23 Officers’ Nominations Still in Limbo; Bill Would Offer Backpay for Blockade-Delayed Officers

December 7, 2023

With Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s (R-Ala.) blockade lifted, the Senate passed more than 400 delayed nominees Tuesday, as On Base reported. But 23 nominations remain stalled, as Military Times reported.

Tuberville has a hold on 11 of them, all four-star officers, vowing to delay their confirmation to continue highlighting DOD’s abortion access policy, which he says is “illegal.”

Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) announced Wednesday he is blocking six others “relating to concerns that he has regarding those nominees’ stances or actions relating to divisive diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the military,” his office said. One of those officers is also on Tuberville’s list.

Seven others are being held up for procedural reasons.

Even with the blocks, the remaining nominations can be cleared individually, but given the length of the Senate’s to-do list before leaving town next week, some may be delayed into the new year.

Meanwhile, Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) have introduced a bill to provide backpay to officers whose confirmations were delayed by the blockade, Punchbowl News reported.

Air National Guard photo of Schmitt by Senior Airman Janae Masoner

December 7, 2023

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