FILE – In this Feb. 12, 2013 file photo Senate Armed Services Committee members, from left, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., gather for a Capitol Hill hearing on looming defense budget cuts to be followed by a confirmation hearing on former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel's nomination to Secretary of Defense. The fierce Republican opposition to the Hagel nomination has long been seen as a proxy for the never-ending scuffles between the Democratic president and congressional Republicans, with barely any reservoir of good will. Barring any surprises, the drawn-out battle will probably end this coming week with Hagel's Senate confirmation; but his fellow Republicans have roughed him up. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)