WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), voted to confirm Lloyd Austin as Secretary of Defense; the nomination was approved by a vote of 93 to 2. Earlier this week, Senator King questioned Mr. Austin during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, pressing him on the need for stability at the Department of Defense (DOD) and the importance of improving America’s cyberdefenses. Earlier today, Senator King and CSC co-chair Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-Wisc.) released a set of recommendations they are offering to inform the Biden Administration’s efforts to improve America’s cyberdefense posture.

“The Department of Defense is the nation’s largest federal agency, charged with ensuring America’s national security. An organization this complex and this vital requires strong, stable leadership – which is why it is so concerning that over the last ten years, we have had ten Secretaries or Acting Secretaries of Defense,” said Senator King. “This constant churn undermines the stability needed to advance America’s strategic security goals, creating dangerous vulnerabilities that our adversaries can exploit. We need long-term, tested leadership at this vital post, and I believe that Lloyd Austin is the right person for the job. His extensive national security experience, combined with President Biden’s faith in his judgment, make him an apt choice for Secretary of Defense. Additionally, my conversations with Mr. Austin and his testimony before the Armed Services Committee have reassured me that he understands the value of a civilian-led DOD, and will surround himself with strong civilian leaders. I am grateful that the Senate moved in a bipartisan fashion to quickly approve this nomination, and look forward to working with Secretary Austin to strengthen America’s national security.”

A member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, as well as co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, Senator King is recognized as a thoughtful voice on national security and foreign policy issues in the Senate. He voted in favor of the Senate’s passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021, which includes several funding and policy priorities advocated for by Senator King to support military facilities and communities in Maine and advance the national defense. The legislation – containing 25 bipartisan cybersecurity recommendations from the Cyberspace Solarium Commission – became law earlier this year after Senator King and the overwhelming majority of his colleagues voted to override President Trump’s veto.