Senate panel advances Esper, Milley nominations

The Senate Armed Services Committee has voted to report the nominations of Army Secretary Mark Esper, picked to be defense secretary, and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, chosen to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to the full Senate.

Appearing before the committee Tuesday, Esper defended his record as Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) criticized his past work for Raytheon.

Last week, Milley testified that he is worried about the consequences for the Defense Department if Congress is unable to reach a bipartisan budget agreement.

The full Senate is scheduled to consider Esper's nomination on Monday.