Colin Kahl’s nomination to become the Pentagon’s policy chief took a crucial step forward Wednesday night, with Vice President Kamala Harris casting the tie-breaking vote on a procedural motion.

It’s the first in a series of votes Vice President Harris would need to cast over the coming days to finalize his confirmation.

Kahl is the administration’s choice for undersecretary of defense for policy. Republicans have expressed concerns over past tweets and his role in Obama-era Iran policy.

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