WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Friday released the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted to confirm President Joe Biden's nominee for Secretary of Defense, General Lloyd Austin.

"America is facing real internal and external security threats in the aftermath of President Trump’s departure from office, and we cannot afford to delay having a capable hand at the helm of the Pentagon—which is precisely why I voted to confirm General Austin. He’s the right person for the moment, and I am encouraged by his commitment to maintain civilian control of the Pentagon, step-up the Pentagon’s fight against COVID-19, and support the wellbeing of our men and women in uniform,” said Murphy.

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