategy,” the committee voted 26-0 for Carter’s nomination, with many voting by proxy.

Carter’s nomination was never about Carter, but rather, the president who picked him. Carter is well liked on the Hill and took pains to meet with every member of the Armed Services Committee ahead of his confirmation hearing less than a week ago. He also has held the number 2 and 3 positions in the Pentagon and reportedly was passed over for the position last go-around, when President Obama selected current Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.

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