Defense secretary-designee Pete Hegseth’s nomination cleared a key Senate hurdle Thursday, inching him closer to getting confirmed in a significant win for one of President Trump’s most embattled cabinet picks.
In a 51-49 vote, the Senate moved to invoke cloture to break a filibuster on Hegseth’s nomination, meaning the former Fox News host could get confirmed within days.
All Democrats who participated in the cloture vote opposed Hegseth, 44, including Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) who had been coy about whether he’d support the nomination.
Two Republicans — Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)— voted against ending the filibuster. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who had been seen as another potential GOP “no” vote, back advancing Hegseth’s nomination.
“I remain concerned about the message that confirming Mr. Hegseth sends to women currently serving and those aspiring to join,” Murkowski said in a statement prior to her vote.
“While I appreciate his courageous military service and his ongoing commitment to our servicemembers and their families, I am concerned that he does not have t
A final vote on confirmation is expected by Saturday.
This is a developing story. Please check back for more updates.
