The following is from The Washington Post:

Chuck Hagel won confirmation Tuesday, Feb. 26 to become defense secretary over objections to his views on Middle East security and the administration’s handling of an attack on a U.S. consulate in Libya.

On a 58 to 41 vote, the Senate confirmed the former GOP senator as four Republicans joined 54 Democrats in approving Hagel, ending a nearly two-month battle that included an unprecedented filibuster against the nominee.

The four Republican senators voting in favor were Thad Cochran (Miss.), Mike Johanns (Neb.), Richard C. Shelby (Ala.) and Rand Paul (Ky.). All 41 no votes came from Republicans.

The vote marked a foreign policy victory for President Obama, who pushed the nomination of his old friend from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee despite warnings of a rough confirmation process. Hagel, a former Army infantryman who was awarded two Purple Hearts during the Vietnam War, will become the first enlisted man to go on to lead the Pentagon.

Read the rest of this article in the Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/hagel-clears-filibuster-hurdle-is...

True Torah Jews would like to congratulate Charles Hagel on his confirmation as Secretary of Defense. We thank G-d that Mr. Hagel, a man whom we find to have demonstrated decency and integrity as well as wisdom and sound judgment, has prevailed over his opponents. We pray, along with our many fellow Jews throughout the land, for President Obama, Secretary Hagel and the entire government: May the Almighty bless and guide them that they may lead us into and preside over peace, tranquility and prosperity for the entire nation and the world.