January 22, 2021

Manchin Votes To Confirm Secretary Of Defense Austin

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, voted to confirm Retired General Lloyd Austin as the United States Secretary of Defense.

“Today I voted to confirm Lloyd Austin as Secretary of Defense. His confirmation is the beginning of a long journey to reestablish American leadership around the globe and rebuild trust in our federal government. After meeting with Secretary Austin and questioning him during his nomination hearing, I truly believe he is the right person to lead the Department of Defense. His more than 40 year career of serving in a subordinate nature to civilian authority provides a unique background to reinforce the example of civilian leadership of our military, and that example is desperately needed as we return to a sense of normalcy. I look forward to working with Secretary Austin as we restore America’s role in upholding democratic ideals at home and across the world.”

On January 11th, Senator Manchin met virtually with Retired General Austin.

On January 19th, Senator Manchin questioned Retired General Austin during a Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing.