Senator Mazie Hirono pressed Pete Hegseth on past allegations, including a 2017 sexual misconduct case
Hegseth defended past comments on women in combat, emphasizing military standards, as Senators questioned
Hegseth dismissed allegations of sexual misconduct and drinking as false, calling them a "coordinated smear campaign"
Republican Senator Joni Ernst, initially skeptical, announced her support for Hegseth after private discussions
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With the Republican majority in the Senate, Hegseth’s confirmation as Secretary of Defense hinges on maintaining party support