Heinrich Will Support Hagel Nomination

Sen. Martin Heinrich will support the nomination of former Sen. Chuck Hagel for U.S. secretary of defense after Hagel personally assured him today that he supports upgrades to the nation’s nuclear weapons complex.

“Over the last several weeks, I’ve been particularly interested in Senator Hagel’s position on modernizing our nuclear weapons,” Heinrich said in a statement provided to the Journal. “As long as our nation maintains a nuclear arsenal, I believe we need to do everything we can to make sure it is safe, secure, and reliable.

“During our meeting, Senator Hagel shared a mutual support for investing in the infrastructure and Life Extension Programs of our nuclear arsenal, while negotiating further reductions in the number of nuclear weapons. I am pleased that Senator Hagel shares my commitment to investing in the infrastructure, workforce, and programs that enable our laboratories and defense installations to carry out their vital national security missions.”

Heinrich also assured Heinrich that he understood that sequestration budget cuts could have “a devastating effect on New Mexico.”

Heinrich said Hagel, a decorated combat veteran and two-term senator who served on both the Foreign Relations Committee and the Intelligence Committees, “has an impressive record of service to our nation.”

“After our meeting and after thoroughly reviewing his qualifications and testimony, I intend to support Senator Chuck Hagel’s nomination,” Heinrich said. “I am confident that he will be an effective leader as the next Secretary of Defense.” Hagel’s nomination is in potential jeopardy after his shaky performance at a Senate confirmation hearing last week. Sen. Carl Levin announced Wednesday that the Senate Armed Services Committee would not vote on his nomination this week after panel members said they needed more time to consider his financial reporting and other issues.You can read my reporting on Hagel’s nomination — and his extensive comments on nuclear weapons here and here.

Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., has remained uncommitted on Hagel’s nomination to date. Udall is expected to meet with Hagel on Monday.