After largely abandoning his blockade against U.S. military confirmations, Sen. Tommy Tuberville was asked whether he had any regrets. “It was pretty much a draw,” the Alabama Republican said. “I mean, they didn’t get what they wanted. We didn’t get what we wanted.”
I’d be curious to know more about how the far-right senator defines “draw.” Tuberville undermined his own country’s armed forces for 10 months because he didn’t want the Pentagon to provide travel reimbursements to U.S. troops who need reproductive care in red states. The GOP lawmaker said he’d continue to hurt the military until the Defense Department changed its policy.
In response, the Pentagon failed to pay the ransom, and Tuberville ultimately backed down. “Draw” isn’t the first word that comes to mind.
Nevertheless, almost immediately after the Alabaman’s announcement, the Senate got to work. Politico reported:
The Senate on Tuesday approved more than 400 promotions for senior military officers after Sen. Tommy Tuberville dropped his blockade of the nominations, breaking an unprecedented months-long impasse that has roiled the ranks. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer moved to quickly confirm the long list of promotions just hours after Tuberville backed off his hold of nominees for three-star posts and below.
“Today, hundreds of military families across the country can breathe a sigh of relief,” Schumer declared in floor remarks. “The Senate has unanimously confirmed hundreds of military nominations that were held up for ten months by a single person, the Senator from Alabama. Thank God, these military officers will now get the promotions they so rightfully earned.
“I’m happy that after so much unnecessary delay by one senator, we have finally moved forward and given these men and women the promotions they deserve.”
As for the dozen or so officers up for four-star positions, whom Tuberville is continuing to block for some reason, the New York Democrat added in…
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