Senate Armed Services panel sets schedule for new Defense chief, while other panels lag on Biden security nominees

The Senate Armed Services Committee has set two hearings related to the nomination of retired Gen. Lloyd Austin to serve as Defense secretary, but it’s possible that President-elect Biden will begin his term on Jan. 20 with none of his national security Cabinet officers in place including Homeland Security nominee Alejandro Mayorkas.

Republicans continue to control Senate panels until Jan. 20, when Vice President-elect Harris will break the 50-50 tie in the chamber and make Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) majority...