The U.S. Senate approved the candidacy of U.S. Secrertary of Defense offered by President Joe Biden. He advised to appoint Lloyd Austin, the officer who used to manage U.S. military operations in the Middle East in 2013-2016.
Austin's candidacy was upheld by 62 senators of 100. Soon, the official will make his oath.
Since 2010, Austin has held command of U.S. forces deployed in Iraq; he was responsible for the gradual withdrawal of forces from this country. Since 2011, he has served as the Deputy Chief of Staff of U.S. Ground Forces. In 2016, Austin joined the Board of Directors in Raytheon company.
Lloyd became the first African American to chair the Pentagon.
According to Republican Bennie Thompson, "General Austin is a southerner, has impeccable credentials given his military career, and would be an outstanding secretary for the department”.
