Democrats’ role for Mattis: The anti-Trump
They sought assurances he will stand behind the Iranian nuclear deal and offer ‘frank advice’ to the new president.
By Austin Wright and Jeremy Herb
01/12/17 02:27 PM EST
James Mattis is the one Donald Trump Cabinet pick whom Democrats could unilaterally block. Instead, they made clear Thursday their resounding support for the retired Marine Corps general, touting him as their best hope for reining in a president-elect who has unorthodox views on matters of war and peace.
Mattis sailed through his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, fielding mostly gentle questions and easily sidestepping the few attempts by senators to trip him up.
Immediately after the session, which lasted just over three hours, the panel voted to exempt Mattis from a law barring military officers from serving as defense secretary until they’ve been out of uniform seven years.
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http://www.politico.com/story/2017/01/james-mattis-confirmation-hearing-takeaways-233550