Should retired Gen. Lloyd Austin be exempt from a rule prohibiting ex-military officers from heading the Department of Defense?

National Security and Defense
A Waiver for Lloyd Austin (H.R. 335)
This bill has Passed the House of Representatives
Bill Summary

This bill allows the first person nominated and appointed as Secretary of Defense after 12 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on January 20, 2021, to be a person who is, on the date of appointment, at least four years after relief from active duty as a commissioned officer of a regular component of the Armed Forces. Under current law, an individual may not be appointed as Secretary of Defense within seven years after relief from such active duty. This bill exempts President Biden’s Nominee for Secretary of Defense, Retired General Lloyd Austin, from this rule. Sponsor: Rep. Adam Smith (Democrat, Washington, District 9)
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Opponents say

• “On the nomination of General Austin -- the House will be asked to vote not on the person (he is a fine man), but on the longstanding principle of civilian control of the military -- including that a civilian should run the Pentagon. We spent the last four years violating such norms. I would need to hear an extremely strong case from the Biden administration for the necessity of General Austin's appointment at this moment to consider further eroding this one.” Source: Representative Tom Malinowski> (Democratic, New Jersey, District 7)
• “Civilian control of the military is fundamental to our democracy so I don’t think this is the time to make an exception.” Source: Representative Ilhan Omar> (Democratic, Minnesota, District 5)

Proponents say

• “Now more than ever, we need an experienced, competent, organized, and respected Secretary of Defense. Every day that we do not have such a Secretary in place is a day that emboldens those who wish our nation harm.” - 15 former Defense Officials, including Chuck Hagel, in a letter to the House Armed Services Committee. Source: 15 former Defense Officials
• “Blocking [Lloyd Austin] will send a false, dangerous message that Congress believes a highly qualified African American is unable to do the job." - Adam Smith [D - WA - District 9] Source: Adam Schiff (Democrat, California, District 28)
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