Rapid Fire Feb. 27, 2013: Chuck Hagel’s Weak Confirmation

• As expected Republican Senators softened their opposition to allow Chuck Hagel’s nomination as US Secretary of Defense. The 58-41 roll call stands in contrast with the entirely smooth confirmations of Leon Panetta (100-0) by the previous Congress, or more recently John Kerry by the 113th (94-3).

• Whereas Robert Gates used the freedom coming with retirement to sound the alarm on low defense spending by NATO European members, Panetta is leaving with a whisper.

• Congressman Randy Forbes [R-VA, Chairman of the Seapower Subcommittee] is working on legislation that would allow the US Navy to shift money to ship repairs within the current Continuing Resolution. The Hill.