Senate confirms Biden's pick for Air Force secretary: Frank Kendall

Several senators lifted holds placed on Kendall allowing him to be confirmed on Monday.

The Senate confirmed on Monday President Joe Biden's nominee Frank Kendall to be the Air Force secretary, more than two months after he appeared for his confirmation hearing.

Kendall formerly served as a top weapons buyer for the Pentagon during the Obama administration. The Senate Armed Services committee held a confirmation hearing for Kendall in late May, which stalled as several senators placed holds on him, according to The Hill.

On Monday, Democratic Sen. Gary Peters lifted his hold on Kendall. Peters placed a hold on Kendall's confirmation over the Air Force's decision to base an F-16 and F-35 international training center in Arkansas rather than in his home state of Michigan.

"I have a long history with the F-35. It has struggled, certainly, and since I left government four years ago, I understand the sustainment costs are a concern," Kendall said in May. "I'll have to take a look at if I'm confirmed, the key to keeping the cost down in an air fleet is getting the numbers up."

Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Mike Lee had previously lifted their holds on Kendall. Warren lifted her hold on Kendall on the condition he recuses himself regarding matters involving former industry employers.