And one of the reasons our economy is in better shape today is because we voted to moveforward boldly and swiftly to pass a Recovery Act that's being carried out under the outstanding leadership of people like Ray, as well as my Vice President Joe Biden.
The task for Hagel, 66, going forward is to swiftlymove past the protracted nomination battle, prove himself a strong and capable Pentagon chief, and repair relationships on Capitol Hill, said Fran Townsend, a former homeland security adviser to President George W. Bush.