

Politics Jan 21

Thursday's 326-78 vote would grant a waiver that would exempt Austin from the seven-year rule. All signs point to quick action in the Senate after that, putting Austin on track to be confirmed as secretary by week's end.
By Robert Burns, Andrew Taylor, Associated Press
Politics Jan 19

Addressing the Senate Armed Services Committee, Austin, who served 41 years in the Army, vowed to surround himself with qualified civilians and include them in policy decisions.
By Associated Press
Politics Jan 18

The Senate typically confirms some nominees, particularly the secretaries of defense, state and treasury, on Inauguration Day, though raw feelings regarding Trump led to Democratic-caused delays four years ago.
By Associated Press
Politics Dec 07

Austin retired from the Army in 2016, which means he would require a congressional waiver of the legal requirement that a former military member be out of uniform for at least seven years before serving as secretary of defense.
By Robert Burns, Michael Balsamo, Jonathan Lemire, Zeke Miller, Associated Press
Dec 03

By Steve Peoples, Robert Burns, Associated Press
Black leaders have encouraged the incoming president to select an African American to diversify what has so far been an all-white prospective Cabinet, while others are pushing him to appoint a woman to lead the Department of Defense for the…
Nov 17

By Robert Burns, Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press
The new plan will accelerate troop withdrawals from Iraq and Afghanistan in Trump's final days in office, despite arguments from senior military officials in favor of a more methodical pullout.
Nov 09

By Robert Burns, Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press
President Donald Trump says he has fired Defense Secretary Mark Esper. It's a stunning move on the heels of Trump’s failed reelection bid. It could also unsettle U.S. allies and partners.
Jul 23

By Robert Burns, Associated Press
Mark Esper, an Army veteran and former defense industry lobbyist, won Senate confirmation Tuesday by a vote of 90-8, ending the longest period the Pentagon has gone without a confirmed leader in its history.
Another personnel disruption is rocking the White House, as Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan withdrew from consideration for the permanent role Tuesday amid reports of domestic violence in his past. The Washington Post’s Aaron Davis spoke with Shanahan about…
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