China News Service, Washington, January 22 (Reporter Sha Hanting) The US Senate voted on the 22nd local time to approve Lloyd Austin as Secretary of Defense.

Austin will become the first African-American defense secretary in American history.

　　In the voting on that day, 93 votes in favor and 2 votes against.

Austin is also the second member of the Biden government cabinet approved by the Senate.

The Senate approved Haynes as Director of National Intelligence on the 20th.

　　After being approved by the Senate, Austin posted on social media that he was proud to be the first African-American defense secretary in American history.

He said, "Now we have to start working."

　　Austin, 67, served as the commander of the U.S. Army in Iraq from September 2010 to December 2011. He has served as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army since January 2012. He was appointed Commander of the Central Command in March 2013 and retired in March 2016.

　　According to US law, the Secretary of Defense is a civilian, and nominees for the Secretary of Defense must retire for more than 7 years.

Austin, who retired in 2016, has been retired for less than 7 years.

In response, the Senate and the House of Representatives voted on the 21st to grant Austin year exemptions.

Austin became the third retired general after George Marshall and James Mattis to be exempt from years and run the Pentagon.

　　Austin stated at the nomination hearing on the 19th that he knew that serving as defense secretary and military commander meant "different perspectives and responsibilities," and he was ready.

Austin also said that after taking office, he will focus on fighting the epidemic and will also work to eliminate white supremacy and violent extremism in the military system.

　　According to US media reports, US President Biden worked closely with Austin during his tenure as Vice President from 2009 to 2017.

When Biden nominated Austin as Secretary of Defense, he said that he knew and trusted Austin.

Biden also praised Austin for his leadership in the US military operations against the extremist organization "Islamic State."

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