WASHINGTON
US Senate Republicans have blocked the vote on US President Barack Obama's nominee Chuck Hagel's nomination as defense secretary.
The 100-member Senate have 55 Democrats and 45 Republicans. Democrats needed 60 "yes" votes to overcome Republican objections however the final vote was 58.
Senate majority leader Harry Reid stated that the voting will take place again after a week holiday, on February 26.
Furthermore, the White House had a strong reaction towards the blocking of Hagel's nomination.
According to the written statement of White House spokesman Jay Carney, "Today, Republican senators put the political status ahead of country's security.
Earlier, Hagel has been criticized for his past comments on Israel and the sanctions on Iran aimed at dissuading Tehran from its nuclear program.
