Former U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel speaks at a forum for the Law of the Sea Convention in Washington, D.C. Photo: Wikipedia.

USA Today – Defense Secretary nominee Chuck Hagel told senators on Thursday that no single statement defines him, and he is committed to maintaining a strong American role in the world.

“America has and must maintain the strongest military in the world,” Hagel said during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee. “We must lead the international community to confront threats and challenges together.”

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