The blockade of Pentagon nominees by Senator Tommy Tuberville has left the Marine Corps without a confirmed leader for the first time in 164 years. Marine Corps Commandant General David Berger retired on Monday, leaving Acting Commandant General Eric Smith to lead the Marines until he is confirmed. The last time the Marines had an acting commandant was in 1859. Tuberville’s hold is affecting key military leaders and nominees, prompting concern from the White House and Pentagon. However, Tuberville argues his block does not affect national security or military readiness. He will only lift the hold if the Pentagon’s abortion policy is formalized in law or dropped.
With Russian leadership rattling the nuclear saber, the PRC eying Taiwan, and the Middle East a mess of low grade conflict, it is astounding that one Senator is allowed to hold the entire military leadership structure hostage.
It is almost as if he and his apologists view uppity women who demand bodily autonomy as the greater threat to the nation.
Beau of the Fifth Column’s take is a really good explainer on why this is more important than it may appear.
now who will tell them what flavor crayons to eat
So for every other issue these guys will say stuff like, “the military knows what it needs”.
And here he is, overriding something the military is doing that helps its own members, who he also claims to support.
It’s not there fault the rate of sexual assault among service members is sky high. It’s not their fault they could be in a state where it is illegal to get treatment for it.
But the DOD had to take at least some responsibility for putting the service member in both those situations in a mandated workplace setting.
For a long time I was against what this senator is doing since I was ignorant of what his proposed end was.
His position to get DOD policy codified in law because the Hyde Amendment exists, makes sense.
However, I want to be clear that the ultimate outcome should be the status quo remaining. DoD personnel should still get reimbursed for travel regarding abortions.
It is embarrassing that it takes several months to get this resolved.
