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Hagel Clears Committee, Headed to Full Senate Vote

WASHINGTON DC (KPTM) - Chuck Hagel's nomination as defense secretary has cleared a key procedural hurdle as the Senate Armed Services Committee approved his nomination in a 14 to 11 vote. The vote broke along party lines; Sen. David Vitter (D-La.) did not vote.

The full Senate is expected to vote on Hagel's nomination later this week. 

Republicans on the committee delayed the vote last week, arguing that Hagel had not given enough information on his financial ties and past speeches.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) has also threatened to block Hagel's nomination if he does not get answers from the administration on the Sept. 11 Benghazi attacks.