Sen. Jack Reed showed up for a floor speech Wednesday with a poster depicting eight framed photos of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Three of the frames were empty, a consequence of the ongoing dispute between Sen. Tommy Tuberville and the Defense Department over its decision to implement a taxpayer-funded abortion policy.
“If the senator does not come to his senses before Gen. [Mark] Milley retires, fully half of the Joint Chiefs of Staff—our nation’s most vital military leaders—will be empty,” Reed, D-R.I., declared.
Reed proceeded to talk for more than 15 minutes, questioning the motives of Tuberville, R-Ala., and warning of a dire situation if these high-ranking miliary officers weren’t approved for promotion by the Senate.
Yet during his speech, Reed never once mentioned that it was the decision of Democratic leaders—not Tuberville—to prevent the 300 officers from receiving a Senate vote on their promotions.
Tuberville has said on numerous occasions, including this week, that Democrats could proceed with individual votes for each nominee. Instead, he’s objecting to “unanimous consent,” the Senate process of rubber-stamping an entire bloc of nominees without a recorded vote.
Take the case of Air Force Gen. C.Q. Brown, who President Joe Biden has nominated to replace Milley as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Reed cited Brown’s pending promotion Wednesday while pointing to the poster behind him.
“I’m concerned the senator does not appreciate the gravity of this situation,” Reed said of Tuberville. “These positions cannot simply be filled by other officers. They can only be temporarily covered by their vice chiefs, who must also continue to cover their own jobs. … These are extraordinary challenging times, and the jobs of our vice chiefs are just as important and challenging as the chief of staff or the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.”
He accused Tuberville of a plot to “extort the Pentagon” while doing so for “his own political gain.”
Senate Rule XIX stipulates that “No Senator in debate shall, directly or indirectly, by any form of words impute to another Senator … any conduct or motive unworthy or unbecoming a Senator.”
In 1 speech @SenJackReed made 3 dubious accusations against @SenTuberville.
Videos ⬇️
— Rob Bluey (@RobertBluey) September 7, 2023
As chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Reed is responsible for shepherding nominees such as Brown through his committee, which approved his promotion July 20.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., could have scheduled a vote for Brown before the Senate left for its monthlong August recess or when senators returned this week. But instead of doing so, Democrats reserved time for confirmation votes on Federal Reserve and National Labor Relations Board nominees.
“Chuck Schumer can bring them to the floor one at a time as quick and as fast as he wants to, but he won’t do it because that’s an admittance of being wrong,” Tuberville said in an interview with Newsmax’s Greg Kelly.
Tuberville: 'We're going to have holds for a long, long time, and they can just get used to it'https://t.co/L5BMk6Mq7p
— 1819 News (@1819News) September 6, 2023
The Washington Examiner’s Conn Carroll, a former Senate staffer, crunched the numbers and discovered Democrats could have approved 108 military promotions if they worked an eight-hour day, five days a week instead of leaving town for a month.
“I’m sorry to the officers who have been inconvenienced by Tuberville’s holds, but if these nominations were really an issue of national security, maybe Senate Democrats could have skipped even just one day of their August vacation to confirm even just one of them,” Carroll wrote.
Don’t expect Democrats to change course. In fact, Reed acknowledged to Punchbowl News that Brown and other “vital military leaders” would continue to wait.
Another interesting nugget — Milley’s term ends Oct. 1. The Senate usually holds a floor vote on the Joint Chiefs chair nomination.
But REED told @maxpcohen that this shouldn’t happen bc it would set a precedent for all the others Tuberville is blocking.https://t.co/zMsrXiwov3
— Andrew Desiderio (@AndrewDesiderio) September 6, 2023
“Democrats are hesitant to put Brown’s nomination on the floor because it would set a precedent for all of the other promotions the Alabama Republican is blocking,” Punchbowl reported.
“What do you do with the rest of them?” Reed told Punchbowl, revealing that Democrats are keen to continue playing political games in hopes that Tuberville will fold under pressure.
Don’t count on it.
“I know I’m doing the right thing,” Tuberville said in an interview on “The Daily Signal Podcast.” “I’m not going to change my mind unless they change this [abortion] policy back the way it was.”
"I am not holding up nominations because they can do them one at a time. I’m holding up the opportunity for them to just say, 'Listen, we want to do 300 at a time,' @SenTuberville says. https://t.co/iT68PKgU7r
— Samantha Aschieris (@samantharenck) September 7, 2023
Tuberville began blocking the promotions of flag officers and military generals in March over objections to the Defense Department’s taxpayer-funded abortion policy. He asserts the Pentagon’s policy was unlawfully implemented without congressional approval and that he won’t release his “hold” on the promotions until the policy is revoked.
The Pentagon’s policy provides three weeks of taxpayer-funded paid leave and reimbursement of travel expenses for military personnel and dependents who are seeking abortions. An estimate from the Rand Corp. predicts the number of abortions in the military eligible for taxpayer-covered expenses would skyrocket from 20 to more than 4,000 each year.
In his Newsmax interview, Tuberville said he would continue to withstand pressure from his Senate colleagues until the Pentagon reversed the abortion policy.
“They don’t know what pressure is. Try coaching in the SEC,” Tuberville said of college football’s Southeastern Conference, where he once was a coach for Auburn University. “There’s no way they’re going to talk me out of this. We’re going to have holds for a long, long time, and they can just get used to it.”
Article cross-posted from Daily Signal.
Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s uncertain world, where skyrocketing medical costs and bureaucratic red tape threaten the very fabric of the American way of life, protecting your family’s health and financial future has never been more critical. Medical bills remain the leading cause of bankruptcy in the U.S., with millions of hardworking Americans either uninsured, underinsured, or overburdened by premiums that don’t deliver real value. But what if there was a way to secure top-tier coverage that aligns with your conservative values, saves you money, and gives you peace of mind?
Enter America First Healthcare—a private insurance agency dedicated to empowering freedom-loving patriots like you to reclaim control over your healthcare destiny.
Founded by Jordan Sarmiento, a dynamic entrepreneur and former touring musician who knows firsthand the highs and lows of navigating America’s complex insurance landscape, America First Healthcare stands as a beacon for those who believe in small government, personal responsibility, and the enduring American Dream. Jordan’s own journey underscores the company’s mission: after a harrowing six-day hospital stay that racked up a $95,000 bill, his Conservative Care Coverage through America First Healthcare reduced his out-of-pocket expenses to just $500. This isn’t just insurance—it’s a shield against the financial pitfalls that plague so many families, ensuring you’re prepared for life’s unexpected turns without sacrificing your principles.
At its core, America First Healthcare is about more than policies; it’s about shared values. In an era where “woke” policies and liberal ideologies seem to infiltrate every corner of society, this agency prioritizes serving conservatives who value freedom and self-reliance. They offer a suite of essential services designed to fortify your life, including:
- Health Insurance: Tailored plans that keep your family healthy and ready to thrive, addressing the gaps that leave 41 million Americans vulnerable to preventable chronic diseases and inadequate coverage.
- Life Insurance: Protection that secures your loved ones’ future, ensuring your legacy endures.
- Business Insurance: Safeguards for your enterprise, preserving the income that fuels your independence.
What sets America First Healthcare apart is their commitment to personalization and savings. Start with their complimentary Free Insurance Review, where experts evaluate your current policies to uncover hidden gaps, eliminate over insurance, and potentially slash your costs by up to 20%. Whether you’re among the 27 million uninsured, the 44% underinsured on marketplace plans, or the 33% feeling squeezed by high premiums, their team crafts customized solutions that deliver better coverage at rates that respect your wallet. And with ongoing support from advisors who share your worldview, you’ll never feel alone in the fight for affordable, reliable protection.
Clients rave about the difference America First makes. Families across the nation have switched to better health insurance for less, resting easy knowing they’ve partnered with a company that puts America first. As one satisfied customer might say, it’s not just about policies—it’s about preserving the freedoms that make this country great.
Don’t let liberal overreach or financial uncertainty derail your dreams. Take the first step toward unbreakable security today by visiting for your Free Insurance Review. With America First Healthcare, you’re not just insured—you’re empowered to live the life you deserve. Act now, because your American Dream is worth protecting.