Federal prosecutors have charged a suspected leader of the far-right group the Oath Keepers with conspiracy, saying he helped plan and coordinate the Capitol riot.
Austin, a retired four-star Army general, served in the military for 40 years including as the first Black general to lead U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East.
Avril Haines began her confirmation hearing by pledging to "never shy from speaking truth to power," an implicit criticism of President Trump's management of the country's vast intelligence network.
The Senate returns for the first time since the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. Five committees will question nominees to lead Defense, State, Homeland Security, Treasury and the top intelligence post.
The conviction of some Christians that God has a particular plan for America gave extra potency to efforts in support of Trump's attempts to overturn his election defeat.