WASHINGTON (AP) - The Democratic-controlled Congress easily passed legislation Thursday required to confirm retired Gen.
Lloyd Austin as President Joe Biden’s secretary of defense, brushing aside concerns that his retirement occurred inside the seven-year window that safeguards civilian leadership of the military.It would be the first measure to be signed into law by brand-new President Joe Biden.The Senate sent the measure exempting Austin from the seven-year rule to Biden after a 69-27 Senate tally that came moments after a comparably lopsided 326-78 House vote.
The back-to-back votes put Austin in position to be confirmed as secretary by Friday.Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, confirmed that the confirmation vote on Austin would be conducted.