House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said Friday that retired Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis is the perfect choice to lead the Defense Department and help the U.S. speed up the drawn out fight against the Islamic State.
“General Mattis is exactly the right choice to lead the Pentagon after eight years of fecklessness under President Obama,” Ryan said. “With this selection, it’s clear President-elect Trump is serious about rebuilding our military, defeating ISIS, and keeping Americans safe. I applaud this decision, and look forward to working with General Mattis and the Trump administration to restore American leadership at home and abroad.”
House Armed Services Chairman Mac Thornberry also applauded Trump’s choice in a press release issued an hour after Trump broke the news at Cincinnati, the first stop in his national “thank you” tour.
“Few individuals in the field of national security are as respected and admired as Jim Mattis. His nomination as Secretary of Defense is an excellent selection, and I am grateful for his willingness to serve in this capacity,” Thornberry said. “I will work with my colleagues in the coming days to clear the way for his confirmation by the Senate. I can think of no better partner for Congress to work with to support the men and women who serve and protect our nation’s security.”
The nomination is controversial, however, since Mattis is expected to need a waiver from current law that requires retired military personnel to be out of service for seven years before taking a cabinet position. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., said Thursday that she is against changing the rule to accommodate Mattis.
“While I respect Gen. Mattis’s service, I oppose a waiver-civilian control of our military is a fundamental principle of American democracy,” Gillibrand tweeted.
While I respect Gen Mattis’s service, I’ll oppose a waiver-civilian control of our military is a fundamental principle of American democracy
— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) December 2, 2016
However, Republicans have control of both the House and Senate, and may be able to successfully change the rules. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who told the Washington Examiner that he would write the bill to grant Mattis a waiver of the seven-year rule., also supports Mattis.
“I have had the privilege of knowing General Mattis for many years. He is without a doubt one of the finest military officers of his generation and an extraordinary leader who inspires a rare and special admiration of his troops. General Mattis has a clear understanding of the many challenges facing the Department of Defense, the U.S. military, and our national security. America will be fortunate to have General Mattis in its service once again,” McCain said in a statement.
On Friday, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said he expects the Senate would be able to pass the legislation needed to give Mattis a waiver.
I’m confident the waiver allowing Gen. Mattis to serve as Sec of Defense will be approved by Congress. I look forward to his confirmation.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) December 2, 2016
