Sen. Chuck Hagel Town Mtg. with Youth Voters at UM

WHAT:

U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) will engage University of Maryland youth voters in an open discussion on foreign and domestic issues; speak on the topic, "America: Our Next Chapter;" and receive a national political courage award.

"Senator Hagel has been willing to put himself in harm's way throughout his public and military life, bucking his party if he felt a vital principle was involved," says Paul Herrnson, the director of the University of Maryland Center for American Politics and Citizenship.

The Center will award Hagel the 2008 Millard E. Tydings Award for Courage and Leadership in American Politics.

Previous recipients of the award
Sen. John McCain; House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

Format
After a brief award ceremony, Sen. Hagel will offer prepared remarks on the nation's future, followed by an open question-and-answer session with an audience that includes University of Maryland students and the general public. Herrnson, former U.S. Sen. Joe Tydings and Edward Montgomery, dean of Maryland's School of Behavioral and Social Sciences will present the award.

Recent Hagel Activities
Hagel, a leading Republican on Capitol Hill, recently returned from Pakistan, where he observed the election and met with President Musharraf. He then went on to Afghanistan, India and Turkey.

On the question U.S. troop readiness, Hagel told the Senate: "The war in Iraq has pushed the U.S. military to the breaking point. I, like most of my colleagues, have been told by military leaders, both on active duty and those who are retired, that we are doing tremendous damage to our Army and to our Marine Corps, as well as our Army National Guard." July 2007 Floor Statement

Hagel is a decorated Vietnam War veteran where he led an Infantry unit. He has co-sponsored a "21st century GI Bill" to increase educational benefits for veterans.

His Senate committee assignments include Foreign Relations, Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Intelligence and Rules.

WHEN:

Monday, March 3, 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

WHERE:

Memorial Chapel, University of Maryland, College Park
Directions available Online.

08031