Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) voted to confirm General Lloyd J. Austin III as Secretary of Defense. The Senator voted to confirm him today based on his merits and qualifications, independent of the concerns she voiced yesterday about the waiver for him to serve in the position.
“The United States is facing many pressing security threats, both at home and abroad. Secretary Designate Austin is extremely qualified to take on the important tasks of protecting our nation, supporting our troops, and matching our national defense strategy and investments to the challenges we face from adversaries like Russia and China. In my meeting with him, I also urged Secretary Austin to make institutional and cultural reforms to address sexual assault and sexual harassment in the military, elevate civilian voices in his decision making, and take steps to ensure our military has the resources it needs to truly focus on competition with China. I look forward to working with Secretary Austin on the issues that are important for Nevadans.”
Background:
Senator Cortez Masto introduced the bipartisan Servicewomen’s Health Transition Training Act of 2019, which passed into law last year, to help women transitioning from active duty to civilian life learn about the VA services available to them, including mental health assistance. Senator Cortez Masto has also cosponsored legislation to protect Americans against cybersecurity attacks and other threats from China.
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