Hegseth Nomination Advances Despite Democratic Opposition

The Senate Armed Services Committee has advanced Pete Hegseth's nomination for Secretary of Defense with a 14-13 party-line vote, sending it to the full Senate for confirmation. Democrats have strongly opposed the nomination, citing Hegseth's lack of managerial experience, allegations of sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement, and past opposition to women in combat roles. Despite these concerns, Republican senators, including Sen. Joni Ernst, have expressed support for Hegseth, who has promised to address issues of sexual misconduct in the military and maintain women's access to combat roles. The committee also waived the customary seven-day review period, a decision criticized by Democrats who argued that more time was needed to consider new information. Hegseth's confirmation would not require Democratic support given the Republican majority in the Senate. If confirmed, he would oversee an $850 billion defense budget and manage military forces globally.