On the recordMay 17, 2023
Mr. President, I want to express how deeply concerned I am about the senior Senator from Alabama's blockade of senior military promotions, which threatens to leave hundreds of nonpolitical, routine military positions unfilled, all because he wants to repeal the Department of Defense's policy that allows servicemembers to be able to seek and travel for reproductive care. This is a move that risks our national security in order to rob our servicemembers of their ability to make their own family planning decisions, servicemembers who, frankly, are sacrificing so much to keep our country safe. So failure--failure--to fill these positions poses a risk to our Nation's military readiness and our ability to ensure that these critical roles are filled with the personnel that we need. Don't just take my word for it. Seven--seven--former Secretaries of Defense from both Democratic and Republican administrations have voiced their concern and opposition to these holds. Secretary Austin and General Milley have also repeatedly stated that these delays pose a clear risk--a clear risk--to America's military readiness. In a moment, I will be asking the Senate to confirm by unanimous consent Calendar No. 110. Included in this batch of 23 routine military promotions is the current vice commander of the Air Force Warfare Center at Nellis Air Force Base.…
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