Austin takes on the civ-mil issues up front. Emphasizes that USD(P) (@ColinKahl) will be included in high-level decision-making.
Austin pledges to "stamp our sexual assault" and "to rid our ranks of racists and extremists."
"While I did not seek this job, I consider it an honor," Austin says. "I will uphold the principle of civilian control of the military as intended."
Austin ends his remarks; Inhofe immediately calls him "General Austin."🤦🏽♂️
Inhofe now asking Austin about the necessity of the nuclear triad, describing nuclear deterrence as DoD's most important responsibility. "I personally support the triad," says Austin.
Inhofe pop quizzes Austin on Western Saharan self-determination. (?) Not sure I grok the sequencing of these questions.
Tom Cotton says he opposes a waiver for Austin, adding that he regrets supporting a waiver for Mattis (and that George Marshall shouldn't have gotten a waiver either).
Not often I say this, but I don't think I disagreed with a single part of Cotton's justification for opposing a waiver.
Coda: Do I expect Cotton to maintain his principled opposition the next time a GOP president puts forward a retired general for a waiver? Not quite.
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