Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a Republican from Alabama, is causing a delay in military promotions and confirmations by trying to force a vote on the commandant of the Marine Corps. Tuberville filed a cloture petition on Gen. Eric Smith’s nomination, which received enough signatures to move forward. Smith is currently serving as an assistant commandant. This move by Tuberville is part of his ongoing protest against a year-old Pentagon policy that helps fund service members’ out-of-state travel for abortions. As a result, more than 300 general and flag officers, including nominees to lead the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Joint Chiefs of Staff, are affected by this hold, which has been in place for six months.
The Senate rules allow a single senator to hold up votes, and Tuberville is taking advantage of this power. His actions have sparked outrage from Democrats, who argue that he is jeopardizing national security. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts went as far as to call Tuberville’s actions a “national security nightmare.” Democratic Rep. Jake Auchincloss, a veteran, also criticized Tuberville, stating that his blockade undermines national security and gives a “public relations gift” to Chinese President Xi Jinping. Even some Senate Republicans, including Sen. Susan Collins and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, have expressed reservations about Tuberville’s actions.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, the oldest veterans organization, has urged Tuberville to lift his hold on the routine promotion of military generals and flag officers. The urgency of Tuberville’s blockade increases at the end of September when Gen. Mark Milley is required by law to retire as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Until his replacement is confirmed by the Senate, Vice Chairman Admiral Chris Grady will serve as the acting chairman. President Biden has nominated Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown to replace Milley.
Interestingly, Tuberville appeared to be unaware of the requirement for Milley to leave his post after his four-year, nonrenewable term is up. When informed of this, Tuberville responded, “He has to leave? He’s out. We’ll get someone else to do the job.” This lack of awareness raises concerns about Tuberville’s understanding of the military and national security matters.
In conclusion, Sen. Tuberville’s blockade on military promotions and confirmations continues to cause delays and frustrations. His protest against a Pentagon policy has impacted more than 300 general and flag officers, including nominees for critical leadership positions. Tuberville’s actions have drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, with concerns about national security and the negative implications for the military. The urgency of the situation is further heightened by the upcoming retirement of Gen. Mark Milley as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Original Story at www.cbsnews.com – 2023-09-20 15:01:00
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