The blockade of Pentagon nominees by Senator Tommy Tuberville has left the Marine Corps without a confirmed leader for the first time in 164 years. Marine Corps Commandant General David Berger retired on Monday, leaving Acting Commandant General Eric Smith to lead the Marines until he is confirmed. The last time the Marines had an acting commandant was in 1859. Tuberville’s hold is affecting key military leaders and nominees, prompting concern from the White House and Pentagon. However, Tuberville argues his block does not affect national security or military readiness. He will only lift the hold if the Pentagon’s abortion policy is formalized in law or dropped.

  • So for every other issue these guys will say stuff like, “the military knows what it needs”.

    And here he is, overriding something the military is doing that helps its own members, who he also claims to support.

    It’s not there fault the rate of sexual assault among service members is sky high. It’s not their fault they could be in a state where it is illegal to get treatment for it.

    But the DOD had to take at least some responsibility for putting the service member in both those situations in a mandated workplace setting.