"We will lead with diplomacy because it's the smart approach," Clinton said Tuesday in her opening statement before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "But we also know that military force will sometimes be necessary, and we will rely on it to protect our people and our interests when and where needed, as a last resort."

Clinton said she and President-elect Barack Obama believe foreign policy "must be based on a marriage of principles and pragmatism, not rigid ideology."

She sought to assure former colleagues she would consult frequently with on foreign policy matters.

"For me, consultation is not a catch word. It is a commitment," Clinton said. "The president-elect and I believe that we must return to the time honored principle of bipartisanship in our foreign policy, an approach that has served our nation well."

"I look forward to working with all of you to renew America's leadership through diplomacy that enhances our security, advances our interests, and reflects our values," she said.

She also discussed some of the challenges facing the incoming administration, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Middle East, terrorism and security, cooperative relationships with Russia and China, departmental funding, and global environmental and health issues.

Committee Chairman Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., said Clinton "has shown the intelligence to navigate the complex issues" facing the United States at home and abroad.

Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., the committee's ranking Republican, said Obama had chosen "the epitome of a 'big leaguer' in Clinton, saying her presence could "open unique opportunities for United States diplomacy, and could bolster efforts to improve foreign attitudes toward the United States."