The Senate has confirmed four-star general Lloyd Austin on Jan. 22, making him the nation’s first Black defense secretary. The Senate voted 93 to 2 to confirm Austin, who had to be granted a special waiver to be confirmed to the position. Under the National Security Act of 1947, Congress prohibits any individual from serving as defense secretary within seven years of active-duty service. Since Austin retired in 2006, he needed both the House and Senate to grant him a waiver. Both the House and Senate passed legislation granting Austin a waiver to lead the Pentagon on Jan. 21. The Senate approved Austin waiver by a 69-27 vote, while the House voted 326 to 78.
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