Biden Nominates Air Force Chief Brown as Historic Joint Chiefs Chair, But Confirmation Faces Republican Hold

Brown would be the second Black Joint Chiefs chairman and join Austin, the first Black defense secretary.
Brown is a career fighter pilot with experience in the Pacific focusing on challenges from China and modernizing the armed forces.
Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville has placed holds on over 150 military nominations to protest Pentagon funding for abortions, delaying the confirmation process.
Brown has advocated for diversity and pushed the Air Force to accelerate changes to counter new threats like hypersonics and drones.
If confirmed, Brown and Austin would be the first time the top two Pentagon roles were held by African Americans.