Former Nebraska Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel, President Obama&#39;s choice for defense secretary, testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Hagel has lined up the necessary votes for the Senate to confirm him next week to be the nation&#39;s next defense secretary, after a senior Republican lawmaker said he will back President Barack Obama&#39;s choice. Barring any new developments, five-term Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama said he would vote for his fellow Republican. (ASSOCIATED PRESS / Susan Walsh, File)