Vet Carter

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) announced today that the confirmation hearing for Defense Secretary nominee Ashton Carter would be held on Wednesday, February 4.

Carter's hearing is scheduled to take place two days after the Pentagon unveils its fiscal year 2016 defense budget submission.

While the hearing is scheduled to begin in the morning, an official notice states that the event is expected to last "late into the afternoon."

McCain already voiced his support for Carter on his Twitter feed after the two met Jan. 21, writing: "Great meeting today with the future secretary of defense, Ash Carter -- I'm confident he'll do a fine job."

Carter, who is nominated to succeed Chuck Hagel, has served previously as deputy defense secretary and as the under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics.