US President Barack Obama on Tuesday welcomed the senate confirmation of former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel as the new Defense Secretary, and described his choice to lead the Pentagon as "the defense secretary our nation needs and the leader our troops deserve."
Earlier on Tuesday, the Senate had approved Hagel's nomination in a 58-41 vote. He will now succeed Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, and will be sworn into office on Wednesday.
"From the moment he volunteered for military service in Vietnam, Chuck has devoted his life to keeping America secure and our armed forces strong," Obama said in a statement issued shortly after Hagel's confirmation.
"An American patriot who fought and bled for our country, he understands our sacred obligations to our service members, military families and veterans," the president said, noting the challenges ahead.
"I will be counting on Chuck's judgment and counsel as we end the war in Afghanistan, bring our troops home, stay ready to meet the threats of our time and keep our military the finest fighting force in the world," he said.
"Most of all, I am grateful to Chuck for reminding us that when it comes to our national defense, we are not Democrats or Republicans, we are Americans, and our greatest responsibility is the security of the American people," Obama added.
The Senate vote on Hagel's nomination was held Tuesday after Republicans decided to end their filibuster. Hagel won the required simple majority after 58 senators supported him in the up-or-down vote.
Although Hagel is a Republican and a former member of the Senate, he was labeled by Arizona Senator John McCain as "unqualified" for the post as recently as Sunday.
Hagel had fallen out of favor within the GOP when he openly criticized the way former President George W. Bush handled the war in Iraq. He also spurred concerns, Republicans said, regarding the way he would handle Iran.
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