Political Quotes

“civilian control of our military is one of the bedrock principles of American self-government. The National Security Act of 1947, U.S.C. Title 10 Section 113(a), stipulates that an individual ``may not be appointed as Secretary of Defense within seven years after relief from active duty as a commissioned officer of a regular component of an armed force.'' President-Elect Donald Trump's choice of retired U.S. Marine Corps General James N. Mattis violates that provision since he has only been out of the uniform for 3 years; thus, Congress will need to pass a waiver so that he can serve if confirmed. I have considered this issue carefully, and I have listened to Gen. Mattis's testimony earlier today before the Senate Armed Services Committee. I believe Gen. Mattis is committed to the principle of civilian control of the military. I was reassured by his testimony this morning, and I will vote to grant the waiver. There is a precedent: in 1950, the Senate voted to confirm General George C. Marshall's as Secretary of Defense, despite the fact that he had been retired for only 5 years. Former Secretaries of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, Robert M. Gates, and Leon E. Panetta have expressed bipartisan support for Gen. Mattis. I am willing to vote for the waiver, as long as one nomination does not turn into a trend.…”