JD Vance's first major act as vice president could be imminent, with the Senate poised to vote on President Trump's nominees for CIA director and Secretary of Defense. These confirmations may require Vance to cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie.
The vice president's constitutional role as president of the Senate includes the authority to break ties. Vance, a former senator, may soon exercise this power as the Senate considers Trump's cabinet selections.
While the Senate swiftly confirmed Marco Rubio as Secretary of State with a resounding 99-0 vote, other nominees face a more arduous path. Confirmation hearings and votes for several positions are still ongoing.
The Senate will vote on John Ratcliffe for CIA director before considering Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense. Sources suggest a potential deadlock on Hegseth's confirmation, requiring Vance's intervention.
The vice president's constitutional role as president of the Senate includes the authority to break ties. This image shows JD Vance, who may soon face his first major vice presidential moment. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Republicans currently hold a 53-45 majority in the Senate, with two independents. However, it's been reported that Senators McConnell, Collins, and Murkowski may oppose Hegseth's nomination, potentially leading to a tie.
Ratcliffe's confirmation vote is scheduled for Thursday, followed by a procedural vote on Hegseth. Vance may be summoned to Capitol Hill if these votes result in a tie.
Ratcliffe previously served as Director of National Intelligence under Trump, confirmed in 2020 by a 49-44 vote.
In 2023, Kamala Harris set a record for tie-breaking votes as vice president, exceeding 30. This was due to the narrow Democratic majority in the 118th Congress.
Kamala Harris broke a nearly 200-year-old record for casting the most tie-breaking votes in her role as vice president when she issued her 32nd in 2023. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Given the slim Republican majority, Vance could find himself in a similar situation. Hegseth's confirmation hearing last week saw intense scrutiny from Democrats, focusing on his views on women in combat, personal conduct, and past controversies.
Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has faced allegations of misconduct, which he denies. He has pledged to abstain from alcohol if confirmed.
The Senate will vote on John Ratcliffe's CIA director nomination before moving to Pete Hegseth, pictured here, for Secretary of Defense. (Ben Curtis/The Associated Press)
During his emotional opening statement, Hegseth expressed his faith and thanked his wife for her support.
JD Vance, a former senator, may soon exercise his power to break ties as the Senate considers Trump's cabinet selections. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Recently, an affidavit alleging past alcohol abuse and threatening behavior by Hegseth surfaced. Hegseth's lawyer dismissed the affidavit, citing previous statements by Hegseth's ex-wife denying abuse and characterizing the affidavit's source as politically motivated.
Hegseth's confirmation process will continue after the Ratcliffe vote, potentially extending into the weekend.
Fox News' Chad Pergram contributed to this report.
