SASC Advances Austin Nomination

The Senate Armed Services Committee today voted by voice to favorably report the nomination of Lloyd Austin to be Secretary of Defense.

Prior to the vote, the Committee voted by voice to advance S. 12, a bill to provide for an exception to a limitation against appointment of persons as Secretary of Defense within seven years of relief from active duty as a regular commissioned officer of the Armed Forces, the waiver required by law to allow Austin to serve as Secretary of Defense if the full Senate confirms his nomination.

The nomination was immediately reported to the Senate floor following the Committee’s action. The Senate will not vote to confirm Austin until after the Committee receives and reviews Austin’s responses to Questions for the Record.