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The Senate confirmed Mark Esper to become the next permanent secretary of defense July 23 by a landslide vote, ending months of uncertainty about the Pentagon’s leadership. Esper, who previously served as Army secretary since 2017, was confirmed by a vote of 90-8 Tuesday afternoon. Eight Democrats voted against his confirmation, and two senators – Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) and presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) did not vote. Chief Pentagon Spokesman Jonathan Hoffman told reporters Tuesday morning that Esper…
