The Senate has confirmed Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. as the nation's top military officer, in a move that is necessary to confirm Biden's nominees and ensure the Pentagon is adequately funded. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said Wednesday night that the House will vote again on the $826.2 billion defense bill, and the House plans to move forward with the Department of Defense bill and then a number of other appropriation bills. It remains to be seen whether the House will be able to pass the defense bill and avert a government shutdown in 10 days.