Senate prepares for Kavanaugh 2.0 with Pentagon pick
The United States Senate is gearing up for another contentious confirmation battle, this time over President Joe Biden’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, Michèle Flournoy. As the first woman to be nominated for the role, Flournoy faces stiff opposition from Republican lawmakers who are expected to focus on her ties to the Biden administration and her potential to continue the military strategies of her predecessors.
Similar to the Brett Kavanaugh nomination in 2018, the confirmation process for Flournoy is likely to be marked by intense partisanship and controversy. Republicans have already begun to question her views on military spending, her relationship with China, and her support for the war in Afghanistan.
Flournoy, a former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy under President Barack Obama, is widely respected within the military and foreign policy communities for her expertise and experience. However, her nomination has already sparked concerns among progressive groups who are worried that she will continue to support the military-industrial complex and perpetuate the Pentagon’s dominance over foreign policy.
As the Senate begins its review of Flournoy’s nomination, Democrats are expected to defend her credentials and highlight her achievements in the Obama administration. Republicans, on the other hand, are likely to focus on her potential to shape the Biden administration’s national security agenda and to challenge her views on a range of issues, from military spending to the role of the United States in international conflicts.
The confirmation battle over Flournoy’s nomination is expected to be a long and grueling one, with a final vote likely to occur in the coming weeks. As the Senate debates her nomination, it remains to be seen whether Flournoy will be able to secure the necessary support to become the first woman to serve as Secretary of Defense.
