Pentagon says fate of hundreds of officers in limbo as Tuberville holds them up

The Pentagon is seen in this aerial view in Washington, Jan. 26, 2020.

Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP

The Pentagon says there are 301 generals and admirals whose nominations have been placed in limbo because of an indefinite “hold” by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a Republican from Alabama, who wants the military to change its policy of reimbursing servicemembers for travel to get reproductive care, including abortions.

By the end of the year, the Pentagon says that number could swell to 650 generals and admirals who need Senate confirmation before they can assume their jobs. Any single senator can put a hold on nominations under Senate rules.

“The Department has 83 three- and four-star nominations pending for positions already vacated or due to rotate within the next 150 days,” the Pentagon said in response to questions by reporters. “Because of this blanket hold, for the first time in the history of the Department, three of our military services are operating without Senate-confirmed leaders. This is unprecedented, unnecessary and unsafe.”

The Navy, Army and Marine Corps are without top leaders because of the hold. And by the end of September, Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will retire by law. He cannot be extended. The officer nominated to replace him, Air Force General C.Q. Brown, is also awaiting approval by the Senate.

The Pentagon gave this further breakdown.

“Sixty-one of those officers are unable to assume their new positions. More than 40 officers who have been selected to the grade of one or two stars will assume the duties of the higher grade while remaining in their current grade until…