Hagel Vote Falls Short in Senate

Republicans block confirmation

Chuck Hagel's troubled nomination to become secretary of Defense was headed for a rocky finish after the Senate failed on Thursday to end debate on his confirmation, meaning it must vote again on Feb. 26 after its scheduled Presidents' Day recess.

The vote was 58 to 40, with one vote of "present," falling short of the 60 required to break the Republican filibuster. Members were set to leave for recess on Friday, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said they would vote again on Hagel when they returned, leaving Hagel's nomination in limbo until then.