WASHINGTON, D.C. - The confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee is underway for President Obama's pick for the next Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, and it's expected to get heated.
Hagel, a former republican senator from Nebraska, should'nt expect a friendly reception on capitol hill.
Texas Senator John Cornyn laid out the case against hagel from the senate
floor wednesday, saying hagel is tough on israel, and soft on iran.
"he simply does not understand the true basis of the u.s.-israel alliance," Cornyn said, "and he's the same person who suggested that the united states might be able to live with a nuclear iran."
Some well-funded conservative groups have taken those charges public with websites and television ads urging people to call their senator to oppose Hagel's confirmation.
(sot: the emergency committee for israel)
The Emergency Committee for Israel pointed out that while President Obama says he supports sanctions on iran, Hagel voted against them.
But hagel has been aggressive in fighting the accusations. He's made the rounds here on capitol hill to talk with former colleagues and clarify his positions.
"Senator hagel and i had a very good meeting to talk about the department of
defense and its future," said Senator Dick Durbin, a democrat from Illinois, "as well as his role."
Hagel picked up a big endorsement on the democratic side when he won over New York Senator Chuck Schumer.
"I can now say that i will support his nomination and urge my colleagues," Schumer said, "many of whom have had similar doubts to me, to do the same."
If confirmed, Chuck Hagel will be the first fomer enlisted man, and first Vietnam Vet to become Secretary of Defense.
After today's hearing, senators will likely have two days to submit additional written questions to Hagel.
The Senate Armed Services Committee and the full senate could vote on Hagel's confirmation as early as next week.
You can watch the confirmation hearing live
here.
