WASHINGTON, DC – With President-elect Donald Trump scheduled to hold an event in Fayetteville, North Carolina tonight to officially announce the nomination of General James N. Mattis (ret.) to be the next U.S. Secretary of Defense, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement:

“This nomination raises a significant legal issue.  In order for General Mattis to serve, existing law must be amended since it prevents recently retired officers from serving as Secretary of Defense.

“General Mattis is an extraordinarily accomplished Marine officer of great intellect.  His selfless service to the nation has made a lasting contribution.

“Congress, both the House and Senate, must have a serious debate before taking any action that would significantly alter the established principle of civilian control of our Armed Forces.

“Trying to jam an historic change like this through on a yearend spending bill, or changing the rules before a serious debate can take place, is not the way to conduct the people’s business.

“I look forward to working with Chairman McCain and others to ensure there are appropriate hearings and thoughtful debate.

“Surely, at the very least, it is worth having bipartisan hearings and debate before taking any action that could unintentionally disrupt the long established principle of civilian control of the military.”