Hegseth Advances In 51-49 Vote, Final Vote Tomorrow

January 23, 2025 Republicans, Trump cultists

The Senate on Thursday voted to advance Pete Hegseth’s nomination to be President Donald Trump’s defense secretary, setting up a final confirmation vote for the end of the week.
Senators voted by the narrowest of margins, 51 to 49, to advance Hegseth’s bid to lead the Pentagon, with just two Republicans — moderate Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Susan Collins, R-Maine — voting with all 47 Democrats to try to block Hegseth. A simple majority was needed.

Despite Thursday’s vote, Hegseth is still not in the clear. Four GOP senators joining all 47 Democrats on the final vote would result in Hegseth falling short of the majority he needs to be confirmed. While Sens. Shelly Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and Mike Rounds, R-S.D., confirmed they would vote in favor of Hegseth and Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, reiterated her support for him Thursday, several others remained on the fence.

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Hegseth clears filibuster 51-49. If all debate time is used, a final vote would take place on Friday night. pic.twitter.com/CZKqc7wkxo

— Jamie Dupree (@jamiedupree) January 23, 2025