Biden formally introduced Austin as his candidate to lead the Pentagon at a one-person event Wednesday afternoon in Delaware. If confirmed, he will make history as the first black defense secretary. This choice has sparked a new debate over civilian control of the military. Austin, who retired four years ago, will need President Donald Trump’s nominee, the same discount that Congress gave four years ago to retired Maritime officer Jim Mattis – a move that has led some Democrats to say they are reluctant to approve such a discount once and for all. “If I do not believe in this moment in our history I will not ask for this exception – it calls for it – and if I do not believe in it I should ask Lloyd Austin for that,” Biden said. His message on Wednesday was aimed directly at Congress, highlighting its move to grant a rebate to Mattis. He said he had seen Austin at tables with foreign leaders and sometimes wondered if he was an army chief or ambassador. “I’m not exaggerating – he has a way of talking about it,” Biden said. “I know this man, I know his respect for our constitution. I know his respect for our system of government. So I urge Congress to give a waiver to Lloyd Austin, as they did to Secretary Jim Mattis,” Biden said. He also underscored the length of their relationship and their personal faith in Austin. “I have personally worked with this man and I have seen him lead the U.S. military on the battlefield. I have also seen him faithfully carry out the orders of the civilian leadership of this nation,” Biden said. Austin said the military holds the importance of civilian control “at the forefront of my mind” and operates the Pentagon “as a basis for meaningful civilian oversight.” “I am coming to this new role as a civilian leader – with military experience, to be sure – but with deep appreciation and reverence for the current wisdom of the civilian control of our military,” he said. This week the Senate Senate Democrats said they would oppose the dismissal of Austin. Sen. of D-Connecticut. According to Richard Blument, giving one would “violate the basic principle that there should be civilian control over the non – political army.” But the Senate Armed Services Committee’s top Democrat, Sen. Rhode Island. Jack Reid noted that he was open to giving Austin a rebate, saying, “By all means, you have to give the candidate a chance to explain himself or herself.” The officer said. Austin is expected to speak with the House leadership and congressional leadership, including members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committee, “early” when he begins the confirmation process, the official said. A phone call over the weekend, CNN previously announced, selected Austin out of three finalists and offered him the position. In an edition published by The Atlantic on Tuesday, Biden spoke directly to Austin about the need for a discount. “The truth is that many of Austin’s strengths and his close knowledge of the Department of Defense and our government apply individually to the challenges and crises we face. He is the person we need at the moment,” he wrote. “I respect and believe in the importance of civilian control in our military and, like Austin, a strong civil-military working relationship,” Biden wrote. “We need civilians with the power to work with military leaders to shape the DOT’s policies and ensure that our defense policies are accountable to the American people. He will work tirelessly to get in the way. “Biden’s pitch for Austin includes deep personal and family ties: Biden’s late son Beau Biden worked for Austin’s staff in Iraq, and the two had a close relationship there. A source familiar with Biden’s decision said. “Over his 40 years in the United States Army, Austin has faced every challenge with extraordinary talent and deep personal dignity. He is a true and tested soldier and leader. I have spent countless hours with him, on the field and on the White House Situation Row. “I took his advice, saw his command, and admired his calmness and his character. He was the definition of a patriot.” CNN’s Dead Barrett, Nicole Coutt, Manu Raju, Kate Sullivan, Jack Topper, Jasmine Wright and Jeff Jelanie contributed to the report. .
Source