Senate Panel Advances Hegseth's Defense Nomination in 14-13 Party-Line Vote

Jan 20, 2025, 10:44 PM

The Senate Armed Services Committee has advanced the nomination of Pete Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense, voting 14-13 along party lines to send his nomination to the full Senate. All Republicans on the committee voted in favor, while all Democrats opposed. Hegseth, a former Fox News host and military veteran, is President Trump's nominee to lead the Pentagon. Republicans are pushing to confirm Hegseth by the end of Trump's first week in office, waiving the seven-day rule that typically requires a week between a nominee’s confirmation hearing and a committee vote. Democrats are expected to potentially drag out floor proceedings over concerns about Hegseth's qualifications and allegations of misconduct, though Republicans believe he has effectively beaten back these allegations.