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In a decisive 83-11 vote on Wednesday, the US Senate endorsed General CQ Brown as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a pivotal role in the nation’s military.

The approval came after months of delay following President Joe Biden’s initial nomination of Brown, with the delay largely attributed to a protest led by Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama. Since February, Tuberville has disrupted the usual procedure of approving military nominations in groups to compel the Pentagon to alter its abortion policies. Despite the frustration incurred by the Democrats and an impasse affecting over 300 nominees, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer initiated votes on Brown and the appointments of General Randy George and General Eric Smith for key military positions.

During this period of tension, Schumer shouted, “Senator Tuberville is forcing us to face his obstruction head-on,” urging for an end to this stagnation in appointments. Although persistent on his hold, Tuberville did not oppose the individual nomination votes. The White House echoed a positive but restrained outlook on these developments, with National Security Spokesman John Kirby emphasizing that while the confirmations are a step in the right direction, a comprehensive solution remains distant, as “it doesn’t fix the problem or provide a path forward for the 316 other general and flag officers that are held up by this ridiculous hold.”

At 60, Brown brings a decorated career to his new role, having served as the Air Force’s commander of the Pacific Air Force. Brown succeeds Army General Mark Milley, who steps down on September 30 after dedicating four decades to military service.