Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema has received praise for her efforts to break Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville’s hold on military promotions. Sinema, who has been criticized for her stance on the Senate filibuster rule, has been working quietly for four months on a plan to unravel Tuberville’s 300-plus holds on military promotions. The plan, which Sinema developed in collaboration with a few others, would temporarily allow the Senate to approve promotions as a group with a simple majority vote. However, in order for the plan to succeed, it would need the support of at least nine Republicans, totaling 60 votes. Sinema’s focus on building relationships with GOP members has been instrumental in garnering support for the plan. Republican Senator Joni Ernst even referred to the plan as Sinema’s “brainchild.”
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly has also expressed his support for the effort, stating that they are one step closer to ending Tuberville’s harmful blockade on the promotion of hundreds of admirals and generals. If the proposal passes, Sinema is likely to receive significant credit for her role in achieving this positive outcome. It is important to remember that politicians, like Sinema, are not “bad guys” all the time, as novelist Elmore Leonard once said. This development serves as a reminder that individuals can make positive contributions, even if they have been criticized in other areas. Overall, Sinema’s work to break Tuberville’s military lock showcases her dedication to finding bipartisan solutions and highlights her ability to make a significant impact in the Senate.
