The Senate on Thursday voted 81-17 to pass the waiver.
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President-elect Donald Trump has called President Barack Obama’s decision to open combat roles to women “politically correct” and has linked it to the military’s problems with sexual assault, but he has not said he would reverse the decisions. “I think you can anticipate if it makes it to the president’s desk, he will sign it”, White House press secretary Josh Earnest said at a briefing Friday.
Shortly afterward, he was approved for a waiver for the requirement of a seven-year gap between being active duty in the military and serving in the civilian role at the Pentagon.
Prior to this week, little opposition existed in either party to the waiver.
“This is a major issue affecting the principle of civilian control of the military, and Ranking Member (Representative Adam) Smith believes deeply that General Mattis should come speak with the members about it”, said Barron Youngsmith, a spokesman for Democrats on the House Armed Services Committee.
House Democrats say many members of their party aren’t inclined to approve the waiver unless Mattis appears before the committee.
Mattis also addressed concerns from some Democrats, including Sen. “We had the potential for a good, bipartisan vote, but maybe lost that potential now over this move”, she said, “and it could have been avoided”.
“The esprit-de-corps of our military, it’s can-do spirit, and its obedience to civilian leadership reduces the inclination and power of the military to criticize or oppose the policy it is ultimately ordered to implement”, Mattis told the Senate Armed Service Committee.
During the confirmation hearing, which took place prior to the waiver being voted on, Mattis was asked about his opinion on LGBT people in the military and the US’ relationship with Russian Federation. “He’s done it before, countless times”.
James Mattis was asked whether he thinks U.S. troops should be stationed in the country by chairman of the Defence Select Committee John McCain who had just returned to the United States from the region. As such, Mattis could theoretically be court-martial by Trump. That means Congress would need to grant a waiver, something it has not done since 1950.
Some of President-elect Donald Trump’s picks for key Cabinet positions are facing confirmation hearings on Thursday.
The Republican chairman of the panel, Mac Thornberry of Texas, couldn’t immediately be reached for comment on whether any House Republicans will withhold support for the waiver when the bill reaches the House floor for a vote. “Anywhere else? I don’t think that restriction should exist”.
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Answering written questions from Congress, Mattis cited Moscow’s involvement in hacking and cyber warfare, warned about treaty violation and destabilizing other states and wrote that he supports Trump’s “desire to engage with Russian Federation now”.
