Georgetown professor and former Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) has likely secured enough Senate votes to be confirmed as the next secretary of defense after Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) announced his support of the nominee.

Shelby’s vote will be the last of the 60 needed to end the Republican filibuster of Hagel’s nomination that began last week.

The GOP has criticized Hagel for what it perceives as his weak support of Israel, his conciliatory stance on Iran and his opposition to the Iraq War.

Among the senators supporting Hagel are all 55 Democrats and five Republicans. In addition to Shelby, the Republicans who have announced their support of Hagel are Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), MikeJohanns (R-Neb.), Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Ark.).

With no filibuster, the Senate can move forward on Hagel’s confirmation vote, which could take place as soon as Wednesday. Confirmation requires a simple majority.

If confirmed, Hagel will succeed current Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.