Washington — As the Senate approaches Pete Hegseth's final confirmation as Defense Secretary, Democrats are continuing to raise their concerns about his character and fitness to lead the nation's largest department.
The Senate advanced Hegseth's nomination on Thursday by a vote of 51 versus 49, with two Republicans joining all Democrats in opposition. The vote lasted 30 hours as senators debated the nominee while the GOP moved forward in hopes of finalizing his confirmation in a vote late Friday.
Shortly after Hegseth's nomination was advanced to the full Senate by the Armed Services Committee on a party-line vote, committee members received an affidavit Hegseth's former sister-in-law, Danielle Hegseth, claimed Tuesday that he made his second wife fear for her personal safety, so much so that at one point she hid from him in a closet. Danielle Hegseth also said in the affidavit that she abused alcohol for several years. Hegseth's attorney has denied the allegations.
Then on Thursday, reports It emerged that Hegseth told Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, that he paid $50,000 to a woman who accused him of sexual assault in 2017, which two sources familiar with the matter confirmed to CBS News. of. Hegseth's attorney told CBS News in November that his client paid a confidential financial settlement The woman was concerned that the allegations would lead to her being removed from her hosting position at Fox News. Hegseth has denied the allegation.
The new allegations sparked new enthusiasm among Democrats, who urged Republicans to reconsider their support for him.
“This is not the kind of moral character we want from someone who will lead the men and women of our military,” Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, told CBS News in an interview. “I really urge my Republican colleagues to put national security ahead of their loyalty to Donald Trump, and I hope they will oppose him.”
On Thursday, two Republican senators known for their desire to save their party – Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine – announced they would not support Hegseth, citing his past behavior, decisions and experience. do. But whether others will join him in the final voting remains to be seen.
Senate Republicans could afford to lose another vote to get Hegseth's confirmation over the finish line, in which case Vice President J.D. Vance would be called upon to break the tie in Hegseth's favor.
Republicans expressed confidence in Hegseth's prospects. South Dakota Republican Sen. Mike Rounds, who also sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee, told CBS News that the new Hegseth affidavit “changes nothing,” calling it “yet another example of a third party coming in to say something.” The person they have identified directly contradicts what he has said.” Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley told reporters earlier Thursday that if Hegseth is not confirmed He would be surprised, he said, “I think he has the votes.”
Republican Whip Senator John Barroso praised Hegseth's qualifications for the position, while arguing that she had “answered tough questions with clarity and determination” at last week's convention. committee hearing And the committee voted to advance him.
“Unfortunately for the Democrats, it wasn't enough,” Barrasso said. “They then decided to pursue their desperate tactics of distraction and delay so they could attempt to search and destroy.”
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut told reporters that Democrats would “take every opportunity to raise these issues about competency and character” regarding Mr. Trump's most controversial nominees, including Hegseth.
“I hope that at least some of my Republican colleagues will deeply examine their conscience and ask whether this individual should really be at the pinnacle of our military defense and making the most spectacular and important decisions about our national security. “Blumenthal said, arguing that the majority would oppose Hegseth if they did not face pressure from the President.
Danielle Hegseth's affidavit also raises questions about the background check and briefing process. Senator Jack Reed, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the testimony in the affidavit was not adequately included in the briefing provided by the Trump transition team. And he said he was “extremely disappointed” by the FBI's investigation. Reed said he was briefed before the hearing and was concerned that investigators did not contact key witnesses and informants.
The Rhode Island Democrat called it “unprecedented” that the FBI has returned to him twice – most recently on Wednesday night – to provide additional information on Hegseth.
“I still don't believe the background checks have been completed,” Reed said.
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