01.12.17

Senate Passes Waiver Enabling Gen. Mattis to Become Secretary of Defense

Sullivan Questions SECDEF Nominee at Confirmation Hearing

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today voted for a waiver enabling retired General James Mattis to serve as the next Secretary of Defense. The waiver passed on a vote of 81 to 17.

“I believe General Mattis’s experience and insight warrant a waiver enabling him to lead our military during these extraordinary times in which our adversaries no longer fear us, and our allies no longer trust us,” said Senator Sullivan. “General Mattis is uniquely qualified to serve, understands and respects our Constitution, and has the admiration and support of our men and women in uniform, and the American people. I look forward to voting for his confirmation next week.”

Senator Sullivan also questioned General Mattis today in a confirmation hearing before the Armed Services Committee.

“I appreciated General Mattis today affirming the urgent need to develop a coherent policy – across our State, Defense and Treasury Departments – in response to China’s continued militarization of the South China Sea,” said Senator Sullivan. “General Mattis also committed to coming to Alaska to see our world-class forces and training grounds, and signaled the need for America to reassert itself in the Arctic, a pivotal region where we have seen unprecedented military expansion by Russia.” 

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