Pelosi Statement on Senate Confirmation of Leon Panetta

Contact: Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the Senate confirmation of Defense Secretary Leon Panetta:

“Leon Panetta’s unanimous Senate confirmation is a demonstration of the confidence he inspires on both sides of the aisle in Congress. His experience in the House, the White House, and the CIA provide him with the judgment and background to serve as a strong Secretary of Defense.

“Leon comes to this position with the extensive experience necessary to tackle both the security and budgetary challenges we face. As he takes over at the Pentagon, he will assume the enormous responsibilities of ending the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, partnering with our NATO allies in Libya, and implementing the repeal of the discriminatory Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy.

“Leon and I served together in the House, and I know that he will work with Congress in a cooperative way as we perform our oversight responsibilities. Every day, as Secretary of Defense, he will work to protect the American people and serve our men and women in uniform.”