Despite the committee 's February 12 , 2013 , 14-to-11 vote to approve Hagel , committee member James Inhofe vowed to use procedural tactics to delay a full Senate confirmation vote . Inhofe told the National Review " Each day that goes by will make it more difficult for Democrats who say they are pro-Israel to hold out . " On February 14 Republicans refused to close debate on Hagel 's nomination , which would require 60 votes , even though the nomination was assured the simple majority of votes needed to pass . Reasons given included a demand for more White House information about the 2012 Benghazi attack , remaining questions about Hagel 's views on Iran and Israel , and assertions two weeks after the hearings was insufficient time . Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said the Republicans were politically motivated and that the vote would proceed after the recess
2012 Benghazi attack
2012 Benghazi attack
Chuck Hagel