In a closely contested vote, the Senate Armed Services Committee has advanced Pete Hegseth’s nomination to become the next Secretary of Defense. The vote, which took place on January 20, 2025, ended with a narrow 14-13 margin, strictly along party lines. This decision moves Hegseth’s nomination to the full Senate for final approval, expected to take place later this week.
Hegseth, a combat veteran and former Fox News host, has been a controversial figure throughout the nomination process. His supporters, primarily Republicans, argue that his military experience and strong conservative values make him an ideal candidate to lead the Pentagon. They believe Hegseth will bring a “new warrior ethos” to the Department of Defense, which has a budget of nearly $900 billion and employs 3 million people.
Sources:
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5096499-pete-hegseth-advances-defense-secretary/