The Hill reports:

Senate Republicans in a 58-40 vote blocked former Sen. Chuck Hagel’s (R-Neb.) nomination as Defense secretary from proceeding to a final up-or-down vote on Thursday.

Four Republicans — Sens. Susan Collins (Maine), Thad Cochran (Miss.), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Mike Johanns (Neb.) joined 55 Democrats and Independents in supporting the nomination. Sixty votes were needed to cut off debate, leaving Democrats one vote short…

Republicans said it was too early to clear Hagel’s nomination, but that they would consider allowing an up-or-down vote after the Senate returns to business on Feb. 25.

They blamed Democrats for rushing the vote and the White House for not providing additional information about Hagel’s compensation for paid speeches.

Reid scolded Republicans for holding up Hagel, saying it was the first filibuster of a Defense nominee in history.

Hagel seems likely to win confirmation eventually despite Thursday’s vote, but the delay highlighted the contentiousness of his nomination.

Hawaii’s senators, Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono voted to bring up the final vote.

Schatz last night released this statement:

“It is deeply disappointing that President Obama’s nominee for Secretary of Defense was blocked through the unprecedented use of a filibuster at a time when we are still in a war and there are serious threats and challenges across the globe,” said Senator Brian Schatz. “It is critical for Senate Republicans to put politics aside and move expeditiously in a bipartisan fashion to make sure the President and Defense Department have the leadership they need to keep our country safe.”

— Kery Murakami