1 Timothy 2:1-2 “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
Important Takeaways:
- Senate Votes to Confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court
- The Senate voted 53-47 on Thursday to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court, marking President Joe Biden’s (D) first appointment to the country’s highest court. Breitbart reported
- Three Republican senators – Susan Collins, Mitt Romney, and Lisa Murkowski – had already said they would join Democrats to vote for her, making her confirmation a forgone conclusion.
- She is set to replace Justice Stephen Breyer who Democrats had asked to retire while they still control the Senate. He’ll officially step down this summer.
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By Patricia Zengerle
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Senate on Friday confirmed President Joe Biden’s nominee, retired Army General Lloyd Austin, to serve as Secretary of Defense – the first Black American in the role.
The vote was an overwhelming 93-2 in the 100-member chamber, far more than the simple majority needed.
Lawmakers from both parties said they were pleased that Austin would be installed to lead the Pentagon just two days after Biden was sworn in as president on Wednesday.
Senator Jack Reed, the incoming Democratic chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, noted the wide range of challenges facing the country – including the coronavirus pandemic and competition with China and Russia.
“General Austin is an exceptionally qualified leader with a long and distinguished career in the U.S. military,” Reed said before the vote.
“We’re in the most threatened time that we’re in,” said Senator James Inhofe, the outgoing Republican chairman of the armed services panel, as he also urged support for the nominee.
Members of Congress on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a waiver that allowed Austin to lead the Pentagon even though he had not cleared the required seven-year waiting period since leaving the uniformed services – a law intended to enforce civilian control of the armed forces.
(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Mark Heinrich and Chizu Nomiyama)
