Today, General Lloyd Austin became the first African-American to lead the U.S. Central Command, which has a wide-ranging area of responsibility for 20 countries in the Middle East and southwest Asia.

WHITEHOUSE: Lloyd Austin to Lead U.S. Central Command

Mr Gates, who arrived in Baghdad on an unannounced visit on Wednesday, met the commander of US military forces in Iraq, Lt Gen Lloyd Austin, before holding talks with Iraqi leaders.

BBC: Robert Gates: US Iraq troops 'could stay longer'

"Federal aid to education should actually aid education in our local Texas schools, not provide a bailout to the governor for his mismanagement of the state budget, " said U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, a Democrat who represents part of Austin.

WSJ: Texans Duel Over Millions in School Funding