On the recordDecember 14, 2023
tonight, just in time for the holidays, the Senate is giving our military, our military families, a present: the justice and backpay they so richly earned and deserved. Finally, we are able to right the wrong of Senator Tuberville's illogical, hurtful, and dangerous holds and the massive impacts the holds had on military families. These men and women have worked so hard for our country for so long. And just because of Senator Tuberville, in a really nasty--and whimsical, almost--holding back of their promotions, they weren't getting paid. Well, tonight, at long last, we are giving these military families-- families that have already sacrificed so much--the justice they deserve: their backpay. And it is a good night for them, and it is a good night for America. America is keeping its promise and saying to these men and women: You served us well. You don't deserve to be penalized in any way at all. And so, Mr. President, as if in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. 3553, introduced earlier today. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title. The legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 3553) to provide a retroactive effective date for the promotions of senior officers of the Armed Forces whose military promotions were delayed as a result of the suspension of Senate confirmation of such promotions. There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill.





