Leon E. Panetta appears before the Senate Armed Services Committee during confirmation hearings June 9, 2011. Panetta Confirmed As Defense Secretary -- L.A. Times
In a 100-0 vote, the Senate backs the former CIA director, who will replace Robert M. Gates. The vote comes as President Obama prepares to announce a plan for reducing troops in Afghanistan.
The Senate unanimously confirmed Leon E. Panetta as secretary of Defense on Tuesday, putting the Pentagon in the hands of a former Democratic congressman and budget expert amid growing political discontent over the cost and reach of President Obama's military engagements.
Panetta, who spent two years as director of the Central Intelligence Agency, will replace Robert M. Gates, who is retiring after serving in two consecutive administrations.
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