Panetta’s already-impressive resume is about to get longer. The onetime congressman, White House chief of staff, and current CIA director will oversee the military as the United States winds down two wars and engages in a limited mission over Libya.

Ahead of Tuesday’s vote, senators lined up to praise Panetta and endorse his nomination.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin called him a “wise and solid” choice, saying “Director Panetta has given decades of dedicated service to this nation, and we should all be grateful that he is once again willing to answer the call and take the helm of the Department of Defense”.

The top Republican on the Armed Services Committee, John McCain, noted Panetta’s vast experience in matters of state.

VOA