The House voted 326-78 and the Senate 69-27 on Jan. 21 to approve a waiver allowing U.S. Army Gen. (ret.) Lloyd Austin to serve as U.S. defense secretary.

At the same time U.S. President Joe Biden took office, the Defense Department’s succession plan went into effect, meaning the new administration has appointed placeholders for top roles as the Senate confirmation process continues.

Lloyd Austin promises a relook at President Trump’s decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Germany, and ensuring U.S. participation in Europe’s technology collaborative, the Permanent Structured Cooperation.