Rep. Cleaver Votes in Support of Lloyd Austin For Secretary of Defense

(Washington, D.C.) – Yesterday, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) voted in favor of granting a congressional waiver to allow Lloyd Austin to serve as Secretary of Defense before he completes the seven-year waiting period required for retired military officers. Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Mr. Austin as the next Secretary of Defense.

"I was proud to support Lloyd Austin for his nomination as the 28th United States Secretary of Defense," said Congressman Cleaver. "This historic nomination, which would install the first Black Secretary of Defense in American history, has been a long time coming and demonstrates President Biden's commitment to diversity and inclusion. At this critical moment, when our nation faces a wide array of complex national security challenges, I believe Mr. Austin has the requisite experience, temperament, and fortitude to implement the strategic approach needed to defend our nation and protect our troops. I will do everything in my power to ensure Secretary Austin—and our men and women in uniform—have everything they need to accomplish their mission."

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.