The Senate Rules Committee has voted in favor of a resolution that would enable Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to confirm over 350 military promotions that have been blocked by Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) as a single package. The resolution, however, does not apply to nominees for the Joint Chiefs of Staff or commanders nominated to lead combatant commands.
With a 9-7 vote, the Rules panel’s decision allows Schumer to bring the resolution to the Senate floor, but it requires 60 votes to pass. Schumer, who is also a member of the Rules Committee, criticized Tuberville for obstructing the confirmation of numerous generals and flag officers, stating that it goes against Senate traditions and causes significant harm.
Schumer warned that if his Republican colleagues are unable to persuade Tuberville to change his stance, he will bring the resolution to a vote on the Senate floor shortly. He emphasized the urgency of confirming these military nominees for the sake of national security.
Despite growing frustration among Republican senators regarding Tuberville’s nine-month hold on military nominees in protest of the Pentagon’s abortion policy, they are not yet ready to vote in favor of changing Senate procedures for the remainder of the 118th Congress.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), who is also a member of the Rules Committee, expressed his opposition to the Pentagon’s policy of covering the travel expenses of service members seeking abortions out of state. However, he reiterated that he does not support Tuberville’s holds.
McConnell stated that Tuberville’s approach is not the right way to achieve their shared objective. He acknowledged the unprecedented situation it has created and highlighted ongoing discussions aimed at reaching a resolution with Tuberville. McConnell voted against the resolution, believing that these discussions should be allowed to continue. He also reserved the option of supporting the resolution later in the year.
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