Republican Senator's Blockade Leaves Marines Without Confirmed Leader For First Time In Over 150 Years

Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville has placed a hold on over 250 military nominations and promotions to protest the Pentagon's abortion travel policy.
This hold has left the Marine Corps without a confirmed Commandant for the first time since before the Civil War.
General Eric Smith is serving as acting Commandant but has limited authority until he is formally confirmed by the Senate.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Mark Milley have criticized Tuberville's actions as detrimental to military readiness and national security.
Tuberville remains firm in his position despite bipartisan calls to lift the holds on critical military leadership positions.