The Senate Armed Services Committee passed the waiver on Thursday that will allow retired Gen. James Mattis to serve as defense secretary so soon after leaving the Marine Corps, sending it to the full Senate for approval.
The vote was 24-3. Democratic Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand, Richard Blumenthal and Elizabeth Warren all voted against the waiver.
The committee approved the exemption following a wide-ranging confirmation hearing where Mattis fielded questions about threats facing the country, acquisition programs and how his time in uniform will affect his role as the department’s top civilian.
John McCain