The appointment of Retired Gen. Lloyd Austin to serve as Secretary of Defense makes our country stronger and safer. He has led a distinguished career of service to this nation, most recently served as the head of the United States Central Command and vice chief of staff of the Army. He is a decorated combat veteran, having been awarded the nation’s third-highest award for valor: the Silver Star.
But this is about more than an impeccable record. This appointment reverberates throughout the history of military service and courage in United States Armed Forces. Black Americans have sacrificed their lives for this country in every war since the Revolutionary War. Appointing Retired Gen. Lloyd Austin to a position of command and authority over the United States military, second only to the President of the United States, is historic and well-deserved.
The Congressional Black Caucus looks forward to working collaboratively with the Department of Defense to keep our citizens and allies safe, at home and abroad.
