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.

Pete Hegseth must be approved by the GOP-led Senate Armed Services Committee before he can go before the full Senate for confirmation.

ANALYSIS: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard and Kash Patel all have their hearings next week, Eric Garcia reports

Donald Trump’s pick for Defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, was grilled in a testy Senate hearing on Tuesday. Sen Cynthia Lummis joined Sen. John Barrasso

CBS News host Margaret Brennan pressed Sen. John John Barrasso (R-WY) about whether he would vote to confirm former Fox News host Pete Hegseth as defense secretary in light of sexual assault allegations against him.

Pete Hegseth, the controversial former Fox News host, has been accused of sexual assault and faces a grueling confirmation hearing on the path to becoming the next secretary of defense.

Vice President J.D. Vance cast the tie-breaking vote after Sens. McConnell, Murkowski and Collins voted against the Fox News host’s confirmation

The U.S. Senate on Thursday confirmed President Donald Trump’s choice of John Ratcliffe to lead the CIA, but Democrats continued to draw out

Senate Democrats on the Armed Services Committee hounded Pete Hegseth over his past ... And Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) said Hegseth “is giving strong answers to tough questions.

Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth narrowly earned enough Republican support to clear a key Senate hurdle and is now all but assured confirmation.

John Barrasso, the No. 2 GOP leader ... In the affidavit, Danielle Hegseth also alleges that Pete Hegseth, while under the influence of alcohol and both were leaving a bar, repeatedly shouted ...