Senate to vote on Hegseth confirmation as defense secretary as Democrats continue to raise concerns

Washington — As the Senate approaches its final confirmation of Pete Hegseth to be defense secretary, Democrats are continuing to raise their concerns about his character and fitness to lead the nation's largest department. 

In a 51 to 49 vote Thursday, the Senate advanced Hegseth's nomination, with two Republicans joining all Democrats in opposition. The vote started the clock on up to 30 hours of debate as senators spar over the nominee, while the GOP barrels forward, expecting to finalize his confirmation in a vote late Friday evening. 

Soon after Hegseth's nomination was advanced to the full Senate by the Armed Services Committee on a party-line vote, committee members received a sworn affidavit from Hegseth's former sister-in-law, Danielle Hegseth, Tuesday, who claimed that he caused his second wife to fear for her personal safety, even hiding in a closet from him at one point. Danielle Hegseth also said in the affidavit he abused alcohol over the course of many years. Hegseth's attorney has denied the allegations.