Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) dropped his hold on Defense Department civilian nominees on Aug. 3 after the Pentagon promised to do “whatever is necessary” to streamline the overseas voting process for deployed troops by November, according to the Associated Press news service. The nomination of Anita Blair was not among those confirmed on Aug. 3.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
