The full Senate approved a waiver for Secretary of Defense nominee James Mattis Thursday afternoon by a vote of 81-17, according to a Senate Armed Services Committee spokesperson. SASC had approved the measure earlier in the day by a vote of 24-3. The House Armed Services Committee also approved the waiver Thursday, by a vote of 34-28, according to a HASC spokesperson. The full House is expected to vote on the bill tomorrow. Mattis’ confirmation requires a waiver because federal law stipulates a Defense Secretary must be retired from Active Duty military service for seven years before serving in the top civilian job at the Pentagon. Mattis retired from the US Marine Corps in 2013.
Top Lawmakers Want 15 Percent Pay Raise for Enlisted Troops
April 19, 2024
A new law introduced by Congress would raise the pay rate 15 percent for junior enlisted troops and seek improvements on a range of quality of life issues, such as pay and compensation, child care, housing, health care access, and military spouse employment.