WASHINGTON \u2014 A dozen of President Joe Biden\u2019s senior national security nominees \u2014 including his pick to lead the Air Force \u2014 are stalled in the Senate because multiple senators have placed procedural holds on their confirmations, Defense News has learned. The delay slows the administration\u2019s efforts to introduce new military leaders and policies early in its tenure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since early June, the Senate Armed Services Committee has recommended a dozen nominees to the full chamber, but at least three lawmakers from both parties are using those positions to bargain with the administration over various concerns, such as basing and acquisition decisions. It\u2019s unclear whether any of the nominees will receive a Senate floor vote before Congress breaks for August recess or whether other national security leaders could face similar delays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important to get the Department of Defense staffed promptly, and we\u2019re working to do that,\u201d SASC Chairman Jack Reed<\/a>, D-R.I., told Defense News on Tuesday. \u201cI\u2019m not going to comment on my discussions [with fellow senators], but my goal and my responsibility is to get people confirmed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\t