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House Armed Services Committee waiver granted
https://armedservices.house.gov/news/press-releases/thornberry-praises-committees-vote-support-waiver-mattis
Jan 12, 2017 Press Release
WASHINGTON–Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following comments after the Committee passed the waiver to allow retired Gen. James Mattis to serve as Secretary of Defense:
"Extraordinary times call for extraordinary leaders. That is why the Committee approved the exception that allows General Mattis to serve as Secretary of Defense. Ensuring there is no gap in the office is important to the safety and security of the United States. I have no doubt that the nation stands to benefit, once again, from the service of this extraordinary leader, thinker, and public servant."