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Immediate Release

Statement From Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III on the Senate's Confirmation of 421 General and Flag Officers

While this day is long overdue, I welcome the Senate's confirmation of 421 of our highly qualified general and flag officers, who will at last be able to serve in critical positions to our national security. 

These holds have already dragged on needlessly for months, degrading our military readiness and forcing far too many of our outstanding military families to put their lives on hold and endure even greater sacrifices. These unnecessary and unprecedented holds have forced multiple military services to operate without Senate-confirmed leaders and obligated some military leaders to take on two exceptionally demanding jobs at once. 
 
We also look forward to the Senate's confirmation of the remainder of our highly qualified and apolitical military leaders, so that America can have the fully fielded team it deserves during this critical moment for our national security.