Hagel Arrives Damaged at Pentagon Amid Budget Uncertainty
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Chuck Hagel was sworn in as U.S. defense secretary today, battered politically by a confirmation fight even as he takes on challenges from Pentagon budget cuts to withdrawing U.S. forces from Afghanistan.
Hagel, 66, a decorated Vietnam War veteran and former Republican senator from Nebraska, won Senate approval on a 58-41 vote yesterday after months of Republican opposition that began even before President Barack Obama nominated him for the job. Hagel took the oath of office in a private ceremony today at the Pentagon.