Kevin Bishop (864) 250-1417 or Lorcan Connick (202) 224-5972

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the resignation of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel.

"I appreciate Secretary Hagel's life-long service to our country. He's a distinguished combat veteran who bravely served in Vietnam and someone who has always tried to do what he thought was best for our men and women in uniform.

"I particularly appreciate his recent efforts to speak truth to power when it comes to our failing strategy in Syria and Iraq. Secretary Hagel's recent memo about how our strategy is failing and must be adjusted was welcome news to those of us who have harbored these thoughts for some time. It's clear to me Secretary Hagel realizes our failures in Syria have also greatly contributed to destabilization in Iraq and a more robust response is required.

"Whether it was leaving a residual force behind in Iraq or assisting the Free Syrian Army at a time when it would have been most beneficial, our failing strategies in Iraq and Syria are President Obama's fault. On numerous occasions he has chosen to ignore sound military advice.

"I hope President Obama will now do the same soul-searching regarding our failing strategies in Syria and Iraq. He too must be willing to make the necessary changes.

"While I have had very public differences with Secretary Hagel on policy, I have always respected him as a person. I wish Secretary Hagel well and appreciate all he has done for our country."

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On Possible Replacements as Secretary of Defense:

"Three potential replacements who have been mentioned - Senator Jack Reed, Michele Flournoy, and Ashton Carter - are solid choices for this important position."