The Senate is poised to hold a final vote on Pete Hegseth's embattled nomination for defense secretary by the end of the week, despite an affidavit alleging abuse and excessive drinking that has intensified scrutiny of his candidacy, The Hill reported.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., put the procedural wheels in motion to confirm Secretary of Defense nominee Hegseth by the end of the week.
Senate Republicans are moving ahead despite an affidavit from his former sister-in-law obtained by Senate Democrats that accuses him of having an alcohol problem and being abusive to his ex-wife, Samantha Hegseth.
Samantha Hegseth issued a statement to NBC News denying there was "physical abuse" in their marriage.
Thune filed a motion Tuesday to end debate on Pete Hegseth's nomination, which cleared the Senate Armed Services Committee by a party-line, 14-13 vote only hours after President-elect Donald Trump took the oath of office.
That step sets up a Senate vote on Thursday to advance Hegseth's nomination. The final vote is expected on Friday or possibly early Saturday.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker, R-Miss., told reporters that Republicans will work into the weekend to confirm Hegseth.
"The next would be on cloture, and that would be Thursday afternoon," Wicker told reporters.
Cloture is a legislative procedure in the Senate used to end debate on a measure or nomination, allowing the chamber to move forward with a vote. It typically requires the support of at least 60 senators, which prevents a minority from using extended discussion or filibusters to block final action.
Wicker dismissed the affidavit alleging that Samantha Hegseth once hid in her closet from the nominee because she feared for her safety.
"I have not reviewed the document. My reaction is that I have grave doubts as to the substance," Wicker told reporters.
"I think the nomination is going to go forward, and the next vote is going to be Thursday," he said, noting Democrats could delay a final vote until "late on Friday night."
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a key Republican on military matters, also dismissed the new charge.
"I heard what his wife said. It didn't happen. I'm getting tired of this stuff being dropped at the last moment," Graham said, according to The Hill. "You got the person who denies being physically abused. That's it for me," he added, declining to address claims that the nominee frequently drank excessively. "Nah, I'm good."
Democrats say the affidavit shows Hegseth is unfit to lead the Pentagon.
"These firsthand observations are highly significant and credible and hopefully will persuade my Republican colleagues that Hegseth is unfit to be secretary of Defense," said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.
"There was no question that Pete Hegseth is unqualified and unprepared to be secretary of Defense. The affidavit adds additional weight to a case that is already overwhelming against him," he added.