Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Senate Committee Backs Hyten for Pentagon Post Reuters WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Senate ArmedServices Committee on Wednesday backed General John Hyten to bethe second-highest ranking U.S. military official, a day afterhe denied sexual assault allegations against him. The vote was 20-7 in favor of Hyten's becoming the vice chairmanof the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Hyten, the outgoing commander of the U.S. military'sStrategic Command, must still be confirmed by the full Senate. Adate for that vote has not been announced.