Tag Archives: Lloyd Austin

US accelerates deployment of warships to the Middle East as Israel prepares for attack from Iran

USS-Abraham-Lincoln

Important Takeaways:

  • Israel is preparing for a large-scale military attack from Iran, defense minister Yoav Gallant, has told his US counterpart.
  • It comes as the US defense secretary, Lloyd Austin, has ordered a nuclear-powered guided-missile submarine to the Middle East and is telling the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to sail more quickly to the area, as well
  • The US and other allies continue to push for Israel and Hamas to agree to a ceasefire agreement over the war in Gaza that could help calm soaring tensions in the region.

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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin: NATO will have to fight Russia if Ukraine falls

Lloyd Austin

Important Takeaways:

  • NATO will likely have to directly engage with Russian aggressive expansion if Moscow emerges victorious in the war against Ukraine, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said at a congressional hearing on Feb. 29.
  • Austin stated, “Putin won’t stop with Ukraine; he will continue to push forward and attack the sovereign territory of his neighbors.”
  • “If you are in the Baltics, you’re very concerned you might be next,” the secretary said.
  • “They understand Putin and his capabilities. And frankly, if Ukraine falls, I genuinely believe NATO will be fighting Russia.”

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U.S. House moves toward approving waiver for defense secretary pick

By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to approve a waiver on Thursday that would help clear the way for President Joe Biden’s nominee, retired Army General Lloyd Austin, to serve as defense secretary.

The House and Senate, both controlled by Biden’s fellow Democrats, must back a waiver for Austin to assume the post because he has not been out of the military for at least seven years, a rule meant to safeguard civilian control of the U.S. armed forces.

Ahead of the vote set for Thursday afternoon, Austin held a briefing with Democratic and Republican House members to discuss the importance of civilian control of the military.

The House Armed Services Committee had planned a hearing on the waiver issue, but could not do so quickly enough because the panel’s membership in the newly elected Congress has not been made final.

“Secretary-designate Austin understands that some members had reservations about his nomination given the need for a waiver, and his willingness to have an open dialogue with Congress is a testament to the kind of leader he is and will be once his historic confirmation is complete,” Armed Services Committee chairman Adam Smith said in a statement.

If confirmed by the Senate to the post, Austin would become the first Black defense secretary.

Democratic House leaders have said they expect the House to approve the waiver despite concern from some lawmakers in both parties about the need to protect civilian control of the military. Former President Donald Trump’s first defense secretary, retired Marine Corps General Jim Mattis, also needed – and received – a waiver.

CNN reported that a senior House Democrat, James Clyburn, said on a telephone call that there were enough votes in the House to approve the waiver.

Austin had a smooth confirmation hearing in the Senate on Tuesday. Austin said he would work to get rid of “racists and extremists” from the ranks of the U.S. military.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Will Dunham)