[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 13 (Friday, January 22, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S103]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CONFIRMATION OF LLOYD JAMES AUSTIN

  Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, yesterday, I voted for H.R. 335, which 
waived the requirement that a commissioned officer be retired from the 
military for at least 7 years before serving as Secretary of Defense. I 
believe civilian control and strong civilian-military relations 
strengthens our democracy. Congress designed the waiver process to 
guarantee that someone dedicated to the principle of civilian control 
can lead our military and to prevent the politicization of the officer 
corps. I continue to believe that the waiver should only be granted in 
unique cases. Secretary Austin is uniquely qualified to lead at this 
moment in our country's history, which is why I voted for his waiver. I 
believe Secretary Austin will work to maintain the safety and integrity 
of our institutions and further our Nation's interests at home and 
abroad. In the future, I will review any waiver that comes before this 
body with the care and consideration befitting this process and 
subject.

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