Senate Republicans may have to call in Vice President JD Vance as a lifeline on Thursday to help advance the nomination of Pete Hegseth for defense secretary in a crucial procedural vote.
The chamber will need a simple majority that afternoon in what will be his first test vote that comes as several key Republicans hold their cards close to their vest.
Republicans can afford just three defections with their 53-47 majority and appear to have the votes lined up despite sexual misconduct and alcohol abuse allegations that have threatened to derail Hegseth’s confirmation. Hegseth has denied any wrongdoing, including a newly unearthed allegation from his former sister-in-law claiming his behavior caused his second wife to fear for her safety.
Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) remain wildcards. If the trio opposes Hegseth, Vance would likely need to come to the Capitol to break a tie. He may also be needed this weekend for final confirmation.
THE BUREAUCRATIC BEHEMOTH AWAITING PETE HEGSETH AT THE PENTAGON
There’s little precedent for vice presidents being needed to break ties for Cabinet picks and other administration nominees.
Former Vice President Mike Pence was the first to do so in 2017 during Trump’s first term when he confirmed Betsy DeVos as education secretary. Pence broke two additional ties in 2018, confirming former Sen. Sam Brownback as ambassador for religious freedom and Russ Vought to run the White House budget office.
