WASHINGTON – Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s ban on military promotions is now in effect for Air Force Gen. C.Q. Brown Jr. has been promoted to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff by his spokesperson, according to NBC News.
Tuberville (R-Ala.) has been criticized by both parties for stalling the promotions of over 150 military officials as a protest against a recent Department of Defense Policy which provides travel expenses and paid leave to service members seeking abortions and their dependents.
Biden announced on Thursday that Brown will be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He will replace Army Gen. Mark Milley, whose term expires in October. Brown would become the second Black person to hold this position after the late Colin Powell who served under George W. Bush.
Brown was described by the president as a “fearless and unyielding patriotic leader” noting that he had been confirmed to his present post of Air Force Chief of Staff in 2020 with a vote of 98%. Biden said, “I urge Senate to confirm General Brown once again with the same overwhelming support from him in his new role.”
The Senate usually approves the promotion of generals and top-level officers quickly and smoothly, but a single senator could make it more difficult. The Senate approves most military promotions by unanimous consent. This means that all 100 senators are in agreement to approve the promotion without voting.
Tuberville uses a procedural technique to stall the confirmation of military officials. This tactic will also apply to Brown, according to his office, as the “hold” applies to all officers with two stars and higher. Tuberville’s “hold” can’t stop the Senate from approving any promotion but it can significantly slow down a procedure that’s usually done without a single vote.
When asked earlier this month whether he supported Tuberville’s holds, Mitch McConnell (R-K.Y.) said: “No. I do not support putting a stop to military nominations.” I don’t.
Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in March that “one senator, only one senator, my Alabama colleague, Sen. Tuberville, is blocking all generals and flag officers confirmations, taking hostage our military, national security, and safety.”
Tuberville said that he would keep the promotion hold until the policy changes. He said that at a Senate Hearing earlier this year, “I don’t remember a single military person complaining about the lack of abortions in the last 40 years.” “I want to make our military the most powerful and deadly it’s ever been, but I also want the government to follow the laws.”
The White House didn’t immediately respond to an inquiry for comment.
