Jacobs Supports Nomination of Gen. Austin For Secretary of Defense, Speaks on Floor

(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) spoke on the House floor today in support of the waiver required to allow retired four-star Army General Lloyd Austin to serve as Secretary of Defense.

“The Pentagon’s tradition of civilian leadership is an important cornerstone of our democracy that dates to our nation’s founding and is one we should maintain. However, having examined General Austin’s record and with consideration to the numerous national security threats we face, the approval of this waiver and swift confirmation of this exceptionally qualified and experienced leader to head the Pentagon is warranted,” Jacobs said.

Transcript of Rep. Jacobs’ remarks:

“I rise today in support of the waiver allowing General Lloyd Austin to serve as Secretary of Defense. Civilian leadership at the top of the Pentagon is desirable and necessary. I believe this should only be reserved for unique circumstances. Regularly nominating candidates who require waivers is not a precedent we should set. However, examining General Austin's credentials and the circumstances facing our nation lead me to believe the approval of this specific waiver is warranted. The COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing. China is growing bolder and more aggressive using espionage, cyber warfare, and manipulation to undermine U.S. and global security. Iran remains a threat to the Middle East and the world. And North Korea continues to pursue an ambitious nuclear weapons development program. These issues, and others, require the steady hand of an experienced and qualified Secretary of Defense. General Austin meets these requirements and is more than qualified to oversee our nation's military. I urge the support of this waiver. I look forward to working with Secretary Austin to confront these very real threats to our national security.”

Background:

The waiver allows General Austin to bypass a law requiring Secretaries of Defense to be retired from the military for at least seven years before being appointed to head the Pentagon. The waiver needs to be approved in both the House and Senate. This is only the third waiver of its kind in our nation’s history, the most recent one approved for former Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis in 2017.

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