Washington DC - The Senate's top Democrat has set the stage for a full Senate vote by the end of the week on President Barack Obama's nomination of Chuck Hagel to be defense secretary.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid filed a motion to limit debate and force an “up or down” vote, e.g. a straightforward Yes or No.
He needs five Republicans to support it in order for Hagel to take the position.
The Wall Street Journal says Obama wants a person in the position who will take orders from the White House.