Defense secretary nominee James Mattis is well-liked by most members of Congress, but that doesn’t mean his confirmation process will be easy.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain, R-Ariz., has already signaled strong support for Mattis.\u00a0But several Democrats have voiced concern about brushing aside the waiting period, and will likely try to slow the process and ensure proper congressional oversight isn\u2019t skipped, even with Republicans controlling both the House and Senate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If that happens, it could turn Trump\u2019s first high-profile military move into political drama, something the military and Mattis are both desperate to avoid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There likely will be numerous discussions in coming weeks about the importance of civilian control of the military and the potential pitfalls of retired generals taking prominent political roles. But in the end, few lawmakers are offering real objections to Mattis\u2019 nomination, and he should take over the post before the spring. Follow @LeoShane<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n