House Speaker Paul Ryan is defending the decision to use the budget stopgap bill as a vehicle for legislation that would let the Senate quickly consider retired Gen. James Mattis as President-elect Trump’s secretary of defense.

House Republicans included language in the continuing resolution that allows Congress to fast-track legislation next year that would shorten the amount of time a member of the military would have to be a civilian, from seven to three years, before becoming secretary of defense. Appearing on CNBC, Ryan argued that Mattis is “exception worthy” and pushed for Democrats to support both the nomination and legislation needed to let him serve.