How Arkansas’ congressional delegation voted

Here is how Arkansas’ U.S. senators and U.S. representatives voted on major roll call votes during the week that ended Friday.

HOUSE Waiver for secretary of defense. Approved 326-78, a waiver (HR335) allowing retired Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III to serve as secretary of defense even though he has been out of uniform for less than the seven-year hiatus required by law in keeping with the American principle dating to 1783 of civilian control of the military. Austin retired in April 2016. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said: “In my conversations [Austin] assured me he understands, respects and will uphold the critical priority of civilian control of the military. … In the face of the many threats both foreign and domestic confronting our nation it is essential that [he] be immediately confirmed.”

Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., said: “I voted in favor of the exemption for [former Defense] Secretary Mattis. … So it’s fair to ask, what has changed? Well, a lot has changed. First, perhaps most importantly, the threat from China is far greater, and we need a secretary with Indo-Pacific Command experience. The nominee has admitted he’s not experienced in that regard.” A yes vote was to send the bill to the Senate.

✖ Rick Crawford (R)

✖ French Hill (R)

✔ Steve Womack (R)

✔ Bruce Westerman (R)

SENATE

Waiver for secretary of defense. Approved 69-27, a waiver (HR335) allowing retired Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III to serve as secretary of defense even though seven years have not lapsed since his retirement as the law requires in keeping with the American principle dating to 1783 of civilian control of the military. Austin retired in April 2016. There was no debate on the bill.

A yes vote was to send the bill to President Joe Biden.

✔ John Boozman (R)

✖ Tom Cotton (R)

Avril Haines, director of national intelligence. Confirmed 84-10, Avril D. Haines, 51, as director of national intelligence, elevating her as the first woman to lead the U.S. intelligence community. Created in response to Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks on the U.S., her office is in charge of overseeing the 16 U.S. civilian and military spy agencies. An attorney and trained physicist, Haines was deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 2013-15, the first woman to hold that office, and before that a top aide to former President Barack Obama on security issues.

Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., said: “after a tumultuous four years and a president who routinely scorned the work of our intelligence community, it is critical to restore professional leadership who will work with the administration and Congress, deliver honest assessments and speak truth to power. Ms. Haines is the right woman for the job.”

No senator spoke against the nominee.

A yes vote was to confirm Haines.

✔ Boozman (R)

✔ Cotton (R)

Lloyd Austin, secretary of defense. Confirmed 92-3, retired Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III as secretary of defense. He is the first African-American to hold the position in its 74-year history. When Austin, 67, retired from active duty in April 2016, he was leader of the United States Central Command.

He was the last commanding general in Iraq between 2010-11 and directed the drawdown of U.S. troops there.

Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, said: “We are living through … a pandemic, racial tensions, riots, turmoil at the top of the Pentagon and rising dangers from China, Russia and Iran. Mr. Austin’s confirmation won’t solve all of these problems, but it will help. He represents the best of America, a man of integrity, humility and character and a wealth of relevant experience.”

No senator spoke against the nominee.

A yes vote was to confirm Austin.

✔ Boozman (R)

✔ Cotton (R)