House Approves Waiver For Lloyd Austin, Biden's Pick To Head Pentagon
The House normally has no role in Cabinet nominations, but because Austin, a retired Army general, has not been out of service for seven years, both chambers of Congress must approve a waiver.
The House of Representatives approved a waiver Thursday for retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin to serve as President Biden's defense secretary.
Normally the House has no role in confirming Cabinet secretaries. But Austin retired from the military four years ago, short of the seven years required by law to take the civilian job without a waiver from both houses of Congress.
Austin will make history if confirmed by the. He would be just the third defense secretary to require a waiver from Congress to assume the post.
