This week, officials from the Senate Rules Committee will attempt to overcome the obstacles posed by Senator Tommy Tuberville’s long-standing blockade of military nominees. It remains to be seen if the proposed plan will receive sufficient Republican backing to be successful.
On Tuesday, the committee will vote on a groundbreaking proposal that would permit the consideration of approximately 350 pending nominations in one parliamentary maneuver. This constitutes a significant departure from the chamber’s traditional protocol. While it is anticipated that the proposal will be easily passed by the committee, it is likely to encounter obstacles in the full Senate. Final approval hinges on Republican support.
Since spring, Tuberville, a Republican from Alabama, has been delaying the fast-track consideration of routine senior military promotions and confirmations due to his objections to the Defense Department’s abortion access policy. However, in the last few days, some of his GOP colleagues have urged him to lift the holds, pointing out the leadership issues resulting from his actions.
Despite requests from various individuals, Tuberville has refused to budge on this matter. The rules committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday aims to bring a conclusion to this issue, as Democratic leaders and several high-ranking Pentagon officials believe that the current stalemate has gone on for far too long.
On Tuesday, November 14, various committees will hold hearings on different issues. The House Foreign Affairs committee will meet at 10 a.m. in Visitors Center H210 to discuss Afghanistan policy and hear testimony from Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction John Sopko on the effects of the U.S. withdrawal. At the same time, the House Transportation committee will convene in 2167 Rayburn to hear from service officials on current Coast Guard operations. The House Oversight and Accountability committee will meet in 2154 Rayburn to hear testimony from GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan on issues affecting the agency.
In the afternoon, the House Foreign Affairs committee will reconvene at 2 p.m. in Visitors Center H210 to hear from outside advocates on the impact of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The House Veterans’ Affairs committee will also meet at 2 p.m. in 360 Cannon to hear from VA officials on new therapies to help prevent veteran suicide. Meanwhile, the Senate Rules committee will hold a debate on changes to military confirmation policies at 3 p.m. in 301 Russell.
On Wednesday, November 15, the House Homeland Security committee will meet at 9 a.m. in 310 Cannon to hear from Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and other senior officials on worldwide threats facing the United States. The House Armed Services committee will meet at 10 a.m. in 2118 Rayburn to hear from members of the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the U.S. on their findings regarding U.S. strategic posture. The House Foreign Affairs committee will also meet at 10 a.m. in Visitors Center H210 to hear from regional experts on the conflict between Azerbaijan leadership and officials from Nagorno-Karabakh region.
In the afternoon, the House Veterans’ Affairs committee will meet at 12 p.m. in 360 Cannon to hear an update from VA officials on the electronic health records modernization program. The Senate Small Business committee will also meet at 2:30 p.m. in 428-A Russell to hear from outside experts on opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs. Finally, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs committee will meet at 3:30 p.m. in 418 Russell to hear from VA officials on department response responsibilities in national emergencies regarding VA emergency preparedness.
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