Obama Applauds Ash Carter Confirmation as Defense Secretary

President Barack Obama is applauding the Senate's confirmation of Ash Carter as new secretary of defense. He praises Carter for his experience and says he will continue the fight against terrorists and keep the military ready for long-term threats.

Obama says Carter will play a central role in working with Congress to "find a more responsible approach to defense spending." Lawmakers and Obama want to restore some of the funds eliminated by automatic spending cuts imposed on the Pentagon in a 2011 budget agreement.

Carter was confirmed 93-5 in the Republican-controlled Senate. He replaces Chuck Hagel as Pentagon chief. He will be Obama's fourth defense secretary in six years.