Udall Statement on Chuck Hagel

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement after President Obama announced that Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will step down:

"Over the last year, we have seen the emergence of a brutal terrorist organization as well as other security threats that have required a targeted, strategic response, with little room for mistakes. As the commander in chief, President Obama needs to have a strong defense secretary who will handle these challenges with authority and clear leadership. I thank Secretary Hagel for his many years of service to our country and to the administration. I particularly appreciate Secretary Hagel's strong understanding of the strategic importance of our national laboratories, and I hope his successor will share that focus. I look forward to more information from the president about his next steps as well as the upcoming confirmation process."