Posted on 12/07/2016 12:10:11 PM PST by mdittmar
The provision would expedite passage of a waiver that would allow Mattis to serve as secretary of defense.
Republicans lawmakers have added to a funding bill a provision meant to help speed up the passage of a waiver to allow retired Gen. Jim Mattis to serve as secretary of defense.
The move is aimed at short-circuiting Democratic objections to one of President-elect Donald Trump's key Cabinet picks. Congress must pass the funding bill by midnight Friday or else face a government shutdown.
Mattis retired after more than four decades in the Marines in 2013, and thus needs Congress to grant him a waiver from a World War II-era law that bars ex-military members from the top post at the Pentagon within seven years of retiring from the service, an effort to preserve the principle of civilian control of the U.S. military. Congress has done so just once, for George Marshall in 1950, stipulating that "no additional appointments of military men to that office shall be approved."
Democrats, already concerned about a Cabinet shaping up to be heavy on military brass, are considering how to respond to the maneuver.
"The American people are entitled to regular order and thoughtful scrutiny of nominees and any potential waivers," House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said in a statement Tuesday. "Brushing aside the law that enshrines civilian control of the military – without discussion, in a massive must-pass funding bill – would set a terrible precedent."
(Excerpt) Read more at usnews.com ...
Not a big deal. The number of years of separation is something Congress pulled out of their magic hat.
Who cares what she thinks?
The Democrats will shut down the government? We win either way!!!
At least you know what's in the bill, Nancy. Unlike 0bamacare. For example.
I don’t read anything in the constitution that says he needs a waiver.
The point is that Congress acknowledges & approves the validity & value of the person, within the spirit of the restriction. Mattis isn’t being approved by POTUS alone in some quid pro quo, he’s approved because he’s a legitimate leader & advisor.
Besides, if Congress hadn’t gotten itself so deep into stupid spending predicaments, this “trick” couldn’t be used. Play stupid games, get stupid prizes.
Why would this not be the purview of the next Congress seated in January??
Can you imagine of they close the government down right after Trump is President?
It would be a massive mistake by them right after an election, but I wonder how they like their crap done to them now.
At least you know what's in the bill, Nancy. Unlike 0bamacare. For example.
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Nancy, civilian control of the military is enshrined in the Constitution... Wait, silly me, she's never read that document.
The bill complies with a legislative requirement. It ensures that both houses of Congress get to weigh in when the President (or President elect) nominates a retired military officer for Secretary of Defense. General Mattis has a very good reputation. More than enough to waive the requirement.
He will still have to get the Constitutionally mandated consent of the Senate by going through the confirmation process in the Senate next month. Again, since she has never read the Constitution, she does not know that.
We have to make Gen. Mattis SecDef before we know whose ass he’ll kick, Nanzi!
Semper Fidelis!
Highly overrated
If not for a couple of hundred thousand votes in a few states, the military would be the only thing that could stop the Hildabeast from looting and plundering and destroying the USA.
While I am glad that they are going to get a waiver for General Mattis in this manner, I cannot help but wonder why this tactic has never been utilized to eliminate or largely cut back on the onerous provisions of the National Firearms Act of 1934 or the Gun Control Act of 1968. What excuse do our Representatives have for failing to do this?
What does “speed-up” mean? Just faster consent?
THAT’S WHAT I WAS THINKING TOO.
How many times did the DemocRATS play this game on the Repubs .. forcing them to vote for BAD legislation .. in order to actually vote for a necessary item in the legislation.
THE DEMOCRATS DESERVE TO HAVE IT THROWN IN THEIR FACE EVERY SINGLE DAY.
US Snooze trying to make something of nothing.
’ “House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Wednesday that most Democrats won’t oppose compromise language in a stopgap spending measure aimed at expediting consideration of President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Defense secretary.
“I don’t think that will be an obstacle — maybe for some,” Pelosi told reporters Wednesday.” ‘
http://thehill.com/policy/defense/309265-pelosi-dems-ok-with-mattis-compromise-language#.WEhjZpn7mRM.twitter
So very true. Fast-tracking a cabinet pick huh?
Well, since the Democraps have introduced the nitrogen bomb to voting in 2011, I expect the Republicans to get the knowledge soon.
It will be.
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