Kohberger is charged with four counts of murder for the deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves in November 2022.

The vote broke the Senate filibuster and sets up a final confirmation vote, which will likely take place Friday. Democrat John Fetterman voted against advancing Hegseth for secretary of defense.

The Alaska Republican’s decision Thursday comes ahead of a crucial test vote to advance Hegseth’s nomination toward confirmation.

At his confirmation hearing last week, the former combat veteran and Fox News host said he was “falsely accused” in the 2017 incident.

Pete Hegseth’s former sister-in-law told senators in a sworn affidavit that he made his ex-wife fear for her safety and was ...