WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — SASC said that Mattis was approved as Pentagon chief on a 26-1 vote.
"The official nomination will be sent directly to Senate without referral to the committee," the Committee said.
Mattis is the first career military officer in nearly 70 years to require a special waiver from the US Congress so he can assume the position of defense secretary.
US law required that a military officer is retired at least seven years from service prior to assuming a position.
The Congress approved a special waiver last week because Mattis has not been retired for seven years.
Never miss a story again — sign up to our Telegram channel and we'll keep you up to speed!
