VFW Sends Urgent Warning to Tommy Tuberville: “Defend Our Promotions! Brace for Battle Against the Blockade!”
Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville Faces Condemnation Over “Hold” on Military Promotions and Nominations
Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama is facing escalating condemnation over his controversial decision to place a “hold” on military promotions and nominations. This move has drawn criticism from various quarters, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW). The VFW, the largest and oldest veterans service organization in the country, has warned that Tuberville’s actions set a dangerous precedent by using U.S. service members as political pawns.
VFW Urges Tuberville to Lift “Hold” on Military Promotions
The VFW recently issued a letter to Senator Tuberville, calling on him to lift his hold on the routine promotion of military generals and flag officers. With over 1.5 million members, the VFW holds significant influence and represents the concerns of many veterans. VFW Commander-in-Chief Duane Sarmiento strongly criticized Tuberville’s actions, stating that they will have far-reaching consequences and will take years to rectify.
VFW Emphasizes the Inappropriateness of Using Service Members as Political Leverage
VFW Commander-in-Chief Duane Sarmiento stressed that political disputes should be handled by politicians and not within the ranks of the all-volunteer force. He emphasized that Tuberville’s actions have serious implications throughout the active-duty force and stated that this is not the way Congress should conduct its business.
Newsweek reached out to both Tuberville and the VFW for comment, but there has been no response so far.
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Tuberville’s Block on Military Promotions Sparks Mounting Criticism
Senator Tuberville’s ongoing block on promotions and nominations within the Department of Defense (DoD) has drawn significant criticism. He has stated that his opposition is in protest of the Pentagon’s policies on abortion access for service members. Tuberville argues that the Pentagon’s abortion policy violates the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortions except in specific circumstances.
However, Tuberville’s actions have faced condemnation from Pentagon officials, President Joe Biden, and his colleagues on the Armed Services Committee. The senator’s opponents argue that his obstruction poses a risk to national security and is unfairly punishing military families by blocking hundreds of promotions.
VFW Warns of Consequences and Urges Tuberville to Act
The VFW’s letter to Senator Tuberville emphasized the potentially severe consequences of his hold on military promotions. Ryan Gallucci, executive director of the VFW’s Washington office, warned that the instability caused by this hold would have far-reaching effects on current and future military service members. Gallucci called on Tuberville to end this hold and implored him not to use American service members as leverage in political battles.
Furthermore, Commander-in-Chief Sarmiento highlighted the current vacancy in confirmed heads of service for the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Additionally, numerous routine promotions have been stalled due to Tuberville’s refusal to proceed without what is seen as unnecessary bureaucratic procedures.
