Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth recently survived a Senate procedural vote enabling him to be considered for the Defense Secretary position.
Hegseth obtained 51 votes in favor and 49 against, surpassing the procedural hurdle by razor thin margins.
Hegseth’s final and decisive confirmation vote is scheduled for Friday, January 24th.
Senate Majority leader John Thune (R-SD) had attempted to schedule Hegseth’s vote earlier but was blocked by Senate Democrats who triggered legislative processes to delay the vote.
“Whether we confirm him today, or whether we confirm him this weekend, Democrats can’t stop Pete Hegseth from becoming the next Secretary of Defense,” assured Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN)
President Donald Trump’s nomination of Hegseth has been amongst his most controversial cabinet picks after reports emerged suggesting sexual misconduct and mistreatment of women from Hegseth.
Notwithstanding such reports, Hegseth has recently enjoyed a groundswell of conservative support.
However, Hegseth had two Republicans, Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), oppose his confirmation.
Two more Republican votes against would sink Hegseth’s nomination.
Senator Murkowski cited Hegseth’s questionable moral lapses as prompting her opposition to his nomination.
“The past behaviors Mr. Hegseth has admitted to…demonstrate a lack of judgment that is unbecoming of someone who would lead our armed forces,” said Murkowski.
Conversely, myriad conservative senators came to Hegseth’s aid, pointing to his resolve to remain apolitical and laser-focus on optimizing the military’s effectiveness.
“Pete Hegseth is a well-qualified combat veteran who clearly has the votes to be confirmed as Defense Secretary,” said Senator Rick Scott (R-FL).
