The U.S. Senate voted to advance the nomination of Pete Hegseth to be President Donald Trump's secretary of defense on Thursday, setting up another vote on his confirmation later this week.
A motion to invoke cloture, or begin up to 30 hours of debate, passed 51-49.
Republican Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) voted no on advancing Hegseth's confirmation, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) voted yes.
Hegseth’s nomination was dealt another hurdle this week when reports emerged that his ex-sister-in-law alleged that Hegseth had abused his second wife. The new reporting came after a slew of reports damaging to Hegseth’s character, including a sexual assault allegation that he denies and reports about his alleged penchant for drinking and financial mismanagement. Hegseth has said he would abstain from alcohol if confirmed.
Hegseth, who has been married three times, has admitted he was a "serial cheater" before he became a Christian and married his current wife, Jenny.
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