Murphy Opposes Waiver for Gen. Lloyd Austin III to Serve as Secretary of Defense

Washington, D.C. – On January 21, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation providing a waiver for Gen. Lloyd Austin III, who retired from the Army in 2016, to serve as Secretary of Defense. Federal law presently requires former service members to be civilians for at least seven years before they can head the Department of Defense. Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) released the following statement after voting against the waiver:

"Gen. Lloyd Austin III has a decorated and very impressive record serving our great country – I did not oppose this waiver because I take issue with his career," said Murphy. "I also do not oppose retired generals playing a political role in our government. Many of the greatest statesmen in American history have served in our military and I know that will continue to be the case in the future.

"That said, given the civilian structure of the leadership in our government, I believe it's important for retired service members to take a step back and see the world through the lens of a civilian before they lead the entirety of our military as Secretary of Defense. I believe the passage of this waiver today continues to set a bad precedent for our military and the country at large."