“Based on several key assurances provided by Senator Hagel, I am currently prepared to vote for his confirmation. I encourage my Senate colleagues who have shared my previous concerns to also support him.”— In a statement released Jan. 15, Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) endorses Obama's nominee for Defense Secretary, Chuck Hagel. Schumer met with Hagel for 90 minutes Monday, and his concerns about Hagel's record on Israel and Iran were alleviated.