Pete Hegseth's Defense Secretary Nomination Moves Forward

The U. S. Senate took a big step towards confirming Pete Hegseth as the new defense secretary on Thursday. The vote was close, with 51 senators in favor and 49 against. Only two Republicans, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, joined the Democrats in opposing his nomination. Murkowski raised concerns about Hegseth's past behavior, saying it showed poor judgment. Collins wasn't convinced that Hegseth had changed his stance on women in combat roles. Despite these concerns, Chairman Roger Wicker of the Senate Armed Services Committee believes Hegseth will be confirmed on Friday. Hegseth, a former Fox News anchor and Army veteran, has denied allegations of alcohol abuse, sexual assault, and financial mismanagement. Recently, a former sister-in-law claimed Hegseth showed erratic behavior and made his ex-wife fear for her safety. Hegseth's ex-wife denied these claims. The final vote is still uncertain, as several senators remain undecided. Senator Thom Tillis is still investigating the allegations but hasn't found any first-hand accounts with corroboration. The vote could come down to a tie, requiring the vice president's presence. Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, believes the FBI's background check on Hegseth was rushed and incomplete.