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Schakowsky Statement on Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's Resignation

November 24, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement in response to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel’s announcement that he will resign from his position:

“I thank Chuck Hagel for his long service to our country – as a Vietnam veteran, a Congressional staffer, a deputy administrator of the Veterans Administration, a United States Senator, and the Secretary of Defense.

His experiences as a soldier have informed his positions and decisions throughout his career, and he has been widely-recognized as a strong advocate for our armed services and veterans. It was that unique perspective that President Barack Obama sought when he appointed Mr. Hagel the 24th Secretary of Defense.

Secretary Hagel proposed several changes to the Department of Defense that would help better organize and equip our armed forces for future conflicts. He played a leading role in our efforts to respond to non-traditional threats ranging from ISIS to Ebola, and supported more inclusive policies to replace ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’

Again, I thank Secretary Hagel for his work on behalf of the American people, and I wish him and his family well as he transitions to the next phase of his career.”