Pete Hegseth’s controversial nomination as defense secretary moved a step closer to confirmation with the Senate Armed Services Committee recommending him to the job on party lines. U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., voted Monday against Hegseth, citing a lack of managerial experience and “concerning personal issues.”

A cloud of controversy has hung over Hegseth, but he now appears to be on track to be confirmed as Trump's defense secretary.

The GOP-controlled Senate Armed Services Committee voted 14–13 along party lines to advance Hegseth’s nomination Monday afternoon, an early victory for Trump as he attempts to get his cabinet confirmed as quickly as possible.

The Senate Armed Services Committee on Monday favorably reported, 14-13, the nomination of Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump’s pick to run the Defense Department, on a party-line vote that will likely spell partisan opposition for Hegseth in the days ahead.

Republicans moved behind closed doors on Monday to speed the nomination of Pete Hegseth, President Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, to the Senate floor, brushing aside the objections of Democrats who have raised concerns about his personal conduct.