WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) today released the statement commending President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of General James Mattis to serve as Secretary of Defense:

“Our country needs a leader at the Department of Defense who will support our warfighters and strengthen our national security, and General Jim Mattis is an excellent selection for Secretary of Defense,” said Congressman Austin Scott, House Armed Services Committee Member and representative for Robins and Moody Air Force Bases.  “Well-qualified and well-respected by members of the defense community, General Mattis will lead the charge on rebuilding our military, combatting the spread of terrorism, and deterring the aggression of rogue states and non-state actors, like ISIL.

“As a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I look forward to working with General Mattis and the Trump administration to ensure our warfighters have the resources they need to keep Americans safe.”

Although the Senate is solely responsible for confirming presidential nominees, General Mattis is within the 7-year window that prohibits service as secretary. Therefore, both the House Armed Services Committee, on which Congressman Austin Scott is the only Republican Member from Georgia to serve, and Senate Armed Services Committee must pass legislation to waive the prohibition.  Congressman Scott would be supportive of such legislation.