Hundreds of military promotions, which are normally routinely approved by Congress, have been blocked by Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, who says he opposes the use of government funds to cover travel costs for service members who undergo abortions. A Tuberville spokesperson told NBC News in May, when Biden’s choice was announced, that the hold would also apply to Brown officially assuming the role of chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The term of the current chief, Army General Mark Milley, ends in October.
Brown said the lockout could have an impact on the “potential advancement of troops in their career field, because if you don’t get promoted or move on, then you’re locking down a spot for someone else.”
According to Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh, up to 650 leadership positions may become vacant by the end of the year if the holdovers continue. As a result of the blockade, the Marine Corps has no confirmed commander for the first time in more than 100 years. The commander resigned Monday when he finished his four-year term, and his deputy took over from him.
Democratic senators in the hearing criticized Tuberville on the promotions, saying service members are being punished for policies they are not responsible for.
“I’m not aware of anything the Marines have done to justify being punished in this way,” said Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia. , having their leadership limping like this.”
Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts called the blockade of Tuberville “reckless” and said it was holding hundreds of troops “hostage.”
In his turn at the hearing, Tuberville did not raise the subject of his nominations, telling Brown that he was willing to help in any way.
Warren then had a message for Tuberville: “What you could do to help is lift this suspension before it does more damage to our country.”
Although lawmakers from both parties praised Brown’s qualifications to be the next chairman of the Boards, some Republican senators focused on the military’s effort to promote diversity in its ranks and accused the Pentagon of embracing a leftist ideology.
Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri alleged that the Department of Defense was pursuing “cultural Marxism,” citing a 2022 Air Force memo that set goals for diversity in its ranks.
Alexandra Cod contributed.
