Trump Signs Measure Granting Mattis Waiver To Serve As Defense Secretary [View all]

[Jose Garcia]

Source: The Associated Press

President Donald Trump has signed legislation that clears the way for his defense secretary pick — retired Marine Gen. James Mattis — to run the Pentagon, if confirmed by the Senate.

A vote on Mattis is expected Friday.

There’s a law that bars former service members who’ve been out of uniform for less than seven years from holding the top Pentagon job. The restriction is meant to preserve civilian control of the military.

The measure signed by Trump soon after his took office grants Mattis a one-time exception.

Read more: http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2017/01/20/trump-signs-measure-granting-mattis-waiver-to-serve-as-defense-secretary/