Pete Hegseth, Trump's embattled pick to head the Department of Defense, awaits a final Senate vote after a confidence-boosting initial 51-49 vote. Lawmakers have 30 hours to conclude any further debate and may then proceed to a final confirmation vote. Despite attacks on Hegseth's character and qualifications he has sailed through to the final step in the process with the benefit of the Republican majority, while 2 Republicans opposed the appointment. They are Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine. Virginia Senator Tim Kaine delivered a scathing rebuke of the former FOX News host particularly concerning domestic abuse allegations from an ex-wife which Hegseth vehemently denied.
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