Mattis confirmed as SECDEF

The Senate voted Friday to confirm retired Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis as the next defense secretary.

Mattis has promised to intensify the U.S. campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and will also conduct a review of the Pentagon's acquisition system.

Congress voted to change existing law to allow Mattis to serve, despite having been retired for fewer than seven years. The last time Congress granted such an exemption was Gen. George Marshall in 1950. In one of his first official acts, President Trump signed the legislation into law Friday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work will continue to serve at his post until a successor is chosen. A host of interim Pentagon officials have also been named.