The Senate Armed Services Committee voted on Tuesday to approve the nomination of Chuck Hagel as secretary of defense by a party-line vote, 14 to 11. The nomination now moves to a full vote before the Senate. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said Monday that he expects the full vote to occur either Wednesday or Thursday of this week.
Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) has said he intends to “postpone” Hagel’s confirmation before the full Senate with a series of “holds.” Reid told reporters Tuesday that he will not honor any holds placed on Hagel’s nomination.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) would not commit to filibuster Hagel’s confirmation but signaled that Republicans might do so.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we do have a cloture vote on the Hagel nomination,” McConnell told reporters.
Watch video of the vote below:
