President Joe Biden formally announced the appointment of US Air Force Commander General Charles Brown as the country’s military leader on Thursday, making his choice at a time of growing concern in the United States over threats to national security posed by Russia and China.
“General Brown has earned a reputation as a calm and highly effective leader, someone who creates an atmosphere of teamwork, trust, and then excels in his duties,” Biden said at the official ceremony. appointment to the White House Rose Garden.
Officials announced on Wednesday that Biden had selected Brown for a four-year term as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He will succeed Army General Mark Milley. Brown will take office at a time when the United States is supplying Ukraine with billions of dollars in weapons following last year’s Russian invasion and closely monitoring China’s position in Taiwan.
If confirmed by the Senate, Brown will become the second African American to hold the position after Colin Powell, who served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989 to 1993.
Biden, who is running for re-election next year, was joined in the announcement by Brown himself, Vice President Kamala Harris and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, the first African American to take the helm. of the Pentagon.
“He’s an incredibly capable and professional officer, and what he brings with him is professionalism, a depth of war experience, and I know that personally,” Austin said, speaking earlier in the day at the Pentagon.
Biden urged the Senate to confirm Brown’s nomination. However, the timing of the approval process seems uncertain.
Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville has been blocking military appointments since February, alleging the Pentagon is improperly using taxpayer dollars to cover travel expenses for servicewomen who have abortions.
A spokesperson for Tuberville confirmed that Brown’s nomination would also be affected by the blockage.
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