Lee was also among the losers on the losing side of a 69-27 vote on Thursday to give Austin a special waiver to allow him to serve as defense secretary without first waiting for a normally required period of 7 years after service. active military.
Conn Carroll, a spokesman for Lee, said the senator “believes that civilian control of the military is best served by the existing rule that requires a seven-year gap between active service and the position of defense secretary.”
He added: “Other senators may have voted to waive this rule for General Austin, but Senator Lee believes it should be applied uniformly.”
Although the House does not vote on Cabinet appointments by a president, it voted for Austin’s resignation on Thursday – and approved it 326-78.
Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah, a former Air Force pilot, was among the minority who voted against the resignation. Representatives John Curtis, Burgess Owens and Blake Moore, all from R-Utah, voted in favor. Senator Mitt Romney, R-Utah, also voted for Austin’s resignation and confirmation.