Earlier today, the Senate confirmed Lloyd Austin as the Secretary of Defense by a vote of 93 -2. The retired four-star general becomes the first African American to assume that position.
Before he could be confirmed, both chambers of Congress had to grant him a waiver to serve in that position. The waiver was needed as military personnel need to be out of uniform for seven years before serving as the Secretary. The Senate approved the waiver 69 – 27 while the House preceded it by a vote of 326 – 78.