Tim Kaine statement on nomination of Gen. James Mattis to be Defense Secretary

U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on President-elect Trump’s nomination of General James Mattis to be the next Secretary of Defense.

“General Mattis has unquestionable expertise in military operations and a unique understanding of our complex security environment. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I look forward to hearing General Mattis’ plans for addressing both the security environment and organizational reforms to the Department of Defense. I would also like to hear how the Trump Administration intends to address the destabilizing role state actors like Russia have played on Western democracies, the threat to global security posed by nationalist movements, and considerations for a more effective counter-terrorism strategy.

“With respect to the legal barrier to General Mattis serving as Secretary of Defense, I plan to carefully evaluate any exceptions to this law with respect to their implications for civilian control of the military.”