House and Senate approve waiver for Lloyd Austin to head Pentagon

The House of Representatives and Senate approved a waiver on Thursday allowing Lloyd Austin, a retired Army general, to hold the civilian post of defense secretary, clearing the way for his confirmation to the job.

The House voted 326-78 to pass the waiver, which exempts Austin from the seven-year "cooling off period" for retired generals taking over the helm of the Pentagon currently prescribed by law. The Senate immediately took up the waiver, passing it on a 69-27 vote.

(CGTN)