Senators voted 51-49 to advance Hegseth's defense secretary bid, which has been mired in a series of controversies. Two Republicans are opposed to Hegseth.

Some Republican lawmakers say they are taking seriously recent allegations that the man nominated to lead the Pentagon abused alcohol and engaged in erratic behavior.

President Donald Trump has pledged cheaper prices and lower interest rates, but an economy transformed by the pandemic will make those promises difficult to keep.