McHugh sworn in as Army secretary - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times

McHugh sworn in as Army secretary

WASHINGTON — Former Republican congressman John McHugh has been sworn in as the new secretary of the Army.

President Barack Obama named McHugh to the Army’s top civilian spot in June. His nomination has been blocked by Kansas’ two senators, who objected to the prospect of Guantanamo detainees being sent to Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

They lifted their opposition last week after discussions with administration officials convinced them the detainees would go elsewhere after the prison in Cuba is closed.

McHugh, 60, was in his ninth term representing upstate New York. He was the top Republican on the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee.

He joins another high-ranking Republican at the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

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