Hagel’s Nomination to Lead Pentagon Moves to Full Senate

The U.S. Senate began debate yesterday on Chuck Hagel’s nomination as defense secretary, with Democratic leaders opening their drive to push through President Barack Obama’s choice after the Armed Services Committee approved the selection on a party-line vote.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, facing threats of Republican-led efforts to stymie action on Hagel, took procedural action to force a vote tomorrow on ending the delaying tactics. That would set up a final vote no later than the next day.