“It appears that U.S. foreign and security policies may be turning back in a more traditional, less ambitious, costly, and dangerous, direction, and the nomination of both Senators Kerry and Hagel will facilitate that trend,â€� said former Colorado Senator Gary Hart.

“Senator Hagel’s distinguished career in the Senate, and his military and other public service has demonstrated his ability to successful manage the Pentagon as it reshapes itself to address 21st century security threats,� said Lt. General (ret. USA) Robert Gard, Jr PhD, chairman of the Council’s sister organization, the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation.

“Senator Merkley’s amendment brings America one step closer to bringing our servicemen and women home from Afghanistan,� said John Isaacs, Executive Director of the Council for a Livable World. “More than $500 billion and too many American lives have been lost in Afghanistan; it is time to transition control of the State to the Afghan government.�