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Former SecDefs blast senator over ‘irresponsible’ nomination holds – By Leo Shane III (Federal Times) / May 4, 2023
Seven former defense secretaries on Thursday sharply criticized Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville for his blanket hold on senior military promotions as dangerous to national security and cruel to individual military families.
The letter — signed by both Republican and Democratic nominees to the top Pentagon post — is the latest salvo in the ongoing fight between the Biden administration and the Republican senator, who is objecting to the Defense Department’s abortion access policies by snarling normally routine Senate confirmation business.
Tuberville, a Republican, began his holds in March. They now include about 200 general and flag officers awaiting promotion and new assignments, plus several civilian Defense Department nominees. In a letter to Senate leaders, the group of former defense secretaries called the move “irresponsible and uncaring” and urged resolution to the issue.
“We appreciate that senators can have sincere and legitimate concerns about a Pentagon policy, including as it may relate to broader domestic or social issues,” they wrote. “However, we believe placing a hold on all uniformed nominees risks turning military officers into political pawns, holding them responsible for a policy decision made by their civilian leaders.”
