Senate Finally Ends GOP Sen. Tommy Tuberville Blockade Of Four-Star Generals

Senators were able to breathe more easily over Christmas after finally ending Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s (R- Alabama) blockade of military promotions over a dispute over abortion policy.

Last week, the Senate approved the last remaining nominations – 11 four-star generals whose promotions were being blocked by Tuberville.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was spurred to act last month when Marine Corps second-ranking officer, Commandant Gen. Eric Smith was hospitalized after experiencing a heart attack while jogging.

Smith’s health emergency was the last straw for GOP senators who allowed Tuberville’s blockade to continue for months despite their personal objections.

Tuberville was protesting against the Pentagon’s abortion travel policy, which paid for women to travel to states where abortion is legal if they need an abortion.

Schumer took to the Senate floor to attack the Alabama senator.

“Emergencies happen, and when they do, the chain of command must be able to respond,” he said. “But thanks to Sen. Tuberville, there is no current No. 2 with the Marine Corps to fill in.”