The Senate has confirmed John H. Hager as the Department of Education’s assistant secretary for special education and rehabilitative services.
The Senate approved Mr. Hager by unanimous consent on Nov. 20. He was nominated by President Bush in June to replace Robert H. Pasternack, who left the position in January.
Mr. Hager, 68, a Republican, was elected in 1997 to a four-year term as the lieutenant governor of Virginia. He served at the same time as the chairman of the state’s disability commission. He later served under Gov. Mark Warner, a Democrat, as Virginia’s first homeland-security chief.
Mr. Hager’s confirmation came just about the time Congress gave final approval to the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. He will now help the Education Department draft regulations for the law, which will be due within a year after President Bush signs the new legislation.
