Two House Oversight and Accountability Democrats have called upon the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review Senator Tommy Tuberville’s (R-Ala.) 10-month blockade of military promotions.
The Democrats, including ranking member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and Representative Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), have raised concerns regarding the potential impact of Tuberville’s actions on national security and military families. Tuberville initiated a hold on over 425 military promotions that required Senate confirmation, protesting against the Pentagon’s abortion policy.
However, he ended the blockade late last year in response to mounting backlash. The Democrats’ letter to the GAO seeks an examination of the “unprecedented blockade of military promotions” and its implications for the Defense Department and national security.
One of the critical issues highlighted in the letter is the legal ramifications of forcing officials to serve in acting capacities. The Democrats have expressed concerns about how this may have affected military readiness and the overall effectiveness of the Defense Department.
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Moreover, the letter questions the broader impact of Tuberville’s actions on military careers and family life. The Democrats argue that the blockade negatively affected service members’ careers at all levels.
It directly affected hundreds of senior military officials and indirectly hindered the advancement opportunities for junior officers, leading to career stagnation and other adverse consequences.
The letter cites legal issues with forcing the officials to take over their roles in an acting capacity, asking the office to assess how that impacted “military readiness.” Democrats have previously been critical of Republican fixation on social issues within the military.
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“We should be investigating how Sen. Tuberville’s enormous blockade did far more to undermine our nation’s military readiness than anything else,” Garcia said at a recent hearing on “The Risks of Progressive Ideologies in the U.S. Military.”
Tuberville’s office did not immediately answer but has previously said the effort had “some success” despite no policy changes. “We didn’t get the win that we wanted. We’ve still got a bad policy. We’ve tried to stand up for the taxpayers of this country,” he said in December.
The impact on military families is also a significant concern raised in the letter. The Democrats point out instances where military spouses faced unemployment due to career and location uncertainties caused by the blockade. Additionally, families experienced disruptions in their children’s education and unexpected changes in relocation plans, resulting in logistical and emotional challenges.
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If the GAO accepts the request, it would mark the first investigation into Tuberville’s actions and could provide valuable insights into the overall impact of his holds on military promotions. Such investigations are often the first step before congressional committees launch their inquiries into the matter.
The Democrats’ call for a review emphasizes the importance of accountability and transparency in government actions affecting nationwide security and military personnel. It highlights the necessity for careful consideration of the impacts of political maneuvers on critical institutions like the military and the well-being of military households.
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