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Lawmakers Approve Waiver for Biden Defense Secretary Nominee Gen. Lloyd Austin

HeadlineJan 22, 2021

Lawmakers on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a waiver allowing retired Army General Lloyd Austin to become Pentagon chief. Austin left the military four years ago and now serves on the board of weapons maker Raytheon; normally a minimum of seven years is required before taking the civilian job — unless a waiver is granted from both houses of Congress. Many of the House Democrats who voted for the waiver opposed a waiver for President Trump’s first Pentagon chief pick, retired Marine General Jim Mattis. The Senate could vote on Austin’s confirmation as soon as today. If confirmed, he would become the first Black defense secretary.

Meanwhile Biden will keep FBI Director Christopher Wray, who was appointed by Trump in 2017, in his position.

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