Kaine Statement on Vote to Confirm General Austin as Secretary of Defense

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), released the following statement ahead of voting to confirm retired General Lloyd Austin as the Secretary of Defense:

“Lloyd Austin is committed to civilian control of the military and is well-equipped to lead the Department of Defense as it protects us from enemies foreign and domestic, including the troubling growth of white supremacist and other extremist mindsets within our own Armed Forces. I will vote to confirm General Austin as Secretary of Defense so he can get straight to work amid these challenges.”

During General Austin’s nomination hearing earlier this week, Kaine raised concerns over the rise of white supremacy and extremism among military personnel and asked General Austin how he would address this issue.

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