Hagel Cloture Passes 71-27; Final Vote Tuesday Afternoon

The Senate has voted, 71-27, to end debate on the confirmation of Chuck Hagel as Secretary of Defense.

Hagel’s confirmation will be voted on later Tuesday afternoon. 

The 27-vote margin represents a floor for opposition to Hagel’s confirmation; the final “no” vote tally is likely to be somewhat higher, representing a historic level of opposition to a Secretary of Defense nominess.