The ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee praised President-elect Trump’s reported decision to nominate retired Marine Gen. James Mattis to secretary of defense on Thursday afternoon.
Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., told CNN’s Jake Tapper his response to the appointment was “largely positive.”
“I’ve certainly been impressed with what I’ve seen and read about him and his reputation. So I think he’s a very good choice. And I think he will be very well-received,” Schiff said.
Schiff warned the only concern he could foresee with the nomination was that it will require statutory changes in order to legally accommodate him. Current law states a military officer cannot take a Cabinet position within seven years of his or her service.
Mattis retired three years ago, but it is possible for the rule to be amended to allow the former commander of U.S. Central Command to take office. It would be the first time such a change has taken place in more than six decades.
