Two House Democrats are seeking an investigation into Sen. Tommy Tuberville‘s (R-AL) monthslong blockade on military confirmations over the Department of Defense‘s abortion policy.
Reps. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Robert Garcia (D-CA), who both serve on the House Oversight Committee, sent a letter to the head of the Government Accountability Office on Friday asking for a review of the Alabama Republican’s actions.
“From February 2023 to December 2023, Senator Tommy Tuberville blocked the promotions of all general and flag officers resulting in more than 425 senior military leaders who were unable to assume their posts during this time,” the two House Democrats wrote in the letter. “In many instances the blockade forced acting officials to assume these roles without the necessary legal authorities for decision making.”
The duo added, “Further, Senator Tuberville’s actions created a damaging ripple effect on the careers of service members at all levels. While Senator Tuberville’s holds directly affected hundreds of senior military officials, junior officers indirectly lost the opportunity to rise in rank and gain experience. Such career stagnation radiates massive effects on factors such as servicemember retention, pay, pension, and future opportunities.”
The two Democrats asked the GAO to examine how the blockade affected military readiness, national security, and military families. The pair also want the GAO to explain the processes the Pentagon uses during promotion blockades.
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Tuberville’s actions from February to December did not block the Senate from approving promotions entirely but prevented the chamber from approving them quickly en masse. The Alabama Republican began his blockade in protest of the Pentagon’s policy to cover travel expenses for servicemembers traveling to get an abortion.
Tuberville defended his actions in a speech on the Senate floor in December, arguing he was standing up for the “life of the unborn.” He also said he “hated” having to hold up the promotions but that it was the only way to get the Pentagon’s attention while the GOP is in the minority.
