Republican Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville vows to block military promotions “forever” despite Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s opposition.
This comes after the Senate voted last week to approve three out of more than 300 military promotions blocked by Tuberville in protest against the Pentagon’s abortion travel policy.
“We could be confirming two to three of these a day if they wanted to, but they don’t want to,” he told reporters. “This is all going to be left up to Sen. Schumer.”
Schumer filed a motion last week to vote individually for three of the nominees whose confirmations had been held by the Alabama senator.
“I got three of these people confirmed last week. I did. Chuck Schumer didn’t do it,” Tuberville said. “I forced his hand. So, if he wants to do more of them, let’s go. Let’s get them done this week.”
Schumer, meanwhile, said that blocking military promotions could leave a lasting impact on the Senate.
“The decision by the senior senator from Alabama will have long-lasting repercussions that may not be apparent right away, but we may come to regret,” he said. “I believe we will come to regret them.”
“We cannot allow Sen. Tuberville to decide which of our dedicated and brave service members get promoted and which get to languish,” the Democratic leader continued.
Last year, the Biden administration cited a Department of Justice opinion when addressing the holds, claiming that it only restricts the use of federal funds to “perform abortions” but doesn’t prohibit the use of funds to pay per diem or travel expenses.
The Pentagon reiterates that Tuberville’s actions are “damaging” to national security and put military officials in a tough situation.
“What we will still continue to do here at the Pentagon is to highlight how damaging this is for our national security, for our readiness, for our military families,” said Sabrina Singh, deputy press secretary at the Pentagon. “That’s something that a senator who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee should really understand.”
Around 300 general and flag-officer nominations are currently on hold, as is the transition of leadership within the Department of Defense.
