Luján Statement on Vote Granting Waiver for Defense Secretary Nominee

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after voting to grant a waiver to allow retired General Lloyd Austin to serve as Secretary of Defense. 

“After speaking to Lloyd Austin this afternoon, I’m convinced that he is the right person to lead the Department of Defense. America’s military is facing a broad range of challenges and responsibilities – from assisting with COVID-19 vaccine distribution, protecting our missions overseas, and supporting military families to combating white supremacy and extremism here at home. We need strong and steady leadership that can tackle these challenges, stand up for our service members, and defend America’s standing and security abroad. 

“President Biden has put forth a nominee with the qualifications, courage, and integrity to lead the United States out of one of our nation’s darkest chapters. I will vote to confirm Lloyd Austin as Secretary of Defense.”