The Trump transition team is blocking retired Gen. James Mattis from testifying at the House Armed Services Committee on Thursday about his need for a waiver to serve as the defense secretary, according to a top Democrat.
Minority Whip Steny Hoyer told reporters on Wednesday that the two leaders of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, and Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., are upset that the transition team is not allowing the former four-star to appear before the committee.
“Both have asked Gen. Mattis to testify, to testify before this piece of legislation came up. It is my understanding from Mr. Smith that the transition team has instructed Mr. Mattis not to testify. It is my understanding that Mr. Thornberry is not happy about that, I know Mr. Smith is not,” Hoyer said.
A congressional aide said the general agreed to testify before the House committee, but then “the transition pulled him.”
Mattis originally had two Capitol Hill appearances scheduled for Thursday: His regular confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee in the morning, followed by an appearance before the House Armed Services Committee on the issue of the waiver, which he would need to serve as defense secretary so soon after retiring from the military.
He is still scheduled to appear before the Senate.
“This is not a minor issue. This is a major issue affecting the principle of civilian control of the military, and Ranking Member Smith believes deeply that Gen. Mattis should come speak with the members about it,” a House Armed Services Democratic spokesperson said.
Asked why the transition team was not allowing Mattis to testify, a spokeswoman just said that the retired general is focusing on his Senate appearance.
“General Mattis’ current focus is on following the constitutional process for confirmation by the United States Senate and testifying at his confirmation hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee. If confirmed he looks forward to working with both the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, which play critical roles in supporting our forces and ensuring civilian control of the military,” Alleigh Marre told the Washington Examiner.
Traditionally, candidates appear only before the Senate for their confirmation hearing, but because Mattis’ situation requires a waiver that must also pass the House, some felt that he should testify before that chamber as well.
Mattis retired from the Marine Corps in 2013, meaning he’ll need lawmakers to make an exception to the seven-year cooling off period out of uniform for him to serve as defense secretary.
Al Weaver contributed to this report
