The Alabama Democratic Party (ADP) publicly blamed U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) for causing a Marine Corps general to have a heart attack.
Gen. Eric Smith, commandant of the Marine Corps, was hospitalized Sunday evening after suffering a heart attack. He told the press on Friday he was working extra while waiting for the Senate to confirm Lt. Christopher Mahoney to the assistant commandant role.
Currently, 378 military nominations are being held up in the Senate due to Tuberville's ongoing battle against a Department of Defense (DOD) abortion policy.
After the U.S. Supreme Court brought the abortion issue back to the states by overturning Roe v. Wade, the Pentagon decided to aid female soldiers in obtaining abortions by offering them up to three weeks of leave and transportation allowances to travel to states where abortion is legal.
Tuberville, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, threatened to impede President Joe Biden's DOD nominations if the policy were implemented without congressional approval. His decision slows Biden's efforts to fill DOD positions without a formal Senate vote.
Tuberville clarified earlier this year that his hold did not stop all nominees from being confirmed and prevented the Senate from confirming them in large swaths instead of individually.
Smith told the Marine Corps Times in September that the extra work was causing him to lose sleep and said his schedule was unsustainable.
The ADP called for Tuberville to resign Monday night, blaming the senator for the general's medical emergency.
"Our Top Marine, after months of working two positions and sleeping 5 hours a night due to the Tuberville military holds, suffered a heart attack, and we have no acting commander to replace him," the party tweeted. "[Tuberville], this is on your shoulders. Resign."
Our Top Marine, after months of working two positions and sleeping 5 hours a night due to the Tuberville military holds, suffered a heart attack and we have no acting commander to replace him. @SenTuberville This is on your shoulders. Resign. https://t.co/vFzj2VlSbp
— Alabama Democrats (@aldemocrats) October 31, 2023
A spokesperson from Tuberville's office said the senator was praying for a swift recovery for Smith.
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