Republican Senator’s Blockade of Military Promotions Could Have Far-Reaching Impact, Warns Biden’s Nominee for Top U.S. General
WASHINGTON, July 11 (Reuters) – General Charles “CQ” Brown, President Joe Biden’s nominee to become the top U.S. general, issued a warning on Tuesday about the potential consequences of a Republican senator’s blockade of military promotions. Brown, the outgoing Air Force chief of staff, expressed concern that this blockade could have a far-reaching impact across the U.S. armed forces, affecting troops and their families.
During his Senate confirmation hearing to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Brown made these remarks shortly after being questioned by Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville. Tuberville has utilized a Senate procedure to put a hold on hundreds of military nominations, including Brown’s, due to his belief that the Pentagon is improperly using government funding to cover travel costs for abortions for service members and their dependents.
An aide to Tuberville confirmed that his block would also apply to Brown.
The consequences of this blockade are already being felt, as the military is now having to rearrange staff to fill a top leadership post after the commandant of the Marine Corps, a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stepped down on Monday at the end of his four-year term. The hold on promotions has left the Marine Corps without a confirmed leader in the position for the first time in over a century, according to the Pentagon.
Democrats, including U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, criticized Tuberville for punishing uniformed military leaders who were not responsible for the policy on abortion travel that he was protesting. Warren warned that if Tuberville continues his actions, he will be holding hostage 650 leaders who have served their country honorably.
The confirmation hearing also delved into culture war issues, including diversity and inclusion, the COVID-19 vaccine, and Tuberville’s abortion dispute. Republican Senator Eric Schmitt accused the military of engaging in “cultural Marxism” for setting diversity goals in recruitment. Schmitt questioned whether the Air Force had too many white officers.
Brown, the country’s first Black service chief, clarified to the Senate committee that the U.S. Air Force recruitment goals were aimed at reflecting the U.S. population and did not limit anyone’s chances. He emphasized that merit would determine entry into the Air Force.
Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was asked about the timing of the Senate vote on Brown’s nomination and called on the top Republicans in the Senate to pressure Tuberville to back off. Schumer stated that Republican leaders have expressed opposition to Tuberville’s actions, which risk military security.
If confirmed, Brown would be only the second Black officer to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, following in the footsteps of Colin Powell two decades ago. Known as “CQ” among colleagues, Brown has extensive experience as a former fighter pilot and commander of the U.S. Air Force in the Pacific. His experiences have given him insight into tensions with China’s rapidly strengthening military, which is expected to be a significant issue during his four-year term as chair.
Committee members praised Brown’s background and experience, with Republican Senator Rick Scott describing it as “stellar.”
Reporting by Phil Stewart and Patricia Zengerle; additional reporting by Katharine Jackson; Editing by Alistair Bell
How could a Republican senator’s blockade of military promotions impact the U.S. armed forces and the troops and their families?
Republican Senator’s Blockade of Military Promotions Could Have Significant Impact, Warns Biden’s Nominee for Top U.S. General
The potential consequences of a Republican senator’s blockade of military promotions has been highlighted by General Charles “CQ” Brown, President Joe Biden’s nominee to become the top U.S. general. Brown raised concerns about the far-reaching impact this blockade could have on the U.S. armed forces and the effect it could have on troops and their families.
During his Senate confirmation hearing, Brown issued this warning following questioning from Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville. Tuberville placed a hold on hundreds of military nominations, including Brown’s, due to his belief that the Pentagon is misusing government funding by covering travel costs for abortions for service members and their dependents.
Tuberville’s hold on promotions has already had consequences, as the military now has to rearrange staff to fill a top leadership position after the stepping down of the commandant of the Marine Corps, a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The hold on promotions has resulted in the Marine Corps lacking a confirmed leader in this position for the first time in over a century, according to the Pentagon.
This move by Tuberville has faced criticism from Democrats, including U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, who argue that it is unfair to penalize uniformed military leaders who were not involved in the decision regarding travel costs for abortions.
This partisan blockade is not only detrimental to the U.S. Armed Forces but also undermines the principles of fair and merit-based promotion. It’s time for politicians to prioritize national security and put aside political agendas.