Jack Reed: “today I rise to speak on general and flag officer confirmations, specifically, the urgent need to confirm the next…”

“today I rise to speak on general and flag officer confirmations, specifically, the urgent need to confirm the next Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. The Senator from Alabama strongly objects to an entirely legal and appropriate travel regulation implemented under a long-established Department of Defense authority which ensures all servicemembers and their families have equal access to medical care. To show his disagreement with the legal civilian-crafted regulation, the Senator from Alabama has held up the apolitical nominations of 251 senior military officers for over 4 months. My colleague from Alabama has made it clear that he will continue his hold on these military officers unless and until he gets his way. He does so despite precedent and, again, with a less than meritorious legal case--in fact, no legal case at all, I would argue--and the fact that Members of his own party have objected to this blockade, including the Republican leader. This blockade weakens our national security. Every day it goes on, it has a more significant impact on operations within our military, all branches of the military. While our military will always do whatever is necessary to get the job done, they will always be ready--as they will tell you--and they will give their all. This hold is unnecessary, unprecedented, and, at a critical time in national security, it is driving the U.S. military to a potential breaking point.…”