Who is Lloyd Austin's wife? House approves bill to reduce Defense Secretary's salary to $1
WASHINGTON, DC: An amendment to a Defense spending bill has stirred significant controversy by proposing to reduce the salary of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to just $1. Lloyd Austin is married to Charlene Austin and the pair do not have any children together.
The amendment, put forward by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), was passed in the House.
Lloyd Austin, a retired four-star Army general with a remarkable military career spanning 41 years, made history when he became the first Black man to serve as the Secretary of Defense.
His confirmation by the Senate on January 22, 2021, was met with near-unanimous support, signaling a significant moment in American history.
Marjorie Taylor Greene's controversial amendment
Austin's credentials as a military leader were unquestionable, having held various high-ranking positions, including commanding U.S. Central Command.
The amendment, which suggests capping Secretary Austin's salary at a mere $1, was met with criticism and contention from Democrat lawmakers, The Hill reported.
"None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to pay Defense Secretary Lloyd James Austin III a salary that exceeds $1," the amendment emphatically states.
Greene, a vocal critic of Austin's leadership, particularly pointed to the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 and low military recruitment as reasons for her proposal.
She declared, "There’s a loss in confidence in Lloyd Austin’s leadership, and he deserves to be fired."
The horrific Afghanistan withdrawal. Our dwindling recruitment numbers. The firing of thousands of troops for refusing the COVID vaccine.
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) September 27, 2023
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has failed our military and failed America.
I’m proud my amendment to FIRE him using the Holman rule… pic.twitter.com/DKv1hnN4Jg
Secretary Austin currently holds an annual salary exceeding $221,000, a figure commensurate with the responsibilities of leading the Department of Defense.
The use of the Holman rule by Greene to push for this amendment allows the House to reduce the salaries of federal employees or terminate their employment under certain circumstances.
While Greene's stance has garnered attention, it's essential to note that Secretary Austin had been confirmed by the Senate with a resounding 93-2 vote in 2021, suggesting broad bipartisan support for his appointment.
Notably, Greene is not the only legislator who has expressed dissatisfaction with Secretary Austin's leadership.
Other conservative lawmakers in the House have also voiced their discontent with Austin's handling of various issues, particularly in the context of the Afghanistan withdrawal.
For instance, Representative Cory Mills (R-Fla.) introduced articles of impeachment against the Pentagon chief last month.
Amid this political turmoil, one aspect that remains uncertain is how these developments will impact Lloyd Austin's longstanding marriage to Charlene Austin, a partnership that has endured for more than four decades.
Their enduring commitment to each other has not only supported Austin personally but has also served as a source of inspiration for many who witness their dedication.
Lloyd and Charlene Austin's marriage
During his opening statement before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Lloyd Austin praised his wife for her unwavering support throughout their marriage.
He stated, "I want to thank my wonderful wife, Charlene, who, like today, has stood by my side for more than 40 years — guiding me, supporting me, and making me a better man."
Before Lloyd Austin's nomination and confirmation as Defense Secretary for the Biden administration, he served on the board of trustees at Auburn University.
The retired general penned his military experiences on his school profile, as well as how his career choice had impacted his family, especially Charlene.
"As a member of the Armed Forces, I was transferred to a different assignment every three years. Charlene faced the challenge common to all military spouses: changing jobs frequently and wrestling with certification at each new stop," he wrote.
"Charlene had an additional responsibility of leading family support groups whose ranks were filled with young spouses wrestling with tough issues while their spouses were deployed."
Charlene, whose maiden name was Banner per CNN, was born and raised in Washington, D.C. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Fayetteville State University in North Carolina, per her Department of Defense profile.
She and Lloyd Austin enrolled at Auburn University for advanced degrees in the early 1980s.
While Lloyd Austin pursued a master’s degree in counselor education, Charlene Austin graduated in 1985 with a master’s degree in education, with a focus on guidance and counseling.