The Navy is playing a major role in the Biden administration’s efforts to demonstrate its support for Israel but is doing so without a Senate-confirmed leader.
Adm. Lisa Franchetti is the vice chief of naval operations, and since former chief of naval operations Adm. Mike Gilday retired in August, she has been fulfilling his role in an acting capacity. Her pending confirmation is one of 371 Pentagon nominations and confirmations that are being held up over the department’s policies that ensued following the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade.
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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered two carrier strike groups to the Middle East this week and put roughly 2,000 troops on increased alert for deployment as Israel is on the precipice of a major military conflict against Hamas, the terror organization in Gaza primarily responsible for carrying out the deadliest terrorist attack in Israel’s history.
But, it comes at a time when some of the top military positions remain unfilled due to the protests primarily of Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), who has blocked the Senate’s normal way of confirming military promotions and confirmations for more than six months. He is protesting the department’s decision to reimburse the travel expenses incurred when a service member or dependent has to travel out of state for a noncovered reproductive healthcare procedure, such as an abortion.
The Pentagon maintains the policy is necessary to ensure all service members have access to the same healthcare, even as conservative states pass laws to restrict abortion access, but Tuberville believes the policy is illegal.
A spokesperson for the Alabama senator confirmed to the Washington Examiner on Friday that his position hasn’t changed, despite the brewing situation in the Middle East.
“Sen. Tuberville’s hold remains unnecessary at a critical moment for our national security,” a Pentagon spokesperson told the Washington Examiner. “We want the Senate to approve all our nominees.”
Franchetti is the highest-ranking military official awaiting confirmation. In September, the Senate took the unusual step of voting individually on Gen. Charles Q. Brown to be the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Randy George to be the chief of staff of the Army, and Gen. Eric Smith to be the Marine commandant.
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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) brought their nominations to the floor individually but did so only after Tuberville forced his hand by attempting to do the same. Tuberville said the votes prove that his protest does not have to hamper the military, though the process of voting on each nomination individually would consume weeks.
“The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) plays a critical role in shaping the Navy’s strategic direction, overseeing operational planning, and ensuring the readiness of our naval forces,” a Navy official told the Washington Examiner. “Timely confirmation of a new CNO is crucial for maintaining stability, leadership continuity, and long-term operational readiness within the Navy. Delayed confirmation for a new CNO can disrupt the Navy’s ability to achieve long-term strategic goals. The impact of confirmation delays extends beyond the office of the CNO.”
