Arguably no individual Senator has done more harm to the US Armed Forces this century than Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama). The ex-football coach’s blockade of almost 400 military officer promotions and confirmations over nine months has come under renewed scrutiny not just since it hampers readiness, but because it has continued even through a new war.
On Wednesday night, the tension reached a new level.
Tuberville objected to 61 new nominees to extend his lone stance against promoting them over his gripes with the Pentagon’s abortion policy, denying a quick and nonpartisan unanimous voice vote from the Senate and instead forcing time-consuming individual confirmation votes.
But on the floor of the Senate, Tuberville’s GOP colleagues were losing their patience. Long and (rightfully) glowing biographies of the nominees looking for a promotion or confirmation were read. Tuberville was denounced for using these military members as “political pawns” and for denying the nominations that were brought up individually (even though it was his idea).
After Tuberville objected to a vote on a two-star general’s nomination to be a deputy commander in the Air Force, defense hawk Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) turned to him, incensed. “You just denied this lady a promotion,” Graham said angrily to Tuberville. “You did that.”
After all of this, Tuberville said there is a “zero percent” chance he lets up, so it doesn’t seem like this is going anywhere anytime soon.
