Hagel Wins Confirmation as Defense Secretary

WASHINGTON—The Senate on Tuesday confirmed Chuck Hagel as the nation's next defense secretary largely along party lines, after several Republicans earlier in the day ended their effort to stop a vote on the former senator.

The 58-41 vote brings to a close a contentious battle that some experts believe could leave Mr. Hagel in a weaker position to take up the mantle at a challenging time for the Pentagon, which faces a series of deep budget cuts.

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