McConnell joined Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, moderates from Maine and Alaska respectively, in creating what would have been a tie had Vice President JD Vance not broken it, in his first such vote as President of the Senate.

Readers criticize the vote on the defense secretary nomination. Also: President Trump and tariffs; silencing health officials; firing of inspectors general; longevity.

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott stood by President Trump’s embattled Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth in a nail biter Friday night on the Senate floor.

Senators voted 51-49 to advance Hegseth's defense secretary bid, which has been mired in several controversies. Two Republicans oppose him.

Three Republicans voted with every Democrat against Trump’s controversial pick to lead the Pentagon, forcing Vance to step in and put Hegseth over the top.

The vote came amid concerns about his qualifications to lead the Pentagon amid allegations of heavy drinking and abusive behavior toward women.

Ryan English, 24, was carrying makeshift explosives and knives near the U.S. Capitol building on Monday, police charge in court papers.

As White House staff secretary, he plays a key role in overseeing the flow of information and business to and from the president.

Anti-establishment conservatives who opposed Thune for leader are satisfied but cautiously optimistic, as Trump turns up the pressure to confirm his nominees.

Pete Hegseth, a former combat veteran and TV news show host, says he will be a "change agent" and a "warrior" for the department as Republicans demand new and strong leadership in the Pentagon.

The South Dakota governor will oversee a sprawling agency that is essential to national security and a clampdown on illegal immigration.

ANALYSIS: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard and Kash Patel all have their hearings next week, Eric Garcia reports