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Former Sen. Nunn Testifies in Favor of Congressional Waiver for Mattis

January 12, 2017

Former Democratic Sen. Sam Nunn (Ga.) testified Thursday morning in favor of a congressional waiver for retired Gen. James Mattis to become President-elect Donald Trump's secretary of defense.

Mattis retired from the Marine Corps in 2013 and will need the House and Senate to pass a waiver exempting him from the seven-year waiting period currently required for retired military officers to head the Pentagon.

Nunn appeared in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee before Mattis gave his testimony and praised the retired four-star general for his character and leadership.

"I believe exceptions for this restriction should be based on the experience, the skills, and the character of the nominee, and our country's need to ask them to serve in this important role," Nunn said in his testimony. "I also believe that your examination of Jim Mattis' character, credentials, and record will convince you that he, like George Marshall, should be granted a waiver and confirmed as secretary of defense."

The former Georgia senator is a well-respected voice on foreign policy issues, having spent years serving as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee during his tenure in the chamber.

Opponents of Mattis's confirmation have cited civilian control of the military as reason not to grant the waiver, although the retired general has bipartisan support to be confirmed as the next Pentagon chief.

Mattis served over 40 years in the Marine Corps and his tenure included stints as the commander of U.S. Central Command and the commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command, among other senior posts.