Panel OKs Lynn as Pentagon deputy

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate Armed Services Committee voted Thursday in favor of William Lynn, a former Raytheon Co. lobbyist whose nomination as deputy defense secretary ran counter to President Barack Obama’s promise to close the “revolving door” between government and big business.

The panel also endorsed Robert Hale to become Pentagon comptroller, Michele Flournoy to lead the department’s policy office and Jeh Charles Johnson to be Pentagon general counsel. The nominations were approved by voice vote.

The committee action clears a major hurdle for Lynn, although questions remain as to whether Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, will move to block the appointment when it comes up for a vote by the full Senate.

Grassley has questioned Lynn’s lobbying ties as well as his management of the Pentagon’s financial systems while serving as comptroller during the Clinton administration.