WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued the following statement on today’s 93-5 Senate vote to confirm Ashton B. Carter to serve as U.S. Secretary of Defense:

“Ashton Carter has dedicated his career to protecting our country, supporting our troops, and strengthening our military. He has served under 11 Secretaries of Defense and already held the second and third highest positions in the Department. From day one,  Secretary Carter will be ready to lead the Department of Defense in making the investments we need to prepare and respond to the complex challenges facing our national security. I look forward to working with him to responsibly ensure that our military remains the strongest, most capable fighting force in the history  of the world.”