Obama’s Pentagon pick will have Feb. hearing

The Senate Armed Services Committee will question President Obama’s nominee for Pentagon chief during the first week of February, said an aide to Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). 

“Senator McCain is looking forward to a robust and candid discussion with Dr. Carter on the pressing challenges confronting the Department of Defense and America’s national security,” said Dustin Walker, McCain’s deputy communications director for defense. 

{mosads}Walker said that McCain was prepared to hold a confirmation hearing immediately, but that he “gladly” accommodated a request by Ash Carter for more time to recover from back surgery. 

Carter has a transition team that is helping him prepare for the confirmation hearing, the Pentagon said Tuesday. About a dozen staffers are on the team. 

Carter, a Pentagon veteran who is well-liked and respected by both Democrats and Republicans, is expected to be confirmed by the Senate.