Congressman Kim Statement in Support of
General Lloyd Austin for Secretary of Defense

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) released the following statement in support of General Lloyd Austin, who has been named by President-elect Biden as his nominee for Secretary of Defense.

“I’ve thought carefully about the nomination of General Austin for Defense Secretary, and I believe that his appointment will be an important step in strengthening our national security. When I worked at the White House before on counterterrorism, I had the chance to see up close and personal the work that General Austin accomplished as CENTCOM Commander.  He had a mastery over every issue and crisis we face.  He was always extraordinarily thoughtful and unbelievably prepared whenever he spoke in the Situation Room and showed a level of professionalism and respect to our troops at every rank that I always admired in a leader.  I witnessed his strong personal relationship and dynamics with then-Vice President Biden, and I can see why the President-elect wants General Austin by his side.

Due to the pandemic and a paradigm shift in global power, our world is entering a new era.  It is an era where American global strength cannot be assumed.  I know President-elect Biden thought through this decision for his Defense Secretary carefully, and he deserves the person that he wants to lead our military and national security.”

Congressman Kim is a member of the House Armed Services Committee where he serves as the vice chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness. The Congressman is also a co-chair of the House Democratic National Security Task Force.

Prior to serving in the House, Congressman Kim worked as a career public servant under both Democrats and Republicans. He served at USAID, the Pentagon, the State Department, the White House National Security Council, and in Afghanistan as an advisor to Generals Petraeus and Allen. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website by clicking here.

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