2nd DefSec Waiver Faces Struggle
The principle of civilian control of the military is at stake, say an increasing number of Democrats opposed to a waiver that would allow President-elect Joe Biden’s pick for Secretary of Defense to move forward. The US DefSec must be separated seven years from the military. GEN Lloyd Austin retired four years ago. The same waiver was sought by President Trump and received for former DefSec James Mattis.
Timeline on Vote for New DefSec Unclear
The Senate Armed Services Committee is planning a confirmation hearing at 3 pm Jan. 19 for GEN Lloyd Austin, the Biden administration’s choice for secretary of defense. A timeline for any vote has not yet been established.
Maverick Pilot Chuck Yeager Dies at 97
The World War II fighter pilot ace and quintessential test pilot showed he had the “right stuff” in 1947, becoming the first person to fly faster than sound.
