Washington, D.C. -
Chuck Hagel will be the nation's next defense secretary.
The senate confirmed that decision in a 58-41 vote Tuesday.
Only four Republicans joined Democrats in backing President Barack Obama's nominee.
Senator Susan Collins voted against the nomination, after meeting with Hagel in Washington, D.C. two weeks ago.
Collins says the two had an open and frank discussion, but she did not share his viewpoints on foreign policy with Iran and Israel.
Senator Angus King did vote in favor of Hagel's nomination after meeting with him last week.
Hagel will succeed Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who is stepping down after four years as CIA director and Pentagon chief.