Senate panel approves Marine general for Joint Chiefs chair

The Senate Armed Services Committee has approved the nomination of Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The panel approved President Barack Obama's pick by voice vote on Thursday. Now the nomination goes to the full Senate.

If he's confirmed, Dunford will replace Army Gen. Martin Dempsey. The Senate could vote before lawmakers break for their August recess.

The panel also approved Gen. Paul Selva to be vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs and Gen. Darren McDew to be commander of the U.S. Transportation Command.