SHAHEEN VOICES SUPPORT FOR PANETTA CONFIRMATION

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) voiced her support for the confirmation of Leon Panetta as the next Secretary of Defense, during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing today. Shaheen, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee, met with Panetta this past month to discuss the national security threats currently facing the United States and the role New Hampshire men and women are playing in protecting the nation.

“Whether it is balancing budgets or fighting foreign insurgency abroad, Mr. Panetta has consistently proved himself as a strong and pragmatic leader,” Shaheen said. “His recent accomplishments as CIA Director, as well as his extensive experience in balancing the federal budget, make him a well-qualified candidate to continue the outstanding work done by Secretary Gates.”

During the confirmation hearing, Shaheen told Panetta that she looks forward to working with him on furthering our nation’s defense priorities, the future of U.S. efforts in Afghanistan and strengthening the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Pease Air National Guard Base in New Hampshire.