Defense Secretary-designate James Mattis listens on Capitol Hill in Washington while testifying at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Congress passed a law Friday that will allow retired Marine Gen. James N. Mattis, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon, to serve in the job if he is confirmed in the Senate. The bill, which passed the Senate 81-17 on Thursday, next goes to the White House for President Obama’s signature. "I think you can anticipate if it makes it to the president’s desk, he will sign it," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Friday. He sailed through his confirmation hearing in the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 13, 2017 21:53 UTC