Defense Sec. Chuck Hagel Includes Image Of Gay Proposal In Holiday Message

In a holiday message posted earlier this month, outgoing Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and his wife included an image of a gay sailor proposing to his boyfriend.

(Via Towleroad)

Ashton Carter To Be Defense Nominee

Carter was Deputy Secretary of Defense from October 2011 to December 2013.  He's thought to be an uncontroversial choice, but you-know-who might try to block the nomination just because.

LIVE VIDEO: President Obama Announces Resignation Of Defense Secretary Hagel

The announcement is due at 11AM.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel Resigns

The "pushed or jumped?" chatter is lighting up Twitter.

WASHINGTON: Pentagon Approves Gender Transition For Chelsea Manning

Via the Associated Press:

In an unprecedented move, the Pentagon is trying to transfer convicted national security leaker Pvt. Chelsea Manning to a civilian prison so she can get treatment for her gender disorder, defense officials said. Manning, formerly named Bradley, was convicted of sending classified documents to anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks. The soldier has asked for hormone therapy and to be able to live as a woman. The request was the first ever made by a transgender military inmate and set up a dilemma for the Defense Department: How to treat a soldier for a diagnosed disorder without violating long-standing military policy. Transgenders are not allowed to serve in the U.S. military and the Defense Department does not provide such treatment, but Manning can't be discharged from the service while serving his 35-year prison sentence. Some officials have said privately that keeping the soldier in a military prison and unable to have treatment could amount to cruel and unusual punishment.

RELATED: Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel said on Sunday that the ban on transgender service members "should be reviewed." Ten nations currently permit transgender military service: Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Israel, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel Declares Victory On National Guard Issue

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel today declared that National Guard units in all states are now in compliance with his directive that same-sex spouses be allowed to register for military benefits. Here is his full statement.

On October 31, I called on the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to work with several states to fully implement DoD policy by providing DoD ID cards to all eligible military spouses, regardless of sexual orientation. Following consultations between the National Guard Bureau and the Adjutants General of the states, all eligible service members, dependents and retirees - including same-sex spouses - are now able to obtain ID cards in every state. All military spouses and families sacrifice on behalf of our country. They deserve our respect and the benefits they are entitled to under the law. All of DoD is committed to pursuing equal opportunities for all who serve this nation, and I will continue to work to ensure our men and women in uniform as well as their families have full and equal access to the benefits they deserve.

Suh-nap.

UPDATE: The ACLU reacts via press release.

This is a welcome announcement, and one that Secretary Hagel deserves credit for making happen. The resistance on the part of some governors on extending these benefits to same-sex couples was a grossly unfair violation of federal law that turned the promise of equal treatment for all military personnel on its head. The ACLU is pleased to have partnered with the American Military Partner Association on a national petition urging the Department of Defense to ensure that same-sex military couples could not be denied equal access to the federal benefits to which they were entitled.

OKLAHOMA: Gov Denies National Guard Spousal Benefits To ALL Married Couples

GOP Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin today announced that ALL married couples, including straight ones, will be denied marriage benefits at the state's National Guard bases. Last month Fallin threatened to sue the federal government rather than comply with the edict handed down by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.

In announcing the decision, Fallin said "Oklahoma law is clear. The state of Oklahoma does not recognize same-sex marriages, nor does it confer marriage benefits to same-sex couples. The decision reached today allows the National Guard to obey Oklahoma law without violating federal rules or policies. It protects the integrity of our state constitution and sends a message to the federal government that they cannot simply ignore our laws or the will of the people." But Hagel has said he will fight the battle to provide equal access to all National Guard families, regardless of sexual orientation. "All spouses of service members are entitled to DoD ID cards, and the benefits that come with them," Hagel said last month. "But several states today are refusing to issue these IDs to same-sex spouses at National Guard facilities. Not only does this violate the states’ obligations under federal law, but their actions have created hardship and inequality by forcing couples to travel long distances to federal military bases to obtain the ID cards they’re entitled to."

Couples who already have their ID cards will continue to be allowed to access benefits. All future applicants, gay and straight, must now travel to a federal facility to get those cards.

UPDATE: I tweeted this post to Fallin and she's responded with the below spin-spin-spin tweet.

Six States Continue To Defy Pentagon On Spousal Benefits For Gay Servicemembers

The New York Times reports:

While a majority of states ban same-sex marriages, most are not fighting the new policy. But Pentagon officials say that in addition to Texas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and West Virginia have balked. Each has cited a conflict with state laws that do not recognize same-sex marriages. (A West Virginia official said, however, that the state intended to follow the directive.) While the president has the power to call National Guard units into federal service — and nearly all Guard funding comes from the federal government — the states say the units are state agencies that must abide by state laws. Requiring same-sex Guard spouses to go to federally owned bases “protects the integrity of our state Constitution and sends a message to the federal government that they cannot simply ignore our laws or the will of the people,” Gov. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma said last week.

Officials in the six states claim that they are not literally defying the Pentagon because couples can still obtain the necessary documents on federal bases, some of which are hours away from National Guard locations.

MISSISSIPPI: Governor To Defy Hagel on Spousal Benefits For National Guard

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryan says that he will defy Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, who has ordered state National Guard units to grant benefits to the spouses of gay military members. 

Bryant’s stand sets up a showdown with the Pentagon at a time Mississippi is trying to hang on to its military installations and is seeking to show it is a strong partner of the military. The governor’s is refusing to lift the state’s Army National Guard ban on spouses in gay marriages being eligible for IDs necessary to obtain benefits — a circumstance Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel says he will not abide. Bryant says he does not have the constitutional authority to lift the ban. “The Mississippi Constitution clearly defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman and expressly prohibits the recognition of same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions,” Bryant said through a spokesman. The state’s stand on same-sex marriage benefits could affect Mississippi’s chances for keeping military bases in a new round of base closings, though Mississippi won’t be alone. Eight other states have taken the same stand and could face the same consequences.

Eight states have not yet complied. Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin says she might sue to stop Hagel's edict.

OKLAHOMA: Governor Might Sue To Block National Guard Benefits For Gays

On Thursday, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced that he was ordering all National Guard units to comply with Pentagon policy regarding spousal benefits for gay soldiers. Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin may go to court to stop him.

Alex Weintz, spokesman for Gov. Mary Fallin, said she “is working with Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to evaluate the legal options available to the Oklahoma National Guard.” Weintz stopped short of saying Oklahoma will refuse to follow Hagel’s order, but made it clear Fallin would not go along with it willingly. “Gov. Fallin is calling on President Obama and Secretary Hagel to stop using the National Guard as a pawn in a larger social agenda,” said Weintz. “The president has made it clear he supports gay marriage. He has the legal authority to order federal agencies to recognize gay marriages. He does not have the legal authority to force state agencies to do so, or to unilaterally rewrite state laws or state constitutions.”

Following Hagel's edict, Indiana's Attorney General agreed to comply. Other states who have not yet done so: Oklahoma, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel To Squash Rogue National Guard Units

As I've reported several times, National Guard units in several states have refused to grant spousal benefits to legally married gay couples, claiming that state laws supersede federal military policies. That's going to stop. From a speech given last night by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel:

Today, I directed the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, General Frank Grass, to take immediate action to remedy this situation. At my direction, he will meet with the Adjutants General from the states where these ID cards are being denied. The Adjutants General will be expected to comply with both lawful direction and DoD policy, in line with the practices of 45 other states and jurisdictions. Whether they are responding to natural disasters here at home, in their states, or fighting in Afghanistan, our National Guardsmen all wear the uniform of the United States of America. They are serving this country. They – and their families – are entitled to all the benefits and respect accorded to all of our military men and women.

Read the full speech.

Hagel: US "Ready To Go" On Syria

Secretary Of Defense Chuck Hagel Issues Memo Confirming Military Leave Policy For Same-Sex Marriages

Hit the full-screen icon and enjoy!

Defense Sec. Chuck Hagel: We Will Begin To Implement DOMA Changes At Once

"The Department of Defense welcomes the Supreme Court's decision today on the Defense of Marriage Act. The Department will immediately begin the process of implementing the Supreme Court's decision in consultation with the Department of Justice and other executive branch agencies. The Department of Defense intends to make the same benefits available to all military spouses - regardless of sexual orientation - as soon as possible. That is now the law, and it is the right thing to do.

"Every person who serves our nation in uniform stepped forward with courage and commitment. All that matters is their patriotism, their willingness to serve their country and their qualifications to do so. Today's ruling helps ensure that all men and women who serve this country can be treated fairly and equally, with the full dignity and respect they so richly deserve." - Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, via press release.

FRC Petitions Pentagon: Don't Stop Christians From Proselytzing Troops

From a Family Research Council petition to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel:

Reports indicate that senior Pentagon officials have recently consulted with radical secularists to formulate a policy that would put military chaplains and other leaders who "promote their personal religious beliefs to their subordinates or to extend preferential treatment for any religion" in danger of court-martial.

Our brave troops deserve better. Subverting the religious freedom of our troops both hurts the morale of our troops and puts our nation at risk by labeling courageous military personnel as enemies.

I urge you to resist the demands of anti-Christian activists who are calling for a court-martial order upon chaplains and service members who share their faith. If Christian chaplains and other troops are censored from offering the full solace of the Gospel, there is no religious freedom in the military.

The attached action alert warns: "If this policy goes forward, Christians within the military who speak of their faith could now be prosecuted as enemies of the state."

Senate Confirms Hagel

It was a mere formality once the filibuster ended earlier today.

The Senate confirmed former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel (R) as the next U.S. Secretary of Defense on Tuesday, ending a long and contentious nomination process marked by an unprecedented GOP filibuster of a presidential cabinet level nominee. The final vote tally was 58 in favor, 41 opposed.

All of the opposed were Republicans.

Senate Busts Hagel Filibuster

Minutes ago the Senate voted to end the filibuster of Chuck Hagel's nomination for Secretary of Defense, clearing the way for a formal vote on his confirmation.

The vote was 71-27 to end debate and send the nomination to the Senate for a full vote, which is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Hagel's confirmation seems virtually assured, as Democrats control the Senate and none has said publicly they oppose him. Hagel, if approved, will succeed Leon Panetta and immediately inherit a budget crisis. Last week, the Pentagon announced that it plans to furlough the majority of its 800,000 civilian employees to help meet a $46 billion shortfall caused by automatic spending cuts that begin March 1 and its stop-gap budget that prevents shifting funds to urgent needs.

Sen. John McCain was among the Republicans who reversed their earlier votes. And so ends another transparent and failed GOP attempt to block President Obama on any issue.  Stand by for Log Cabin's whiny press release.

Chuck Hagel Grilled On Gay Rights

Clips are via AmericaBLOG where John Aravosis writes:

Former Republican Senator Chuck Hagel was asked twice today about gays in the military, and gave answers that sounded somewhat rambling and confused. Which is odd, since he was obviously prepared for these kind of questions after the controversy over the past month regarding his past anti-gay statements while serving in the Senate. Though many are telling me that this is Hagel – rambling, no matter what the question.

Quote Of The Day - Chuck Hagel

"I fully support the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 and value the service of all those who fight for our country. I know firsthand the profound sacrifice our service members and their families make, and if confirmed as Secretary of Defense, I will do everything possible to the extent permissible under current law to provide equal benefits to the families of all our service members." - Chuck Hagel, in a letter to Sen. Barbara Boxer.

Huffington Post has a reaction from Log Cabin Republicans head Gregory Angelo.

"For years the Pentagon has been dragging its feet with regard to extending benefits to the families of gay service members. To ensure that action is taken on this front, we need to be sure that there is a champion for our cause at the helm of the defense department. There is nothing in Hagel's record to suggest he will be that champion. "While Senator Hagel's recent professed support for gay military families is encouraging, it stands at odds with his record of opposition to the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell and his broader record of opposition to equality for gay and lesbian Americans. We look forward to the confirmation hearings when the Senator will be able to explain his apparent epiphany in greater detail. We continue to remain cautious about his nomination until that time."

Obama Nominates Hagel & Brennan

UPDATE: The White House press office sends us this statement about Chuck Hagel:

President Obama has come to know and trust Senator Hagel over nearly a decade, dating back to their time together in the Senate. Together, they travelled to Afghanistan and Iraq in the summer of 2008, and they share a commitment to end the war in Afghanistan responsibly. Senator Hagel has been a strong supporter of the President's approach to national security, and as Secretary of Defense, he will support and execute the President's vision for our military. That includes continuing the President's historic support for gay and lesbian service members, and overseeing the continued implementation of the full repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." The President is fully committed to ensuring that all of our service members and military families are treated equally. He is confident that, as Secretary of Defense, Senator Hagel will ensure that all who serve the country we love are treated equally -- no matter who they love.

Recently, some in the LGBT community have expressed concerns about Senator Hagel's past comments. In response, Senator Hagel issued a statement in which he apologized for comments that he made in the 1990s, and affirmed both his commitment to LGBT civil rights as well as his support for open service and the families of gay and lesbian service members. One of the great successes of the LGBT civil rights movement is that it provides the space and opportunity for people to change their hearts and minds, to right past wrongs, and, over time, to evolve. The President believes Senator Hagel's statement of apology, and his commitment to ensuring that all service members and their families are treated equally. The President would not have chosen him unless he had every confidence that, working together, they will continue to ensure that our military and DoD civilian workforce are as welcoming, inclusive, and respectful as possible.