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Hegseth Could Be Confirmed With Smallest Margin of Any Defense Secretary

For the last 50 years, almost every nominee to lead the Pentagon has been a consensus pick who drew lopsided margins of support in the Senate. Pete Hegseth’s nomination has been a notable exception.

Trump’s Inauguration Is Taking Place at Scene of Jan. 6 Mayhem

The large domed expanse, a breathtaking and solemn space in the Capitol, was the scene of mayhem wrought by Trump supporters four years ago. A very different crowd of his backers will be on hand Monday.

Confirmation Hearings Open in a Test of Trump’s Hold on Senate G.O.P.

Opposition to prospective nominees, along with time-consuming Senate rules, will slow floor action despite the Republican push for approval of some of President-elect Donald J. Trump’s picks as soon as Jan. 20.

With Hearings Imminent, Partisan Fight Escalates Over Trump Cabinet

Democrats are demanding that Republicans slow consideration of picks for the new administration until they can review background checks, as the G.O.P. faces major pressure to quickly confirm them.

Congress Overhauled the Electoral Count Process After the 2021 Violence

Bipartisan legislation enacted in 2022 makes it much more difficult for lawmakers to object to a state’s votes, and clarifies that the vice president cannot unilaterally overrule them.

John Thune Takes Charge in the Senate, Ushering in a New Leadership Era

The affable traditional conservative from South Dakota is the first new chief of the Senate G.O.P. in nearly two decades. He will confront a challenge managing President-elect Donald J. Trump’s expectations.
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