Jayapal Votes Against Department of Defense Waiver
WASHINGTON — United States Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) issued the following statement after voting against a waiver to allow General Lloyd Austin to be the United States Secretary of Defense:
“While General Lloyd Austin is exceptionally qualified, has dedicated a lifetime of service to our country and would bring critical experiences and perspectives to the Defense Department as its first Black Secretary, it is a core principle in America that we maintain civilian control of our military.
“That is why we require a Secretary of Defense nominee to be out of active-duty service for at least seven years. Unfortunately, General Austin does not meet that fundamental democratic principle. Waiving this requirement yet again sets a dangerous precedent and pattern. That is why I voted against today’s waiver.”
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