Schumer pushes for votes on 3 military nominees amidst Senate standoff on Pentagon abortion policy.
Senate Majority Leader Advances Votes on Military Nominees Amid Standoff Over Pentagon Abortion Policy
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is taking action to break the months-long Senate standoff over a Department of Defense policy that compensates service members for abortion-related travel. Schumer has filed cloture motions for three military nominees, including Air Force Gen. Charles “C.Q.” Brown for the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Eric Smith for the next commandant of the Marine Corps, and Gen. Randy George for chief of staff of the Army.
These cloture motions come as the Senate’s process for considering military nominations has been stalled for months. However, Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) has maintained a hold that prevents the Senate from rapidly confirming large groups of military officials.
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9/18/2023Tuberville’s hold is in response to the DOD’s policy of compensating service members for abortion-related travel, which he believes conflicts with existing federal law. The DOD policy allows service members stationed in states with limited abortion access to travel to other states for “non-covered reproductive health care” without using their leave allowance. However, individual service members are responsible for covering the cost of their abortion procedures.
Tuberville has vowed to maintain his hold on military nominations until the DOD retracts the policy or Congress changes the laws regarding federal funds for abortions.
While Tuberville’s hold prevents the Senate from approving large batches of military nominees, individual nominees can still be considered under normal procedural rules. Schumer’s cloture motions aim to create one-off votes for Gen. Brown, Gen. Smith, and Gen. George.
Votes Advance Following GOP Pressure
As the Senate faces a growing backlog of military promotions and nominations, some military leaders and Democratic politicians accuse Tuberville of undermining military readiness and national security.
Tuberville argues that the vacant military roles can be adequately handled by officials serving in an acting capacity and suggests that Democrats start scheduling votes on individual nominees if they are genuinely concerned.
Tuberville and fellow Republicans are pressuring Democrats to schedule votes for military nominees under normal procedural rules.
Schumer’s decision to file cloture motions on the three military nominees comes in response to Tuberville’s move to force a vote on Gen. Smith’s nomination. Schumer criticizes Tuberville’s efforts as an “act of desperation” and emphasizes the need to take action to prevent one senator from deciding the fate of military promotions.
Source: NTD News
What compromise can be reached to respect the principles of both the Hyde Amendment and the DOD’s desire to provide necessary healthcare to service members, without sacrificing the confirmation of military nominees
Care,” and be reimbursed for their travel expenses. Tuberville has argued that this policy goes against the Hyde Amendment, a longstanding federal law that prohibits the use of federal funds for abortions except in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother’s life is in danger.
The standoff between Senate Republicans and Democrats over this issue has caused delays in confirming key military nominees. Schumer’s decision to file cloture motions is seen as a way to advance these nominations and break the deadlock.
One of the nominees for whom Schumer has filed cloture is Air Force Gen. Charles ”C.Q.” Brown, who has been nominated to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. If confirmed, Gen. Brown would be the first African American to hold this position. The other two nominees are Gen. Eric Smith for the next commandant of the Marine Corps, and Gen. Randy George for chief of staff of the Army.
It is important for these military positions to be filled in a timely manner, as they play a crucial role in the defense of our nation. The Joint Chiefs of Staff, in particular, advises the President on military matters and helps shape defense policy. The commandant of the Marine Corps and the chief of staff of the Army are responsible for overseeing the respective branches and ensuring their readiness for any national security threat.
While the debate over the Pentagon’s abortion policy is important, it should not hinder the confirmation of highly qualified individuals who are crucial to our national security. Finding a resolution to this issue is necessary, but it should not come at the expense of leaving vital positions vacant.
In the meantime, Senate Republicans and Democrats should work together to find a compromise that respects both the Hyde Amendment and the DOD’s desire to provide necessary healthcare to service members. It is possible to find a solution that upholds the principles of both sides without sacrificing the confirmation of military nominees.
As the Senate majority leader, Schumer has taken a step towards breaking the impasse and allowing the confirmation process to move forward. It is now up to the Senate as a whole to come together and find a resolution that enables the filling of these key military positions. Our national security depends on it.
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