Senate to vote on Shanahan; McCain to miss confirmation hearings

The Senate is scheduled to vote this evening on the nomination of former Boeing executive Patrick Shanahan to become deputy defense secretary, according to an announcement from Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn (R-TX).

A procedural vote to advance Shanahan's nomination is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said Thursday he would consider working with fellow Democrats to support allowing a final vote on Shanahan's nomination.

Meanwhile, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) will not be on Capitol Hill this week as he is recovering from surgery to remove a blood clot from his left eye.

The committee has several confirmation hearings scheduled for this week, including that of former Textron executive Ellen Lord to become the under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics.

Rachel Hoff, a spokeswoman for the committee, said Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) will chair the panel during this week's hearings.