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January 22, 2021

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