Military leadership positions unfilled as GOP senator blocks nominees over abortion policy

[CatWoman]

For the first time in over a century, the U.S. Marine Corps will not have a permanent leader. Current Marine Corps Commandant David Berger is in his last week on the job. He's required to retire on Monday.

But due to a hold on hundreds of military promotions by Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville, there's no confirmed replacement. If this continues, other branches will soon have the same problem.

Lisa Desjardins:

Now, sources close to Tuberville tell me he's also unhappy because Defense Secretary Austin only called him once.

Tuberville feels like he warned that he might do this. He wants more engagement. But those around the defense secretary, the military, say he's not going to negotiate, nor should any defense secretary, with a single senator over their policy.

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/military-leadership-positions-unfilled-as-gop-senator-blocks-nominees-over-abortion-policy

[Walleye]

1. He's a traitor, Putin loves this stuff

Also so petty, his delicate little feelings were hurt

[2naSalit]

3. +1

[dsc]

2. This could be stopped tomorrow

It would only take 50 senators to change the rules to ban this behavior. At the very least the next time he is absent from the floor we should advance the entire lot as a package.

[drray23]

4. the rules of the senate can be changed with 51 votes at the start of a new congress.

every two years. Next opportunity would be january 2025. I do not think it is possible to vote new rules in between with a simple majority. If you try to do it, it can be filibustered and would require 60 votes.

[dsc]

5. nope

we can change the filibuster with 50 yotes just like we did for judges and appointees generally. We are choosing not to do so.

[drray23]

6. removing the filibuster was considered before.

However, we do not currently have 50 votes. Both Sinema and Manchin have explicitly stated they won't vote to remove it. If it stands, what was discussed in the OP about removing the ability for senators like Tuberville to block nominations can't be gotten rid of unless you have 60 votes.

If we can convince them (and possibly others democratic senators who have not clearly stated if they would vote for repealing the filibuster or not), then we can do it.

From the article I quote below:

Some Democrats have called for eliminating the filibuster entirely, but they lack the 50 votes needed to take that step.

Manchin and Synema, along with all 50 Republican senators, voted in January against setting aside the filibuster so voting rights reforms could pass the Senate.

It's not clear whether they would support doing so for abortion-related legislation.

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/what-is-filibuster-could-democrats-suspend-it-abortion-rights-2022-06-30/

[keithbvadu2]

7. All three branches of government "You know, the House, the Senate, and the executive."

All three branches of government

“You know, the House, the Senate, and the executive.”

Sen.-elect Tommy Tuberville botches history facts, including three branches of government

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10082987

[Hermit-The-Prog]

8. Senate rules are stupid. So are some Senators.

[The Unmitigated Gall]

9. Watch out for repukes with hurt fee-fees.

They claim the right to destroy anything they feel like, including the nation's security.

Fucking traitors.

[Kid Berwyn]

10. Tuberfraud serves Putin.

A Co-Conspirator in Treason.