President Trump's September 2026 nomination of acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao for the permanent role has advanced to the Senate, where confirmation hinges on a congressional waiver for the statutory seven-year post-retirement requirement, given Cao's 2021 retirement as a Navy captain. Cao, previously confirmed as under secretary in a 52-45 vote, has led the department since April amid shipbuilding challenges, sailor readiness issues, and operations tied to the Iran conflict. The Senate Armed Services Committee has not yet scheduled a hearing, and the chamber faces a compressed schedule ahead of the November midterms. A successful waiver and confirmation would require bipartisan support or procedural maneuvers similar to Cao's earlier under secretary process.