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January 21, 2021

House to Vote on Waiver Paving Path for Retired General Lloyd Austin to Lead Pentagon
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The House of Representatives is set to vote today on whether to grant a
waiver to allow retired Army General Lloyd Austin to become Pentagon
chief. General Austin is on the board of the weapons contractor Raytheon
and is a partner in the venture capital fund Pine Island Capital.
Critics say his nomination contravenes the principle of civilian control
of the military.

Joe Biden is the first president in recent history to come into office
before any of his key advisers are installed. As President Biden's other
Cabinet nominees await their hearings and confirmations, he has
appointed nearly two dozen acting officials to temporarily lead
agencies.


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