Both chambers of Congress on Thursday approved a waiver for President Joe Biden’s secretary of defense nominee. Federal law prohibits the appointment of a secretary of defense within seven years of him or her being on active duty. Congress passed a bill carving out an exception for Biden’s nominee, retired Gen. Lloyd Austin. Austin retired from the U.S. Army on May 1, 2016. The House passed the bill, H.R. 335, 326-78. Over 100 Republicans voted yes, along with 205 Democrats. Fifteen Democrats voted no, as did 63 Republicans. Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) said on the House floor before the vote that Austin is “highly qualified” and has assured legislators that he understands the importance of civilian control of the military. “He has met with us, he has showed us that he respects what is really one of the cornerstones of civilian control of the military and that is the House and …