U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) has reportedly secured enough U.S. Senate support to bring the promotion of a Marine Corps Commandant to the floor for a confirmation vote.
For months, Tuberville has blocked Department of Defense (DOD) nominees from being confirmed for their positions over its policy funding travel expenses and time off for service members who travel for an abortion, even when stationed in states that have outlawed abortions.
In response, federal lawmakers, the DOD and Pentagon officials have repeatedly claimed that Tuberville's holds negatively impact military readiness. Officials claim Tuberville's holds place the over 300 delayed appointees in limbo.
RELATED: Tuberville pushes back against criticism of military holds – 'I don't feel any pressure at all'
Tuberville has repeatedly denied the allegations, saying the nominees are already doing their jobs in an interim capacity. Tuberville also says nominees could be brought to the Senate floor by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). Thus far, Schumer has not brought nominees to the floor for confirmation.
According to a Twitter post, retweeted by Tuberville, the senator plans to force a vote on Wednesday on Gen. Eric Smith's promotion to Marine Corps commandant.
🚨 BREAKING: @SenTuberville is planning to force a vote tomorrow on Gen. Eric Smith’s promotion to Marine Corps commandant.
— Rob Bluey (@RobertBluey) September 19, 2023
At a meeting of Republicans today, Tuberville secured the backing of enough GOP senators to bring Smith’s nomination to the floor for a cloture vote.
Tuberville has insisted the bemoaning of his holds is merely political posturing on the part of Senate Democratic leadership. Wednesday's vote will shed light on the validity of those claims.
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