Hagel Vote Delayed

GOP senators today delayed a vote on the nomination of former Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE) to be defense secretary. The vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination produced 58 yeas and 40 nays. The result was divided mostly along party lines. To end debate on the nomination, 60 yeas would have been required.

The White House slammed Republicans for not proceeding with the vote this afternoon.

"Today, Senate Republicans put political posturing ahead of our nation’s security," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said in a statement. "For the first time in American history, Senate Republicans filibustered a nominee for secretary of defense -- a member of their own party, a decorated combat veteran, and the right leader for our troops."

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) also issued a statement: "Today's vote is a vote to continue the debate over Chuck Hagel. It is premature to close off debate on a nominee who hasn't responded to reasonable requests for information and to a White House who continues to stonewall."