It’s a new day!
Lloyd Austin was just confirmed by the U.S. Senate, making history as the first Black Defense secretary, CNBC reports.
The Senate confirmed Austin 93 to 2, as the next Pentagon chief, making him the first Black Defense secretary of the United States. Austin retired from the army in 2016, initially impeding his ability to serve as a result of the National Security Act of 1947, which prohibits an individual from serving as secretary of Defense within seven years of active-duty service. The act required Austin to get a special congressional waiver in order to be confirmed.
This week, the House and Senate passed legislation approving Austin’s waiver 69-27 in the Senate and 326 to 78 in the House. A four-star army general and West Point graduate, Austin is the first Black person to ever hold the title.
Congratulations Secretary of Defense Austin!
Photo Courtesy of Associated Press