Overview

• Seven former Pentagon chiefs sent a letter to the Senate urging lawmakers to end one GOP senator's hold on 184 general and flag officer nominations and approve the promotions.
• The hold is preventing key leaders from assuming important, senior command and staff positions around the world, which is harming military readiness and risks damaging U.S. national security.
• Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has also warned of "powerful effects" on the nation's military readiness the longer the holdup continues.
• Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) began holding up the nominees in February to protest a Defense Department policy that provides paid leave and reimburses service members who travel for an abortion.
• The former Pentagon heads stressed that concerned senators should use other means available to address Pentagon policies, such as legislation or oversight hearings, rather than turn military officers into "political pawns."