Sen. John McCain is willing to personally write the bill that will allow Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis to serve as President-elect Donald Trump’s Secretary of Defense, according to a report by the Washington Examiner.
Mattis was revealed to be Trump’s presumptive nominee Thursday to the head the Pentagon, but a revolving-door law technically prevents him from taking the post. According to current law, former generals must wait seven years until they can serve as secretary of defense, unless Congress grants a waiver. McCain, however, is interested in abolishing the wait period completely.
McCain holds Mattis in high regard, despite his personal differences with Trump. He endorsed recently endorsed Mattis after meeting with him at Trump Tower.
“General Mattis is … a leader who inspires a rare and special admiration of his troops,” McCain said. “He is a forthright strategic thinker. His integrity is unshakable and unquestionable.”
Mattis, also known as “Mad Dog,” spent over 40 years in the Marines, becoming legendary for his brilliant leadership and undaunted attitude. His famous quotes and battlefield success created a cult following comprised of everyone from junior enlisted Marines to high-ranking flag officers. Mattis is sometimes referred to as the “warrior monk,” due to his voracious appetite for books. His personal library is rumored to include 7,000 volumes, and he is said to carry Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations” on each deployment.
Trump acknowledged his choice Thursday night while speaking at a rally in Cincinnati, joking that his team will announce the pick Monday.
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