House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Tuesday slammed talk of adding a waiver for retired Gen. James Mattis, President-elect Donald Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE’s choice for secretary of Defense, to a continuing resolution to fund the government.

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“Civilian leadership of the military has been a cornerstone of our democracy since the Founders, and for good reason," the California Democrat said in a statement, citing Gen. George Marshall as the only Defense secretary to receive an “individual waiver in a stand-alone bill.”

“The American people are entitled to regular order and thoughtful scrutiny of nominees and any potential waivers," she added.

Last week, Trump said he would nominate Mattis, who retired in 2013, to be his secretary of Defense. Current law, however, requires the secretary of Defense to have been out of the military for at least seven years before taking over as head of the Pentagon.

“Brushing aside the law that enshrines civilian control of the military – without discussion, in a massive must-pass funding bill – would set a terrible precedent,” Pelosi said on Tuesday.

She added that it is "troubling" that Republicans are working to "shield" Mattis from congressional and public scrutiny and debate.

Several members of Congress, including Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), a former Marine, have said they will oppose such a waiver should it be introduced.