The Biden Administration won’t be able to permanently replace a top Marine Corps leader who is leaving his post on Monday because of Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s hold on military nominations.
Unless the U.S. is at war or if there’s a national emergency, Gen. David Berger has to step down Monday from his four-year tour.
Gen. Eric Smith was nominated by Joe Biden to replace Berger. Until Tuberville, Alabama’s senior senator, puts a hold on all Defense Department appointments, Smith’s appointment will be on a temporary basis.
Sen. Tuberville’s spokesman didn’t respond to a comment request Sunday.
In mid-February, the senator put a hold on nominations after the Department announced policies to help service members get abortions. Their policies allow them to take time off for “non-covered reproductive health services,” like elective abortions and IVF. Also, there’s an allowance for traveling to abortion-friendly states.
Tuberville’s blockade could impact other top military positions that are slated to become vacant soon.
In February, Sen. Tuberville said he would hold all officer nominations unless Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin asked Congressional permission to offer abortion to service members.
“This is an illegal expansion of DoD authority and gross misuse of taxpayer dollars— and I will hold him accountable. The American people want a military focused on national defense, not facilitating a progressive political agenda,” Tuberville said in a statement to Fox News in February.
It has been reported since June that the White House has called Sen. Tuberville’s stance on military nominations a “threat to national security,” and has said that his stance risks military readiness and harms military families.
The senator disagrees. In June, he tweeted that he doesn’t think the situation prevents military officials from doing their jobs.
“All of these jobs are being done,” he said.
“Gen. Eric Smith, Biden’s nominee to replace Berger, will instead lead the Corps on a temporary basis.”
As I’ve said before, all of these jobs are being filled. All of these jobs are being done. https://t.co/4fVBx4QIFf
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) June 14, 2023
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