Today's D Brief: Haines, Austin confirmation hearings; Biden’s nuclear challenges; Inauguration security; More B-52 deterrence flights; And a bit more.
By Ben Watson and Bradley Peniston
January 19, 2021
The D Brief
Austin’s day on the Hill. Retired U.S. Army Gen. Lloyd Austin is headed before the Senate Armed Services Committee this afternoon. His confirmation hearing to possibly become the next American defense secretary — and by extension, the country’s first ever Black defense secretary — is set for 3 p.m. ET.
The big question facing Austin: Will lawmakers grant the required waiver that would allow Austin to serve as Pentagon chief less than seven years since he last wore the uniform? House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith, D-Wash., is working the Democratic side of the aisle, Defense News reports today.
https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2021/01/the-d-brief-january-19-2021/171464/
