Congressman Kim Calls for Approval of Waiver
for Secretary-Designee Austin

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) released the following statement calling for the House to approve a waiver for Defense Secretary-Designee Lloyd Austin, and his immediate confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

“President Biden faces incredible challenges to our nation’s security and global stability on day one. He needs a proven leader at the Pentagon who understands the troops he’ll be responsible for and who can execute the President’s vision for a safer world; Secretary-Designee Austin is that leader.

I’ve seen Secretary-Designee Austin in the Situation Room. I know his thoughtfulness and his dedication to the principle of civilian control of our military. He is incredibly qualified and will make our country proud. I hope my colleagues join me tomorrow in voting for a waiver to allow his confirmation to move forward and the hard work of the new administration to begin.”

Congressman Kim is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The Congressman is also a co-chair of the House Democratic National Security Task Force.

Prior to serving in the House, Congressman Kim worked as a career public servant under both Democrats and Republicans. He served at USAID, the Pentagon, the State Department, the White House National Security Council, and in Afghanistan as an advisor to Generals Petraeus and Allen. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website by clicking here.

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