President Joe Biden honored outgoing Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Employees Mark Milley at a ceremony on Friday because the nation’s high navy officer handed over the reins to his successor, Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr.
This system, stuffed with pomp and circumstance, included Milley swearing in Brown because the twenty first president. Beforehand brown Servants As Chief of Employees of the Air Drive.
Biden started his remarks by paying tribute to Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, whose workplace confirmed on Friday that she had died on the age of 90.
“She was a historic determine, a pioneer for ladies, and an excellent buddy. Diane made her mark on every thing from nationwide safety to the surroundings and gun security to defending civil liberties,” Biden mentioned. “She will likely be significantly missed by the nation, as will Jill and me.”
Biden added that he would have extra to say in regards to the late California senator afterward Friday.
The President additionally spoke in regards to the looming authorities shutdown, saying that if the Home of Representatives fails to fund the federal government, it will likely be a failure for the troops who will proceed to indicate up for work regardless of not getting their salaries.
“It is a disgrace,” he mentioned, including that the longer the shutdown lasts, the more durable it will likely be for navy households to pay their payments.
“You’ll be able to’t do politics when our troops are standing within the hole,” Biden mentioned. “It’s an absolute dereliction of obligation.”
Vice President Kamala Harris and Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin additionally attended Milley’s farewell ceremony.
“Basic Milley is a scholar and a warrior,” Austin mentioned. We respect him for his intelligence, however we love him for his coronary heart. He put his complete coronary heart into main this huge mixed pressure of troopers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Rangers.
Milley acquired his certificates of retirement, capping a greater than four-decade profession that included positions as Chief of Employees of the Military and Commanding Basic of the U.S. Military Forces Command.
Brown was confirmed in an 83-11 vote earlier this month amid a standoff over navy nominees began by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, who has blocked navy promotions in protest of the Protection Division’s abortion coverage.
Biden strongly condemned the suspension of nominations throughout his remarks, calling it “utterly unacceptable and utterly unacceptable” and damaging to readiness, morale and retention of candidates.
“I have been right here a very long time. I’ve by no means seen something like this,” Biden mentioned. “It is outrageous.”
Biden mentioned that the navy members whose promotions have been halted had change into “a hostage to the political agenda of 1 senator and the silence of 47 of them.”
He later added: “Our forces deserve a lot better.”
Throughout his remarks, Austin additionally known as on the Senate to “rapidly affirm all of our excellent navy nominees,” to which the viewers responded with applause.
Biden had introduced his intention to appoint Brown for presidency of the Council final Might. Connection He’s “a warrior, descended from a proud lineage of warriors.”