Senator Collins Votes To Confirm Robert Gates As Secretary Of Defense

SENATOR COLLINS VOTES TO CONFIRM ROBERT GATES AS SECRETARY OF DEFENSE

Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today voted to confirm Robert Gates as the next Secretary of Defense. The Senate Armed Services Committee voted unanimously to approve Gates' nomination. The full Senate is expected to vote on the nomination this week.

Following today's committee vote, Senator Collins released this statement.

"I have great respect for Robert Gates' experience, ability, and intellect and I believe he will serve the nation very well as Secretary of Defense. I worked closely with Mr. Gates when I was developing the Intelligence Reform Act in 2004. At the hearing today, I was impressed with his insight, his straightforward style, and his willingness to fashion a bipartisan approach to national security issues. Mr. Gates' open-minded approach is refreshing.

"This change in leadership at the Pentagon is the right opportunity for the Administration to develop a new strategy for Iraq and Afghanistan. I am confident that Mr. Gates will work hard to address the important issues facing our military, our dedicated troops, and our country."

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