Key takeaways:
- Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin criticized Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s hold on hundreds of military promotions as an “unprecedented” move that threatens the country’s safety.
- For the first time in the history of the Department of Defense, three of the military services are operating without Senate-confirmed leaders.
- Austin said Tuberville’s hold is hindering the military’s ability to retain its best officers and urged the Senate to confirm the president’s nominees.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday criticized Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s ongoing hold on hundreds of military promotions, calling it an “unprecedented” move that threatens the country’s safety.
At a relinquishment ceremony for the chief of naval operations, Adm. Mike Gilday, at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, Austin said that because of Tuberville’s blanket hold, for the first time in the history of the Department of Defense, three of the military services are operating without Senate-confirmed leaders.
“This sweeping hold is undermining America’s military readiness,” Austin said. “It’s the first time in the history of the Defense Department that three military services are without Senate-confirmed leaders. This is unprecedented, it is unnecessary, and it is unsafe.”
At the ceremony, Adm. Michael Gilday relinquished his office as required by statute, and Adm. Lisa Franchetti took over in an acting capacity. Austin said Tuberville’s hold is hindering the military’s ability to retain its best officers.
“We need to have Senate-confirmed leaders in place to ensure that our military is ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow,” Austin said. “It’s time for the Senate to do its job and confirm the president’s nominees.”
Tuberville has yet to comment on Austin’s remarks. It is unclear why he has placed the hold on the military promotions.
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