While the inaugural pomp and circumstance continues — with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance at Capital One Arena to oversee the wrap-up of the parade and for Trump to sign a series of executive orders — the Senate has gotten down to work Monday afternoon.
First, the Senate Armed Services Committee has voted Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, out of committee. It was a narrow vote — 14-13, along party lines — but Hegseth will now be voted on by the full Senate.
Armed Services Committee votes 14-13 to send Hegseth nomination to the floor.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) January 20, 2025
Hegseth had a rather…spirited hearing before the committee last week but handled it well and emerged from it unscathed and likely with improved odds of confirmation.